Better Call Saul

Premise: “Better Call Saul” is a prequel to the critically acclaimed “Breaking Bad” and delves into the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer hustling to champion his underdog status, into the morally-challenged lawyer Saul Goodman. The series dives deep into the legal, criminal, and personal world of Albuquerque, New Mexico, shedding light on the characters and circumstances that lead Jimmy down a path of questionable legal ethics.

Main Characters:

  • Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk): A lawyer with a complicated relationship with the law and a desire to prove himself in the legal world.
  • Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks): A former police officer turned enforcer and private investigator, Mike’s journey intertwines with Jimmy’s as he gets involved in the criminal underworld.
  • Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn): A highly skilled lawyer and Jimmy’s romantic partner, Kim’s personal and professional ethics are tested as Jimmy transforms into Saul.
  • Chuck McGill (Michael McKean): Jimmy’s older brother, a successful lawyer who suffers from electromagnetic hypersensitivity, and has a complicated relationship with Jimmy.
  • Nacho Varga (Michael Mando): A criminal with connections to the Salamanca drug ring who becomes deeply involved with Mike’s activities.

Themes: “Better Call Saul” grapples with morality, identity, and the choices we make. The series deftly portrays the gray areas of ethics within both the legal profession and personal relationships, offering a nuanced exploration of how individuals can gradually compromise their principles for power, money, and love.

Critical Consensus & Rating: 4.8/5. The series is widely praised for its meticulous character development, storytelling, and performances, especially that of Bob Odenkirk. Its ability to stand as its own show, apart from “Breaking Bad”, has been one of its strongest points. Some critiques stem from its slower pacing compared to its predecessor and its intricate plotlines which may require more patience from viewers.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA for mature content, including violence, language, and drug-related elements.

Broadcast Details: “Better Call Saul” premiered on AMC in 2015 and ran until 2022.

TV Series Recommendations:

  1. Breaking Bad
  2. Fargo
  3. The Sopranos
  4. Mad Men
  5. Ozark

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