Vince Gilligan's Pluribus: A Triumphant Return to Television
At 58, Vince Gilligan has absolutely nothing left to prove. The legendary American screenwriter and director, who first made his mark writing for The X-Files, already boasts two of television's greatest achievements: Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Rather than resting on these monumental successes, Gilligan continues to cement his legacy with his breathtaking new Apple TV series, Pluribus, which premieres on Friday, November 7.
A Familiar Setting with a Radical Premise
In a significant move from his usual Netflix home, this nine-part sci-fi series returns to familiar territory, being once again set in Albuquerque. The show features Rhea Seehorn, celebrated for her role in Better Call Saul, who delivers a powerhouse performance as misanthropic romance author Carol Sturka. In what might be seen as an extension of Gilligan himself, Carol is an enigmatic writer growing weary of her fanbase when her world is irrevocably changed.
The catalyst is a so-called 'peaceful' virus that sweeps across the globe, rendering people happy and content. Within hours, Carol's life as she knows it vanishes. Pluribus presents one of the most thrilling and unique first episodes in recent memory, masterfully layering its plot within the crowded virus outbreak genre, reminiscent of titles like The Last of Us.
Building Trust and Exploring Existential Horror
With each narrative step, Pluribus builds something increasingly rare in today's television landscape: trust. Viewers find themselves safely in the hands of Gilligan's slightly twisted and pessimistic storytelling, following a perfect trail of breadcrumb clues. The series ventures beyond typical sci-fi horror, exploring the existential dread of an Orwellian 'Newspeak' virus consuming society.
Instead of relying on terrifying aliens or CGI monsters, the horror here is more subtle and ultimately far more terrifying. Pluribus forces audiences to confront profound questions: What happens when we lose our individuality? What if a higher force dominates our world and destroys free will?
In our current era of looming artificial intelligence and increasing polarisation, the series delivers an urgent message about resisting political systems that seek to dominate our thinking. Remarkably, Gilligan infuses this heavy themes with hilarious levity and a life-affirming soul, largely thanks to Seehorn's multifaceted and commanding performance.
While Pluribus may not be Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, it represents a wonderfully singular and confident step in a new direction for this masterful writer. The first two episodes debut on Friday, November 7, followed by one new episode weekly through to the finale on December 26.
