Vince Gilligan, renowned for creating iconic TV series like The X-Files, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul, is embarking on a new venture with his Apple TV show, Pluribus. This latest series offers a genre-bending narrative that intertwines elements of science fiction and end-of-the-world storytelling, focusing on Carol Sturka, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn. Carol’s mission is nothing less than saving humanity from a unique hive-mind virus, and through her character, Gilligan invites diverse interpretations, from reflections on grief and loneliness to the implications of artificial intelligence.
In a departure from his previous works, Gilligan aims to foster audience engagement through open-ended interpretations rather than conclusive explanations. He expresses delight when fans share their insights, noting, “Sometimes I hear people say it means something or another, and I think, I hadn’t thought of that!” This intentional ambiguity allows viewers to explore their own meanings, contrasting sharply with the tightly wound mysteries he navigated in his earlier work.
The character of Carol was originally conceived as male, but after Gilligan envisioned Seehorn in the role, she transformed into a complex female protagonist marked by her grumpiness and sarcasm. Gilligan likens her personality to the hero-turned-villain dynamic of Skyler White from Breaking Bad, noting that female characters often face harsher scrutiny. He reflects on society’s perception of female characters and hopes that it won’t deter viewers from embracing Carol’s journey.
Humor plays a significant role in Pluribus, paralleling the balance Gilligan struck in his previous dramas. “Dramas that don’t have an ounce of humor in them, I find them hard to take,” he admits. The series also explores Carol’s profession as a romance writer, a choice influenced by Gilligan’s own critique of screenwriting and a desire for richness in character backgrounds.
As the narrative unfolds, a romantic subplot develops between Carol and Zosia, leading Gilligan to explore deeper emotional territory. He emphasizes character complexity and believes that relatable, flawed characters are key to the storytelling process. Gilligan’s writers’ room model, which he champions, fosters collaboration and creativity—an environment he believes enhances the show’s overall quality.
Despite the open-ended nature of the plot, Gilligan assures viewers that character arcs remain central to the audience experience. He rejects the notion of Pluribus as a mystery-box series, having learned the difficulties inherent in maintaining long-running mystery elements from his experiences in earlier shows.
Looking ahead, Gilligan expresses mixed feelings about Pluribus’s longevity. He envisions a finite number of seasons, suggesting that a concise narrative could lead to a more satisfying conclusion. Carol’s urgent goal of saving the world presents a natural timeline that may limit the series’ duration.
Ultimately, Pluribus presents an ambitious narrative that encourages its audience to ponder significant themes while providing a platform for unique interpretations and emotional connections. Gilligan’s approach to storytelling may resonate with fans, inviting them to not only engage with the characters but also reflect upon the deeper questions of humanity and creativity that the series raises.