[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for Pluribus, Season 1 Episode 7, “The Gap.”]
As the mysteries of Pluribus get deeper, the show’s focus on its lead character hasn’t diminished. By the end of the seventh episode of the season, Carol (Rhea Seehorn) finally hits her limit after 40 days of isolation from The Joined. In the lead-up to that, though, she does what so many of us do in times of hardship: She turns to music.
Because creator Vince Gilligan and the writers of Pluribus aren’t the sort to resort to cliched devices like characters talking to themselves, “The Gap” instead captures the character’s isolation through song. Whether singing to herself, blasting a stereo, or even turning on a literal player piano, Carol does her best to fill the silence that surrounds her, and the songs she chooses to play are an eclectic mix. Here’s the complete annotated playlist (not including the unidentifiable tune she’s humming in the episode’s opening minutes).
Baltimora — “Tarzan Boy”
This ’80s pop favorite is playing inside the gas station Carol visits on her return trip from Vegas, so it’s not really her pick. But it hits just the right note of false cheer.
R.E.M. — “It’s the End of the World”
As Carol leaves the gas station, she begins singing the chorus to a song that she has to have had stuck in her head for weeks now. Sadly (or perhaps for the best), we don’t get to hear her tackle any of its fiendishly difficult verses.
John Philip Sousa — “Stars and Stripes Forever”
Carol’s really onto something as she lights up her first firework — if you’re all by yourself, there’s nothing more fun than belting all the “buh-bahs” of the patriotic track at the top of your lungs.
Kenny Loggins — “I’m Alright (Theme from Caddyshack)”
While tearing it up on the golf course, Carol tries her best to remember the lyrics to one of Kenny Loggins’ most famous soundtrack contributions. She does not really succeed, but we respect the effort.
Steppenwolf — “Born to Be Wild”
Depending on your point of view, theft doesn’t really exist in this new world order. But Carol is surely feeling her rebellious streak as she trades in her police car for a Rolls-Royce from the country club valet, and sings off singing Steppenwolf accordingly.
Nelly — “Hot In Herre”
The lyrics to this song are a lot easier for Carol to remember than “I’m All Right.” It is so hot, in the hot springs that Carol visits, that Carol does in fact take her clothes off.
Ray Charles — “Georgia on My Mind”
A bit on the nose for a solo trip to the Georgia O’Keefe museum, but still a fun choice.
Gloria Gaynor — “I Will Survive”
Pluribus (Apple TV)
The Joined pull out all the stops for Carol’s fancy dinner out — who knows if that player piano was there the whole time, but she makes good use of it. Is her choice of song a not-so-subtle signal that she remains firm on her position to not join them? Hard to interpret it any other way.
Judas Priest — “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming”
Between Gloria Gaynor and Judas Priest, the episode shifts focus to the long journey of Manousos (Carlos Manuel Vesga). When we return to Carol for the remainder of the episode, it’s notable that Carol’s found herself a boom box (perhaps delivered by drone?), but no longer seems interested in singing to herself.
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All that said, Carol’s choice of soundtrack for perfecting her golf game while breaking some glass feels very apt.
John Philip Sousa (performed by The US Army Band) — “Stars and Stripes Forever”
As the episode draws closer to the end, “Stars and Stripes Forever” is now blasting from a proper speaker, which on one level is more appropriate for Carol’s stepped-up fireworks game. On the other hand, the boisterous music creates a depressing contrast with Carol’s own sinking spirits — when you’re sad, the only thing worse than a sad song is a happy one.
The end credits feature a Spanish-language cover of “Age of Aquarius” (a song that feels especially well-picked, given this show’s warped utopian vibes). What other surprises await us this season, musically or otherwise? We’ll find out when the remaining two episodes of Pluribus debut Fridays on Apple TV.
