PLURIBUS Review and Recap (S1E3)

Read this review to see if the Pluribus episode “Grenade” is worth watching.

About Pluribus

• Season 1, Episode 3: “Grenade”
• Directed by Gordon Smith
• Written by Gordon Smith
• Synopsis: The World just wants to help–which infuriates Carol. A heart-to-heart conversation ends with a bang.
• Airdate: November 14, 2025
• Starring: Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos-Manuel Vesga, Miriam Shor, Robert Bailey Jr., Thor Knai, Tedd Taskey, Matthew Page, Micheal Ray, RaSandra Daniels, Jeremiah Latrell Caldwell, and Paris Maese

If you want to avoid spoilers for this episode, skip to the overall section at the end.

Warning: Spoilers for Pluribus Season 1 Episode 3 “Grenade”

Recap Pluribus (2025): S1E03 – “Grenade”

The Cold Open

Before returning to the dramatic moment when Carol jumps in front of Air Force One, “Grenade” rewinds to approximately 2617 days (7 years) before the Joining. Carol and her partner Helen are celebrating at an ice hotel in Norway, but their excitement levels differ significantly. While her partner enjoys the unique experience and practices Norwegian with the bellhop, Carol is discontent. She feels out of place and is more interested in finding out her book’s status on the bestseller list. It’s a great scene because, as her manager says, she loves “feeling bad.”

Back in the present day, Carol is returning to Albuquerque after an unsuccessful meeting with other English-speaking immune individuals. She declines Zosia’s offer to sit in first class but later inquires about non-English-speaking immune members. These include a 68-year-old candy vendor in Istanbul, a 23-year-old contortionist in Bali, an 89-year-old retired fisherman in Sardinia, an eight-year-old sheep herder in Lesotho, and a 37-year-old muezzin in Yemen. Notably, none are medical doctors or scientists, highlighting Carol’s determination to find a cure. Additionally, there’s Manousos Oviedo (Carlos Manuel Vesga) from Paraguay, who has been hesitant to reach out to others in their group. 

A Calm Flight and a Turbulent Phone Call

Zosia attempts to contact Oviedo from a plane. But the guy doesn’t want to talk. Initially, he doesn’t answer and then hangs up on her. After multiple attempts, he insults her in Spanish and then hangs up. Carol insists on calling back to hurl profanity at him in Spanish. Upon returning to Albuquerque, she’s reluctant to take Zosia’s help with her mail, which includes mostly junk, but one envelope has Helen’s name on it. Among the packages is a personal massager, a thoughtful gift for the stressful tour, prompting Zosia to explain that Helen purchased it online after Carol found one too expensive at the airport.

This infuriates her. Carol demands the Others forget all about Helen, insisting, “Only I get to remember her.” The next day, despite receiving a hot breakfast tray from them, she throws it away and decides to shop for herself due to her empty fridge. At the supermarket, she discovers everything has been consolidated for efficiency, with Zosia offering to deliver supplies. Although Carol values her independence, she is surprised as she watches the Others restock the store in perfect harmony.

Thank You for Being a Friend

That night, while binging Golden Girls, the power goes out in her house and the entire town. Carol sarcastically expresses her frustration to Zosia over the phone, wishing for a hand grenade to cap off a notably terrible week, highlighting a moment of dark humor amidst an affected community where power conservation measures are being enforced by a group called the New World Order. She says it would be “the perfect topper for the greatest week in human history.”

Carol enjoys a quiet evening watching Golden Girls and turns up the volume without neighbors to bother. Her night takes a turn when Zosia unexpectedly arrives with a hand grenade, which was initially doubted by the Others as a genuine request. Carol invites Zosia in for a drink, where the friend cheerfully shares insights on the vodka’s origins. The two talk about her inevitable transformation into a “worker bee” like the Others. She’s told that the timeline for this change could range from weeks to months or longer. The scene is nice since it highlights that, while she insists she wants to be left alone, she really does get lonely. Plus, we get insight into the connection of the infected. They share thoughts but not physical things like getting drunk.

An Explosive Request

In a tense moment, Carol questions the motives of the infected who wish to assimilate her, leading her new friend to describe it as a “biological imperative.” Zosia compares her situation to drowning, suggesting the Others aim to help her. Carol anticipates the persuasive messages from the Others about a perfect life, reminiscent of idyllic vacations. When Zosia references a flashback, Carol coldly reminds her that memories of Helen are off-limits. As Carol playfully handles a grenade, Zosia warns her, but she dismisses the threat, saying, “Right. Like you would give me a real hand grenade.” The situation escalates when the pin is removed, prompting Zosia to react quickly, saving them just before an explosion occurs.

Carol assesses the chaotic scene after an explosion, noting the damage to the unicorn truck and the debris scattered around. Zosia emerges, injured from shrapnel, and collapses, prompting immediate medical attention. In the hospital, Carol learns from a DHL delivery person that Zosia has suffered blood loss and a concussion but is stable. Carol reflects on the troubling reality of the Others’ willingness to provide her with increasingly powerful weapons, highlighting the moral implications and potential dangers of such power in the future.

Overall: Watch Pluribus (2025): S1E03 – “Grenade”

Episode 3 presents an hour of television filled with tension despite a lack of significant events. The episode features a striking cold open and an ending involving a real grenade that shifts the storyline’s direction. It explores themes of contradiction and emotional turmoil, effectively conveyed by Rhea Seehorn’s portrayal of Carol’s confusion and pain. The story suggests a desire for an unrealistic, idealized life while questioning its authenticity.

Watch the Pluribus episode “Grenade” because while it’s slow, it does give new insights into the character and world. I’m giving this episode 4 out of 5 stars
All episodes of Pluribus are available to stream on Apple TV+. New episodes of Pluribus drop every Friday.

Click the link to read our review of the previous episode, “Pirate Lady. “

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