The Showrunner Shares He Has an Idea of How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... For Now.
The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that the Apple TV+ show would emerge as a massive hit. “God bless the fans,” Gilligan says. “I did not foresee the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”
As the debut season of the hit program reaching its finale—and a second season officially in the works—the writers' room recently discussed the audience reaction and whether it will shape the narrative path of Pluribus.
About the Incredible Viewer Reception
It would be easy to get sidetracked by the widespread acclaim and audience predictions about Pluribus. The creator is doing his best to steer clear of all that.
“It's like being constantly eating hot fudge sundaes and being tickled to death,” he says. “It's wonderful, but I hear about it anecdotally, and that's by design. Not once have I looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever want to. Not because I don't care. It's a rabbit hole 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 Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no escaping the immensely favorable response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to accept it graciously and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.
“It is not our goal to change the plot,” says Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not changed by online forums.”
“We prefer to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan concludes.
The Central Mystery: Will the creator Know the Finale of Pluribus?
Given that Gilligan and his team aren't taking cues by fan response, can we assume they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? Essentially yes… in a way.
“There are some compelling concepts about how the story could conclude,” he states. “but we are always ready to discard a good idea for a better idea. This approach has served us in well on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we get a better idea and I suspect we'll be doing that.”
On the other hand, if plans fall through, director and writer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to use as a backup.
“I constantly suggest that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and the characters are inside it,” Smith quips, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Of course, why mess with the classics?
“I'd love for Carol to open her eyes beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan says with a smile.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
