The 'Breaking Bad' Creator Shares He Knows How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... For Now.
Vince Gilligan never anticipated that Pluribus would turn into a massive hit. “I am so grateful to the audience,” he states. “I did not foresee the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
Now that Season 1 of the acclaimed program wrapping up—and Season 2 already in development—the writers' room recently discussed the audience reaction and whether it will shape the narrative path of Pluribus.
Regarding the Incredible Audience Reaction
One could easily to get sidetracked by the widespread acclaim and fan theories surrounding Pluribus. The creator is making a conscious effort to ignore the noise.
“The experience is akin to an endless supply of something incredibly sweet and being in a state of bliss,” he says. “It's wonderful, but I learn of it anecdotally, and that's intentional. Not once have I searched for my own name online, nor do I ever intend to. Not because I don't care. It's a deep trap I know I would fall into and then I'd be never leaving the house from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”
Regardless of trying to stay away, there’s no escaping the immensely favorable response to the series. The most practical strategy is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it alter the course of the show.
“It is not our goal to change the plot,” says Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not influenced by audience chatter.”
“We prefer to keep our heads down and working,” Gilligan adds.
The Big Question: Will the showrunner See the Conclusion of Pluribus?
Considering the writers aren't taking cues by fan response, does that mean they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? Essentially yes… with some caveats.
“We have some interesting ideas about where the show might end up,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to throw out a good idea for a superior concept. 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.”
Alternatively, if all else fails, executive producer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to serve as a last resort.
“I keep pitching that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and the characters are inside it,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Then again, why mess with the legendary finales?
“I want Carol to wake up in bed with Bob Newhart there,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus can be watched on Apple TV+.
