The Showrunner Reveals He Knows How Pluribus Will Conclude... For Now.
Vince Gilligan could not have predicted that the Apple TV+ show would become a breakout success. “God bless the fans,” Gilligan says. “I did not foresee the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”
As the debut season of the acclaimed sci-fi show wrapping up—and a second season officially in the works—the writers' room reflected on the viewer reception and whether it will impact the storyline of Pluribus.
On the Incredible Viewer Reception
Anyone might to get sidetracked by the widespread acclaim and fan theories about Pluribus. He is making a conscious effort to ignore the noise.
“It feels like an endless supply of hot fudge sundaes and being tickled to death,” he describes. “It's the greatest thing, but I learn of it from others, and that's intentional. Not once have I looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever want to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a bottomless pit I know I would get lost in and then I'd be living in squalor from Home Depot and I'd be stuck in my living room.”
Despite Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no way to avoid the immensely favorable response to the series. The most practical strategy is to take it in stride and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.
“It is not our goal to adjust our writing,” says Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not impacted by online forums.”
“It's wiser to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan concludes.
The Big Question: Has the showrunner Know the Conclusion of Pluribus?
Given that the creative staff aren’t being guided by fan response, does that mean they have already decided how Pluribus will finally conclude? The answer is yes… in a way.
“We have some compelling concepts about where the show might end up,” he states. “however, we remain prepared to throw out a decent plan for a better idea. That has held us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We scrap ideas when we find a more perfect path and I imagine we will be doing that.”
On the other hand, if they hit a wall, executive producer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to use as a backup.
“My recurring proposal is that the entire story is inside a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and that's where they've been all along,” Smith jokes, “but no one is buying it.”
Alternatively, why mess with the classics?
“I'd love for Carol to wake up in bed with Bob Newhart there,” he jokes.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
