Vince Gilligan Shares He Knows How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... Currently.
The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that Pluribus would turn into a breakout success. “The viewers have been incredible,” he states. “I was surprised by the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”
With the first season of the hit sci-fi show coming to an end—and Season 2 already in development—the writers' room reflected on the audience reaction and whether it will influence the storyline of Pluribus.
On the Tremendous Audience Reaction
One could easily to get sidetracked by the widespread acclaim and fan theories regarding Pluribus. He is doing his best to steer clear of all that.
“It feels like force fed your favorite dessert and being tickled to death,” he describes. “It's the greatest thing, but I hear about it from others, and that's on purpose. I have never searched for my own name online, nor do I ever want to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would fall into and then I'd be living in squalor from the hardware store and I'd be stuck in my living room.”
Despite his concerted efforts, there’s no way to avoid the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The most practical strategy is to accept it graciously and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.
“It is not our goal to adjust our writing,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not impacted by online forums.”
“It's wiser to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan adds.
The Big Question: Does the creator Know the Finale of Pluribus?
Given that the creative staff are not listening by public opinion, can we assume they have mapped out how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… sort of.
“We've developed some potential directions about how the story could conclude,” he states. “yet we stand ready to abandon a solid concept for a superior concept. That philosophy has guided us in good stead on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we get a better idea and I expect we'll continue doing that.”
Then again, if all else fails, executive producer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing idea to use as a backup.
“I constantly suggest that the entire story is inside a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and we're in there,” he says humorously, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Alternatively, why mess with the legendary finales?
“I'd love for Carol to wake up in bed with Bob Newhart there,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
