Vince Gilligan Reveals He Has an Idea of How His Sci-Fi Series Might Finish... For Now.
The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that Pluribus would turn into a massive hit. “The viewers have been incredible,” he remarks. “I did not foresee the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”
Now that Season 1 of the acclaimed sci-fi show wrapping up—and the next chapter officially in the works—the writers' room recently discussed the audience reaction and whether it will shape the future direction of Pluribus.
Regarding the Overwhelming Viewer Reception
Anyone might to get swayed by the rampant praise and online debates regarding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is striving to steer clear of all that.
“The experience is akin to an endless supply of hot fudge sundaes and being in a state of bliss,” he describes. “It's wonderful, but I learn of it from others, and that's on purpose. Never in my life searched for my own name online, 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 never leaving the house from the hardware store and I'd never leave my living room.”
Despite trying to stay away, there’s no escaping 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. “Our storytelling is not changed by online forums.”
“It's wiser to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan adds.
A Pressing Query: Does the creator Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?
So if the writers are not listening by public opinion, does that mean they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? Essentially yes… sort of.
“We've developed some potential directions about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to abandon 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 throw stuff out when we find a more perfect path and I imagine we will be doing that.”
Alternatively, if they hit a wall, director and writer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing idea to serve as a last resort.
“I constantly suggest that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll zoom out in the finale and we're in there,” Smith quips, “but nobody's taking me up on that.”
Then again, why mess with the legendary finales?
“I want Carol to awaken beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV.
