Discover What Makes Better Caul Saul a Must-Watch Show

better caul saul

For fans of gripping character-driven stories, Better Call Saul is a must-watch. As the prequel to the iconic Breaking Bad, this series dives deep into the life of Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer who slowly transforms into the morally dubious Saul Goodman.

With its sharp writing, complex characters, and intense legal drama, Better Call Saul has captivated audiences by blending dark humor with a gripping narrative. Whether you’re a longtime Breaking Bad fan or new to the story, this show offers a fascinating look into how good intentions can unravel in unexpected ways.

Overview of Better Call Saul

Overview of Better Call Saul

Image source: Pinterest

Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed television series that serves as a prequel to the iconic Breaking Bad. The show, created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, is centered around the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer, into Saul Goodman, the slick and morally flexible attorney who becomes a pivotal character in the Breaking Bad universe. Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Better Call Saul explores Jimmy’s journey from a small-time, well-meaning lawyer trying to escape his con-man past to the ruthless lawyer known for bending the law to his advantage.

The show is not just a legal drama; it’s a deep character study of Jimmy McGill’s evolution, and it intertwines his personal struggles with professional challenges. From his early days hustling for clients and trying to gain respect in the legal world, Jimmy’s ambitions are repeatedly tested by the complex relationships in his life, particularly with his brother Chuck, and his partner and love interest, Kim Wexler.

Better Call Saul isn’t just about Jimmy’s descent; it’s also about how the choices we make can lead us to unexpected places, sometimes blurring the lines between right and wrong. With its focus on character development, legal intrigue, and the moral gray areas of life, the show captivates viewers who enjoy stories that challenge traditional hero-villain narratives. Whether it’s through Jimmy’s struggle to find his place in the world or the intense courtroom battles, Better Call Saul offers a rich, complex narrative that keeps viewers hooked.

Key Characters

Jimmy McGill

Image source: Pinterest

Better Call Saul excels in character development, with each key figure undergoing significant growth. The show’s depth comes from its focus on personal and moral struggles, making the characters central to its narrative.

1. Jimmy McGill / Saul Goodman

Jimmy McGill, the heart of the show, transforms from a struggling, well-meaning lawyer into the morally ambiguous Saul Goodman. His journey is marked by a constant battle between doing good and succumbing to unethical practices.

The show carefully traces how Jimmy’s ambition and desperation lead him to embrace the persona of Saul, a slick, rule-bending attorney. His internal conflict and slow descent into a darker path are central to the show’s tension.

2. Kim Wexler

Kim Wexler is Jimmy’s love interest and colleague, a capable and ethical lawyer who struggles with her own moral dilemmas. Though she begins as a straight-laced professional, Kim is drawn into Jimmy’s world of bending the rules.

Her character arc is a fascinating exploration of loyalty, ambition, and moral compromise, as she navigates her relationship with Jimmy and her own career.

3. Chuck McGill

Chuck McGill, Jimmy’s older brother, is a brilliant but mentally ill lawyer whose disapproval of Jimmy’s methods creates deep family conflict. Chuck’s belief that Jimmy is unfit to practice law drives a wedge between them, fueling Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman.

Chuck’s influence on Jimmy’s life is profound, and their troubled relationship is one of the emotional anchors of the series.

4. Mike Ehrmantraut

Mike Ehrmantraut, a former cop turned criminal enforcer, brings a morally complex perspective to the show. His backstory is expanded in Better Call Saul, revealing his personal code and his reasons for getting involved with criminals like Gus Fring.

Mike’s pragmatic, no-nonsense approach contrasts with Jimmy’s emotional journey, and their eventual partnership highlights the different paths they take into the criminal world.

5. Howard Hamlin

Howard Hamlin, initially perceived as a villainous figure in Jimmy’s career, is later revealed to be more nuanced. His role as a managing partner at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill puts him at odds with Jimmy, but Howard’s struggles to maintain the firm and navigate Chuck’s issues paint him as a more sympathetic character.

6. Gus Fring

Gus Fring, the ruthless drug kingpin from Breaking Bad, plays a larger role in the later seasons of Better Call Saul. His cold, calculated rise to power is explored in greater depth, particularly his feud with Hector Salamanca. Gus’s meticulous control and his complex relationship with Mike add layers of tension to the narrative.

7. Other Supporting Characters

  • Nacho Varga: A central figure in the Salamanca cartel, Nacho’s internal conflict and attempts to escape the criminal life provide a gripping subplot.
  • Hector Salamanca: His rivalry with Gus Fring is expanded upon, showing the origins of their power struggle in the Albuquerque drug trade.

Themes and Tone

Better Call Saul stands out not only for its intricate characters but also for its exploration of deep, universal themes. The show’s tone shifts between moments of dark humor, intense drama, and quiet introspection, offering a unique blend that keeps viewers engaged. Here’s a look at the key themes and the tone that define Better Call Saul:

Moral Ambiguity and Ethical Dilemmas

Better Call Saul dives deep into the theme of moral ambiguity, where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. Jimmy McGill’s character is central to this theme—while he starts as a well-meaning lawyer, his willingness to cut corners for short-term gain slowly leads him down a more questionable path.

The show raises important ethical questions, such as whether Jimmy’s actions are justifiable because of the barriers he faces or if they reflect his true nature. Other characters, like Kim Wexler, face similar dilemmas as they find themselves bending the rules to achieve their goals.

Even Mike Ehrmantraut, who works in the criminal world, operates by his own code of ethics, despite engaging in illegal activities. Better Call Saul explores how the characters’ ethical boundaries are tested over time and how their decisions, whether large or small, have long-lasting impacts on their lives.

Identity and Transformation

The theme of identity is crucial in Better Call Saul, particularly in Jimmy McGill’s transformation into Saul Goodman. Jimmy begins as a man trying to distance himself from his past as a con artist, striving to establish himself as a legitimate lawyer.

However, as he faces repeated rejection and disillusionment, he begins to adopt a new identity—one that allows him to survive and even thrive in a world that doesn’t seem to accept him. His transformation into Saul Goodman is gradual and heartbreaking, showcasing how small, seemingly insignificant choices can lead to a complete shift in character.

The show highlights how the pressures of ambition and the need for validation can cause someone to lose sight of who they once were. As Jimmy sheds his original identity, the show asks viewers to reflect on how much of our identity is shaped by external circumstances and internal desires.

The Struggle for Respect and Legitimacy

A recurring theme in Better Call Saul is the pursuit of respect and legitimacy, especially within the legal world. Jimmy McGill constantly struggles to earn recognition and approval from his peers, but his past as a con man and his unconventional approach to law hinder his efforts.

The need for validation drives Jimmy to increasingly unethical behavior, as he attempts to prove himself in a system that seems to constantly push him out. This theme extends to Kim Wexler as well, who, despite her talent and hard work, finds herself drawn to riskier, morally ambiguous methods in her quest for professional and personal satisfaction.

Even Chuck McGill, a revered lawyer, is obsessed with maintaining his status, which leads to a toxic rivalry with Jimmy. The show masterfully portrays how the desire for respect and legitimacy can push individuals to compromise their principles, often leading to their downfall.

Consequences of Actions

In Better Call Saul, every action has consequences, and the ripple effects of the characters’ decisions drive much of the plot. The show carefully examines how even small, seemingly harmless choices can lead to unintended and often devastating outcomes.

Jimmy’s schemes and shortcuts in the legal world, which may seem minor at first, accumulate and eventually lead to far-reaching consequences that affect his career, relationships, and moral compass. Similarly, Mike Ehrmantraut’s decisions, driven by his need to provide for his family, pull him deeper into the criminal underworld, despite his attempts to remain honorable.

The series emphasizes that no one can escape the consequences of their actions, whether they’re trying to protect loved ones or climb the professional ladder. Better Call Saul showcases how the characters’ lives spiral out of control as the weight of their choices begins to catch up with them, creating a sense of inevitable downfall.

Loyalty and Betrayal

Loyalty and betrayal are central to the relationships in Better Call Saul, particularly between Jimmy and the people closest to him. Jimmy’s loyalty to his brother, Chuck, is a driving force early in the series, as he repeatedly tries to earn his approval.

However, Chuck’s betrayal—his refusal to acknowledge Jimmy as a legitimate lawyer—profoundly affects Jimmy’s trajectory, setting him on the path toward becoming Saul Goodman. Kim Wexler’s loyalty to Jimmy is another key dynamic, as she wrestles with her professional ethics and her personal attachment to him.

Her decisions to stand by him, despite her misgivings, create internal conflict and push her into morally gray territory. Meanwhile, Mike’s loyalty to his family motivates many of his actions, yet it also leads him to work for dangerous criminals like Gus Fring. Throughout the show, loyalty is tested, and betrayal becomes a pivotal turning point for many characters.

Tone: A Blend of Dark Humor and Drama

Better Call Saul strikes a unique balance between dark humor and intense drama, making it both emotionally engaging and, at times, surprisingly funny. The show’s humor often stems from Jimmy’s elaborate schemes and legal antics, which range from the clever to the absurd.

His flair for bending the law in creative ways offers moments of levity in an otherwise serious narrative. However, this humor is tempered by the show’s darker, more tragic elements, as characters face the consequences of their actions and the weight of their choices. The tone shifts seamlessly between these two extremes, creating a rich, dynamic viewing experience.

Unlike the fast-paced intensity of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul builds its tension slowly, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ internal struggles. This deliberate pacing, combined with its mix of humor and drama, keeps viewers on edge, never knowing when the next moral compromise will tip the balance.

Critical Reception

Better Call Saul has received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and visual style. Here’s a concise breakdown of key points:

Writing and Storytelling:

    • Praised for its slow-burn, character-driven narrative.
    • Carefully crafted storylines, especially Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman.
    • Balanced as a standalone show while expanding the Breaking Bad universe.

Bob Odenkirk’s Performance:

    • Career-defining portrayal of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman.
    • Lauded for balancing humor, vulnerability, and moral conflict.
    • Subtle, gradual transformation into Saul has been universally praised.

Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler:

    • Breakout performance, praised for her portrayal of Kim’s moral struggle.
    • Critics applaud her subtle and emotionally complex performance.
    • Seehorn’s role has become central to the emotional weight of the series.

Visual and Cinematic Style:

    • Striking cinematography and symbolism enhance storytelling.
    • Albuquerque’s desert landscapes create an atmosphere of isolation and tension.
    • Long, silent scenes build suspense and add depth.

Slow-Burn Pacing:

    • Initially questioned but ultimately praised for allowing deeper character exploration.
    • Distinguished from Breaking Bad by its more intimate, deliberate pacing.

Critical Acclaim and Awards:

    • Multiple Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actor (Odenkirk), and Supporting Actress (Seehorn).
    • Recognized by Critics’ Choice, Writers Guild of America, and Screen Actors Guild.

Featured Image Source: newsweek.com

Similar Posts