Pluribus Episode 6 Pays Tribute to a Terrifying '70s Sci-Fi Classic

This article contains spoilers for Pluribus season 1, episode 6.

The suspense built at the end of episode 5, "Got Milk," is finally resolved this week: the liquid found in the Others' milk cartons is derived from humansor at least parts of them. Carol Sturka's (Rhea Seehorn) ingenious detective work uncovers a massive cold storage facility where human remains are processed into nutrient-rich milk for the hive mind members.

As noted by /Film's Devin Meenan, the hive-minded Others evoke the eerie atmosphere of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The revelation that they consume human remains nods to another classic, Soylent Green (1973). In that film, set in a dystopian 2022, Charlton Heston plays detective Robert Thorn, who uncovers that the popular food, Soylent Green, is made from human bodies rather than plankton. The famous line, "Soylent Green is people!", resonates in Carol's equally grave discovery.

Unaware to Carol, those who can communicate with the Others have long known the truth, making the situation less dire than it initially appears. Nonetheless, the homage to Soylent Green delivers a powerful impact.

The Others Reluctance Toward Human Consumption

The Others themselves are not enthusiastic about consuming human remains. In a video explanation by hive mind member John Cena, its revealed that the Others share Carol and Koumba Diabats (Samba Schutte) discomfort. Human parts are just one component of their nutrient-rich milk cartons, rather than the entirety of their diet.

Even with their reluctance to harm animals or plants, the Others require sustenance. Due to frequent deaths resulting from the hive mind's "Joining" and Carol's actions, using human remains for nutrition has become a grim but practical solution in a world where food resources are scarce.

Implications for Humanity

The depletion of resources raises questions about humanitys future. If solutions are not found, the world may confront the consequences of billions of hive-minded individuals struggling with scarcity. The Others have already demonstrated some displeasure toward Carol, hinting that their altered brain chemistry may not indefinitely sustain them if hunger intensifies.

Pluribus is currently available for streaming on Apple TV.

Author: Benjamin Carter