The acclaimed writer-producer never anticipated that his new science-fiction series would emerge as a cultural phenomenon. “God bless the fans,” he remarks. “I was surprised by the show being as widely discussed as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”
As the debut season of the popular series wrapping up—and a second season already in development—the writers' room opened up about the audience reaction and whether it will influence the storyline of Pluribus.
It would be easy to get distracted by the widespread acclaim and fan theories regarding Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is doing his best to steer clear of all that.
“It feels like force fed something incredibly sweet and being tickled to death,” he says. “It's amazing, but I get wind of it through word of mouth, and that's intentional. Never in my life searched for my own name online, nor do I ever intend to. Not because I don't care. It's a deep trap I know I would fall into and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from the hardware store and I'd never leave my living room.”
Despite his concerted efforts, there’s it's impossible to ignore the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The only approach for the writers is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it alter the course of the show.
“We make no attempt to change the plot,” says writer and executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not changed by audience chatter.”
“Better to keep our focus on the work,” he chimes in.
Given that Gilligan and his team aren’t being guided by audience theories, does that mean they have mapped out how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… in a way.
“We've developed some compelling concepts about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan reveals. “yet we stand ready to abandon a good idea for a more brilliant plan. That philosophy has guided us in good stead on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We scrap ideas when we find a more perfect path and I imagine we will be doing that.”
Then again, if plans fall through, executive producer Gordon Smith has a humorous idea to serve as a last resort.
“I constantly suggest that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll zoom out in the finale and that's where they've been all along,” he says humorously, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”
Alternatively, one could always use the legendary finales?
“I'd love for Carol to awaken with Bob Newhart there,” he jokes.
Pluribus can be watched on the streaming service.
Mira is a seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in the online casino industry, specializing in slot mechanics and player strategies.
