🔗 Share this article

The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that the Apple TV+ show would emerge as a massive hit. “God bless the fans,” Gilligan says. “I did not foresee the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”

Now that Season 1 of the hit program reaching its finale—and the next chapter officially in the works—the writers' room reflected on the fan response and whether it will influence the storyline of Pluribus.

About the Incredible Audience Reaction

Anyone might to get sidetracked by the widespread acclaim and online debates regarding Pluribus. The creator is doing his best to avoid both.

“The experience is akin to an endless supply of hot fudge sundaes and being in a state of bliss,” he describes. “It's amazing, but I learn of it anecdotally, and that's intentional. Never in my life looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever plan to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would get lost in and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from Home Depot and I'd be stuck in my living room.”

Despite Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no way to avoid the extremely enthusiastic response to the series. The best he and his team can do is to accept it graciously and try not to let it influence the direction of the show.

“We don't try to change the plot,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not changed by online forums.”

“We prefer to keep our focus on the work,” he chimes in.

The Central Mystery: Has Vince Gilligan See the Ending of Pluribus?

So if the writers aren’t being guided by audience theories, can we assume they already know how Pluribus will ultimately end? The answer is yes… sort of.

“We've developed some interesting ideas about how the story could conclude,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to discard a good idea for a superior concept. This approach has served 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.”

Alternatively, if they hit a wall, 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 the characters are inside it,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”

Of course, why not reference the legendary finales?

“I want Carol to wake up in bed next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan says with a smile.

---

Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV.