Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn Explain ‘Pluribus’
Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn recently shared insights into their new series, “Pluribus,” which premiered on November 7 on Apple TV. The series marks Gilligan’s return to television after his acclaimed works like “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” Seehorn, known for her role as Kim Wexler, stars in this innovative original sci-fi drama set in Albuquerque. “Pluribus” thrives on secrecy, maintaining a mysterious aura before its release.
Overview of ‘Pluribus’
The narrative begins with space watchers detecting an alien signal 600 light-years away. This signal contains RNA sequence instructions that spark extensive animal testing. An accidental lab leak leads to a viral outbreak called “The Joining.” This virus causes those infected to act in uniformly friendly ways, transforming them into benign “zombies,” as they seek connection and unity.
Main Character: Carol Sturka
Seehorn portrays Carol Sturka, a romantasy author who finds herself immune to the outbreak. As the world around her erupts into chaos, she faces the challenge of navigating her wife’s transformation amidst rapidly escalating circumstances. Carol’s journey unfolds as she struggles to grasp the nature of the new reality and the so-called tranquility that the infected offer.
- Main Character: Carol Sturka (played by Rhea Seehorn)
- Premiere Date: November 7
- Setting: Albuquerque
- Key Concept: The Joining – a viral transformation into collective kindness
Gilligan’s Creative Vision
Gilligan conceived “Pluribus” nearly a decade ago, prompted by thoughts while working on “Better Call Saul.” His goal was to create a story featuring kindness in a world turned upside down, with Seehorn becoming a pivotal character in this vision. He spoke of wanting to break away from the antihero trope that had dominated his works for years.
Adapting to New Challenges
As Gilligan ventured into developing “Pluribus,” he faced the pressures of audience expectations following the success of his previous series. However, he aimed to prove his versatility and creativity beyond “Breaking Bad” lore. In a culture where reboots are commonplace, he sought to present a completely original narrative.
Anticipating the Future of ‘Pluribus’
Apple TV has committed to two seasons of “Pluribus,” with Gilligan expressing excitement about continuing the story. He emphasized the importance of adaptability in writing, ready to evolve the narrative as the series progresses. Whether the audience embraces “Pluribus” remains to be seen, but both Gilligan and Seehorn carry the hope that it could resonate as another memorable chapter in their impactful careers.
