The Showrunner Discloses He Has an Idea of How Pluribus Might Finish... Currently.
The acclaimed writer-producer never anticipated that Pluribus would become a cultural phenomenon. “God bless the fans,” he remarks. “I was surprised by the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
As the debut season of the popular sci-fi show reaching its finale—and Season 2 officially in the works—the creative team reflected on the audience reaction and whether it will impact the future direction of Pluribus.
Regarding the Tremendous Viewer Reception
Anyone might to get swayed by the rampant praise and audience predictions about Pluribus. He is doing his best to steer clear of all that.
“It feels like an endless supply of something incredibly sweet and being tickled to death,” he describes. “It's amazing, but I learn of it anecdotally, and that's on purpose. Never in my life looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever intend to. Not because I don't care. It's a deep trap I know I would get lost in and then I'd be living in squalor from the hardware store and I'd never leave my living room.”
In spite of Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no way to avoid the immensely favorable 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 change the plot,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not impacted by online forums.”
“We prefer to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan adds.
The Big Question: Will Vince Gilligan See the Finale of Pluribus?
So if the writers aren't taking cues by audience theories, can we assume they have already decided how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? In short yes… with some caveats.
“We've developed some compelling concepts about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to discard a solid concept 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 change course when we get a better idea and I expect we'll continue doing that.”
Then again, if all else fails, director and writer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing idea to serve as a last resort.
“My recurring proposal is that the entire story is inside a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and the characters are inside it,” Smith quips, “but no one is buying it.”
Of course, one could always use the legendary finales?
“I'd love for Carol to awaken beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus can be watched on the streaming service.
