Carol Sturka makes a horrific discovery in the latest episode of Apple TV's "Pluribus." Episode 5, titled "Got Milk," aired early on November 26, 2025. The reveal has sparked immediate comparisons to the classic film "Soylent Green."
This discovery fundamentally alters the understanding of the hive mind's true nature. It centers on a mysterious substance the Others consume like milk. The cliffhanger ending left viewers desperate for answers.
Carol finds herself alone in Albuquerque after the Others abandon her. She uses her isolation to investigate the strange liquid they drink. Her search leads her to a warehouse called Duke City Dairy.
She discovers the liquid is not dairy at all. According to Decider, it is an amber-colored, odorless mixture. It is made from a white powder mixed with water.
Carol tests the substance with pH strips. The results show a neutral pH of 7.1. The texture is thin, similar to olive oil.
Viewers instantly connected the dots to the 1973 film. "Soylent Green" famously featured food made from human remains. Online forums exploded with this theory immediately after the episode.
Fans point to the title of the next episode, "HDP." Many believe it stands for "Host/Human Derived Proteins." This suggests the white powder could be derived from deceased hive members.
This theory is supported by earlier scenes showing covered tarps. Carol's visceral reaction of terror and disgust hints at an unthinkable truth. Her gasp before the credits roll was deliberately chilling.
Carol believes she may have found a way to reverse the Joining. Her discovery, however, presents a moral nightmare. Does she use this horrifying knowledge to save individuals?
Or does accepting this truth mean condoning a gruesome process? The show continues to explore deep themes of conformity and identity. Rhea Seehorn's solo performance captures the immense weight of this discovery.
Vince Gilligan has crafted another masterful mystery. The audience must wait until December 5 for episode 6. The answer under the tarp could change everything.
The Pluribus milk mystery has redefined suspense television with its shocking premise. Carol's journey from betrayal to terrifying revelation keeps viewers on the edge. This Soylent Green twist ensures fans will be theorizing for weeks.