Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn Unpack 'Pluribus' Finale Twists and Reveal Original Ending: 'It Would Have Been Satisfying but Not as Satisfying' The season finale of "Pluribus," the critically acclaimed sci-fi series from creator Vince Gilligan, left fans reeling with a series of shocking twists and turns. In a recent interview, Gilligan and lead actress Rhea Seehorn unpacked the finale's most pivotal moments and shed light on the original ending that was ultimately scrapped. SPOILER ALERT: The following article contains plot details from the season 1 finale, "La Chica o El Mundo," now streaming on Apple TV. The season 1 finale of "Pluribus" opens with Kusimayu (played by Darinka Arones), one of 13 survivors of the global shift, surrounded by her loved ones in their small Peruvian village. The episode delves into the harrowing circumstances that led to this apocalyptic event, which has transformed the world as we know it. In an exclusive interview with Variety, series creator Vince Gilligan and actress Rhea Seehorn, who portrays the enigmatic Kusimayu, provided a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this unforgettable finale. Gilligan, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking series "Breaking Bad," revealed that the original ending for the season 1 finale was quite different from the one that ultimately made it to the screen. "We had a different conclusion in mind at first," he said. "It would have been satisfying in its own way, but I don't think it would have been as impactful as the ending we settled on." The original ending, according to Gilligan, would have seen Kusimayu and her fellow survivors making the difficult decision to leave their village and venture out into the unknown, hoping to find a better life. "It would have been a bittersweet moment, with the characters torn between the safety of their home and the promise of a better future elsewhere," he explained. However, as the writing process unfolded, the creative team felt that the story demanded a more powerful and resonant conclusion. "We realized that the true heart of the finale was Kusimayu's internal journey – her struggles with identity, her sense of responsibility to her community, and her ultimate realization that she must embrace her role as a leader," Gilligan said. This shift in focus led to the finale's most pivotal twist, which saw Kusimayu choosing to stay in the village and lead her people into an uncertain future. Seehorn, who has earned critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of the character, delved into the emotional depth of this decision. "Kusimayu has always been torn between her desire to protect her loved ones and her longing for a different life," Seehorn explained. "In the finale, we see her finally reconcile those conflicting desires and make the difficult choice to stay and guide her community through the challenges ahead." The actress praised the writing team's ability to craft a conclusion that was both heartbreaking and empowering. "It would have been easy to end the season on a more optimistic note, with the characters setting out to find a better life," she said. "But the decision Kusimayu makes is so much more powerful because it's rooted in her sense of duty and her unwavering commitment to her people." Gilligan echoed Seehorn's sentiments, noting that the finale's emotional impact was enhanced by the characters' reluctance to leave their home. "These are people who have been through so much, and the idea of starting over in an unfamiliar world is incredibly daunting," he said. "Kusimayu's choice to stay and fight for her community is a profound act of bravery and sacrifice that resonates on a deep level." The finale's other major twist came in the form of a shocking revelation about the global shift itself. As the episode progressed, it became clear that the event was not a random occurrence, but rather the result of a deliberate and orchestrated plan. This twist, Gilligan revealed, was essential to the series' overarching narrative. "From the beginning, we knew that the global shift was not just a natural disaster, but something more sinister and complex," the showrunner explained. "The reveal in the finale is the first step in unraveling the mystery and uncovering the true nature of this cataclysmic event." Seehorn praised the writing team's ability to weave this twist into the emotional core of the story. "It would have been easy to make it just a plot device, but the way they've integrated it with Kusimayu's journey and the struggles of the community is what makes it so powerful," she said. The finale's final moments, which see Kusimayu rallying her people and preparing to face the uncertain future, have already become the subject of intense fan discussion and speculation. Gilligan and Seehorn remained tight-lipped about what lies ahead for the series, but both hinted that the story is far from over. "We've only scratched the surface of this world and these characters," Gilligan said. "The finale may have provided some answers, but it's also set the stage for an even more complex and compelling journey in season 2." Seehorn echoed her co-creator's sentiments, stating that she is eager to continue exploring Kusimayu's evolution and the larger mysteries of the "Pluribus" universe. "This character has so much more to give, and I can't wait for audiences to see where her story goes next," she said. As fans eagerly await the arrival of season 2, the finale of "Pluribus" has solidified the series' reputation as one of the most thought-provoking and visually stunning works of science fiction on television. With its bold storytelling choices and the depth of its characters, "Pluribus" has cemented its place as a must-watch for any fan of the genre.