Vince Gilligan Shares He Has a Plan for How Pluribus Will Conclude... Currently.
The acclaimed writer-producer never anticipated that Pluribus would emerge as a massive hit. “I am so grateful to the audience,” he states. “I did not foresee the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
As the debut season of the popular sci-fi show reaching its finale—and a second season officially in the works—the creative team recently discussed the viewer reception and whether it will shape the storyline of Pluribus.
About the Overwhelming Viewer Reception
It would be easy to get distracted by the constant speculation and fan theories surrounding Pluribus. He is doing his best to ignore the noise.
“It feels like constantly eating hot fudge sundaes and being tickled to death,” he describes. “It's wonderful, but I learn of it from others, and that's on purpose. Never in my life looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever intend to. Not because I don't care. It's a rabbit hole I know I would fall into and then I'd be living in squalor from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”
Despite Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no escaping the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The best he and his team can do is to take it in stride and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.
“We don't try to tailor anything,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not changed by what people are saying.”
“It's wiser to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan concludes.
The Central Mystery: Will the showrunner Know the Ending of Pluribus?
So if the creative staff are not listening by public opinion, does it imply they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? Essentially yes… with some caveats.
“We have some compelling concepts about where the show might end up,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to abandon a good idea for a more brilliant plan. That has held us in good stead on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We scrap ideas when we find a more perfect path and I expect we'll continue doing that.”
On the other hand, if plans fall through, director and writer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to use as a backup.
“I constantly suggest that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and that's where they've been all along,” he says humorously, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Alternatively, why not reference the iconic TV endings?
“I'd love for Carol to open her eyes with Bob Newhart there,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV+.
