Vince Gilligan Shares He Knows How His Sci-Fi Series Will Conclude... For Now.
The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that his new science-fiction series would emerge as a massive hit. “God bless the fans,” he states. “I was surprised by the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”
As the debut season of the popular series coming to an end—and a second season greenlit and underway—Gilligan and his team recently discussed the viewer reception and whether it will shape the storyline of Pluribus.
Regarding the Incredible Audience Reaction
One could easily to get distracted by the constant speculation and fan theories surrounding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is making a conscious effort to steer clear of all that.
“The experience is akin to constantly eating something incredibly sweet and being tickled to death,” he describes. “It's wonderful, but I learn of it anecdotally, and that's by design. Never in my life looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever plan to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a rabbit hole I know I would disappear down and then I'd be living in squalor from the hardware store and I'd be stuck in my living room.”
In spite of trying to stay away, there’s no way to avoid the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The most practical strategy is to accept it graciously and try not to let it alter the course of the show.
“We make no attempt to adjust our writing,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not impacted by what people are saying.”
“We prefer to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan adds.
A Pressing Query: Has the showrunner See the Ending of Pluribus?
Given that the creative staff aren't taking cues by audience theories, does it imply they have mapped out how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… in a way.
“We've developed some interesting ideas about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan reveals. “yet we stand ready to discard a decent plan for a better idea. That philosophy has guided us in excellent shape 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.”
On the other hand, if all else fails, director and writer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to serve as a last resort.
“I constantly suggest that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and we're in there,” Smith quips, “but no one is buying it.”
Alternatively, one could always use the legendary finales?
“My dream is Carol to wake up in bed beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
