With the Success of Pluribus, We Take a Closer Look at Vince Gilligan’s Methods

Vince Gilligan is one of the world’s greatest auteurs of television. When he created “Breaking Bad,” it was a shot at storytelling no one had seen coming. 

One hit wasn’t enough — Gilligan doubled “Better Call Saul,” “El Camino” and his latest sci-fi brainchild, “Pluribus.” 

If you’ve watched closely, you’ll spot distinctive trademarks that position him in a league of his own.

Slow Burn 

Walter White’s life is a series of small compromises that slowly erode his character over five seasons. In “Better Call Saul”, lawyer Jimmy McGill’s small decisions led him to his fate. Some parts in “El Camino” were painstakingly long and quiet, forcing viewers to experience Jesse’s desperation. 

This signature formula is also evident in “Pluribus,” where the protagonist Carol — played by “Better Call Saul” actress Rhea Seehorn — focuses on her personal experience as an outsider before taking action in a utopian world. In classic Gilligan fashion, this show split the audience — some viewers thought it was too slow, but any die-hard fan will tell you it’s perfect.

Moral Slippery Slopes

Gilligan has the magical ability to blend real life with the outlandish and make viewers love every minute of it. How preposterous was it for an overqualified high-school chemistry teacher to become a vengeful drug lord, or for a despicable lawyer to become a hero? That’s Gilligan’s talent. He’s got us rooting for and against everyone, usually at the same time.

In “Pluribus,” the protagonist Carol sees utopia as a nightmare. The trailer is reminiscent of an Orwellian world, featuring Carol as the odd one out in a hive mind of people greeting her in creepy unison. Viewers have yet to learn the lengths she will go to preserve her individuality. 

“Show, Don’t Tell” Philosophy

It takes immense talent to convey multiple things without revealing too much. In “Breaking Bad,” Gilligan utilized color theory to convey characters’ emotional states or roles within the story. Walter White starts out in soft greens and beiges — blending in with the chemistry lab walls — but as his “Heisenberg” persona takes over, his wardrobe shifts to black and gray. 

In “Better Call Saul,” there’s Gene Takavic and his world depicted in black and white, drained of color and joy, versus Saul Goodman’s colorful suits. 

Fast forward to “Pluribus.” Here, you’ll witness scenes where Carol navigates anxiety and cynicism while drowning in a sea of smiling faces. Subtle actions convey motivations and meaning. Gilligan’s signature cinematography and spot-on musical choices make it even more special and unforgettable. The core part of the “show, don’t tell” approach is that Gilligan trusts the viewers to pick up on the cues. 

A Visual Storytelling Master

Gilligan is undeniably brilliant. Creating multiple acclaimed TV shows isn’t something you see every day. With “Pluribus” rolling on, viewers can’t wait to see what twists he has up his sleeve. If his past works were any indication, you can only expect the unexpected.

Oscar Collins

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded

With almost 10 years of experience writing about cars, gear, the outdoors and more, Oscar Collins has covered a broad spectrum of topics during his time as a blogger and freelancer. Oscar currently serves as the editor-in-chief of Modded, which he founded to spread his love of cars with an international audience.

Read full bio