Pluribus theory suggests Episode 6 will be the darkest chapter yet for Carol

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After the shocking ending of last week’s episode, fans are eagerly awaiting Pluribus Episode 6. A new theory suggests things are about to get even more difficult for Carol (Rhea Seehorn). Be warned: this contains spoilers for Episode 5!

So, in the latest episode of ‘Got Milk’ – Episode 5, to be exact – the group decided they needed a break from Carol. While they were doing their own thing, Carol started looking into something really weird: why all the trash cans around the city are overflowing with empty milk cartons. It’s a strange mystery, but I’m hooked!

Carol learned that the mysterious group known as The Others were surviving on a strange, amber-colored liquid they created themselves. They were even bottling it up like milk to drink. She eventually tracked down the source of this liquid by going inside one of their factories.

She pulled back the tarp, initially looking puzzled, then horrified as she understood what she was seeing. The episode cuts to black before we find out what’s inside the crate, so we’ll have to wait until the next episode for answers.

Pluribus Episode 6 theory points to Carol’s darkest moment yet

Most people believe the unsettling discovery is likely human remains, as that would best explain Carol’s extreme reaction. However, a new idea circulating on Reddit, based on information from the writer and director of Pluribus Episode 6, ‘HDP’, proposes that the true horror won’t be what is found, but how the discovery affects Carol.

Vera Blasi, who wrote the screenplays for films like Sabor da Paixão, Tortilla Soup, and Emperor, is also credited with writing Episode 6. A Reddit user noted that her earlier films often explore themes of food, relationships, personal identity, family history, and dealing with difficult experiences.

They described how she connects with food on a deep, emotional level, much like some people express themselves through religion or even difficult experiences. It’s tied to her identity, background, and can sometimes be a source of discomfort.

What really struck me was learning she wasn’t a last-minute addition. She’d been part of the writing team from the very beginning, helping to develop the entire season. Interestingly, she only wrote one episode completely on her own – Episode 6.

On a Vince Gilligan show, nothing happens without a reason. When a seemingly small moment gets a lot of focus, it usually signals a major emotional turning point for a character – a moment where they either fall apart or undergo a significant change. It’s a scene that really resonates with the story’s core emotional themes, and it’s not something you’d want to show to someone who isn’t fully invested in the characters and their journey.

And things get even more interesting when you consider the director. Gandja Monteiro, who directed ‘HDP’, also created the horror series ‘Brand New Cherry Flavor’. If you’re familiar with that show, you’ll recall it features one of the most disturbing sex scenes ever filmed.

The Reddit user also highlighted that Monteiro avoids typical jump scares, instead creating a sense of unease through psychological tension, overwhelming sensory details, and unsettling imagery that lingers with you, all without relying on excessive gore.

Okay, so imagine a writer who’s amazing at using food to really make you feel something, teaming up with a director who’s a master of creepy, close-up horror. And their latest project? An episode that builds on this really disturbing thing they found involving food. It’s a perfect match, honestly, and I’m already hooked!

The way these elements come together suggests that Episode 6 won’t focus on figuring out what Carol witnessed, but rather on how that experience affects her personally.

It’s a deeply affecting moment, one that’s disturbing not because of graphic content, but because of the emotional and psychological impact it has on us. It’s a painful experience on a human level.

I’m not saying I know what really happened, and the show hasn’t officially said anything either. However, the way these two characters are being brought together right now feels intentional and significant – it’s hard to believe it’s just a coincidence.

The more I think about Episode 6, the more I believe it’s going to be the most emotionally challenging episode of the season. It won’t be shocking due to violence, but because of its meaningful impact.

Episode 5 cliffhanger could tie to Carol’s past

If the liquid is truly human, the next episode suggests it could be from someone Carol knew before the outbreak began.

The show has already hinted at her past through flashbacks and her sadness about Helen. It would be powerful if Carol suddenly recognized something – like a bracelet, tattoo, or piece of clothing – that connects to her former life.

Perhaps the bodies belong to people who died when her rage spiraled out of control. This discovery wouldn’t just terrify her; it would shatter the emotional walls she’s built around her past losses.

Plus, it would make her quest to find a cure to the virus all the more urgent. 

A fan on Reddit has proposed a theory that’s generated a lot of conversation. One commenter suggested the director also worked on the song “Agatha All Along” and believes the new scenes might be flashbacks exploring Carol Danvers’ inner struggles.

“I love it when people bring the whiteboard out,” said another. “This is a brilliant post.”

I’ve been reading up on what other players think, and one theory really stuck with me. Basically, someone suggested that the ‘joining’ process somehow prevents you from having kids, or at least not until a certain age. They think that’s why we see those doll boxes – our brains automatically assume they’re babies because that’s what we’re missing!

The image of frozen babies is shockingly unexpected, even in a story dealing with death – and as a writer, Carol should have anticipated encountering disturbing imagery. The sheer horror of seeing dead infants is overwhelming, and the mind struggles to cope with such a gruesome sight until it’s unable to block it out.

The idea is that Carol spotted a box and immediately wondered what was inside. She initially thought they might be dolls, then realized – with shock – that they were actually babies.

I think it’s a bit much to be so surprised about depictions of bodies. Considering she writes fantasy romance, and those authors generally read extensively, it seems odd that she’d be shocked by it. She should be used to it.

Some viewers think the show might postpone revealing the covered object for another week. One person joked, “Expect a whole episode dedicated to the Colombian character’s escape from Paraguay.”

Someone else pointed out that it’s definitely possible, noting that trailer scenes show him driving along the coast and through a town resembling one in South America.

Someone else agreed, saying they wondered if discovering what the character witnessed and why she reacted that way might not become important later in the season. They felt this episode was more about setting things up and delaying a major reveal.

Some fans believe the title of Episode 6, ‘HDP,’ is a Spanish insult – specifically, ‘son of a b*tch.’

One person speculated that the next installment of the show will likely shift focus to the remaining survivors. They also added, as a side note, that the initials “HDP” are a Spanish insult.

“HDP usually stands for ‘hijo de puta’ in Spanish (‘son of a b*tch’),” commented another, to which a third responded, “Which is what the survivor from Paraguay calls the pod people.”

That’s definitely something to consider. Luckily, we won’t have to wait long – the sixth episode of Pluribus will be available on Apple TV on December 5th.

In the meantime, check out theories about how the show Pluribus ends, see why Breaking Bad fans are defending Carol against accusations of being a ‘Karen,’ and discover more shows you can stream this month.

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2025-12-04 13:50