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The acclaimed writer-producer could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would emerge as a breakout success. “God bless the fans,” he states. “I was surprised by the show being as talked about as it is, and it makes me deliriously happy.”

With the first season of the acclaimed series coming to an end—and a second season greenlit and underway—Gilligan and his team reflected on the viewer reception and whether it will influence the storyline of Pluribus.

About the Overwhelming Audience Reaction

One could easily to get sidetracked by the rampant praise and online debates about Pluribus. Gilligan, however, is doing his best to avoid both.

“It feels like an endless supply of something incredibly sweet and being laughing uncontrollably,” he says. “It's wonderful, but I hear about it from others, and that's by design. I have never searched for my own name online, nor do I ever plan to. It's not a lack of interest. It's a bottomless pit I know I would get lost in and then I'd be living in squalor from Home Depot and I'd never leave my living room.”

Regardless of his concerted efforts, there’s it's impossible to ignore the immensely favorable response to the series. The most practical strategy is to acknowledge it humbly and try not to let it dictate the story of the show.

“We make no attempt to change the plot,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “The narrative we craft is not impacted by audience chatter.”

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

The Big Question: Will the creator Have a Plan for the Ending of Pluribus?

Given that the creative staff aren’t being guided by audience theories, does it imply they have already decided how Pluribus will ultimately end? In short yes… in a way.

“We have some interesting ideas about where the show might end up,” Gilligan says. “but we are always ready to throw out 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 conceive of something superior and I imagine we will be doing that.”

Alternatively, if all else fails, executive producer Gordon Smith has a rather amusing idea to serve as a last resort.

“My recurring proposal is that it's all in a snow globe, and that we'll reveal the snow globe and that's where they've been all along,” Smith jokes, “though the idea hasn't gained traction.”

Alternatively, why not reference the iconic TV endings?

“I want Carol to open her eyes next to Bob Newhart,” Gilligan says with a smile.

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Pluribus is currently available on Apple TV.