Better Call Saul is more than just a prequel to the iconic show Breaking Bad. It’s a narrative in its own right, weaving complex character studies, emotional depth, and a tightly crafted plot into something truly remarkable. Set in the early 2000s, the show chronicles the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer with big ambitions, into Saul Goodman, the morally ambiguous attorney we first met in Breaking Bad. But it’s not just about his journey; it’s about the relationships, the choices, and the environment that shape him. In this article, we will explore what makes Better Call Saul such an outstanding piece of television.
The show has consistently pushed the boundaries of what viewers expect from a drama series. Better Call Saul blends sharp legal drama with dark comedy, creating a layered experience that makes it compelling for a wide range of audiences. It never loses sight of the human aspect of its story, even when it delves into the darker, more morally complex territories. The show is about much more than the rise of a morally compromised character; it’s about the collapse of a man’s ideals, the impact of family dynamics, and the eventual surrender to a life of crime.
Through the lens of Jimmy McGill’s evolution, Better Call Saul delves into broader themes of identity, morality, and human ambition, while providing a deep dive into the morally gray world of law and the criminal justice system. It invites viewers to examine how good intentions can lead to questionable decisions, and how the fine line between right and wrong can blur when survival is at stake.
The Story of Jimmy McGill: A Man of Two Identities
At the heart of Better Call Saul is Jimmy McGill, a character who starts off as a likable but flawed man struggling to make his mark in a world that keeps pushing him back. Jimmy is a man constantly torn between two worlds: his ambition to become a legitimate lawyer and his predilection for bending, if not outright breaking, the rules. His journey is a tragic one, filled with moments of self-doubt, bad decisions, and difficult truths. As he transitions from Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman, his transformation feels inevitable yet heartbreaking.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is its ability to slowly peel back the layers of Jimmy’s character. From the very beginning, we see Jimmy as a man struggling to live up to his older brother Chuck, a successful lawyer with strict moral principles. While Chuck seems to have everything in order, Jimmy can’t seem to catch a break, constantly battling both external forces and his inner demons. His struggles, from his less-than-ideal upbringing to his complex relationship with Chuck, shape who he becomes. As the series progresses, we witness how Jimmy’s desire to prove himself eventually leads him down the path to becoming Saul Goodman, a lawyer willing to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means compromising his morals.
His relationship with Chuck is one of the most poignant and central elements of the series. Chuck is not only Jimmy’s older brother but also his mentor and, in some ways, his biggest obstacle. Chuck’s disdain for Jimmy’s unconventional methods and his refusal to accept Jimmy as a competent lawyer is a key factor in Jimmy’s transformation. Their relationship is a tragic one, filled with manipulation, bitterness, and, ultimately, betrayal. It’s a story of sibling rivalry and deep emotional wounds that plays out with devastating consequences.
The evolution of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman is not an overnight change. It’s a gradual process, marked by small compromises that snowball into bigger moral lapses. As the show progresses, viewers witness Jimmy’s internal conflict between his old self and the person he is becoming. This transformation is not only a result of his personal choices but also the environment around him—his interactions with the criminal world, his relationships with other characters, and his growing desperation to succeed.
The World of Better Call Saul: A Tightly Crafted Universe
One of the standout aspects of Better Call Saul is its world-building. The show doesn’t just focus on the personal journey of Jimmy McGill but also on the intricate web of relationships, institutions, and environments that shape his actions. From the morally complex law firm Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill to the seedy underworld of Albuquerque, the show creates a vivid, multi-dimensional world that feels lived in.
The legal world portrayed in Better Call Saul is one of intense pressure, ambition, and rivalry. The portrayal of the law firm dynamics, especially Jimmy’s complex relationship with Howard Hamlin, provides insight into the world of corporate law. Jimmy’s struggles within this world, along with his attempts to navigate the murky waters of professional ethics, highlight the clash between personal and professional identities. These legal settings are juxtaposed with the criminal activities of Mike Ehrmantraut, Gus Fring, and other shady characters, creating a blend of law and crime that challenges the very notion of legality.
Mike Ehrmantraut, a former cop turned fixer, plays a significant role in the narrative. His cool-headed demeanor and pragmatic approach to solving problems make him a compelling counterpoint to Jimmy’s emotional and often erratic nature. Mike’s actions, while often illegal, are portrayed with a sense of moral code that contrasts with Saul’s willingness to do whatever it takes. The relationship between Mike and Jimmy is one of the show’s most interesting dynamics, as it reveals different facets of morality and loyalty. While Jimmy is constantly grappling with his sense of self, Mike remains an enigma, always operating in the shadows with a quiet and calm resolve.
