The 'Breaking Bad' Creator Shares He Has an Idea of How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... Currently.
The acclaimed writer-producer never anticipated that Pluribus would turn into a breakout success. “I am so grateful to the audience,” he states. “It was unexpected the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”
As the debut season of the hit program reaching its finale—and Season 2 greenlit and underway—the writers' room recently discussed the fan response and whether it will shape the narrative path of Pluribus.
On the Tremendous Fan Response
Anyone might to get sidetracked by the widespread acclaim and fan theories regarding Pluribus. He is striving to avoid both.
“It's like being an endless supply of hot fudge sundaes and being tickled to death,” he explains. “It's the greatest thing, but I learn of it anecdotally, and that's intentional. I have never looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever intend to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a deep trap I know I would get lost in and then I'd be never leaving the house from the hardware store and I'd be stuck in my living room.”
Despite Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no way to avoid the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The most practical strategy is to accept it graciously and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.
“We don't try to change the plot,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not impacted by online forums.”
“We prefer to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan adds.
The Big Question: Has the showrunner Have a Plan for the Finale of Pluribus?
Given that Gilligan and his team are not listening by public opinion, can we assume they already know how Pluribus will finally conclude? Essentially yes… with some caveats.
“There are some interesting ideas about how the story could conclude,” he states. “yet we stand ready to throw out a solid concept for a more brilliant plan. That philosophy has guided us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We scrap ideas when we get a better idea and I imagine we will 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 the entire story is inside a snow globe, and that we'll zoom out in the finale and the characters are inside it,” Smith quips, “but no one is buying it.”
Alternatively, why not reference the legendary finales?
“I want Carol to wake up in bed beside Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus can be watched on Apple TV+.
