Better Call Saul (TV Series 2015–2022)

★★★★★

Few television shows manage to balance gripping drama with profound ethical quandaries, but Better Call Saul stands out as a masterpiece that does exactly that. With its intricate storytelling and morally complex characters, it has cemented its place as one of the most significant series in television history.

Premiering to critical acclaim, Better Call Saul has been hailed as a cinematic triumph. This prequel to the groundbreaking Breaking Bad has not only lived up to its predecessor but, in many ways, surpassed it in its meticulous character development and nuanced storytelling. Created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, the series has garnered numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards, further solidifying its legacy as a cultural and artistic milestone.

Overview

Better Call Saul, an American crime and drama series, aired on AMC. Serving as a prequel to Breaking Bad, the series is set six years before the events of its predecessor, in 2002. It chronicles the transformation, or perhaps surrender, of Jimmy McGill (played masterfully by Bob Odenkirk), a small-time lawyer with a penchant for bending the rules, into the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman. The series features a stellar cast, including Rhea Seehorn as the astute and compassionate Kim Wexler, Jonathan Banks as the stoic Mike Ehrmantraut, and Giancarlo Esposito as the chilling Gustavo Fring. Directed by a talented team, including Gilligan and Gould themselves, the show offers a riveting exploration of ambition, morality, and identity.

Storytelling and Character Depth

One of Better Call Saul’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to weave multiple character arcs seamlessly. The stories of Jimmy, Kim, Mike, and Gus are interwoven with such precision that they create a tapestry of suspense and intrigue. The transitions between these narratives not only maintain a gripping pace but also evoke a deep sense of curiosity about each character’s fate. The show’s writing delves into the depths of its characters’ psyches, revealing their flaws, fears, and motivations with extraordinary depth. This layered storytelling ensures that the audience is not merely observing these characters but experiencing their journeys alongside them.

The Ethical Lens

Viewed through the lens of the legal profession, Better Call Saul presents a fascinating commentary on ethics and morality. Jimmy McGill’s internal struggle between his desire to rise above his “Slippin' Jimmy” persona and his frequent surrender to it is both poignant and troubling. This conflict is particularly significant in the legal world, where strict ethical codes govern the profession. Jimmy’s journey highlights the tension between ambition and integrity, forcing viewers to grapple with uncomfortable questions about the boundaries of professional conduct.

However, the portrayal of Jimmy as an antihero raises another layer of critique. While his charm and ingenuity make him a compelling character, there is a risk that his disregard for legal ethics could influence viewers to romanticize such behavior. This tension invites a broader debate about the role of art in society—should it educate and uphold moral standards, or should it have the freedom to explore even the darkest facets of humanity? Ultimately, Jimmy’s descent into Saul Goodman’s persona serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the personal and professional consequences of abandoning ethical principles.

Visual Storytelling

Beyond its narrative brilliance, Better Call Saul excels in its use of visual metaphors and imagery. One striking example is Jimmy’s inability to fit a lawyer-branded thermos into the cup holder of his company car—a subtle yet powerful symbol of his discomfort and misalignment with the corporate legal world. Additionally, the series frequently employs non-linear storytelling, particularly in its opening sequences, to offer glimpses into the future, adding layers of anticipation and dramatic irony.

Conclusion

For all these reasons, Better Call Saul stands as a cultural and artistic landmark. Its masterful storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes have earned it a place among the greatest television shows of all time. With its deft exploration of law, morality, and identity, it transcends its genre to become a profound meditation on human nature.

It is for these reasons that we at I Law Cinema award Better Call Saul a perfect score, affirming its status as a timeless classic.

You can watch the show on Netflix and no, this is not an advertisement :)

Creators: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould
Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Giancarlo Esposito

Trailar:

Spotify, Better Call Saul series soundtrack playlist:

Better Call Saul soundtrack