Quick Info
Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad that dives deep into the life and transformation of Jimmy McGill into the slick lawyer Saul Goodman. What immediately struck me is just how intimate and painstakingly detailed the series is about Jimmy's moral struggles, especially in early seasons. The tone is quieter and more patient than Breaking Bad, but that makes each decision feel weighty. Bob Odenkirk's portrayal of Jimmy is somehow both heartbreaking and infuriating, especially in scenes with his brother Chuck—a dynamic that's as fascinating as any crime plot.
What really stood out to me is how, episode after episode, the show finds subtle ways to make you root for or against Jimmy as he skirts ethical lines. The cinematography is gorgeous, using desert silence and quirky visual cues to dial up anxiety or hope. Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler absolutely steals scenes with the smallest gestures—her journey is just as gripping as Jimmy's. The show can move slowly, though, especially in the first two seasons. It sometimes lingers a bit too long before really moving a plot forward, which may frustrate viewers looking for quicker payoffs.
If you're the kind of person who loves character-driven stories with a meticulous buildup, this is for you. It's perfect if you appreciated the grayer areas of Breaking Bad, or if you just want to watch a fundamentally good person slowly lose their way. It does ask for patience, but it rewards it with some of TV’s best character work and a thoughtful meditation on consequences.
