The Showrunner Shares He Has an Idea of How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... For Now.
The creative mastermind did not foresee that the Apple TV+ show would turn into a breakout success. “God bless the fans,” he remarks. “It was unexpected the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
With the first season of the acclaimed sci-fi show wrapping up—and Season 2 officially in the works—the creative team reflected on the viewer reception and whether it will impact the narrative path of Pluribus.
On the Tremendous Fan Response
Anyone might to get sidetracked by the rampant praise and fan theories regarding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is striving to ignore the noise.
“It feels like constantly eating something incredibly sweet and being tickled to death,” he describes. “It's amazing, but I learn of it anecdotally, and that's intentional. I have never searched for my own name online, nor do I ever plan to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would disappear down and then I'd be never leaving the house from Home Depot and I'd be stuck in my living room.”
In spite of his concerted efforts, there’s it's impossible to ignore the immensely favorable response to the series. The most practical strategy is to take it in stride and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.
“We don't try to tailor anything,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not changed by audience chatter.”
“It's wiser to keep our heads down and working,” Gilligan adds.
The Big Question: Will the creator See the Ending of Pluribus?
Considering Gilligan and his team are not listening by public opinion, does that mean they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? Essentially yes… sort of.
“There are some compelling concepts about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to abandon a decent plan for a better idea. That has held us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We scrap ideas when we find a more perfect path and I expect we'll continue doing that.”
On the other hand, if they hit a wall, executive producer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to use as a backup.
“My recurring proposal is that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and that's where they've been all along,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Alternatively, why not reference the iconic TV endings?
“My dream is Carol to open her eyes with Bob Newhart there,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV.
