Vince Gilligan Reveals He Knows How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... At the Moment.
The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that Pluribus would turn into a massive hit. “I am so grateful to the audience,” he remarks. “I was surprised by the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”
With the first season of the popular program reaching its finale—and a second season officially in the works—the writers' room reflected on the fan response and whether it will influence the storyline of Pluribus.
About the Overwhelming Viewer Reception
Anyone might to get swayed by the rampant praise and online debates surrounding Pluribus. He is making a conscious effort to steer clear of all that.
“It feels like force fed hot fudge sundaes and being in a state of bliss,” he says. “It's the greatest thing, but I get wind of it through word of mouth, and that's intentional. Not once have I 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 disappear down and then I'd be never leaving the house from Home Depot and I'd be stuck in my living room.”
Despite trying to stay away, there’s no escaping the immensely favorable response to the series. The only approach for the writers 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 plot we develop is not changed by online forums.”
“It's wiser to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan concludes.
The Central Mystery: Has the showrunner See the Ending of Pluribus?
Given that the writers aren’t being guided by public opinion, does it imply they have already decided how Pluribus will finally conclude? Essentially yes… with some caveats.
“We have some interesting ideas about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan reveals. “yet we stand ready to throw out a good idea for a more brilliant plan. This approach has served us in well on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we find a more perfect path and I suspect we'll be doing that.”
On the other hand, if they hit a wall, executive producer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to use as a backup.
“I keep pitching that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and the characters are inside it,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Alternatively, why mess with the iconic TV endings?
“My dream is Carol to awaken beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
