The world-famous streaming platform Apple TV has presented another trailer for the long-awaited series Pluribus, through which it managed to reveal more and more new intrigues before the premiere of “Pluribus.” At the center of the plot is Carol Sturka (her character will be played by Vince Gilligan’s “muse” — Rhea Seehorn), who, being pathologically unhappy, unexpectedly becomes a key figure in the fight against the so-called “happiness” virus, which has turned everyone into unnaturally joyful people.
Let’s first check out what the series is all about before we jump into the top 3 details and easter eggs you may have missed in the trailer of Pluribus Season 1.
Brief plot setup: Immunity to happiness
At first glance, the trailer begins with an unobtrusive offer of help to Carol. It seems as if absolutely everyone in this world is concerned about her situation of remaining unhappy; however, as the plot develops, we see how quickly the illusion of an “offer of help” grows into an “ultimatum” to join their ideal but false world. Despite this, the final scene of the trailer shows that Carol does not give in, demonstrates her readiness to resist, and asks if they can get her a weapon.
Now, let’s check out what Vince Gilligan is silently hinting at from the first season’s trailer for the series Pluribus.
1. Hidden reference to the “Breaking Bad” project: The “Wayfarer” sign
Active fans of “Breaking Bad” could not help but notice this key reference to the legendary series. In one of the frames, Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn) is on an airplane where the logo of the airline “Wayfarer” is clearly visible. Considering how Vince Gilligan connects details in “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad,” this could hardly be called a coincidence.
In “Breaking Bad,” Wayfarer flight 515 crashed due to Walter White’s indirect actions, which led to the death of over a hundred people and became a symbol of irreversible catastrophe that changed Albuquerque.
For the series Pluribus, this may be a hint at how some forgotten tragedy distorted reality, similar to how Walter White’s crimes distorted life in Albuquerque.
2. “Bazooka and Tank”: Symbol of total control by the government
The scene in which Carol tests the courier with the question: “If I ask for a grenade? A bazooka? A tank?” — is key to understanding the new world. The happiness virus has deprived people of critical thinking and will. Their unconditional agreement to absurd orders proves that in the world of Pluribus, joy is now only a form of total control, showing the falseness of this world.
At 0:55 duration of the trailer, it is evident that the government is keenly interested in Carol, so that she can be one of “them.” It hints that the government agencies may be the villains of this story.
3. This is not a physical virus, but a “mental” one
The trailer offers a deep dive into the world of Pluribus, suggesting that, unlike COVID-19, which can be classified as a physical virus, the world of Pluribus has a mental pandemic.
One highlighting aspect of the trailer is that Vince Gilligan has showcased the protagonist, often, in tight or solo shots.
In comparison, the other people are shown in wide shots as perfectly choreographed crowds. This is Vince’s perfect direction, hinting that Carol is the odd one while the other characters play as “NPCs.”
For those who have not watched the trailer of Pluribus Season 1 yet, they may do below:
