The creative mastermind never anticipated that his new science-fiction series would turn into a breakout success. “God bless the fans,” he states. “I did not foresee the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me thrilled beyond words.”
With the first season of the hit series coming to an end—and a second season officially in the works—the creative team reflected on the viewer reception and whether it will influence the narrative path of Pluribus.
It would be easy to get swayed by the widespread acclaim and audience predictions surrounding Pluribus. He is making a conscious effort to avoid both.
“The experience is akin to an endless supply of something incredibly sweet and being tickled to death,” he explains. “It's wonderful, but I learn of it from others, and that's intentional. Not once have I looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever want to. It's quite the opposite. It's a bottomless pit I know I would fall into 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 escaping the immensely favorable response to the series. The best he and his team can do is to take it in stride and try not to let it alter the course of the show.
“It is not our goal to tailor anything,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not influenced by what people are saying.”
“Better to keep our noses to the grindstone,” Gilligan concludes.
Given that Gilligan and his team are not listening by fan response, can we assume they have mapped out how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… in a way.
“We've developed some interesting ideas about the ultimate destination,” he states. “however, we remain prepared to abandon a good idea for a better idea. That philosophy has guided us in good stead on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We change course 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 rather amusing idea to use as a backup.
“I keep pitching that everything takes place within a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and the characters are inside it,” he says humorously, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Of course, one could always use the legendary finales?
“My dream is Carol to awaken beside Bob Newhart,” he jokes.
Pluribus can be watched on Apple TV+.
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