Carol & the End of the World S1E3 Throuple Recap

The episode kicks off with Carol undertaking a seemingly mundane task: baking banana bread. As alarms sound in three different households at 8 am, viewers are introduced to Carol, Donna, and a balding man, each preparing for their day ahead. Donna offers the man a ride to the office, where Carol fantasizes about forging a connection with Donna through her banana bread gesture.

In reality, Donna’s response to Carol’s gesture is minimal, but she later pulls Carol aside to offer advice on her behavior. On a cruise ship, Carol’s parents and Michael enjoy a meal at a restaurant where the overly cheerful captain leaves a tired impression despite his years of experience.

Back at the office, the arrival of two men from Management injects an air of uncertainty as they seek volunteers for night shifts. Donna finally samples Carol’s banana bread, sparking a conversation about the purpose of their work—an audit that Donna remains ambiguous about. Carol’s attempt at humor falls flat, but as the night progresses, she and Donna bond during breaks, exchanging personal anecdotes and vulnerabilities.

Enter Luis, the balding man, who disrupts the office monotony with his eccentric theories, suggesting they are all in purgatory. The scene shifts between Carol, Donna, and Luis suddenly waking from dozing in their chairs, adding an eerie undertone to the narrative.

Back at the office, an impromptu calisthenics session led by Luis further blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. While Donna remains skeptical, Carol indulges Luis’s whims, partaking in a tanning salon adventure within the building. Amidst the surreal experience, Carol opens up about missing simple pleasures like Applebee’s, deepening her connection with her colleagues.

As barriers dissolve and vulnerabilities surface, Carol’s journey of self-discovery continues, revealing humor and humanity in the face of imminent doom.