Imagine being the sole guardian of Earth's happiness, a role you never auditioned for. That's the intriguing premise of Pluribus, a show that kept its audience guessing for three years. But here's the twist: even the star, Rhea Seehorn, was initially in the dark about her character's journey.
When Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind Better Call Saul, pitched his new project to Apple TV in 2022, it was a mystery. All anyone knew was that Seehorn was attached, and the show was a genre drama. Fast forward to last week, and the first two episodes of Pluribus finally unveiled its unique concept.
Seehorn portrays Carol, a woman who finds herself in a bizarre situation. She's the only one not part of a shared, cheerful consciousness after a global event. The survivors are polite but puzzled as to why Carol remains separate. The show's teaser hints at the dilemma: 'The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.'
In a recent podcast, Seehorn revealed the challenges of keeping the show's secret for so long. She recalled Vince's initial pitch, which was more of a surprise than a traditional pitch. He had written a role specifically for her, and she eagerly accepted without even reading the pilot script. Little did she know, the show would become a mind-bending journey.
As Seehorn delved into the episodes, the show's tone and genre shifted dramatically. What started as a physical threat evolved into a psychological one, keeping viewers on their toes. She praised the writing, stating, 'This would be a show I'd want to watch in a heartbeat.'
Maintaining secrecy was no easy feat. Seehorn credits her friends and family's respect for Vince's work, ensuring they didn't pry for spoilers. She also emphasized the importance of keeping Vince's vision a surprise, a task she took seriously to avoid disappointment.
Vince's guidance on her character was crucial. Together, they discovered Carol's reluctant heroism. Despite her desire to assist in a revolution, she finds herself leading it, a frustrating yet comedic situation. Seehorn draws a parallel between Carol and her previous role as Kim Wexler, highlighting their shared determination to fight for what's right.
Finding comedy in such a unique scenario was a challenge, but Seehorn's brilliant scene partners, like Karolina Wydra, made it possible. The show explores the humor in contrasting Carol's emotional turmoil with the calmness of others. Seehorn also delved into the character's personal hygiene, emphasizing the importance of reflecting her emotional state through her appearance.
To prepare for her role as a romance novelist, Seehorn immersed herself in the genre, discovering its vast subgenres. She reflects on her career journey, from theater to sitcoms, and the challenges of being typecast. However, with Pluribus, Seehorn feels she's won the lottery, working with Vince and embracing the show's unique narrative.
This captivating interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at a show that defies expectations. But here's where it gets controversial—is it fair to keep audiences in the dark for so long? Does the element of surprise enhance the viewing experience, or does it risk alienating viewers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
