The 'Breaking Bad' Creator Discloses He Has an Idea of How Pluribus Might Finish... For Now.
The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that the Apple TV+ show would become a massive hit. “The viewers have been incredible,” he remarks. “I was surprised by the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”
With the first season of the hit program wrapping up—and Season 2 officially in the works—the creative team recently discussed the fan response and whether it will impact the narrative path of Pluribus.
On the Tremendous Fan Response
It would be easy to get swayed by the widespread acclaim and fan theories regarding Pluribus. He is striving to avoid both.
“The experience is akin to an endless supply of your favorite dessert and being in a state of bliss,” he says. “It's the greatest thing, but I learn of it from others, and that's intentional. I have never Googled myself, nor do I ever intend 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 never leave my living room.”
In spite of his concerted efforts, there’s it's impossible to ignore the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The best he and his team can do is to accept it graciously and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.
“We make no attempt to change the plot,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not changed by online forums.”
“It's wiser to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan adds.
The Central Mystery: Does the creator See the Ending of Pluribus?
Given that Gilligan and his team aren't taking cues by fan response, does that mean they have mapped out how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… in a way.
“We've developed some compelling concepts about where the show might end up,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to throw out a decent plan 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 conceive of something superior and I suspect we'll be doing that.”
Then again, if all else fails, executive producer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing idea to fall back on.
“I constantly suggest that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll zoom out in the finale and the characters are inside it,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Then again, why mess with the legendary finales?
“I'd love for Carol to wake up in bed beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan says with a smile.
Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV.