A spoiler free review of PLURIBUS
Pluribus graced our screens at the end of 2025 with an intricate exploration into the fragility of humans and their relationship with a hivemind determined to please them. Written by Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, Pluribus is a journey you will not want to miss out on.
I had the opportunity to sit down and binge this series following multiple recommendations, and I fear people know too much about me. This show was fantastic in the way it delved into a deepl exploration of the self, identity and morality. As any good science-fiction show does, it takes a seemingly innocent hypothetical and explodes it, looking at all the nitty gritty of the human reaction and allowing for plenty of discussion online. Pluribus explodes our current experiences with artificial intelligence, forcing it upon humans and turning them into one Chat GPT-esque hivemind, designed to please the remaining humans who had managed to keep their free will and agency. What would happen if AI takes over the world? We get a taste of this answer in Pluribus.
One key criticism of the show is how slow-paced it is. The first episode is filled with action-packed adventure as the world (very rapidly) falls to ruin under this unknown virus. With a direct sense of urgency, the episode flies by as we feel a horrific sense of terror, knowing that something has easily taken over everyone’s mind. We follow Carol as she desperately runs everywhere, urgent to find help for her girlfriend, Helen. However, not even the police are safe from this sudden infection. But after this episode, the plot slows, and we are forced to follow a slow realisation of the truth of the situation.
This slow-paced nature continues for the remainder of the series; however, in my opinion, it greatly benefits from the change. If it were to continue fast-paced, we would discover more and more and feel bombarded with information. If we were in this situation ourselves, this fast-paced, action-filled hell would not be realistic at all. The show prides itself on being incredibly realistic, to the point where it feels possible that this situation could happen to us in our real world. Through its slowness, the tension is slowly built, forcing us to focus on minor details that build relevance throughout the series. Revelations become more hard-hitting as a result, and leaves the audience desperate for more.
Though confirmed for season 2, we have no timeline yet for filming or any idea of a release date. I am hoping that it will be very soon, I have a Pluribus-sized hole in my heart that needs filling.
