Hey everyone.
I set this up because there's been a fair bit of talk about Pluribus in the What are you doing today? thread. Aside from general comments, I've been reticent to post details there in deference to those who haven't seen it. I'm intending for this to be a discussion for people who are caught up, so spoilers are expected. (@Eric, if you feel this is misplaced or unnecessary, please delete this thread.)
To begin with, I'm liking the program after two episodes. I've been a huge fan of Vince Gilligan's work, and this hasn't changed my mind. Its subject matter is much closer to The X-Files than Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, but that's expected. Still, I see a lot of the latter two shows in the cinematography, especially since the setting is the same. (I once visited Albuquerque to see shooting sites, including Walter White's house, where the owner told me people have asked to throw pizzas on her roof!)
Some other thoughts:
Premise: Once you accept that an RNA sequence constructed using alien instructions can put all humans into a hive mind state with instant communication (which is impossible), there are some interesting questions I hope are explored:
Carol's Ethical Dilemma: Carol may not be the most likable person, but she's in a situation that would drive anyone to drink (though I think she was an alcoholic even before the virus escaped). She seems to be the only person so far who sees the transition as horrible for humans, and that makes her even angrier. But she also now knows that letting her feelings boil over kills people, so what will she do, especially if she has to act alone? Do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few? (She could use some help from Dana Scully.)
I set this up because there's been a fair bit of talk about Pluribus in the What are you doing today? thread. Aside from general comments, I've been reticent to post details there in deference to those who haven't seen it. I'm intending for this to be a discussion for people who are caught up, so spoilers are expected. (@Eric, if you feel this is misplaced or unnecessary, please delete this thread.)
To begin with, I'm liking the program after two episodes. I've been a huge fan of Vince Gilligan's work, and this hasn't changed my mind. Its subject matter is much closer to The X-Files than Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, but that's expected. Still, I see a lot of the latter two shows in the cinematography, especially since the setting is the same. (I once visited Albuquerque to see shooting sites, including Walter White's house, where the owner told me people have asked to throw pizzas on her roof!)
Some other thoughts:
Premise: Once you accept that an RNA sequence constructed using alien instructions can put all humans into a hive mind state with instant communication (which is impossible), there are some interesting questions I hope are explored:
- What does the hive mind do to each person? They apparently remember who they are, but how do the experiences of billions of other people manifest? Are they always present, or can specific things (like how to fly a plane) be accessed selectively?
- How does this work with children who are too young to understand? Ravi was old enough to grasp Carol's question about gynecologic exams, but what about a 4-year-old, say? Or can kids do anything as long as they're physically capable?
- Are all negative thoughts about other people permanently disabled? Constructive criticism is still allowed (as when Zosia suggested Carol dig Helen's grave a different way), but what are the limits?
- What's special about the 13 people who are "immune?" How did an individual leave the hive mind, and can this be exploited?
- Resources aren't infinite. How are they distributed when everyone is "equal?"
Carol's Ethical Dilemma: Carol may not be the most likable person, but she's in a situation that would drive anyone to drink (though I think she was an alcoholic even before the virus escaped). She seems to be the only person so far who sees the transition as horrible for humans, and that makes her even angrier. But she also now knows that letting her feelings boil over kills people, so what will she do, especially if she has to act alone? Do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few? (She could use some help from Dana Scully.)
