Rhea Seehorn displays a masterclass as Carol Sturka goes it alone in the latest episode of Pluribus. After nearly killing her chaperone, Carol finds herself solo in the town of Albequreque as “they” need some space. Initially feeling slighted by their absence, Carol soon realizes just how lonely that existence is.
Determined to continue her mission of reversing the new normal, Carol looks to share her theories with the other survivors, even though most never shared her disdain for the situation. In doing so, she can’t help but rely on the hive mind’s help in getting her message out. In fact, she can’t do many common things without others, just like it was in the before times. Trash pickup became a hassle. And then there’s the issue of coyotes rummaging in her yard. When ordering all the lights back on doesn’t deter them, Carol resorts to her own violent methods. The results do her more harm than the predators.
After sitting with her feelings, Carol causally stumbles upon an oddity — she discovers “they” have an obsession with milk. Well, actually, whatever is being consumed in milk cartons. It turns out the liquid is a neutral-like substance they’re mixing and shipping at the local dairy company. Carol shares this phenomenon in another video for the “normals,” only for her to realize how crazy she’s beginning to sound.
Luckily, she commits to the conspiracy, which leads her to a food plant. Not sure what she will find, the episode ends with Carol in a dark warehouse. Produce and other food line the shelves. Gradually, the exposed watermelons and avocados are replaced with plastic coverings. One peek underneath changes Carol’s curiosity to dread as she gasps.
“Got Milk” flips the script, sneaking a sinisterly written horror episode within the genre-bending series. Yes, the show itself can be classified as sci-fi, but it hasn’t had a feeling of danger since the first episode. Carol has not been “alone” since the first few minutes the world seemingly collapsed. Placing her back in that state — something she thought she wanted — changes the atmosphere. That feeling continues with the coyotes; Carol’s panic at being unable to defend herself. And no one else is around to help. Later, the crows/ravens — a telltale sign of something wicked this way comes.
Praise to Seehorn for carrying the entire episode, delivering a wealth of emotions: joy, fear, grief, discontent. An incredible performance worthy of an Emmy nomination if not a win next year.
Rating: 10/10