Pluribus

Plur1bus, the latest series from Vince Gilligan (of Breaking Bad and X-Files fame), shows us a world in which an alien virus has infected all of humankind, erasing our greed, our violence, our bigotry, our misogyny, our deceit - all our pain and suffering. The world of Plur1bus is an Earth that has achieved Star Trek's humanist ideal, and then some: all human effort is now focused on loving care for all of life - warp-driven empathy, if you will.

No alien space armada, no invasive parasites, no robotic marauders; just a benevolent virus. In half the time it took us to build the first atomic bomb, humankind transitions to total peace, harmony, and tranquility. No more war, no more crime, no more hatred - just peace and care.

Every human being is now part of a shared consciousness, in which everyone's memories and skills and experiences are accessible to all. Everyone knows everything. Anyone can do anything. Each person's mind is linked to this collective, and the result is total cooperation. No more violence, no more antagonism. No poverty, no suffering. Everyone is safe. Everyone is happy. Everyone cares for everyone else, and no one goes without.

Humanity has basically become the Borg of Star Trek - but with Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics built in. And that turns out to be a recipe for horror...