If you’re a fan of captivating TV dramas, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of Better Call Saul. This critically acclaimed series has managed to capture the hearts and minds of millions worldwide. From its intricate storytelling to unforgettable characters, Better Call Saul has cemented itself as one of the best television series in recent history. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes this show so extraordinary and why fans just can’t seem to get enough of it.
What is Better Call Saul?
Better Call Saul is a spin-off of the iconic TV show Breaking Bad. It was created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould and premiered in 2015. The show takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and follows the life of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer who eventually becomes Saul Goodman, the shady, fast-talking lawyer from Breaking Bad.
Although Better Call Saul started as a spin-off, it quickly became a masterpiece in its own right, praised for its writing, performances, and cinematography. But how does it stack up against its predecessor, and why is it so beloved by fans? Let’s explore.
The Journey of Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman
At the heart of Better Call Saul is Jimmy McGill. In the beginning, he’s a struggling lawyer trying to make a name for himself. Jimmy is far from perfect; he has a knack for bending the rules, and his methods are often unconventional. However, what sets him apart is his wit, charm, and relentless determination.
As the series progresses, we watch Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman—a persona that embraces the shady side of the law. But this transformation isn’t just about legal shortcuts; it’s about a man grappling with his identity, relationships, and moral compass. The slow-burning character development is one of the show’s strengths, and fans love how it reveals the layers of Jimmy’s complicated personality.
Why Better Call Saul is a Must-Watch
Now, why should you add Better Call Saul to your watchlist, if you haven’t already? Here are some key reasons:
- Character Depth: The series takes the time to flesh out its characters, not just Jimmy but also Kim Wexler, Mike Ehrmantraut, and others. Each character has their own compelling arc.
- Moral Complexity: Unlike other shows, Better Call Saul explores moral ambiguity. The characters make decisions that aren’t necessarily right or wrong, which adds a layer of depth.
- Connection to Breaking Bad: For fans of Breaking Bad, this show provides valuable backstories for characters like Saul, Mike, and Gus Fring. The links between the two shows are subtle yet powerful.
- Top-Notch Writing and Direction: The showrunners take their time to build tension, leading to some truly nail-biting moments. The dialogue is sharp, and the pacing is deliberate but rewarding.
- Stunning Visuals: Better Call Saul doesn’t just rely on storytelling; its visual style is unique, often using clever camera angles and lighting to heighten the emotional impact.
Comparing Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad
While Better Call Saul originated from Breaking Bad, the two shows are quite different in tone and style. Breaking Bad is high-octane, filled with action, violence, and intense scenes that make your heart race. Better Call Saul, on the other hand, is more methodical and introspective. It focuses more on the legal world, personal relationships, and the moral dilemmas of its characters.
Fans of Breaking Bad may expect the same level of adrenaline from Better Call Saul, but they are often pleasantly surprised by the slower pace and deeper storytelling. The beauty of Better Call Saul lies in its subtlety—the small moments that build up to something grand.
| Aspect | Better Call Saul | Breaking Bad |
|---|---|---|
| Main Theme | Character transformation, legal drama | Crime, moral downfall |
| Protagonist | Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman | Walter White |
| Pacing | Slow-burning, character-driven | Fast-paced, action-packed |
| Moral Focus | Ambiguity, gray areas | Clear descent into darkness |
| Connection | Prequel, character backstories | Original series |
The Role of Kim Wexler
While Jimmy McGill is the central character, Kim Wexler, played by Rhea Seehorn, has become a fan favorite. Kim is a strong, independent lawyer who works hard to maintain her moral compass. Her relationship with Jimmy is complex, as she is constantly torn between supporting him and being frustrated by his shady practices.
Kim’s character has evolved significantly throughout the series. At first, she is more by-the-book, following legal ethics and doing things the right way. But as she becomes more involved with Jimmy’s schemes, she starts bending her own moral standards. Many fans are curious about where Kim will end up and how her fate will intersect with the events of Breaking Bad.
