In the latest episode of Apple TV+'s dystopian drama Pluribus, protagonist Carol (Rhea Seehorn) takes drastic measures to uncover the truth about the alien-derived 'happiness virus' that has turned most of humanity into a collective hive mind. The episode, titled 'Please Carol', ends on a cliffhanger as Carol administers a controversial truth serum to Zosia (Karolina Wydra), with dire consequences.
Carol, one of only 12 known individuals immune to the virus, has long resented the forced happiness and shared consciousness of the hive mind. Her hatred stems from a traumatic past, including being sent to conversion therapy at age 16 by her mother, surrounded by perpetually smiling counsellors. Determined to reverse the new world order, Carol discovers through Zosia's silence that there may be a way to undo the transformation.
To test the efficacy of a truth serum, Carol procures sodium thiopental from a pharmacy and injects herself. Under its influence, she records herself admitting her hatred of constant smiling, her sexual attraction to Zosia, and her longing for her late wife. Satisfied with the drug's effects, Carol then injects Zosia to extract information about reversing the hive mind. However, Zosia suffers a severe allergic reaction, going into cardiac arrest.
As police officers arrive, Carol handcuffs herself to Zosia, refusing to leave her side until she learns the truth. Other hive mind members offer to let Zosia die if it pleases Carol, but she ultimately allows them to assist. The episode ends with Zosia's fate uncertain, leaving viewers to wonder if Carol's quest for truth has cost Zosia her life.
