The 'Breaking Bad' Creator Discloses He Knows How His Sci-Fi Series Will End... At the Moment.
Vince Gilligan could not have predicted that Pluribus would turn into a massive hit. “I am so grateful to the audience,” he states. “I was surprised by the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”
As the debut season of the acclaimed sci-fi show wrapping up—and the next chapter officially in the works—Gilligan and his team recently discussed the fan response and whether it will shape the future direction of Pluribus.
On the Incredible Fan Response
One could easily to get sidetracked by the constant speculation and fan theories regarding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is making a conscious effort to steer clear of all that.
“It's like being constantly eating something incredibly sweet and being laughing uncontrollably,” he explains. “It's the greatest thing, but I learn of it from others, and that's on purpose. Not once have I searched for my own name online, nor do I ever want to. It's quite the opposite. It's a deep trap I know I would disappear down and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”
In spite of his concerted efforts, there’s no way to avoid the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The most practical strategy is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.
“We make no attempt to adjust our writing,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not impacted by online forums.”
“We prefer to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan adds.
The Big Question: Does the showrunner See the Finale of Pluribus?
Given that the writers aren’t being guided by fan response, can we assume they already know how Pluribus will finally conclude? Essentially yes… in a way.
“We've developed some potential directions about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan reveals. “however, we remain prepared to abandon a good idea for a superior concept. This approach has served us in excellent shape on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course when we conceive of something superior and I expect we'll continue doing that.”
Then again, if plans fall through, Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to serve as a last resort.
“My recurring proposal is that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll zoom out in the finale and we're in there,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Alternatively, why mess with the classics?
“I'd love for Carol to awaken next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.
Pluribus is streaming now on the streaming service.
