Rhea Seehorn Unpacks Carol’s Intimate Pluribus Scene
Rhea Seehorn delves into the emotional and existential depth of Carol’s pivotal moment in Pluribus, revealing how loneliness and the search for connection shape her character’s choices.
Fans of Pluribus have been eagerly awaiting the moment when Carol and Zosia’s relationship would take a more intimate turn. Karolina Wydra, who plays Zosia, remarked,
“Stursia Nation is going to be very happy,”
referencing the enthusiastic supporters of the pairing. The much-anticipated scene finally arrived, with Carol and Zosia sharing a passionate encounter that has set social media abuzz. Yet, for Rhea Seehorn, who portrays Carol, the significance of this moment extends far beyond surface-level attraction.
Layers of Loneliness and Longing
Seehorn describes the scene as one of the most intricate she has ever filmed. Carol, she explains, is deeply affected by prolonged solitude, which has left her not only isolated but also facing a profound existential dilemma.
“That’s probably one of the most complex moments that we filmed, because Carol has been very broken by this long period of isolation, which was not only lonely by itself – we see the mental toll it takes on her – but also it’s an existential crisis of loneliness, because it could go on forever,”
Seehorn shares. The character’s desperation for any form of companionship becomes apparent, overshadowing any simple notion of physical desire.
Seehorn continues,
“She’s just going to die alone in her house one day if she doesn’t choose to reach out. Yes, there’s chemistry. I mean, these people knew what they were doing when they sent her what she thought of as a physical ideal specimen of a woman. But she’s been so broken down [and] in need of anybody, any kind of companionship, that I think [this] is much larger than any sexual tension. [Carol is] also in a space where she almost is trying to will herself into believing the delusion that maybe I can just have a relationship with this person and give in. Because what is the alternative?”
Complex Motives and Emotional Manipulation
The series is known for its exploration of the human condition, and Carol’s storyline is no exception. The question of whether Carol is truly in love, simply desperate for company, or perhaps seeking a substitute for her late wife Helen—whose memories are preserved within the hivemind—remains unresolved. Carol herself is still grappling with these uncertainties, especially after a pivotal moment when The Others recreate her favourite diner, a place tied to her early days as a writer.
Seehorn reflects on the ambiguity of the situation:
“It is both manipulative and kind at the same time, and Carol is trying to drill down on which one it is. In reality, the harder question is: what if it’s both, and how do we ever disentangle those two things in real life?”
This duality is at the heart of Carol’s struggle, as she attempts to discern genuine kindness from calculated influence.
Intimacy and Uncertainty
From Zosia’s perspective, the moment is less about ambiguity and more about the beauty of connection. Wydra observes,
“I think that moment is such a beautiful moment between them and for Carol. The moment of such isolation and the journey that she goes on – that finally she has this moment of feeling intimacy and coming together with someone in such an intimate way and connecting with someone.”
The scene marks a turning point for Carol, offering her a rare sense of closeness after a long period of emotional distance.
As the series approaches its finale, viewers are left to ponder whether this new bond will endure or if Carol will ultimately find herself alone once more. The answer, as ever, is left for the audience to decide.