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The acclaimed writer-producer did not foresee that Pluribus would turn into a breakout success. “The viewers have been incredible,” he states. “I did not foresee the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”

Now that Season 1 of the acclaimed sci-fi show coming to an end—and the next chapter greenlit and underway—the writers' room reflected on the audience reaction and whether it will impact the narrative path of Pluribus.

On the Incredible Fan Response

Anyone might to get sidetracked by the constant speculation and online debates regarding Pluribus. The creator is making a conscious effort to ignore the noise.

“It feels like an endless supply of your favorite dessert and being tickled to death,” he explains. “It's the greatest thing, but I hear about it from others, and that's intentional. Never in my life searched for my own name online, nor do I ever intend to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a rabbit hole I know I would disappear down and then I'd be pooping in a five gallon bucket from Home Depot and I'd be stuck in my living room.”

In spite of Gilligan’s best intentions, there’s no way to avoid the immensely favorable response to the series. The most practical strategy is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it alter the course of the show.

“We make no attempt to adjust our writing,” says Alison Tatlock. “The plot we develop is not impacted by audience chatter.”

“Better to keep our focus on the work,” Gilligan concludes.

The Central Mystery: Has Vince Gilligan Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?

Considering Gilligan and his team aren't taking cues by audience theories, does it imply they have already decided how Pluribus will finally conclude? Essentially yes… sort of.

“We've developed some compelling concepts about where the show might end up,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to abandon a decent plan for a more brilliant plan. That philosophy has guided us in excellent shape 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, executive producer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing 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 quips, “but no one is buying it.”

Then again, one could always use the iconic TV endings?

“I'd love for Carol to awaken next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan adds, smiling.

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Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV.