Here's a thought that's dividing Pluribus fans: what if the collective isn't the villain? What if joining is actually... good?
Before you dismiss this as contrarian takes for clicks, consider the evidence. Vince Gilligan has built his career on morally complex storytelling. Is Pluribus really just "aliens bad, resistance good"? Or is something more interesting happening?
Evidence the Collective Might Be Right
The Converts Are Happy Every converted person we've met seems genuinely at peace. They're not zombies—they maintain personality, humor, relationships. They just... don't suffer anymore.
No Violence The collective doesn't use force. They could overwhelm the 13 immune people easily, but they don't. They wait, they offer, they invite. That's not typical villain behavior.
The World is Better Background details show a world without war, crime, or conflict. Traffic flows smoothly. People help each other. The "invasion" brought peace.
Carol's Isolation is Misery Our protagonist is lonely, afraid, and suffering. The show doesn't shy away from depicting how painful resistance is. Is that the hero's journey or a tragedy of stubbornness?
Experience the conversion process in The Converted game
Experience this game yourself - can you survive?
The Severance Connection
- The appeal of escaping individual consciousness
- The horror/comfort of losing yourself
- Whether identity is a blessing or burden
Severance's innies might envy the peace of Pluribus's converts. Both shows ask: is the self worth the suffering it brings?
The Counter-Arguments
Consent Under Duress Can anyone truly consent when the alternative is eternal isolation? The "choice" to join may be coerced.
Loss of Potential Converts stop growing, creating, surprising themselves. Peace without possibility.
HDP Questions We still don't know what HDP does. The collective's true purpose remains hidden.
Gilligan's History Breaking Bad's protagonists seemed sympathetic too—until they weren't. Gilligan loves a long con.
What the Finale Might Reveal
If the collective is truly benevolent, the finale won't be about defeating them—it will be about Carol accepting or rejecting their offer with full knowledge.
The most Gilligan-esque ending? Both perspectives are valid. The collective offers real peace and takes something real in exchange. No easy answers.
Can you survive the broadcast? Play Last Broadcast
Experience this game yourself - can you survive?