The 'Breaking Bad' Creator Reveals He Knows How Pluribus Will Conclude... At the Moment.
The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that his new science-fiction series would become a breakout success. “The viewers have been incredible,” he states. “I did not foresee the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
Now that Season 1 of the acclaimed sci-fi show wrapping up—and the next chapter greenlit and underway—the creative team reflected on the viewer reception and whether it will influence the storyline of Pluribus.
On the Overwhelming Fan Response
One could easily to get sidetracked by the constant speculation and online debates about Pluribus. The creator is making a conscious effort to avoid both.
“The experience is akin to an endless supply of something incredibly sweet and being tickled to death,” he describes. “It's amazing, but I learn of it through word of mouth, and that's intentional. 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 deep trap I know I would disappear down and then I'd be never leaving the house from the hardware store and I'd never leave my living room.”
Despite Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s it's impossible to ignore the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The most practical strategy is to take it in stride and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.
“It is not our goal to change the plot,” says Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not impacted by audience chatter.”
“We prefer to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan concludes.
The Big Question: Does Vince Gilligan Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?
So if Gilligan and his team aren’t being guided by public opinion, can we assume they have already decided how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… sort of.
“We've developed some compelling concepts about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to abandon a decent plan for a more brilliant plan. That philosophy has guided us in well on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We throw stuff out when we conceive of something superior and I expect we'll continue doing that.”
On the other hand, if plans fall through, executive producer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to use as a backup.
“I keep pitching that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and we're in there,” Smith jokes, “but no one is buying it.”
Alternatively, one could always use the classics?
“I'd love for Carol to awaken beside Bob Newhart,” he jokes.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
