The Showrunner Shares He Knows How The Apple TV+ Show Will Conclude... For Now.
The creative mastermind could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would emerge as 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 overjoyed.”
As the debut season of the popular series coming to an end—and Season 2 officially in the works—the writers' room reflected on the audience reaction and whether it will influence the storyline of Pluribus.
On the Incredible Fan Response
Anyone might to get distracted by the constant speculation and fan theories surrounding Pluribus. He is making a conscious effort to ignore the noise.
“The experience is akin to constantly eating your favorite dessert and being laughing uncontrollably,” he says. “It's amazing, but I learn of it through word of mouth, and that's on purpose. I have never searched for my own name online, nor do I ever plan 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 Home Depot and I'd rarely emerge from my living room.”
Regardless of trying to stay away, there’s no way to avoid the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to take it in stride and try not to let it alter the course of the show.
“We don't try to adjust our writing,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not impacted by what people are saying.”
“It's wiser to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan adds.
A Pressing Query: Will the showrunner See the Ending of Pluribus?
Considering Gilligan and his team aren't taking cues by public opinion, does that mean they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… in a way.
“There are some potential directions about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to throw out a good idea for a superior concept. That philosophy has guided us in well on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We throw stuff out when we get a better idea and I suspect we'll be doing that.”
On the other hand, if they hit a wall, director and writer Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to fall back on.
“I constantly suggest that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll pull back at the end and we're in there,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Alternatively, why not reference the legendary finales?
“I'd love for Carol to awaken with Bob Newhart there,” he jokes.
Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV+.
