Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus Sparks AI Allegory Debate in Latest Episode

A new episode of Vince Gilligan’s Apple TV+ series, Pluribus, has intensified viewer discussions. The show is increasingly being interpreted as a sharp critique of artificial intelligence. The third episode, “Grenade,” written and directed by Gordon Smith, features dialogue that directly frames the show’s antagonists as “plagiarism machines.”

This reading is bolstered by the series’ closing credits, which explicitly state, “This show was made by humans.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gilligan himself has publicly referred to AI with the same “plagiarism machine” description used in the episode. This has led to widespread analysis of the show’s core themes.

Gordon Smith Weighs In on Fan Theories and Show’s Intent

Gordon Smith, a veteran writer from Better Call Saul, acknowledges the AI comparisons are valid. He notes the show’s villains, “the Joined,” operate by absorbing human knowledge and memories. This resonates strongly with how contemporary AI systems are trained on vast amounts of human-created data. Smith confirms the creative team is aware the show is being viewed through this lens.

However, Smith emphasizes the show’s themes are not meant to be a one-to-one allegory. He expressed a desire for the series to provoke broader questions. Limiting the interpretation to a single metaphor would reduce the storytelling richness. The show aims to explore concepts of individuality, shared consciousness, and personal pain.

Broader Themes of Addiction and Political Division Explored

Beyond AI, other compelling theories have emerged. Some viewers see Pluribus as a commentary on modern political division. The show presents a world where everyone is forcibly united in a single consciousness. This contrasts sharply with today’s deeply fractured public discourse where a shared reality seems unattainable.

Smith also revealed that the show’s exploration of addiction resonates personally with him. The protagonist, Carol, played by Rhea Seehorn, grapples with substance abuse and profound grief. Her solitary struggle mirrors the isolating nature of addiction. The “Joined” offer a vision of peace, but it is a peace that comes at the cost of personal identity and freedom.

The ongoing conversation around Pluribus confirms its status as a thought-provoking new series. Its exploration of modern anxieties ensures the AI allegory debate will continue as more episodes are released.

Info at your fingertips

What is the show Pluribus about?

*Pluribus* is a sci-fi series on Apple TV+. It follows a woman named Carol as she resists an extraterrestrial force that has turned most of humanity into a single hive mind. She is one of the few “Old-Schoolers” left with her own individual thoughts.

Who created Pluribus?

The series was created by Vince Gilligan, the acclaimed mind behind *Breaking Bad* and *Better Call Saul*. He serves as the showrunner and directed the first two episodes of the new series.

Why are people comparing Pluribus to AI?

The show’s collective mind, “the Joined,” accesses and uses all human knowledge without individual creation. This mirrors concerns that AI models learn by processing existing human data, leading to accusations of plagiarism and a lack of original thought.

How many episodes are in Pluribus?

The first season of *Pluribus* consists of multiple episodes. New installments are released weekly every Friday, exclusively on the Apple TV+ streaming platform for subscribers.

Is Pluribus connected to Breaking Bad?

No, *Pluribus* is a completely new and original story. It exists in a separate universe, though it does contain a few subtle Easter eggs as nods to fans of Gilligan’s previous work.