In the latest episode of Vince Gilligan’s new Apple TV series Pluribus, a surprising cameo has caught viewers’ attention. The show featured Tim Keller, the real-life mayor of Albuquerque, playing a version of himself assimilated by the show’s hive mind. This unexpected appearance blends local reality with the show’s science fiction narrative, creating a memorable moment for audiences.
A Mayor in a Fictional World
In Episode 4, titled “Please, Carol,” the protagonist Carol Sturka, played by Rhea Seehorn, returns to her damaged home after a dangerous event involving a grenade. She finds members of the hive mind, known as the “Others,” cleaning her house. Among them, she spots a familiar face—the former mayor of Albuquerque. The character, recognizing Carol, thanks her for her vote, despite his elected position no longer existing in this new world order.
The man playing this role is not an actor but Albuquerque’s actual mayor, Tim Keller. He appears as a drone and is credited as “Mayor Tim” in the episode’s credits. A Democrat, Keller has served as the city’s 30th mayor since 2017. His cameo arrives at a notable time, as he is currently in a runoff election set for December 9.
Why a Real Mayor Cameo Matters
The decision to feature the sitting mayor is rooted in creator Vince Gilligan’s long-standing relationship with Albuquerque. Although Pluribus is a science fiction story, its setting is intentional. Gilligan initially planned to set Breaking Bad in Riverside, California, but moved production to New Mexico for financial reasons. He subsequently rewrote the story to be set in Albuquerque, a decision that has defined his work ever since.
This partnership has been highly beneficial for the city. Richard Berry, a former mayor of Albuquerque, estimated that the production of Breaking Bad brought approximately $70 million into the local economy. The show also boosted tourism, with fans visiting famous filming locations like Walter White’s house. Gilligan’s continued use of Albuquerque for Better Call Saul, El Camino, and now Pluribus supports local jobs and crews.
Keller’s cameo acts as a nod to this successful relationship. It grounds the show’s fantastical elements in a recognizable reality, making its world feel more believable. The scene highlights how thoroughly the hive mind has infiltrated society, affecting even the highest levels of local leadership.
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How Fans Reacted to the Surprise
The unexpected appearance sparked immediate reactions on social media as viewers recognized their mayor. One fan on X exclaimed, “I had to rewind. No way that was the real mayor cleaning her house. Pluribus is wild for this.” Another user posted, “Tim Keller playing a drone is the most Vince Gilligan thing ever. Albuquerque lore just keeps expanding.” A viewer joked, “Only in ABQ can your mayor double as a sci-fi drone on a Friday night.” Many praised the cleverness of the cameo, noting how it made the show’s world feel more authentic.
The Bigger Picture for Pluribus
Pluribus is Gilligan’s first series since Better Call Saul and stars Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka, a novelist who is immune to an alien virus that has turned humanity into a single, happy hive mind. The series explores themes of individuality, control, and identity. The fourth episode continues Carol’s struggle against the collective, with Mayor Keller’s cameo serving to illustrate the extent of the hive mind’s control.
New episodes of Pluribus are released on Fridays via Apple TV. The fifth episode, “Got Milk,” is scheduled to release early on Wednesday, November 26, due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.
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