Vince Gilligan Reveals He Knows How Pluribus Will End... For Now.
The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that the Apple TV+ show would turn into a massive hit. “I am so grateful to the audience,” Gilligan says. “I did not foresee the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”
As the debut season of the acclaimed program reaching its finale—and a second season greenlit and underway—the writers' room opened up about the fan response and whether it will shape the future direction of Pluribus.
Regarding the Tremendous Viewer Reception
It would be easy to get distracted by the widespread acclaim and audience predictions regarding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is doing his best to ignore the noise.
“It feels like force fed something incredibly sweet and being in a state of bliss,” he says. “It's the greatest thing, but I learn of it from others, and that's by design. Not once have I searched for my own name online, nor do I ever intend to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a rabbit hole I know I would disappear down and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”
In spite of his concerted efforts, there’s no way to avoid the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The best he and his team can do is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.
“It is not our goal to tailor anything,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not influenced by what people are saying.”
“Better to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan concludes.
The Central Mystery: Does the showrunner Know the Finale of Pluribus?
Considering the creative staff aren’t being guided by audience theories, does it imply they already know how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… in a way.
“There are some interesting ideas about where the show might end up,” Gilligan reveals. “however, we remain prepared to throw out a decent plan for a better idea. That has held us in good stead on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We throw stuff out when we get a better idea and I suspect we'll be doing that.”
Then again, if all else fails, director and writer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to serve as a last resort.
“I constantly suggest that the entire story is inside a snow globe, and that we'll zoom out in the finale and we're in there,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Alternatively, why not reference the iconic TV endings?
“My dream is Carol to awaken next to Bob Newhart,” he jokes.
Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV.
