Apple's New Sci-Fi 'Pluribus' – Is Vince Gilligan's Happiness Apocalypse a Loot Drop or a Trap?
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Jeff dives into Apple's new sci-fi series *Pluribus*, from *Breaking Bad* creator Vince Gilligan, exploring why early reviews suggest it might be an even better, albeit different, narrative experience than the hit *Severance*, with a unique approach to mystery and Gilligan's renowned storytelling prowess. *(Original reporting by Jake Kleinman for Polygon)*
Right, so gather 'round, mates. I've been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared. We’re talking about Apple’s latest foray into high-concept sci-fi, a show called *Pluribus*, and the buzz is it might just be a surprise critical hit – maybe even *better* than the wildly successful *Severance*.
*(This insight comes fresh from Jake Kleinman over at Polygon, who’s had a sneak peek, so props where props are due for getting us the early intel on this one.)*
Now, you know that feeling when you cast a spell and it works a bit too well? Or you find that secret boss fight that no one expected? That's kinda what happened with *Severance* back in 2022. No one, and I mean *no one*, really saw that coming. A high-concept drama, first-time showrunner, on a streaming service that, let’s be fair, felt a bit like a beta test for a while there. Even Ben Stiller was behind the camera, and Adam Scott, bless his comedic heart, wasn’t exactly screaming 'serious sci-fi lead' to the masses.
But then, BAM! Word of mouth started spreading like wildfire – faster than a viral meme about a perfectly severed consciousness. *Severance* became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fan theories and discussions for months, and now its second season in 2025 is shaping up to be a full-blown event. Apple, naturally, is hoping lightning strikes twice with *Pluribus*.
And here’s where things get proper interesting. *Pluribus* comes from the one and only Vince Gilligan. Yeah, that Vince Gilligan. The bloke who gave us *Breaking Bad* and *Better Call Saul* – a digital wizard who, frankly, can seemingly do no wrong when it comes to crafting compelling narratives. Apple apparently trusts him so much they ordered two seasons sight unseen. That’s a pretty hefty vote of confidence, or perhaps just a smart move, knowing Gilligan’s track record for delivering an epic quest line.
But while *Severance* and *Pluribus* both hook you with a heady sci-fi mystery, *Pluribus* seems to be taking a wildly different approach to its lore drops. *Severance*, as we know, is precious with its answers. We’re still largely in the dark about Lumon, its true purpose, or the mind-bending mechanics of the severance procedure itself. It’s like an ultra-dense RPG with hidden dialogue options and lore pages that are yet to be discovered. And let's be honest, there's always that niggling concern: can it deliver a satisfying conclusion, or will it pull a 'Lost' on us?
*Pluribus*, however, plays a different game entirely, according to those who've seen the first seven episodes. Gilligan's happy to explain his *Twilight Zone*-esque premise as questions arise. The show kicks off in the aftermath of some world-changing event that’s resulted in global peace and happiness. Sounds a bit too good to be true, doesn't it? Like everyone just found the cheat code for infinite joy, or perhaps downloaded a mandatory 'bliss' patch. But here’s the kicker: everyone on Earth is blissfully content, *except* for one person. Carol, a romantasy writer played by the brilliant Rhea Seehorn (another *Better Call Saul* alum), secretly despises her obsessive fans and refuses to accept this new, perfectly serene reality. She then sets out to reverse it.
Talk about a unique character motivation! It’s like a rogue player trying to break the game's perfect, but perhaps boring, equilibrium. While *Severance* is a slow-burn mystery box, *Pluribus* is more like an unfolding narrative where the 'why' is teased out in real-time, rather than being hoarded for a grand reveal later. Gilligan's got a pristine track record for not only delivering satisfying finales but also knowing when to end a story – a rare and precious skill in the episodic storytelling world. He understands that every good campaign needs a proper conclusion, not just endless grinding.
And it’s not all about flashy visuals either. *Pluribus* doesn't go for the ultra-stylized aesthetic or trippy camera tricks of *Severance*. Instead, Gilligan leverages the stunning New Mexico desert landscape, showing his mastery of framing and comedic camerawork. It might not have a pizza landing on a roof (yet!), but it’s still finding moments of genuine beauty and clever visual storytelling. It’s a bit like a well-crafted indie game: perhaps not the most cutting-edge graphics, but the art direction and gameplay mechanics are utterly superb.
Ultimately, whether *Pluribus* captures the same pop culture dominance as *Severance* is anyone's guess. Will it spark endless fan theories and become the next big watercooler topic? Maybe, maybe not. But based on the early intel, it seems Gilligan is well on his way to delivering a deeply satisfying experience. And frankly, in a world of endless content and sometimes unsatisfying finales, that’s a treasure far more valuable than viral fame, innit? *Pluribus* drops on November 7th on Apple TV, so get ready to see if this happiness apocalypse is your next addiction.
Tags: sci-fi narrative, tv shows, storytelling, vince gilligan, apple tv
Original article: Polygon