Vince Gilligan Reveals He Has an Idea of How His Sci-Fi Series Will Conclude... At the Moment.
The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that the Apple TV+ show would emerge as a breakout success. “The viewers have been incredible,” he remarks. “I did not foresee the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
Now that Season 1 of the popular program wrapping up—and a second season already in development—Gilligan and his team reflected on the fan response and whether it will shape the future direction of Pluribus.
About the Overwhelming Fan Response
It would be easy to get swayed by the widespread acclaim and fan theories regarding Pluribus. The creator is making a conscious effort to steer clear of all that.
“It feels like constantly eating something incredibly sweet and being laughing uncontrollably,” he describes. “It's wonderful, but I learn of it anecdotally, and that's on purpose. I have never searched for my own name online, nor do I ever intend to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would fall into and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket 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 best he and his team can do is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.
“We make no attempt to change the plot,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not impacted by audience chatter.”
“It's wiser to keep our heads down and working,” he chimes in.
The Big Question: Will the showrunner Know the Ending of Pluribus?
Given that Gilligan and his team aren't taking cues by public opinion, can we assume they have already decided how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… in a way.
“There are some interesting ideas about how the story could conclude,” he states. “but we are always ready to abandon a good idea for a superior concept. That philosophy has guided us in well on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we get a better idea and I suspect we'll be doing that.”
Then again, if plans fall through, director and writer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to serve as a last resort.
“I constantly suggest that the entire story is inside a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and that's where they've been all along,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Then again, why not reference the iconic TV endings?
“I want Carol to open her eyes next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus can be watched on Apple TV+.
