How did Pluribus film that intensely hard scene from Episode 4? Explained in-depth

Pluribus has swiftly become one of the most buzzed-about shows of 2025 with its intriguing sci-fi story and slow-burn energy. The series was shaped by Rhea Seehorn’s compelling performance as Carol Sturka.

The series remains loyal to Vince Gilligan’s signature, patient unfolding of storyline, reminiscent of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. At the same time, it offers enough world-building to keep viewers alert to its larger plan. The on-screen brilliance of the show is a result of hard work and brainstorming by the makers and crews.

Here is what went into the making of the hivemind scene:

Pluribus' Episode 4's hardest scene, broken down

One of the biggest strengths of the show lies in its mature handling of mystery. Many “mystery box” series bury the audience under unanswered questions. The tension fades when the clues no longer matter. Pluribus avoids that mistake by revealing its core information early.

The real drama comes from how the characters react to what they already understand. In that way, the show resembles Damon Lindelof’s The Leftovers, where the emotional stakes outweigh the pursuit of hidden explanations.

Polygon’s conversation with stunt performer and coordinator Nito Larioza presents a clear picture of what goes into the production of a complex scene. He focuses on shaping the movements of “The Others” (the extra-terrestrial hivemind that dominates most of humanity).

Their coordinated presence defines much of the show's central pulse. Episode 4 highlights this with a sequence that is now as famous as the show itself. In this, Carol dosed the hivemind with a truth serum, and a large crowd gathered around her and repeated the chant,

“Please, Carol.”

Larioza told Polygon,

“I found a lot of talented people in New Mexico that really wanted to be a part of this scene, and it looked amazing, especially the overhead shot,”

“It was awesome, but trust me, it was tough.”

The scene demanded everyone to be on their best foot forward. Larioza said the team needed “a lot of takes,” because so many performers had to hit exact steps at the right time. The stunt team meticulously organized people into color-coded sections. They positioned them like numbers on a radial clock to guide the movement pattern. This layout helped maintain the hivemind’s synchronic arrangement, adding to Pluribus’ eerie charm.

“Like any other drill team — Marine Corps, army, or dance troop — I always put the people in the front that I know will hit their mark, will get to where I need them to be, and perform well in the front,”

He explained,

“And then I hate to say it like this, but [I put] the bad apples in the back, so they can follow, to make sure that they know what they’re doing.”

Carol’s path remains uncertain, but the series’ craft is already impressive. Each episode offers something striking to look at and think about.

Pluribus is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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