TV Series Review: Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

Better Call Saul (2015-2022), created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, is a prequel to Breaking Bad, one of the most critically acclaimed TV shows of all time. Over six seasons, the series tracks the transformation of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), a struggling public defender, into Saul Goodman, the morally ambiguous lawyer who becomes a central figure in the world of Walter White’s criminal empire. While Breaking Bad focuses on the evolution of Walter White, Better Call Saul dives deep into the backstory of one of the most fascinating and morally complex characters from that show.

This review will examine the show's thematic richness, character development, performances, cinematography, and its overall significance within the world of television.

1. Story and Themes: Identity, Morality, and Transformation

At its heart, Better Call Saul is about identity and the choices we make that define who we become. The series explores the slow, painful transformation of Jimmy McGill, an ambitious but morally flexible lawyer, into the corrupt, cynical Saul Goodman. Throughout the show, Jimmy struggles with his desire for success and recognition, while grappling with his complicated relationship with his brother Chuck (Michael McKean), who disapproves of his career and constantly undermines his self-worth.

One of the most poignant aspects of Better Call Saul is how it delves into the moral descent of its protagonist. Jimmy is shown as a character full of potential—charming, intelligent, and capable—but he faces constant personal and professional setbacks that lead him down a dark path. His love for his family, particularly his brother, and his desire for approval from others are central to his internal conflict. As the series progresses, Jimmy’s eventual transformation into Saul Goodman reflects the complexities of his character and the external pressures that force him to compromise his values.

Themes of loyalty, deception, and family are explored throughout the series. The relationship between Jimmy and Chuck serves as the emotional backbone of the show, offering a reflection on sibling rivalry, unconditional love, and the repercussions of one’s actions. The show also explores the blurry line between right and wrong, with Jimmy often caught between his desire to be a good person and the temptations of the criminal world.

For viewers who enjoy character-driven stories and nuanced explorations of moral dilemmas, Better Call Saul offers an intricate and deeply emotional narrative about how the choices we make shape who we are and how others perceive us.

2. Character Development: Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman and Supporting Cast

The character development in Better Call Saul is one of the show’s greatest strengths. Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman is nothing short of extraordinary. Odenkirk gives a layered performance, shifting between humor, pathos, and tragedy as he embodies a man caught between his best intentions and his darker impulses. His transformation from Jimmy into Saul Goodman is gradual and believable, showcasing a man who, despite his flaws, still maintains some semblance of humanity even as he becomes more deeply entangled in the world of crime.

Michael McKean’s portrayal of Chuck McGill is another standout. Chuck is a brilliant lawyer but suffers from a psychosomatic condition that prevents him from being in the presence of electricity, which is symbolic of his mental and emotional barriers. McKean portrays Chuck with a quiet intensity, capturing the character’s pride, pain, and jealousy as he sabotages his brother’s efforts. The fraught relationship between Jimmy and Chuck serves as a key emotional driver of the show, with Chuck often acting as a foil to Jimmy’s more impulsive nature.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with characters like Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks), and Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) playing integral roles in the series. Kim, in particular, is an important character who represents Jimmy’s moral compass, and her development throughout the series is one of the most compelling aspects of the show. Seehorn’s performance as Kim is nuanced, capturing her growing disillusionment with the legal system and her increasingly complex relationship with Jimmy.

For viewers who appreciate complex, multidimensional characters and intricate character arcs, Better Call Saul offers some of the most engaging and well-developed characters in modern television.

3. Cinematography and Visual Storytelling: A Masterclass in Precision

Better Call Saul is visually striking, with meticulous cinematography that enhances the storytelling. The show is known for its use of wide, panoramic shots that capture the desolate beauty of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the show is set. The framing of each scene is purposeful, often reflecting the emotional and psychological state of the characters. For example, in scenes involving Jimmy and Chuck, the cinematography often isolates them physically, reflecting their strained relationship.

The show’s use of color is also notable. While Breaking Bad used color to represent character development (such as the transition from blue to green in Walter White’s wardrobe), Better Call Saul employs color in more subtle ways. For example, Jimmy’s wardrobe frequently includes bright colors, reflecting his outward charm and naivety, while Saul’s clothing, when he fully embraces his new persona, is often darker and more subdued.

The pacing of the show is deliberate and meditative, allowing for slow-burn character development and long moments of introspection. This is one of the key differences from Breaking Bad, which was more focused on fast-paced action and suspense. Better Call Saul takes its time, allowing viewers to sit with the characters and their dilemmas, offering a more reflective and, at times, melancholic tone.

For viewers who appreciate carefully crafted visuals and cinematic techniques that enhance the narrative, Better Call Saul is a masterclass in visual storytelling.

4. Pacing and Structure: A Slow-Burn Masterpiece

One of the criticisms that Better Call Saul occasionally faces is its slow pacing. While this is intentional, as it allows for deep character exploration and subtle storytelling, some viewers may find it frustrating compared to the more action-packed Breaking Bad. However, the slow-burn pacing is one of the show’s strengths, as it builds tension gradually, allowing for moments of reflection and development that are richly rewarding.

The series also uses its episodic format to its advantage, with each episode contributing to the larger arc of Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman. The structure is often nonlinear, with flashbacks and parallel storylines (such as Mike Ehrmantraut’s role as a fixer) weaving together to create a complex and immersive narrative. This structure allows for multiple character perspectives to be explored and for the plot to unfold in a way that feels organic and deliberate.

For viewers who enjoy character-driven narratives and the patience that comes with slow-building tension, Better Call Saul rewards those willing to invest in the emotional journey of its characters.

5. Conclusion: Better Call Saul – A Landmark in Television

In conclusion, Better Call Saul is a brilliantly crafted series that stands on its own as a compelling character study and a worthy prequel to Breaking Bad. Through its strong performances, intricate character development, thoughtful pacing, and stunning cinematography, the show explores the moral complexities of its protagonist, Jimmy McGill, and his transformation into the morally compromised lawyer, Saul Goodman.

For viewers who enjoy slow-burn character studies, Better Call Saul is a must-watch. It’s a show that thoughtfully examines the consequences of choice, identity, and the human condition, offering one of the most nuanced and rewarding TV experiences of the past decade. Whether you’re a Breaking Bad fan or new to the series, Better Call Saul offers a unique and engaging narrative that proves itself as one of the best television shows in modern history.