Pluribus

⭐ 7.5/10

Better Call Saul was methodical, and for two and a half seasons it drove me insane. So obsessed with process, how things actually move from point A to B, that I thought the story was completely neglected. That show ends with an incredible couple of seasons, and you could probably argue its because of this slow back story laying the foundation that it ends so powerfully. One season into Pluribus, its hard to know if I can count on the same thing.

The setup for this show is great, and 2 episodes in I was enthralled. The show didn't release anything before hand, so no spoilers here, but there is an apocalyptic scenario in episode one that reminded me a ton of Last Of Us, but weirdly even more creepy and unknown. Episode two the ball starts rolling, but it never really accelerates. We watch Carol try to cope in this world, and even fight back, but its so meticulous. It mirrors the loneliness of her new life, sure sure, its just not that compelling. Every time there was a hint of intrigue it would kind of just explain it away in a mundane way.

I don't think shows need to be fast to be enjoyable at all, there is just so much life and possibility in this world that I didn't want to sit with Carol for it. She is mean and upset and depressed and just not fun to be with. It reminded me a lot of The Last Man On Earth, an underrated comedy that I loved and was cancelled too early. In that show the main character is hilarious, and you get way more time with (spoilers) other people! Funny how humans interacting with other humans is what makes shows enjoyable. Carol's backstory is ripe with potential, but instead of focusing on her wildly successful and unique career that she is ashamed of it focuses on her alcoholism.

But now is where I mention Manousos, the real star of the show. He's exactly what I wish Carol was, driven but not depressed! It reminded me a lot of Mike in Breaking Bad or Saul, how we see his process, but he's so cool that you enjoy watching it. Seeing Manousos' commitment to his own autonomy, trying to save the world, was just very fun. The adventure he goes in is a great example of being like, I wonder how he gets from A to B, and they show you, and its crazy. I really hope next season he plays a bigger role, because Carol just isn't doing it for me.

Worth mentioning that this show is beautiful and all that, as well made as all of Vince Gilligan's shows. That goes without saying, but in a show that can test your patience that's an important factor. Apparently we have to wait like 3 years for season 2, so unfortunately I don't think this show will have any sort of cultural impact, which is a real shame. I still have high hopes, and enjoyed a lot of this, it was just lacking the excitement that it started with.