In episode 3 of Pluribus, the character Carol, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn, is depicted during a flashback on a vacation in an ice hotel in Norway with her partner Helen (Miriam Shor). Despite the picturesque setting, Carol expresses dissatisfaction, commenting negatively on the cold and describing the aurora borealis as resembling a screensaver. This cynicism appears to play a significant role as Carol navigates a world plagued by a hive-mind apocalypse.
The episode highlights the challenges Carol faces as one of the few remaining non-hive members. She struggles with feelings of isolation, particularly after her attempt to connect with English-speaking survivors in episode 2 meets with indifference toward restoring the pre-apocalyptic world. However, a possible ally surfaces in Paraguay—a man named Manousos (Carlos Manuel Vesga), who shares her distaste for the hive, though they face linguistic and geographical barriers. Their initial communication ends in frustration, yet he represents her best chance of finding a like-minded individual.
As Carol coexists with both the hive and the unaffected individuals on the planet, a conflict arises due to her desire for independence while relying on the hive for essential needs, such as food. This reliance becomes evident during a grocery store visit when she must wait for items to be restocked.
Additionally, the hive appears to prioritize Carol’s happiness, seemingly unable to refuse her requests. The episode culminates in a dramatic scene where a grenade detonates in Carol’s home, injuring her companion Zosia (Karolina Wydra). The hive’s willingness to satisfy even her most outlandish requests prompts questions about their capacity for restraint and the potential consequences for Carol’s autonomy.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/820523/pluribus-episode-3-discussion