A prevalent theory among viewers is that “Pluribus” tackles themes related to artificial intelligence. In the debut episode, a line implies that the hive mind itself is uncertain about how its assimilation process functions, mirroring the sentiments of AI experts who sometimes find themselves puzzled by AI’s outputs. Gordon Smith, a writer for “Pluribus,” shared with The Hollywood Reporter that while this theory isn’t entirely correct, he’s open to the notion. “I don’t think we’ll beat those [anti-AI] allegations,” Smith commented. “There are elements of AI that echo how the Others function.”

Smith emphasizes that “Pluribus” shouldn’t be pigeonholed as solely an exploration of AI’s potential impact on life and art. “It’s less compelling to define it as ‘a show about fill-in-the-blank,'” he stated. “Such labeling restricts the narrative and the show’s ability to provoke questions. This concept-driven series aims to evoke varied thoughts and feelings among viewers.” Thus, approaching “Pluribus” with an open mind may enrich the viewing experience, rather than forcing a singular interpretation.

The notion that “Pluribus” is exclusively about AI can be refuted by considering that Vince Gilligan conceived the idea a decade ago. Although artificial intelligence was present at the time, it wasn’t as pervasive as today’s technologies like ChatGPT. Gilligan’s intent was to explore the dynamics of having the world’s most miserable person surrounded by those who would go to great lengths to ensure her happiness.

The easiest way to debunk the idea that “Pluribus” is about AI is the fact that Vince Gilligan came up with the idea 10 years ago. Artificial intelligence certainly existed, but students weren’t using ChatGPT to cheat on their exams at that point. Gilligan just wanted to explore what would happen when the most miserable person on Earth was surrounded by individuals willing to do anything to make them happy. 

That’s a big reason why many are quick to embrace the AI theory. In Episode 3, titled “Grenade,” Carol has a drink with Zosia (Karolina Wydra), and rather than talk like two human beings normally would, Zosia begins explaining where the word “vodka” comes from. It’s the kind of tangent one might expect ChatGPT to make, providing a response that’s informative even if it’s not precisely what you asked for. Later in that episode, after Zosia is injured when a live grenade that Carol flippantly requested goes off, another person in the hive mind apologizes to Carol for not giving her a fake one, saying, “Sorry if we got that wrong, Carol.” Again, it comes across much like AI, as the hive mind clearly doesn’t have the best grasp on something as innately human as sarcasm.

The great thing about art is that it can be about many different things, even subjects the author didn’t intend. Gilligan couldn’t have envisioned AI resembling his version of the hive mind, but it makes the show so much richer because of it. We’re excited to see where “Pluribus” goes from here, even if we already have some ideas on ways in which the show is not going to end.