The Showrunner Shares He Knows How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... For Now.
The creative mastermind could not have predicted that the Apple TV+ show would turn into a massive hit. “The viewers have been incredible,” he remarks. “It was unexpected the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
Now that Season 1 of the popular program wrapping up—and a second season already in development—the writers' room reflected on the fan response and whether it will impact the future direction of Pluribus.
About the Tremendous Viewer Reception
Anyone might to get sidetracked by the widespread acclaim and audience predictions regarding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is striving to avoid both.
“It feels like force fed something incredibly sweet and being laughing uncontrollably,” he explains. “It's amazing, but I get wind of it through word of mouth, and that's intentional. Never in my life Googled myself, nor do I ever want to. It's quite the opposite. It's a deep trap I know I would disappear down and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”
In spite of his concerted efforts, there’s no escaping the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to take it in stride and try not to let it alter the course of the show.
“We make no attempt to adjust our writing,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not changed by what people are saying.”
“It's wiser to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan adds.
The Big Question: Has Vince Gilligan Have a Plan for the Ending of Pluribus?
Given that the creative staff are not listening by public opinion, can we assume they have mapped out how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? Essentially yes… with some caveats.
“There are some interesting ideas about where the show might end up,” Gilligan reveals. “yet we stand ready to abandon a solid concept for a better idea. This approach has served 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 they hit a wall, executive producer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to fall back on.
“My recurring proposal is that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll zoom out in the finale and the characters are inside it,” Smith quips, “but nobody's taking me up on that.”
Of course, why not reference the iconic TV endings?
“I'd love for Carol to open her eyes beside Bob Newhart,” he jokes.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
