Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed prequel to AMC’s groundbreaking series Breaking Bad. Created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, the show follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer, into the morally flexible Saul Goodman, the sleazy criminal lawyer fans loved in Breaking Bad. With its intricate storytelling, complex characters, and stellar performances, Better Call Saul has earned its place among the greatest television dramas.
Overview of Better Call Saul
- Genre: Crime, Legal Drama
- Premiere: February 8, 2015
- Finale: August 15, 2022
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 63
Plot Summary
Better Call Saul is set several years before the events of Breaking Bad. The series begins with Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer trying to build his practice and find his place in the world. Over the seasons, viewers witness his descent into moral ambiguity as he adopts the persona of Saul Goodman. The show also explores the lives of other key characters, such as Mike Ehrmantraut and Kim Wexler, while weaving in elements of the Breaking Bad universe.
Key Characters
1. Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk)
Jimmy is the heart of the series. A former con artist, he starts as a well-meaning but struggling lawyer. Over time, his desperation and ambition lead him to embrace his alter ego, Saul Goodman, a flashy, morally dubious attorney catering to criminals. Bob Odenkirk’s nuanced performance has been widely praised.
2. Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn)
Kim is Jimmy’s love interest and a talented lawyer in her own right. Her character evolves dramatically throughout the series, from a by-the-book professional to someone willing to bend the rules. Rhea Seehorn delivers a standout performance, making Kim one of the most compelling characters in the Better Call Saul universe.
3. Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks)
A retired cop turned fixer, Mike’s storyline delves into his descent into the criminal underworld. His connection to Gus Fring and the Salamanca cartel ties his arc closely to the Breaking Bad narrative.
4. Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito)
The meticulous and ruthless drug kingpin from Breaking Bad plays a significant role in Better Call Saul. His ongoing battle with the Salamancas and his cold, calculated demeanor add tension and intrigue.
5. Chuck McGill (Michael McKean)
Jimmy’s older brother Chuck is a brilliant lawyer with a complicated relationship with Jimmy. Struggling with a psychosomatic illness, Chuck becomes one of the main antagonists, pushing Jimmy further down his dark path.
6. Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian)
Howard is Chuck’s partner at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill (HHM) and represents the corporate side of the legal profession. His relationship with Jimmy and Kim adds layers of drama and conflict.
Themes Explored in Better Call Saul
1. Morality and Ethics
The series explores the gray areas of morality as characters face ethical dilemmas and make questionable choices.
2. Identity and Transformation
Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman showcases the impact of environment, ambition, and desperation on personal identity.
3. Loyalty and Betrayal
The show examines loyalty through relationships like Jimmy and Kim’s or Mike and Gus’s, while also exploring themes of betrayal, particularly in the McGill brothers’ dynamic.
4. Consequences
Actions have consequences, and Better Call Saul meticulously shows how decisions, big or small, ripple through the characters’ lives.
Connections to Breaking Bad
While Better Call Saul stands on its own, fans of Breaking Bad are rewarded with:
- Cameos and Easter Eggs: Appearances by Breaking Bad characters like Gus Fring, Hector Salamanca, and even Walter White and Jesse Pinkman in the final season.
- Backstory Development: Insight into the origins of Saul Goodman, Mike Ehrmantraut, and Gus Fring.
- Expanded Universe: A deeper look into the Albuquerque criminal world.
Critical Acclaim
- Acting: Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn received widespread praise for their performances, earning multiple award nominations.
- Writing: The meticulous writing, complex characters, and slow-burn storytelling have been hailed as some of the best in television history.
- Cinematography: The show’s visual style, with its striking compositions and innovative camera work, adds depth to the storytelling.
Legacy of Better Call Saul
Many critics consider Better Call Saul to be one of the greatest prequels ever made. It not only expands on the universe of Breaking Bad but also carves its own identity as a compelling and layered drama.
Conclusion
AMC’s Better Call Saul is more than just a prequel to Breaking Bad; it’s a masterpiece in its own right. With its exceptional storytelling, rich character development, and moral complexities, the series is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas. Whether you’re a Breaking Bad enthusiast or new to the franchise, Better Call Saul offers an unforgettable television experience.
FAQs
1. Do I need to watch Breaking Bad before Better Call Saul?
No, Better Call Saul stands on its own, but watching Breaking Bad enhances the experience.
2. How many seasons does Better Call Saul have?
The series has six seasons, totaling 63 episodes.
3. Who created Better Call Saul?
The show was created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, the creators of Breaking Bad.
4. Is Better Call Saul as good as Breaking Bad?
Many fans and critics argue that Better Call Saul rivals or even surpasses Breaking Bad in terms of storytelling and character depth.
5. Where can I watch Better Call Saul?
The series is available on AMC, Netflix, and other streaming platforms depending on your region.
