Apple’s new series Pluribus, featuring Rhea Seehorn, has sparked considerable interest and conversation. With the release of its first two episodes, viewers are diving deep into the story and debating its themes, notably whether it serves as a metaphor for artificial intelligence.
Vince Gilligan, the creative mind behind the series, shared insights with Variety. He revealed that he conceived and wrote the show prior to the recent surge in artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT. Gilligan values storytelling as an art form, preferring to let audiences draw their own conclusions rather than over-explaining meanings, a departure from his experience with Breaking Bad. “Just tell a good story, let the audience figure out the theme,” he recalled of advice he received in 2002.
Gilligan clarifies his stance on AI; he is not its proponent. In a previous statement to Polygon, he firmly stated, “I hate AI. It’s the world’s most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine.” He expresses concern over what he sees as an obsession by tech moguls to leverage AI for their immense profits.
He warns that if AI advances to a stage of true singularity, it raises ethical concerns about the potential creation of digital entities for profit. Gilligan urges viewers to be skeptical of the latest technological marvels streaming from Silicon Valley.
Much like the show Heretic, Pluribus proudly announces itself as a product “made by humans.” This reinforces the personal touch and human creativity that underpin its production. As you explore the series, remember its roots firmly planted in authentic human storytelling.
What themes are being discussed in Pluribus? Viewers are particularly intrigued by the relationships and emotional struggles depicted in the show. These elements contribute to broader discussions about technology and human experience.
Is Pluribus a commentary on today’s AI landscape? While some interpret it as a metaphor for artificial intelligence, Gilligan emphasizes that he won’t spoon-feed the audience interpretations, allowing for diverse perspectives.
What does Vince Gilligan think about AI technology? He has expressed strong skepticism, arguing that AI could lead to problematic societal changes and commodification of consciousness.
How did he approach storytelling in Pluribus? Gilligan prioritizes creating a compelling narrative over defining themes, encouraging viewers to engage actively with the material.
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