The 'Breaking Bad' Creator Reveals He Knows How Pluribus Will Conclude... For Now.
The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would become a cultural phenomenon. “God bless the fans,” he remarks. “I did not foresee the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”
With the first season of the hit series coming to an end—and a second season already in development—the writers' room recently discussed the audience reaction and whether it will shape the storyline of Pluribus.
Regarding the Overwhelming Audience Reaction
Anyone might to get sidetracked by the constant speculation and online debates about Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is doing his best to avoid both.
“The experience is akin to force fed something incredibly sweet and being tickled to death,” he says. “It's amazing, but I get wind of it anecdotally, and that's on purpose. Never in my life looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever intend to. It's quite the opposite. It's a rabbit hole I know I would fall into and then I'd be never leaving the house from Home Depot and I'd be stuck in my living room.”
Despite trying to stay away, 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 alter the course of the show.
“We make no attempt to change the plot,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not changed by online forums.”
“Better to keep our focus on the work,” he chimes in.
The Central Mystery: Will Vince Gilligan Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?
Given that Gilligan and his team are not listening by fan response, does it imply they have already decided how Pluribus will finally conclude? Essentially yes… in a way.
“We have some interesting ideas about where the show might end up,” Gilligan reveals. “but we are always ready to discard a solid concept for a more brilliant plan. That has held us in excellent shape 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 pretty funny idea to fall back on.
“My recurring proposal is that the entire story is inside a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and the characters are inside it,” Smith quips, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Of course, why mess with the classics?
“I want Carol to open her eyes with Bob Newhart there,” he jokes.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
