Fans of *Pluribus*, rejoice! Just like the sleek Mercator sails across Wycaro’s dunes, the relationship between Carol and Zosia is taking off in an exciting new direction.
In episode 8, “Charm Offensive,” viewers witness a heated kiss between Carol and Zosia. This moment carries a lot of weight for Carol, as it symbolizes her connection not just with Zosia but with the entire *Pluribus* hive mind. Rhea Seehorn, who plays Carol, described her character’s feelings during the kiss as layered and complicated. “There is some willful delusion happening. She’s fragile,” Seehorn explained.
Throughout episodes 5 to 7, Carol faced intense solitude. She felt completely isolated, a struggle that Seehorn emphasizes shaped Carol’s mental state. “She was really broken by this isolation period, thinking it would last forever,” she said. It’s no wonder the Others’ efforts to cheer her up feel like a lifeline—a desperate, yet comforting embrace. In “Charm Offensive,” Carol and Zosia enjoy croquet, massages, and scenic hikes. When Carol expresses her love for train horns, Zosia uses the hive mind to prompt a conductor to honk. It’s sweet, in its own bizarre way.
However, Carol isn’t oblivious to the fact that the Others are manipulating her emotions, even if it’s done with kindness. Every gesture, even the recreated diner where Carol had her best day as a writer, raises questions about sincerity. Seehorn touches on this duality, noting, “It’s one of the first times we see Carol embrace a happy memory without overthinking it.” But there lingers a nagging doubt: is this joy real or just orchestrated for a purpose?
Karolina Wydra, who plays Zosia, relishes the ambiguity. “Are we witnessing Zosia’s real feelings, or is this a product of the collective’s understanding of Carol?” she mused. It’s a delicate balance that poses a thought-provoking question about their romance: are they both individually experiencing this connection, or is it simply the hive mind at work?
As they filmed the kiss, Seehorn and Wydra toyed with how the moment would unfold. Ultimately, it was decided that Zosia would lean in first, symbolizing her awareness of Carol’s pain. “Whether or not it’s manipulative, that’s open to interpretation,” Seehorn acknowledged.
This relationship creates a complex dynamic that resonates with audiences. It’s more than a love story; it’s an exploration of connection, isolation, and the moral implications of emotional influence. *Pluribus* offers not just entertainment but also a mirror reflecting our own relationships and the nature of love.
Curious about how television reflects societal issues? Studies have shown that storytelling can significantly impact public perception on topics like mental health and relationships. The portrayal of complex characters like Carol and Zosia can help viewers navigate their own lives, understanding that human emotions are rarely black and white.
*Pluribus* is currently available for streaming on Apple TV. The season finale airs on December 26, promising to deliver even more compelling narratives as we dive deeper into Carol and Zosia’s story.
