Pluribus, the new sci-fi thriller/dark-comedy series from Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad), is proving to be the year’s best new TV experience.
We’re four Apple TV+ episodes in as of this writing; to review this without spoiling any of the fun will be difficult, but I shall try. Just to be safe, don’t read any further if you don’t want any aspects given away. Just take what I’ve written so far, believe what I’ve said, and come back later after you’ve watched.
Rhea Seehorn (Kimmy from another great series by Gilligan, Better Call Saul) plays Carol, a novelist plugging away at a book tour for a novel about which she isn’t particularly proud. Something happens at a bar where she and her publicist/lover (Miriam Shor) are kicking back, and we find ourselves in a sort of Invasion of the Body Snatchers scenario—not exactly like it, but with similar threads.
Carol, as it turns out, is … very unique regarding this situation, and she spends much of the first four episodes seeking people with a similar distinction. There, I think I’ve said enough without ruining things.
Gilligan—the showrunner/creator who directs some episodes and also has a hand in the writing—proves that his ability to entertain goes well beyond the Breaking Bad universe (although like those shows, this one is set in New Mexico). His time as a writer on The X-Files gave him some solid sci-fi chops, which come in handy on Pluribus.
Earlier this year, I reviewed another sci-fi show, Alien: Earth, optimistically after a strong start. That show—recently renewed for a second season—went completely off the rails as episodes played out. I have much higher hopes for Pluribus. The show has already been renewed for a second season, so we will have plenty of time to see Carol’s plight plays out.
Without a doubt, the mesmerizing Seehorn, who never won an Emmy Award for her excellent portrayal of Kim Wexler in Saul, will get an Emmy for this show. I’m saying it now: She’s going to win an Emmy in the next couple of years.
Pluribus is now streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes usually released on Fridays.
