The Showrunner Discloses He Has an Idea of How Pluribus Might Finish... For Now.
The creative mastermind could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would turn into a breakout success. “God bless the fans,” he states. “It was unexpected the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
As the debut season of the popular program coming to an end—and a second season greenlit and underway—the creative team opened up about the audience reaction and whether it will influence the future direction of Pluribus.
Regarding the Incredible Viewer Reception
It would be easy to get distracted by the widespread acclaim and fan theories surrounding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is doing his best to steer clear of all that.
“The experience is akin to force fed something incredibly sweet and being laughing uncontrollably,” he describes. “It's the greatest thing, but I learn of it from others, and that's by design. Never in my life searched for my own name online, nor do I ever plan 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 pooping in a five gallon bucket from the hardware store and I'd be stuck in my living room.”
In spite of trying to stay away, there’s it's impossible to ignore the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it alter the course of the show.
“We don't try to tailor anything,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not changed by audience chatter.”
“We prefer to keep our focus on the work,” he chimes in.
The Central Mystery: Will the creator Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?
Given that the writers are not listening by audience theories, does that mean they have already decided how Pluribus will ultimately end? The answer is yes… in a way.
“We've developed some compelling concepts about where the show might end up,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to abandon a decent plan for a more brilliant plan. This approach has served us in well on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we conceive of something superior and I expect we'll continue doing that.”
Then again, if plans fall through, director and writer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to fall back on.
“My recurring proposal is that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and we're in there,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Of course, one could always use the legendary finales?
“I want Carol to open her eyes next to Bob Newhart,” he jokes.
Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV+.
