Key Highlights
- Vince Gilligan, creator of “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” has launched a new series called “Pluribus.”
- The show’s premiere episodes feature Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka, a reclusive author who questions the newfound state of humankind.
- Gilligan emphasizes the importance of audience debate and rewatchability in his new series.
- “Pluribus” has received critical acclaim with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics.
New Sci-Fi Series “Pluribus”: Vince Gilligan’s Latest Masterpiece
Apple TV+ and Sony Pictures Television have unveiled the first two episodes of “Pluribus,” a new science fiction series created by four-time Emmy-winning producer Vince Gilligan, best known for his hit shows “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.”
Tension Between Characters: Carol Sturka vs. Mr. Diabaté
In the second episode of “Pluribus,” titled “Pirate Lady,” a central tension emerges between Carol Sturka, played by Rhea Seehorn, and Mr. Diabaté (Samba Schutte). Both characters are among the 12 people worldwide who have been spared from The Joining, an alien-originated mass event that psychically glues everyone together into a perpetual state of positive consciousness.
Carol, a reclusive author struggling with her own negative emotions, urges her small group of immune English speakers to reclaim human agency and fight against the newfound societal bliss.
However, Mr. Diabaté questions whether a world without strife is truly what humans have been striving for all along. This debate between the two characters forms the crux of “Pluribus,” encouraging viewers to dissect the show’s themes in spirited discussions.
Vince Gilligan’s Vision and Goals
Gilligan, who previously described himself as a “science fiction nerd,” aims for “Pluribus” to be more than just entertainment. He hopes it will become a water cooler topic, with audiences engaging in passionate debates about its philosophical conundrums and emotional depth.
“I’d love for this show to be a water cooler show … I guess, probably virtually nowadays — although I’d love it even better if people got together face-to-face, just period in the world,” Gilligan told Deadline.
Secrecy and Bidding War
The show has been shrouded in secrecy leading up to its premiere, which lends itself well to its mystery-box sci-fi thriller nature. “Pluribus” was part of a high-stakes bidding war for the streaming platform, securing a two-season order from Apple TV+.
“It’s a fun thing to have a show where we can, one by one, turn all those tropes on their ear, change them up a little, make them different, make them fresh or for a new generation,” Gilligan said, referring to the series’ ability to twist traditional science fiction tropes.
Homecoming for Vince Gilligan
Gilligan returns to Albuquerque, the location made famous by “Breaking Bad” and its spinoff. Despite initial hesitation about shooting a third show in the same setting, he decided to go with it due to his long-standing relationship with the local crew.
“We came for the tax incentives. We stay for the people, the crew,” Gilligan said, emphasizing the importance of the collaborative environment in the creative process.
Rhea Seehorn’s Stellar Performance
Seehorn, who previously starred as Walter White’s wife Skyler in “Breaking Bad” and later played Marie Schrader in “Better Call Saul,” takes on a new role in “Pluribus.” Gilligan praised her performance, describing her as “the whole package” both as an actor and a person.
“I just love her. I’ve worked with such a murderer’s row of actors … She can do anything, and she makes it look easy,” Gilligan said, highlighting Seehorn’s natural talent on screen.
Entertainment Industry Reaction
The series has already garnered critical acclaim, receiving a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. According to Gilligan, the positive reception is “freaking awesome,” and he expresses gratitude for the goodwill from audiences who are engaging with the show.
Conclusion
“Pluribus” marks a significant departure from Gilligan’s previous work, offering viewers a fresh perspective on science fiction themes through its unique storytelling and character development. As the series unfolds, fans of both “Breaking Bad” and new audiences alike are invited to join in the spirited debates and rewatchable episodes that make up this compelling sci-fi narrative.
