When the credits began to roll at the end of AMC's legendary show "Breaking Bad", fans were left hungering for more. Eager to stay in the gripping, gritty world of meth manufacturers and fascinating anti-heroes, we turned to its successor, "Better Call Saul", with hopeóand the show more than delivered. At its core, "Better Call Saul" character development encapsulates why the show has rivaled its predecessor in terms of storyline and characterization. While it shares its roots with "Breaking Bad", "Better Call Saul" has carved an identity for itself as a masterclass in intimate character studies.
Better Call Saul Series Review: A tale of moral compromises
"Better Call Saul" serves as both a prequel and sequel to "Breaking Bad", and it centers on Jimmy McGill, later known as Saul Goodmanóthe corrupt lawyer who was memorably portraited in the original series as a figure at once morally reprehensible and oddly endearing. Our series review lands at the core point: the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman is a patient and intricate process that exhibits a potent mix of pathos and creepiness, inciting a unique experience in the audience, as they oscillate between empathy and revulsion.
The specificity of Jimmyís journey increases our understanding of the character beyond what we knew of him in "Breaking Bad", marking the stellar character development at work here. The series uses its predecessor's methodology of slow burn storytelling and leverages that to its advantage to create an in-depth study of each character's psychology. We see Jimmy McGill slowly devolving into the morally loose Saul Goodman while his relationship with the people around him, especially his brother, Chuck, continues to evolve.
How Does Better Call Saul Compare to Breaking Bad?
While comparisons between "Better Call Saul" and "Breaking Bad" are inevitable due to their shared universe and characters, the former stands on its own feet with grace. In contrast to the swift descent to villainy that "Breaking Bad" protagonist Walter White undergoes, Jimmy McGillís evolutionóor devolution, depending on one's perspectiveóinto Saul Goodman is a slower, more nuanced journey. This approach doubles as the show's distinguishing factor and its primary success. Each episode feels like a carefully constructed piece of the puzzle that is Saul Goodman.
The element of surprise is another aspect where "Better Call Saul" matches up well against its predecessor. Despite the viewers knowing the ultimate fate of Saul Goodman from "Breaking Bad", the show still has a plethora of surprises up its sleeve. It uses the tools of suspense and dramatic irony significantly, ensuring that the audience is riveted throughout its trajectory.
The storylines converge to create a beautifully layered narrative that one does not usually come across too often, even though the ground was set by the acclaimed "Breaking Bad". The brilliant storytelling, combined with exceptional performances, notably Bob Odenkirk's portrayal of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, makes "Better Call Saul" a compelling watch that demands the viewerís full attention and rewards it generously.
Finding Saul Goodman Within Jimmy McGill
Saul Goodman, unlike the out-of-context name we were introduced to in Breaking Bad, is actually a play on the words 'S'all good, man!', highlighting Saul's approach to his dubious lawyering practices. But before Saul, was Jimmy McGill. A small-time lawyer striving to make his mark and step out of the shadow of his successful lawyer brother, Chuck McGill.
Jimmy, played with irresistible charm and relatable weakness by Golden Globe Winner Bob Odenkirk, starts as a struggling lawyer peddling known-to-fail public defender cases. His love for law is evident, but so is his inclination for bending those laws to his favor, a trait we see develop extensively as he transforms into Saul Goodman. Yet, these aren't flashy metamorphoses but subtle shifts in his personality and moral compass; markings of exceptional writing and character development.
Odenkirkís Jimmy is a man who desperately wants to do the right thing but is constantly thwarted - sometimes by his own failings and sometimes by situations beyond his control.
The Lure of the Underworld
The transformation of Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman is not an overnight process. You can sense his bitterness grow, his disenchantment with the noble path of law deepen, and his attraction towards the underworld become more compelling with every new season.
The catalyst in this transformation is his relationship with the other characters. His interactions with Mike Ehrmantraut, a stern ex-cop turned hitman-for-hire, adds a unique dimension to Jimmy's journey. Mike's presence underlines Jimmy's descent, and their dynamic is as integral to Better Call Saul as it was in Breaking Bad.
Masterful Storytelling
The storytelling in Better Call Saul rivals, and at times even surpasses, the narrative brilliance of Breaking Bad. The switchbacks between past and present, the slow burn of Jimmyís moral disintegration, and the masterfully orchestrated tipping points are what make this character study so spellbinding.
The creators, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, have used this prequel as a platform not just to chronicle the birth of Saul Goodman, but to throw open a whirling kaleidoscope of complex characters and their intricate relationships. Their synergy contributes to the riveting narrative, and it's this that seals Better Call Saul's place as a worthy successor to Breaking Bad.
As we journey through Jimmy's transformation to Saul, we are left second-guessing every action and pondering the morality of every choice made. And in this fascinating process, Better Call Saul becomes much more than just a prequel it becomes an intoxicating character study that stands firm and proud next to its acclaimed predecessor.