The Showrunner Reveals He Has an Idea of How His Sci-Fi Series Might Finish... Currently.
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 remarks. “It was unexpected the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”
Now that Season 1 of the popular series wrapping up—and Season 2 greenlit and underway—Gilligan and his team reflected on the audience reaction and whether it will impact the narrative path of Pluribus.
On the Overwhelming Fan Response
It would be easy to get distracted by the constant speculation and audience predictions regarding Pluribus. He is striving to ignore the noise.
“It feels like force fed hot fudge sundaes and being in a state of bliss,” he says. “It's the greatest thing, but I learn of it from others, and that's intentional. Not once have I Googled myself, nor do I ever intend to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would disappear down and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from the hardware store and I'd rarely emerge from my living room.”
Despite his concerted efforts, there’s no way to avoid the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to accept it graciously and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.
“It is not our goal to adjust our writing,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not changed by online forums.”
“It's wiser to keep our noses to the grindstone,” he chimes in.
The Big Question: Will Vince Gilligan Have a Plan for the Ending of Pluribus?
Given that Gilligan and his team are not listening by fan response, does that mean they have mapped out how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… with some caveats.
“We've developed some potential directions about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to throw out a good idea for a better idea. That philosophy has guided us in good stead on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we conceive of something superior and I suspect we'll be doing that.”
Alternatively, if plans fall through, executive producer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing idea to fall back on.
“I constantly suggest that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and that's where they've been all along,” he says humorously, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Of course, why mess with the classics?
“I want Carol to awaken beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV.
