[Note from the Editor: This article includes spoilers from the initial two episodes of Pluribus.]

As the first episode of Pluribus nears its conclusion, Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn) poses a stark question over the phone to an enigmatic figure: “What…the fuck…is happening?” Many who watch the Apple TV drama, crafted by Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul alum Vince Gilligan, may feel her confusion. In the opening episode, a virus attributed to “beneficiaries of alien technology” sweeps across humanity. Those spared from death are bizarrely blissful, functioning collectively without individuality or any emotions except happiness. Carol, apparently resistant to the virus, spends the episode titled “We Is Us” in a state of horror and desperation, ultimately failing to save her wife, Helen (Miriam Shor), who succumbs to the effects early on.

Carol’s situation deteriorates further in the second episode. While still grappling with her loss and the surrounding turmoil, she travels to Spain to connect with other survivors like herself. However, these individuals, hailing from various global regions, show no interest in exploring the origins or potential remedies for the virus. The episode “Pirate Lady” reveals the daunting, solitary battle Carol faces, portraying her as virtually the sole person ready to oppose the status quo. The A.V. Club chatted with Seehorn about delving into Carol’s mindset, her appreciation for Gilligan’s writing, and how the second episode lays the groundwork for the series’ trajectory.

The A.V. Club: How did you prepare to portray Carol, who feels emotions that seem alien to everyone else around her?

Rhea Seehorn: Initially, when Vince Gilligan proposed this role to me, I immediately accepted. He mentioned he’d send over the scripts for me to review, but honestly, the specifics didn’t matter—I was all in. Initially, I knew even less than the audience does now. I didn’t even get a simple summary or a quirky teaser, which was part of the excitement. For Vince, keeping details under wraps isn’t just a marketing strategy; he genuinely wants the audience to experience the story with fresh eyes. Reading the script was a thrill—I kept asking myself, “What is going on? This is wild.” I enjoyed the unpredictability and how Vince cleverly subverts typical tropes, engaging with his audience’s intelligence, which they undoubtedly appreciate. He refuses to simplify the narrative. Instead of a straightforward explanation of a character’s thoughts through a song, Vince prefers to immerse you in the complexity of the moment.

AVC: How do you interpret the show’s exploration of dystopia versus utopia and the social commentary it offers on current issues? Did these themes evolve during filming?

RS: My views align closely with how Vince responds to questions about the show’s thematic elements. He’s not being vague intentionally. Some suggest the show comments on AI, which Vince had conceptualized about a decade ago, long before it became a hot topic. He isn’t writing with a specific political or religious agenda in mind. Instead, he focuses on crafting compelling characters that naturally provoke thought about human nature and its complexities. Great art, like a provocative painting, invites personal interpretation. For Carol, there’s no room for philosophical musings—she’s overwhelmed by survival, grief, and confusion. However, off-camera, we often discussed these themes, speculating about our reactions to such extreme scenarios.

AVC: Considering the physical demands of the role, particularly evident in the pilot where Carol attempts to save her wife, how did you approach these challenges?

RS: The entire pilot was physically intense but fulfilling. There’s a scene in a parking lot where Carol is frantically trying to transport her injured wife. We had to ensure the prop used for Helen’s body was both heavy and sturdy to prevent any harm to Miriam Shor during filming. I had an excellent stunt double, Heather Bonomo, who mastered my movements and tension, allowing for seamless transitions in scenes requiring physical exertion. Despite the strenuous nature of these scenes, discovering the show’s fluctuating tone with Vince, especially in moments of unintended humor, brought a unique joy to the filming process.

AVC: In the second episode, Carol realizes she’s the only one among the survivors committed to rectifying the crisis. How does this isolation impact her moving forward?

RS: It’s a devastating realization for Carol as she discovers the apathy and disbelief of other survivors. This moment of clarity, particularly highlighted during her interaction with the group at the airport, accentuates her loneliness. Filming these scenes towards the end of the season allowed me to fully grasp the extent of Carol’s despair and determination. Despite her messy, frantic demeanor, she desperately seeks validation and support from others who, unfortunately, remain indifferent. This theme of isolation and the struggle for truth against widespread denial sets a compelling stage for the rest of the season, and I’m eager for viewers to see how it unfolds.