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The creative mastermind could not have predicted that his new science-fiction series would emerge as a massive hit. “I am so grateful to the audience,” Gilligan says. “I was surprised by the show being as passionately debated as it is, and it makes me overjoyed.”

Now that Season 1 of the popular program wrapping up—and the next chapter officially in the works—the writers' room opened up about the audience reaction and whether it will impact the storyline of Pluribus.

Regarding the Tremendous Viewer Reception

It would be easy to get distracted by the widespread acclaim and audience predictions surrounding Pluribus. The creator is making a conscious effort to avoid both.

“It feels like force fed something incredibly sweet and being tickled to death,” he explains. “It's wonderful, but I get wind of it anecdotally, and that's by design. Never in my life looked myself up on the internet, nor do I ever intend to. Not because I don't care. It's a bottomless pit I know I would disappear down and then I'd be never leaving the house from Home Depot and I'd rarely emerge from my living room.”

Despite his concerted efforts, there’s no escaping the overwhelmingly positive response to the series. The best he and his team can do is to accept it graciously and try not to let it alter the course of the show.

“We don't try to change the plot,” says co-executive producer Alison Tatlock. “Our storytelling is not changed by what people are saying.”

“Better to keep our heads down and working,” he chimes in.

The Big Question: Will Vince Gilligan Have a Plan for the Conclusion of Pluribus?

Considering the creative staff aren't taking cues by audience theories, does it imply they already know how Pluribus will reach its endpoint? The answer is yes… with some caveats.

“There are some compelling concepts about the ultimate destination,” Gilligan says. “however, we remain prepared to discard a decent plan for a better idea. That philosophy has guided us in good stead on Better Call Saul and on Breaking Bad even before that. We scrap ideas when we get a better idea and I expect we'll continue doing that.”

Alternatively, if all else fails, Gordon Smith has a pretty funny idea to fall back on.

“I constantly suggest that everything takes place within 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.”

Then again, why not reference the legendary finales?

“I'd love for Carol to awaken beside Bob Newhart,” he jokes.

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Pluribus can be watched on the streaming service.