The seventh episode of Pluribus took viewers on two parallel and deeply lonely journeys. While Carol struggled with her new reality in an empty Albuquerque, the show finally brought the mysterious Manousos to the forefront for a dangerous trek across continents. The question on every fan’s mind by the end is simple: is Manousos alive after his horrific injury, and what happens next?
Episode 7, titled “The Gap”, aired on December 12, 2025, and is streaming exclusively on Apple TV+.
What Happened to Manousos in the Jungle?
The episode followed Manousos Oviedo as he drove his yellow MG Midget north from Paraguay, determined to meet Carol without accepting any help from the alien hive mind, known as the Others. His journey was an act of pure defiance. He siphoned gasoline from abandoned cars, leaving cash under the windshield wipers as payment. He taught himself English from cassette tapes, practicing phrases like “The world is big” and preparing his introduction: “My name is Manousos Oviedo. I am not one of them. I wish to save the world”.
His resolve was tested at the Darién Gap, a famously dangerous and roadless stretch of jungle between Panama and Colombia. The Others warned him of the extreme dangers, specifically mentioning the chunga palm, a real tree with spines up to 20 centimeters long that are covered in harmful bacteria. Manousos refused their offer of safe transport, set his beloved car on fire, and proceeded on foot.
Tragically, the Others’ warning proved correct. While hacking through the jungle, Manousos lost his footing on a rocky path and fell backwards, impaling himself on the sharp spines of a chunga palm. In a desperate attempt to treat the wound, he used his heated machete to cauterize the injuries. The next day, weakened and likely fighting a serious infection from the bacteria, he collapsed on the jungle floor.
As he faded in and out of consciousness, a helicopter appeared above him. In a dazed state, Manousos raised his arm toward it. This gesture, which the Others had earlier told him to use if he needed help, signaled his reluctant acceptance of rescue. The episode ended before showing the outcome, but it is clear the hive mind intervened to save his life.
“Nothing on this planet is yours. Nothing. You cannot give me anything, because all that you have is stolen. You don’t belong here.”
This is what Manousos told the Others before burning his car, perfectly capturing his unwavering stance against them.
Carol’s Story: A Breakdown in Isolation
While Manousos fought the elements, Carol Sturka’s story showed a different kind of struggle. After learning the Others could not convert her against her will and feeling shunned by the other immune survivors, she entered a state of deep loneliness and depression.
With no immediate threat, Carol spent weeks in solitary indulgence. She played rooftop golf, set off fireworks, visited a museum to steal an original Georgia O’Keeffe painting, and swam naked in a hot spring. She made petty requests to the Others, like complaining when a delivered Gatorade wasn’t “ice cold”. These activities were less about joy and more about coping with an overwhelming emptiness.
Her mental state reached a crisis point during a fireworks display when a launched tube tipped over and pointed directly at her. Instead of moving, she turned her chair to face it, waiting silently. The firework narrowly missed her, but the moment broke her. The next day, she painted a giant “come back” on the pavement of her cul-de-sac.
Her plea was answered when Zosia arrived. In a powerful, wordless scene, Carol collapsed into Zosia’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably. After 36 days of complete isolation, she finally gave in and sought connection, even if it meant accepting comfort from a member of the hive mind she distrusts.
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How Fans Reacted to the Episode’s Emotional Punches
The intense focus on character over plot and the shocking injury to Manousos sparked strong reactions online. Many viewers expressed their deep investment in the new character.
One fan on X wrote, “Ep. 7 of #Pluribus was incredible. Manousos is a real one lol; he’s really becoming a favorite, and that last scene— omg chef’s kiss”. Another added, “Ep 7 of Pluribus was an amazing mix, sheer horror when Manousos got stuck on the spikes, Carol almost suicidal with loneliness… I was mesmerised.”.
The episode’s deliberate pacing, however, was not for everyone. A different viewer commented, “I’m 15 minutes into a 48 minute long episode and NOTHING of consequence has happened… rapidly becoming a waste of time.”. Critics acknowledged the slow burn but defended it as essential for showing the characters’ psychological states.
When and Where to Watch ‘Pluribus’
For those catching up or wanting to rewatch the tense episode, here are the key details:
- Series: Pluribus, Season 1
- Episode: 7, titled “The Gap”
- Release Date: December 12, 2025
- Platform: Available exclusively on Apple TV+ with a subscription.
- Season Schedule: New episodes are released every Friday. The two-part season finale will air on December 19 and December 26, 2025.
The performances of Rhea Seehorn and Carlos Manuel Vesga have been widely praised for conveying deep emotion with very little dialogue in this episode. With only two episodes left in the season, the paths of Carol and the rescued Manousos appear to be finally converging.
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