When a television series introduces a morally complex protagonist, audience reactions often become just as compelling as the story itself. Pluribus has sparked conversations for its unconventional lead, with viewers divided over whether the character's difficult personality makes her compelling or frustrating to watch.

That debate recently took center stage at a Hollywood panel, where Rhea Seehorn reflected on the expectations placed on flawed protagonists. Her comments also raised a broader question about how audiences judge male and female characters differently.

Speaking at THR x Apple TV's Leading the Narrative: Women of Apple TV event in Los Angeles, Rhea Seehorn addressed criticism surrounding her Pluribus character, Carol Sturka, who has frequently been described online as "unlikeable." 

 "It's so weird, no one asked me about Walter White being unlikeable," the actress said, referring to series creator Vince Gilligan.

Rhea Seehorn explained that discussions around female characters often focus on whether they are "palatable" instead of whether they are authentic. She argued that Carol's grief, frustration, and abrasive personality are intentional aspects of the character rather than flaws to be softened. The conversation highlighted how antiheroes like Walter White are often judged differently from women who display similar imperfections.

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While Carol's personality has fueled online discussion, the show's distinctive world was also shaped by an equally ambitious production spanning multiple locations.

Although Pluribus follows Carol Sturka through an unusual post-apocalyptic world, the series was brought to life across multiple filming locations in the United States and Spain. The production traveled across two continents, using varied landscapes to support its genre-blending story. The carefully selected locations helped balance the show's grounded emotional drama with its surreal science-fiction premise, creating a world that feels both familiar and unsettling.

The primary production hub was Albuquerque, New Mexico, which also serves as the show's setting. Vince Gilligan and the production team filmed extensively on city streets, local exteriors, and within a dedicated downtown production facility to establish the series' visual identity. Additional sequences were also filmed in Helena, Montana, providing further variety to the show's locations.

Rhea Seehorn's comments have added another layer to the conversation surrounding Pluribus, shifting the focus from whether Carol Sturka is "likeable" to whether audiences are willing to embrace a deliberately flawed protagonist. As the series continues to grow its fanbase, the discussion around its central character appears set to remain part of its legacy.

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What do you think should television protagonists be judged by how likeable they are, or by how authentic they feel? Let us know in the comments!