Apple TV+'s gripping dystopian drama Pluribus delivered another tense cliffhanger in its latest episode, leaving viewers questioning the fate of key characters after a dangerous medical experiment.
The Truth Serum Revelation
In episode four, entitled Please Carol, protagonist Carol—played by Rhea Seehorn—makes a radical decision to uncover secrets about the alien-derived "happiness virus" that has transformed humanity. As one of only twelve immune individuals, Carol discovers that the collective hive mind cannot lie, prompting her to obtain sodium thiopental from a pharmacy.
This controversial drug, historically used as a truth serum since the 1930s, becomes Carol's tool for verification. She first tests it on herself, filming the entire experience to observe its effects. Under its influence, she confesses to hating the perpetual smiling in the new world, reveals her sexual attraction to Zosia despite disliking her, and expresses profound grief for her late wife.
A Dangerous Experiment Turns Critical
Encouraged by the drug's impact on her own honesty, Carol administers sodium thiopental to Zosia—played by Karolina Wydra—hoping to force her to reveal how to reverse the hive mind phenomenon. Instead of obtaining answers, the procedure triggers a medical emergency when Zosia suffers a severe allergic reaction and goes into cardiac arrest.
The situation escalates as police officers arrive on the scene. In a desperate act of determination, Carol handcuffs herself to Zosia, refusing to be separated until she learns the truth. Members of the hive mind gather, offering to help Zosia but stating they would let her die if it pleased Carol, forcing Carol to permit their intervention.
Unanswered Questions and Future Implications
The episode concludes with Zosia's life hanging in the balance, creating significant uncertainty about her survival and the potential consequences for Carol's mission. This development follows earlier revelations about Carol's traumatic past, including being sent to conversion therapy at age sixteen by her mother, which explains her deep resentment toward the enforced happiness of the new world order.
Pluribus continues to explore themes of individual autonomy versus collective consciousness, with Carol's increasingly risky actions driving the narrative forward. The series airs new episodes every Friday exclusively on Apple TV+.
