![Pluribus’ The Joining explained: what is it, why is Carol [spoiler], and more on the Apple TV show’s big mystery](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/34A23VuGy2GtmCGsE6orAS-1920-80.jpg?ssl=1 "Pluribus’ The Joining explained: what is it, why is Carol [spoiler], and more on the Apple TV show’s big mystery")
For manynew TV show from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, did his Apple TV debut – and he wastes no time laying the foundations of his all-encompassing mystery.
Indeed, while many sci-fi dramas hide their secrets for a number of episodes and/or seasons, the two-part premiere of Pluribus explains what happened to almost every person from the very beginning.
Okay, so what caused all but 13 people in the world, including main character Carol Sturka (Ria Seehorn), to suddenly form some kind of hive mind? Fortunately, For many eschews the traditional “alien takeover/invasion” narrative, but that doesn't mean aliens or space matter aren't part of its plot.
Essentially, the mysterious signal first discovered by astronomers at the beginning of the movie We Are Us contains the recipe for a nucleotide sequence that can create a molecule known as ribonucleic acid (RNA). These single-chain polymers play critical roles in numerous biological functions and also serve as the genetic material for some viruses.
Apparently, the latter is to blame. For many. Indeed, as Carol—and to us, by proxy—Davis Taffler, the in-universe USDA undersecretary, explains, the aforementioned signal, which is 600 light years from Earth, was detected 14 months before the apocalyptic events that take place in the second half of the first episode.
Unlike regular radio transmissions, it consists of four “tones” that correspond to different amino acids – proteins that are the building blocks of all life – adenine, cytosine, guanine and uracil. This quartet forms a type of RNA that exists as part of a radio signal.
After recreating the sequence in the laboratory, the scientists began testing the sequence on rats using a gaseous substance.
Unsurprisingly, the experiment failed when one of the scientists was bitten by a rat. The substance enters the hapless scientist's body through a rat bite, turning him into a careless individual operating on autopilot who soon proceeds to infect the rest of the laboratory staff.
Long story short: Billions of people become infected and bonded with what Taffler calls “psychic glue” in a process that, as Episode 2, entitled “The Pirate Lady,” reveals, is called “Connection.”
However, there are people who die as a result of this infection. Among the people who succumbed to this are Carol's partner Helen, the President of the United States and other members of the government he assembled. Meanwhile, hundreds of millions of people around the world also died in accidents, such as when the car they were driving crashed when they became infected.
In total, as confirmed by Zosia in The Pirate Lady, over 886 million people died when those who were already part of the Compound accelerated their plans to infect the rest of humanity after they were discovered by the military. Add to that the 11 million people Carol accidentally kills during a tantrum in episode two, and nearly 900 million people have died so far.
As expected, not every question about the “Joining”, no matter what caused it, and the true purpose of the infected is answered. For manyPremiere of two episodes.
How did the RNA sequence/signal/organism spread across the globe? Why did some people die after being infected? Why are Carol and 12 others immune to this disease? And how will the rest of humanity try to assimilate Carol and her seemingly invulnerable brethren?
I think the RNA rich gas has something to do with the first question. As for the rest, I fully expect answers to emerge over the course of this season and/or For manya sophomore outing that was given the green light to coincide with his debut season in September 2022.
Pluribus: Episodes 1 and 2 are out now. Apple TV, it’s one of the world’s best streaming services. New chapters are released weekly.
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