The 'Breaking Bad' Creator Discloses He Has a Plan for How His Sci-Fi Series Will Conclude... At the Moment.
Vince Gilligan could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would emerge as a massive hit. “The viewers have been incredible,” Gilligan says. “It was unexpected the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
Now that Season 1 of the acclaimed sci-fi show reaching its finale—and a second season already in development—the creative team recently discussed the audience reaction and whether it will shape the future direction of Pluribus.
On the Incredible Viewer Reception
Anyone might to get sidetracked by the rampant praise and audience predictions surrounding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is striving to avoid both.
“The experience is akin to constantly eating your favorite dessert and being laughing uncontrollably,” he describes. “It's amazing, but I learn of it from others, and that's by design. Not once have I looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever plan to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a bottomless pit I know I would fall into 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 it's impossible to ignore the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The most practical strategy is to accept it graciously and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.
“We don't try to adjust our writing,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not changed by what people are saying.”
“Better to keep our heads down and working,” he chimes in.
The Big Question: Does the creator Have a Plan for the Ending of Pluribus?
Considering the writers aren’t being guided by audience theories, does that mean they have mapped out how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… with some caveats.
“We've developed some interesting ideas about where the show might end up,” Gilligan reveals. “but we are always ready to throw out a solid concept for a superior concept. This approach has served us in good stead 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.”
Alternatively, if plans fall through, 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 zoom out in the finale and the characters are inside it,” he says humorously, “but nobody's taking me up on that.”
Alternatively, why not reference the classics?
“I'd love for Carol to open her eyes next to Bob Newhart,” he jokes.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
