Vince Gilligan's Protégé Gordon Smith Shines as Writer-Director on Pluribus

In the two years since the conclusion of Better Call Saul, Vince Gilligan has been busy developing a new sci-fi series called Pluribus. One of the key figures behind the scenes is Gordon Smith, a writer and director who has worked closely with Gilligan for over a decade.

Smith's journey began as a production assistant on Breaking Bad, eventually becoming Gilligan's assistant and then a writers' assistant on the show's final seasons. This led to Smith receiving a promotion to staff writer on Gilligan's Better Call Saul prequel-sequel, where he went on to earn multiple Emmy nominations and a WGA award.

Now, Smith has taken on an even more prominent role as a writer-director on Pluribus. The show, which premiered last week, has already sparked much discussion around its themes, with viewers speculating about its commentary on AI, political division, and even addiction. Smith acknowledges these interpretations, but emphasizes that the show's ambiguous nature is intentional, as Gilligan and the creative team aim to provoke thought rather than provide definitive answers.

One of the key storylines in Pluribus revolves around the character of Carol, played by Rhea Seehorn, and her struggles with alcohol and substance abuse in the wake of a global event known as "the Joining." Smith suggests that this aspect of the show has resonated with him personally, drawing from his own experiences with addiction in his life.

As Gilligan's protégé continues to rise through the ranks, Pluribus represents an exciting new chapter in his career, showcasing his talents as both a writer and director on a grand, conceptual sci-fi series that is sure to keep viewers engaged and guessing.