Pluribus Episode 6 "HDP" Recap: Carol, Manousos, and the Hive’s Chilling Secrets

The episode opens with Carol uncovering something truly disturbing, a vacuum-sealed body parts. I could really feel her horror in that moment. What struck me most was that Diabaté seemed fully aware of the worst. The Hive does not just follow rules, they’re trapped by them. They won’t even harvest plants or fruit, which is chilling. They would rather starve than break their own rules.

The Stem Cell Loophole

Carol confronts the Hive about her own safety, and they respond very cautiously: “We hear you, Carol. You do not consent. No stem cells will be collected from your body”. That phrase, “from your body”, immediately caught my attention. It’s a subtle loophole, and for those who might have forgotten, Carol mentioned back in episode 3 "Grenade" that she had frozen her eggs. I personally think the Hive could still access them, since they only promised not to take cells directly from her body. Watching this, I kept thinking about how literal language can be weaponized, and it really unsettled me. Anyone who has provided them with biological samples, like blood or tissue, could also be at risk.. This scene made me realize how careful you have to be when dealing with such an organization.

Carol’s Isolation

Throughout the episode, Carol’s loneliness is painfully clear. She reaches out to Diabaté, asking if he wants to hang out later, but he declines. Meanwhile, the other non-Joined survivors exclude her from Zoom calls, leaving her completely isolated. I found that heartbreaking. I could feel her sadness in that bathroom scene, and I think any viewer would empathize with how alone she feels in a world falling apart.

Mr. Diabaté in Sin City

In contrast, Diabaté is living in luxury in Las Vegas, staying in the Elvis Suite at the Westgate. He even makes avocado toast for Carol, copying exactly how she eats it. Initially, I thought this was just comedic, but it also shows how much he values human individuality. It helps explain why he seems okay with the Hive situation, he has gained enormously from it. He probably wasn’t rich or happy before, and now he can indulge in a life he could only watch in movies. For me, his character is fascinating because he is kind and empathetic while still being at risk due to his generosity.

Manousos Takes Action

Manousos’s response to Carol’s video is intense and immediate. He’s emotional and determined to move north to meet her. Watching him grab his maps, I realized how risky it would be to drive from Paraguay to Albuquerque, and it made me respect his bravery. He confronts his Joined mother with a shocking line: “You’re not my mom, my mom was a b**ch.” That moment made me laugh and gasp at the same time. Seeing both Carol and Manousos take action despite their struggles makes their eventual team-up feel inevitable and exciting.

The Stakes Are Clear

I left the episode feeling a mix of sadness that there are only three episodes left and anticipation for what comes next.