The Showrunner Reveals He Has a Plan for How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... Currently.
The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would emerge as a cultural phenomenon. “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.”
With the first season of the popular series reaching its finale—and the next chapter already in development—the creative team reflected on the viewer reception and whether it will influence the future direction of Pluribus.
Regarding the Incredible Audience Reaction
One could easily to get swayed by the constant speculation and fan theories regarding Pluribus. He is making a conscious effort to steer clear of all that.
“It's like being an endless supply of hot fudge sundaes and being laughing uncontrollably,” he explains. “It's amazing, but I learn of it through word of mouth, and that's by design. Never in my life searched for my own name online, nor do I ever want to. Not because I don't care. It's a deep trap 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 rarely emerge from my living room.”
Regardless of his concerted efforts, there’s it's impossible to ignore the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to take it in stride and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.
“We make no attempt to tailor anything,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not impacted by what people are saying.”
“Better to keep our heads down and working,” Gilligan concludes.
A Pressing Query: Will the creator See the Ending of Pluribus?
So if Gilligan and his team are not listening by fan response, does that mean they have mapped out how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… in a way.
“We have some interesting ideas about where the show might end up,” Gilligan reveals. “but we are always ready to throw out a good idea for a superior concept. That has held us in well on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we find a more perfect path and I expect we'll continue doing that.”
On the other hand, if they hit a wall, director and writer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to use as a backup.
“I keep pitching that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and that's where they've been all along,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Then again, one could always use the classics?
“I'd love for Carol to open her eyes beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV.
