Given that the last four seasons of AMC?s Breaking Bad have provided some of the most exciting twists and turns in recent TV history, and given the fact that the series has only 16 episodes left to go, you?d think it?d be reasonable to assume the team behind the show knows exactly where it?s headed. However, in a recent interview with Today.com, showrunner/creator Vince Gilligan admitted that in fact, he has no idea. ?Wish I did,? he said. ?I have certain hopes and dreams for how the characters will wind up, but I don?t have anything nailed down plot-wise.?
Gilligan?s lack of a plan is actually nothing new for the show. He?s talked in the past about the writing team ?actively try[ing] to paint ourselves into corners at the end of episodes ? at the end of seasons, at the end of scenes sometimes,? and so far it?s worked out beautifully for them. However, writing the ending of a popular series brings its own set of challenges. It?s all too easy to recall recent examples of finales that left fans confused, disappointed, or even irate, and Gilligan says he definitely feels the pressure.
?t keeps me awake at night. It gives me nightmares. The closer we get to the final episode, I assume the worse it?ll be,? he told Today.com. ?But that?s why we?re ending after 16. You want to go out with fans of the show still being fans. The best we can do is be disciplined and honest in our storytelling, and not go for the bells and whistles. Let the chips fall where they may.?
Breaking Bad?s fifth season is scheduled to enter production early next year, and will premiere sometime in 2012.