The Showrunner Shares He Has a Plan for How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... For Now.
Vince Gilligan did not foresee that the Apple TV+ show would become a breakout success. “I am so grateful to the audience,” he states. “I did not foresee the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
With the first season of the acclaimed series coming to an end—and Season 2 officially in the works—the creative team reflected on the viewer reception and whether it will influence the storyline of Pluribus.
On the Overwhelming Viewer Reception
It would be easy to get sidetracked by the rampant praise and online debates surrounding Pluribus. He is making a conscious effort to avoid both.
“It feels like force fed hot fudge sundaes and being tickled to death,” he explains. “It's the greatest thing, but I learn of it from others, and that's on purpose. Not once have I searched for my own name online, nor do I ever plan 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 the hardware store and I'd never leave my living room.”
In spite of his concerted efforts, 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 make no attempt to change the plot,” says Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not changed by audience chatter.”
“It's wiser to keep our noses to the grindstone,” he chimes in.
The Big Question: Has the showrunner Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?
Considering the writers aren't taking cues by audience theories, does that mean they have mapped out how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… with some caveats.
“There are some compelling concepts about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to discard a good idea for a more brilliant plan. That philosophy has guided 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 expect we'll continue doing that.”
Alternatively, if all else fails, director and writer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing 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 we're in there,” Smith jokes, “but nobody's taking me up on that.”
Then again, why not reference the classics?
“I want Carol to wake up in bed next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan says with a smile.
Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV.