In Better Call Saul, the world outside the courtroom is just as important as what happens inside it. The criminal underworld that the characters become entangled in provides the show with much of its tension and intrigue. Gus Fring’s rise to power and his meticulous, calculated operations provide a fascinating look at how crime and business intersect. His cold efficiency and absolute control make him a chilling character, and his interactions with Jimmy highlight the blurry line between the legitimate and the criminal.
The Characters Around Jimmy: The People Who Shape His World
While Jimmy is undoubtedly the heart of the show, Better Call Saul features a rich ensemble cast that brings depth and nuance to the narrative. These characters—some allies, some adversaries—play pivotal roles in Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman. Their motivations, actions, and relationships with Jimmy help shape his journey in profound ways.
Kim Wexler, Jimmy’s romantic interest and colleague, is one of the most compelling characters on the show. A brilliant lawyer in her own right, Kim is driven and ambitious, but she also shares a deep connection with Jimmy. Her character provides a counterpoint to Jimmy’s often chaotic nature. She is grounded, but her involvement with Jimmy leads her down a morally gray path. Kim’s struggles with her own professional ethics, along with her deepening involvement in Jimmy’s legal escapades, add a layer of tension and heartbreak to the show. Her relationship with Jimmy is complicated by their differing views on success and ethics, but it’s clear that Kim’s love for Jimmy is genuine, even as she grapples with the consequences of his actions.
Howard Hamlin is another pivotal character. The suave, confident managing partner of Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill, Howard represents the world Jimmy aspires to be a part of. However, their relationship is complicated by Jimmy’s resentments and Howard’s inability to accept Jimmy’s unconventional approach to law. Howard’s character is one of the more complex on the show, as his actions, often misunderstood by Jimmy, are portrayed with a mix of sympathy and frustration. Howard’s journey is a tragic one, as he is ultimately caught in the middle of Jimmy’s transformation.
Lastly, there’s the ever-present figure of the criminal world. Characters like Gus Fring, Hector Salamanca, and Lalo Salamanca bring a sense of danger and tension to the show, each of them embodying a different aspect of criminal enterprise. Gus Fring, in particular, is a standout character whose calculating nature and willingness to do anything to maintain control make him a fascinating figure. His interactions with Saul highlight the fine line between criminal and professional, as Saul navigates his role as both lawyer and criminal accomplice.
The Cinematic Craft: Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Better Call Saul is a show that excels not only in its writing and acting but also in its technical craftsmanship. The direction, cinematography, and music all work in tandem to create a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience. The show’s creators, including Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, have made a deliberate choice to craft every shot with precision, using the camera to reflect the inner turmoil of its characters and the moral grayness of the world they inhabit.
The show’s cinematography is one of its most defining features. The camera work is often slow, deliberate, and meticulously composed, creating a sense of unease and tension even in the most mundane moments. The show’s use of lighting and framing emphasizes the isolation of its characters and the oppressive nature of their environments. The stark contrasts between light and dark, both literally and metaphorically, are central to the show’s visual language.
In terms of music, Better Call Saul is known for its sparse yet impactful soundtrack. The score, composed by Dave Porter, features a mix of original music and carefully chosen songs that complement the tone of the show. The music often serves as a counterpoint to the action on screen, underscoring the emotional undercurrents of the characters’ experiences. The minimalist score enhances the show’s sense of tension, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and compelling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Better Call Saul stands as a remarkable achievement in modern television. It’s a show that explores complex characters, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of ambition in a way that few shows have attempted. Through its brilliant performances, strong writing, and expertly crafted world, Better Call Saul has proven itself to be a masterpiece that rivals its predecessor, Breaking Bad.
At its core, Better Call Saul is a story about transformation—about how one man’s journey from earnest lawyer to morally compromised criminal lawyer reflects the choices we all face in life. It’s about the gray areas between right and wrong, and how easy it can be to slide into a life we never imagined for ourselves. The show may be a prequel, but it is also a story of its own, one that stands as a testament to the power of television as a medium for storytelling.
Better Call Saul is a show that demands to be watched and appreciated for its intricate storytelling, character development, and its deep exploration of the human condition. It’s a journey worth taking, even if it leads you to the dark side.
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