Mike Ehrmantraut and His Story Arc
Another standout character in Better Call Saul is Mike Ehrmantraut. Known for his calm demeanor and efficiency, Mike’s character offers a unique perspective on the criminal underworld.
In Better Call Saul, Mike’s story is given more depth. We learn about his background, his motivations, and his tragic relationship with his family. Mike’s journey from a retired cop to a trusted enforcer for Gus Fring adds a layer of emotional weight to the series. His interactions with Jimmy and other characters help shape the broader narrative of the show.
The Cinematic Brilliance of Better Call Saul
One thing that sets Better Call Saul apart from many other TV shows is its cinematic quality. The series is visually stunning, using innovative camera angles and artistic shots to enhance the storytelling.
- Creative Use of Color: The show often uses color to signify important themes or character emotions. For example, certain colors like red or blue are associated with danger or calm, respectively.
- Symbolism in Shots: Many scenes are packed with visual symbolism. Whether it’s a lingering shot of a desert or a close-up of a character’s hands, the visuals always add layers of meaning to the narrative.
- Mood-Setting through Lighting: The lighting is used to set the mood of each scene, making the emotional weight of each moment more palpable.
These elements make Better Call Saul a work of art, where every frame feels intentional and meaningful.
The Evolution of Saul Goodman’s Character
As we approach the later seasons of Better Call Saul, we see Jimmy fully embrace his Saul Goodman persona. His transformation is not just a change of name but an entire shift in mindset. Saul Goodman is everything Jimmy McGill wasn’t: a morally ambiguous, slick, and unapologetic lawyer who has no problem representing criminals.
But it’s this duality that makes Saul Goodman so fascinating. While he adopts the flashy persona of a crooked lawyer, deep down, there are still traces of Jimmy McGill—the man who wanted to do right but constantly found himself in compromising situations. The show excels at showing how thin the line can be between right and wrong, and how easy it is to cross it.
How Better Call Saul Sets Itself Apart
One of the standout aspects of Better Call Saul is that it doesn’t rely on action-packed sequences to keep viewers engaged. Instead, it focuses on character development, storytelling, and building tension slowly. Fans appreciate this approach because it allows for more nuanced storytelling.
Here’s what makes Better Call Saul unique:
- Deep Character Study: The show takes its time to explore the motivations, inner conflicts, and transformations of its characters.
- Nuanced Storytelling: Every choice, action, and consequence is carefully laid out, which makes the payoffs even more satisfying.
- A Blend of Legal and Criminal Worlds: Unlike Breaking Bad, which is more about the drug trade, Better Call Saul delves into the legal side of crime. This offers a fresh perspective on the law and justice system.
- A Prequel Done Right: Many prequels fail to capture the magic of their original series, but Better Call Saul not only succeeds but sometimes even surpasses its predecessor in terms of storytelling.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of Better Call Saul
There’s something special about Better Call Saul that keeps viewers coming back. The show isn’t just about Jimmy McGill becoming Saul Goodman; it’s about the journey, the decisions made along the way, and the moral dilemmas each character faces.
Fans love the slow-burn storytelling because it feels more realistic. The show doesn’t rush to reach a climax—it lets the characters and their stories breathe, which makes the emotional payoff that much more rewarding. And let’s not forget the incredible performances by Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, and Jonathan Banks, which truly bring the characters to life.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Better Call Saul
As Better Call Saul continues to captivate audiences, its legacy as one of the greatest TV shows of all time is becoming more apparent. Whether you’re a fan of Breaking Bad or just discovering this universe, Better Call Saul offers something for everyone. Its intricate storytelling, deep character development, and stunning visuals make it a must-watch.
So if you haven’t given Better Call Saul a chance yet, what are you waiting for? Dive in, and get ready to witness the rise of one of television’s most iconic characters.
