The Showrunner Reveals He Has an Idea of How Pluribus Will Conclude... At the Moment.
The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would emerge as a cultural phenomenon. “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.”
Now that Season 1 of the popular sci-fi show coming to an end—and a second season already in development—Gilligan and his team recently discussed the audience reaction and whether it will shape the narrative path of Pluribus.
Regarding the Incredible Viewer Reception
Anyone might to get sidetracked by the rampant praise and fan theories surrounding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is making a conscious effort to avoid both.
“It's like being force fed something incredibly sweet and being laughing uncontrollably,” he describes. “It's wonderful, but I get wind of it from others, and that's intentional. Never in my life Googled myself, nor do I ever plan to. It's quite the opposite. It's a rabbit hole I know I would get lost in and then I'd be living in squalor from Home Depot and I'd be stuck in my living room.”
Regardless of his concerted efforts, there’s no way to avoid the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it alter the course of the show.
“It is not our goal to change the plot,” says Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not impacted by what people are saying.”
“It's wiser to keep our heads down and working,” Gilligan concludes.
A Pressing Query: Does Vince Gilligan Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?
Given that Gilligan and his team are not listening by fan response, does that mean they have already decided how Pluribus will finally conclude? The answer is yes… with some caveats.
“We've developed some compelling concepts about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan says. “yet we stand ready to abandon a decent plan for a more brilliant plan. That philosophy has guided us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We throw stuff out when we conceive of something superior and I expect we'll continue doing that.”
On the other hand, if they hit a wall, Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to use as a backup.
“I keep pitching that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and we're in there,” he says humorously, “but no one is buying it.”
Then again, why not reference the legendary finales?
“I want Carol to awaken with Bob Newhart there,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus can be watched on Apple TV.
