What is Proteus in Zero Day? Explained 

What is Proteus in Zero Day? Explained (Image Source - x/netflix)
What is Proteus in Zero Day? Explained (Image Source - x/netflix)

In Zero Day, Proteus is a secret government weapon designed to cause brain damage remotely without leaving any physical evidence. The project was approved by former President George Mullen, but it was never officially completed or used, at least according to records.

Despite the project being classified and allegedly abandoned, Zero Day raises doubts about whether Proteus was secretly deployed. Mullen himself starts experiencing hallucinations, memory loss, and cognitive issues, leading some to suspect he was targeted by the weapon. However, by the end of the series, no solid proof confirms that Proteus was ever activated.


How does Proteus work?

Proteus was meant to be an invisible neurological weapon. Scientists designed it to damage a person’s brain from a distance, making it look like they had natural health issues instead of being attacked. Since the damage couldn’t be traced back to Proteus, it violated international laws, including the Geneva Conventions.

Valerie Whitesell, Mullen’s former chief of staff, digs into the project and tracks down one of the scientists who worked on it. He explains how dangerous the weapon is, but he also insists it was never actually used, at least, as far as he knows.


Was Proteus used in Zero Day?

Although Proteus is mentioned throughout Zero Day, viewers never see it in action. No one is shown operating it, and there’s no clear confirmation that it’s the cause of Mullen’s symptoms. The show keeps the mystery alive, making it seem like Proteus could have been secretly used in the past or even during the events of the series.

However, the show leaves things open-ended. It’s possible that Proteus was only a distraction, a red herring to mislead the audience. The scientist’s detailed knowledge of its effects suggests that it was at least tested at some point, but there’s no proof that it’s active in the present timeline.

In Zero Day, the real conspiracy comes to light. The cyber attack wasn’t just the work of rogue hackers; it was driven by powerful figures with hidden agendas. Billionaire Monica Kidder is one of the first major players to be arrested, and the investigation exposes a deeper network of corruption.

While Mullen’s health issues remain a mystery, the story suggests that powerful elites manipulate events in ways that ordinary people may never fully understand. Whether Proteus was part of this grand scheme or simply an abandoned project, Zero Day leaves viewers questioning how much of the truth remains hidden.


Keep reading Soap Central for more pieces like this!

Also read - Zero Day Season 1 Recap and ending explained: Why did Richard Dryer want the Zero Day Commission?

Edited by Ishita Banerjee
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