The Showrunner Discloses He Knows How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... Currently.
The creative mastermind did not foresee that the Apple TV+ show would become a massive hit. “God bless the fans,” he states. “It was unexpected the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
As the debut season of the hit program reaching its finale—and Season 2 already in development—Gilligan and his team opened up about the fan response and whether it will shape the storyline of Pluribus.
On the Overwhelming Audience Reaction
It would be easy to get distracted by the widespread acclaim and audience predictions regarding Pluribus. He is making a conscious effort to ignore the noise.
“It's like being an endless supply of your favorite dessert and being in a state of bliss,” he describes. “It's amazing, but I hear about it anecdotally, and that's intentional. I have never looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever plan to. Not because I don't care. It's a rabbit hole I know I would fall into and then I'd be living in squalor from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”
Despite Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no way to avoid the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The most practical strategy is to accept it graciously and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.
“It is not our goal to tailor anything,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not changed by what people are saying.”
“We prefer to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan concludes.
The Big Question: Does Vince Gilligan See the Ending of Pluribus?
So if the creative staff aren't taking cues by public opinion, can we assume they have already decided how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… with some caveats.
“We've developed some potential directions about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan reveals. “yet we stand ready to abandon a decent plan for a more brilliant plan. That has held us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we find a more perfect path and I imagine we will 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 we're in there,” Smith quips, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Of course, why not reference the legendary finales?
“I want Carol to open her eyes next to Bob Newhart,” he jokes.
Pluribus can be watched on Apple TV+.
