In my three decades of avid television watching, I can’t recall a moment more compelling than wanting to leap into the fictional world of Pluribus Episode 7 to save a character. This irresistible urge was sparked by the plight of Manousos, portrayed by Carlos-Manuel Vesga, in the acclaimed series crafted by Vince Gilligan on Apple TV.

After binge-watching the first seven episodes in October for a review, I’ve returned to “The Gap” half a dozen times. Each viewing reveals new layers of creativity, underscores the stellar performances by Rhea Seehorn and Vesga, and delivers fresh emotional punches. One constant remains: since Manousos Oviedo’s debut in Episode 4, I’ve been convinced of my willingness to stand by that character through thick and thin.

Initially, when Zosia, played by Karolina Wydra, mentioned a shadowy figure from Paraguay managing a self-storage facility in Asuncion, speaking Spanish, and eluding detection during the Joining’s first 33 hours, I didn’t pay him much mind. His abrupt hang-up on Carol and his shout of defiance piqued my interest, but I hadn’t anticipated his rapid rise to prominence in the series. I’m thrilled I was wrong.

In the subsequent episodes, Pluribus offered a window into Manousos’ simple life and deep-seated wariness of The Others. His behavior—tuning into radio frequencies and meticulously noting his observations—showed his inquisitive nature and dedication. Scavenging for sustenance and preparing for a journey revealed his ingenuity. His cold rejection of his mother’s meals hinted at underlying trauma and attitude. Yet, small acts like savoring unappetizing food, penning apology notes to tenants, and glimpsing hope in Carol’s video showcased Vesga’s portrayal of Manousos’ gentler side.

Even knowing the complexity of Manousos’ character, I was not ready for the profound impact of his steadfastness and rare decency in Episode 7.

As a whole, “The Gap” is a masterfully meditative look at two wildly different, perfectly paralleled journeys. But when the spotlight shines on Manousous, his arduous trek to New Mexico exposes his true character. As he drives his yellow MG Midget through winding roads, old towns, and tricky terrain, he stops to siphon gas from abandoned cars and does the unthinkable. He leaves money under the windshield wipers in a sign of respect to the humans who once owned them. The needlessly kind, deeply human gesture in the midst of Pluribus’ nightmarish new normal made me squeal. And the subsequent reveal that he was passing the time by practicing his English skills to better communicate with Carol brought tears to my eyes. (You KNOW “The world is big” nearly took me out.)

Despite his tough travel conditions, our patient king kept his eye on the prize and his spirits high. (He even brushed his teeth, shaved, and gave himself a haircut so he looked more presentable for his fellow Old Schooler. *Sob*) When he reached the dangerous Darién Gap and The Others begged him to accept their help, he finally gave them a piece of his mind, explaining, “Nothing on this planet is yours. Nothing. You cannot give me anything, because all that you have is stolen. You don’t belong here.” My sincere apologies, but has anyone ever been hotter?

After a scene so satisfying, I didn’t think my fondness for Manousos could grow much stronger, but with 17 words, Pluribus proved me wrong again: “My name is Manousos Oviedo. I am not one of them. I wish to save the world.”

To remind himself of his mission, my man repeated that moving motto aloud while navigating the deadly jungle. And let me tell you, I lost it. I blubbered. I shouted “I LOVE HIM” alone in my living room. When Manousos fell backwards and was impaled by bacteria-laden chunga palm spines, he and I screamed in unison. And when he collapsed to the forest floor, whispering “Carol Sturka,” an all too familiar dread — reserved only for those pitch black moments when evil triumphs over good — crept over me. Mind you, we’ve barely spent three episodes with this lionheart. So that deep connection is a testament to Pluribus’ superb storytelling and Vesga’s ability to craft a lovable character using physical actions in lieu of dialogue.

When describing Manousos in Pluribus production notes, Vesga said, “I get the feeling that he has lost a lot in his life and is not willing to lose anything else.” So I pray that one day, Pluribus sheds light on formative events that shaped him into the glorious man we met. Even without his backstory, we know that Manousos treasures his autonomy so deeply that he would rather eat dog food and torch his beloved car accept help from the hive. He clings to individuality by bucking the new system at any cost, even if it means risking his own life. He’s not afraid to get tough, but he’s feisty, not ferocious. He’s a badass with a gentle soul; a man of unwavering integrity and a whole lot of heart. He’s the exact type of hero our world needs more of, and that’s why he leaves such an imprint.

As much as it pains me to see Manousos in pain, I have faith that his treacherous Episode 7 journey will only leave him more determined to set the world right. And if he ever does meet Carol, I can’t wait to see their dynamic. As a longtime fan of the Gilliverse, I obviously have faith in Gilligan’s vision, but having witnessed so many deaths in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, I also feel a duty to stress that if Pluribus ever makes our wholesome warrior meet that same fate, there will be hell to pay.

New episodes of Pluribus premiere Fridays on Apple TV.