Is the Hive Mind winning over Carol? 'Pluribus' Episode 8 raises unsettling questions about trust and control
The post-apocalyptic world of 'Pluribus' continues to entertain viewers with jaw-dropping twists and conspiracies. The latest episode, titled 'Charm Offensive', follows Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn) leaving no stone unturned in her quest to win back the Hive Mind's trust, which leads to her surprising union with Zosia (Karolina Wydra). Along the way, she uncovers that the hive-mind communicates organically, but the episode holds an even more startling revelation.
Carol learns that the alien RNA infecting Earth originated from Kepler‑22b, a real exoplanet believed to be a vast ocean capable of supporting life. In 'Pluribus', its intelligent, ocean‑dwelling beings are behind the Hive Mind's seemingly peaceful takeover of Earth and plan to spread this 'gift' to other planets, as per DM talkies.
Carol's apparent acceptance of the hive‑mind masks her continued focus on uncovering the truth, even as Zosia seems eager to distract her with small comforts and emotional gestures. However, unease creeps in when Zosia effortlessly taps into shared muscle memory to beat Carol at croquet, revealing another disturbing ability. By brushing it off as a joke and following it with an over‑the‑top show of affection, the Hive Mind's behavior begins to feel less innocent and more like subtle manipulation.
Carol throws herself into writing the next Wycaro book. Still, the story itself reveals she hasn't abandoned her mission; subtle details in the new chapter suggest she's still researching the alien RNA. Her creative choices, including reimagining Raban as a woman and drawing inspiration from crystal caves linked to ancient and possibly extraterrestrial life, hint that Carol is quietly piecing together answers about Kepler‑22b. In contrast, Manousos Oviedo (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) represents outright resistance as once revived, he rejects the Hive Mind entirely.
Manousos stubbornly clings to old rules and principles, insisting on creating a bill for treatment even though money is meaningless, and enduring pain rather than accepting help from the hive-mind. On the other hand, Carol remains the only fully rational figure, still focused on extracting information from Zosia, who, despite being part of the hive-mind, retains traces of her past life, like her love for omelettes and mango ice cream. Meanwhile, Carol must prepare to meet Manousos, the sole other person who despises the hive-mind, setting up a tense dynamic since Carol has a nuanced view and even some protective instincts toward them, making alignment between her and Manousos far from simple.
