Pluribus Episode 3 Recap & Ending Explained: Cameo & HDP’s Meaning

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The sixth episode of Pluribus includes an unexpected guest appearance, sheds light on what the infected people eat, and ends with a compelling setup for future episodes.

I was on the edge of my seat during the last few minutes of Pluribus episode 5! Carol figured out the infected were getting something from milk cartons, and when she looked into it, she discovered they were drinking this weird yellow liquid. Then, at the very end, she stumbled upon a warehouse where these infected people were hoarding something truly creepy – it was a really unsettling discovery!

The latest episode of the Apple TV sci-fi series reveals what Carol discovered, finally answering the question raised at the end of the previous episode. Many viewers had guessed she found remains of people who had died, and this episode confirms those suspicions, explaining what it means for the infected individuals.

John Cena’s Cameo In Pluribus Episode 6 Explained

Carol discovers the infected have been collecting and freezing body parts to eat. She goes to Las Vegas to inform Mr. Diabate, but he surprisingly already knows about their cannibalistic behavior. He then reveals a video featuring John Cena detailing the composition of the liquid the infected drink to survive.

It’s both funny and scary to discover that John Cena is one of the infected. Like his recent appearances in shows like The Bear and Barbie, he plays himself, which adds to the humor. But the scene quickly becomes unsettling as you realize even someone as recognizable as Cena, with his distinctive personality and WWE fame, has been stripped of his individuality by the hive mind.

HDP Explained: What The “Afflicted Others” Drink From The Milk Cartons

Apple TV

John Cena reveals that the Others are now getting most of their nutrients from the liquid found in milk cartons. They avoid harming living creatures for food, leaving them with a significant calorie shortage. To get the protein they need, they’ve turned to this liquid, which Cena explains contains HDP (Human Derived Protein) and other ingredients to provide them with essential nutrients.

He explains their eating habits by saying they don’t like it, but feel they have no other option. Later, Carol discovers from Diabate that even with this new food source, the infected won’t survive for long and will eventually starve if they can’t find a way to get enough nutrients while still maintaining their strict beliefs.

Why The Immune Cannot Be Infected By “The Others” Without Consent

Photo: Apple TV via MovieStillsDB.

From the start, Carol has worried the Others might somehow turn her into one of them against her will. Thankfully, Diabate explains that they can only infect her by taking and altering her stem cells to carry the virus. Because getting stem cells requires a very invasive procedure, they can’t do it without her permission.

Once Carol understood what was happening, she made it clear to the Others that she didn’t want to join them. She specifically told them they didn’t have permission to take stem cells from her bone marrow, guaranteeing she’d stay unaffected. Diabate also shared that he’d refused their request to join, meaning he’s safe for now as well.

Why The Immune Man From Paraguay Is So Much Like Carol

So, there’s this guy, a total recluse from Paraguay, who’s somehow immune to this pandemic. He’s gone to extreme lengths – basically barricaded himself inside a factory and was even starving himself – just to avoid any contact with other people. But then he gets this video from a woman named Carol, and she thinks she’s figured out a way to stop the pandemic. It’s a game changer for him, and he knows he has to risk everything and meet her, even after all he’s done to stay safe.

Finally, he leaves the factory, packs his bags, and starts driving to Carol’s place. On his way out, he meets an infected woman who calls someone “son.” He sharply tells her not to call him that and cruelly insults his own mother before driving off. This suggests he, like Carol, has a difficult past and struggles to allow himself to be happy.

We still don’t fully understand why some people don’t get sick, but current evidence suggests immunity is linked to experiences and psychological factors rather than just genetics.

Why The Other Immune Individuals Don’t Want To Talk To Carol

After meeting Diabate, Carol discovers that the other people who can’t get sick, aside from the man from Paraguay, have already been communicating with each other. This realization is upsetting for Carol, as it highlights how isolated she feels in this changed world. Diabate also tells her that the group held a vote on whether to include her in their discussions, and the majority decided not to.

Carol is understandably upset, but she’s relieved to discover she won’t be infected. What she doesn’t realize is that she’s about to meet someone in a similar situation. In episode 7 of ‘Pluribus,’ it appears Carol will connect with a man from Paraguay, and together they’ll begin searching for a cure to the pandemic.

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2025-12-05 12:59