A Special Guest Enters 'Pluribus' to Provide an Essential Explanation

Episode 6 of Pluribus, titled "HDP," opened immediately after Carol (Rhea Seeshorn) uncovered that the hive has been using humans as a food source. Following this shocking discovery, she receives an invitation to meet Diabat (Samba Schutte), who is currently enjoying a glamorous, Bond-style life in Las Vegas. Upon meeting him, he informs her that he is aware of her findings and that the hive has a message specifically for her.

The exposition is delivered by none other than John Cena. The WWE superstar and actor makes a cameo as a hive-themed version of himself, humorously stating, "Were John Cena," to explain the concept of HDP, or Human Derived Protein, to Carol.

Vince Gilligan, the creator of Pluribus, explained that Cena was chosen for being both unexpected and compelling for the scene. Cena was enthusiastic about the role and even agreed to film on a weekend. To accommodate him, the production team arranged a small soundstage in Tampa, Florida, where he shot the sequence. Gilligan noted that Cena understood the scene while simultaneously being curious about it, saying, "I cant wait to find out what the hell it was I just said."

Cena's genuine personality contributes to the hive's oddly transparent explanation for their choice of food, making the revelation both disarming and strangely comforting. His presence, while unexpected, brings a calm and intriguing energy to the episode.

The episode is likely to spark online debates regarding the pros and cons of joining the hive. The news about HDP adds another layer of complexity to Carol's already chaotic world. Meanwhile, she may soon gain an ally as Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) sets out to find her after discovering her latest tape.

Overall, this episode is a major installment, amplified by Cena's appearance. It also marks the beginning of an eventful period for Cena, as his final WWE match is scheduled for December 13. While fans may feel nostalgic about his wrestling career ending, his ventures into unique roles like this make the transition rewarding.

Author: Gavin Porter