Pluribus Season 1 Finale: Vince Gilligan Breaks Down That 'Atom Bomb' Shocker

What's in the box? "Atom bomb." Vince Gilligan's new sci-fi series, Pluribus, just capped off its first season with a stunning final line that redefines the stakes. The show from the Breaking Bad creator, about an alien hive mind taking over humanity, delivered a finale that guarantees an explosive start to Season 2.

The Ultimate Mic Drop

In the final moments of the Season 1 finale, episode 9, Carol (Rhea Seehorn) returns to her Albuquerque cul-de-sac with a giant shipping container. When her colleague Manousos (Carlos Manuel Vesga) asks what's inside, she walks away with a single reply: "Atom bomb." Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Gilligan said he never considered ending the episode without the reveal. "I think it’s an ultimate mic drop," he shared.

An Impulsive Act of Rage

The bomb's arrival is a physical manifestation of Carol's commitment to her new quest. The request was first made in episode 3, and its delivery certifies her decision to save the world, according to executive producer Gordon Smith. However, actress Rhea Seehorn explained in a separate interview that Carol's ask was an "impulsive" decision fueled by "bottled-up rage." Seehorn doubts her character even knows what she'll do with it, or if she'd ever truly resort to such violence.

A Darker Season 2?

When asked if the atom bomb signals a darker tone for the upcoming Season 2, Gilligan replied, "not necessarily." He elaborated that, much like with Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, the creative team goes where the characters and the story take them. All episodes of Pluribus season 1 are now streaming on Apple TV.