Why Better Call Saul is Even Better Than Breaking Bad: A Complete Series Review

After finally watching Breaking Bad and appreciating its storytelling, I discovered something even more captivating: its prequel, Better Call Saul. This series not only deepens the Breaking Bad universe but, in my view, surpasses it with a richer narrative and complex character arcs. In this review, I’ll explore why Better Call Saul stands out, including a closer look at Jimmy McGill’s transformation into the iconic Saul Goodman, along with detailed insights into what makes this series truly exceptional. 

What Makes Better Call Saul Stand Out in the Breaking Bad Universe

The TV series Breaking Bad aired from 2008 to 2013. While it quickly became a fan favorite, topping IMDb and other sites as one of the highest-rated shows, I wasn’t immediately drawn to the story of a high school chemistry teacher turning into a meth manufacturer. However, in 2014, I had some free time and decided to give it a chance. You can read my review of Breaking Bad in the link below:

See here: Breaking Bad: Is It Worth Watching? A Comprehensive Review

Watching Breaking Bad ultimately led me to discover an even better series. After finishing it, I found out that its universe had expanded with both a sequel movie and a prequel TV series. The latter, Better Call Saul (2015–2022), quickly became a favorite of mine, surpassing Breaking Bad.

For starters, Saul Goodman was already a fascinating character in Breaking Bad, so it was exciting to see how he evolved into the go-to lawyer for anyone needing legally questionable assistance. Better Call Saul introduces us to Jimmy McGill, a man whose journey towards becoming Saul Goodman is filled with ambition, struggle, and moral compromise.

Beyond Saul’s character, Better Call Saul also explores the backstories of other iconic Breaking Bad characters, including Mike Ehrmantraut, Gustavo Fring, Hector Salamanca, and more. The series not only deepens the Breaking Bad story but, for me, is even more enjoyable than the original. Now, let’s dive into the details of Better Call Saul and why it stands out in its own right.

The Transformation of Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman: A Character's Journey

In Better Call Saul, we witness the transformation of Jimmy McGill from a struggling, earnest public defender to the morally ambiguous "criminal" lawyer Saul Goodman. This journey isn’t just about a name change but is deeply rooted in Jimmy’s inner conflicts, ambition, and resilience in the face of numerous setbacks. From his strained relationship with his older brother Chuck, who constantly doubts him, to the moral compromises he makes in his career, Jimmy’s path is shaped by both internal and external forces.

As Jimmy’s ambitions grow, he’s drawn into a web of ethically gray choices, especially when he realizes that bending the rules yields faster results. This transition is portrayed masterfully throughout the series, allowing us to see every step and stumble that leads Jimmy to embrace his alter ego, Saul Goodman. By the time he fully assumes this persona, viewers understand both the cost and allure of this transformation, making it one of the most compelling character arcs in recent television.

The Heartbreaking Path from Jimmy to Saul: A Brother’s Influence

While Better Call Saul shows Jimmy McGill’s journey into becoming the “criminal” lawyer Saul Goodman, it’s also a deeply emotional story of heartbreak and betrayal. At the core of Jimmy’s transformation is his complicated relationship with his older brother, Chuck. Chuck, a brilliant but conflicted attorney, plays a crucial role in shaping who Jimmy ultimately becomes. Though Jimmy is not a typical lawyer—often bending the rules and pushing ethical boundaries—he shows remarkable potential and creativity. With Chuck’s support, Jimmy might have developed into an even more skilled and reputable attorney.

Yet, the relationship between the brothers is fraught with unspoken resentment, especially on Chuck’s part. Jimmy’s love for his brother is unconditional, but Chuck’s distrust and subtle sabotage gradually chip away at his confidence and self-worth. As a viewer, it’s impossible not to feel sympathy for Jimmy, especially when he’s unknowingly hurt by someone he admires and cares for deeply. Chuck’s actions contribute to a pivotal breaking point in Jimmy’s life. Instead of just a name change, Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman is a story of loss—of trust, of family, and ultimately of himself. This heartbreak is what makes his character so compelling and relatable, as we see a man whose dreams were broken along with his spirit.

Exploring Key Supporting Characters: The Impact of Kim, Mike, and Nacho

Better Call Saul is not only about Jimmy; the series is also enriched by its well-developed supporting cast. Kim Wexler, Jimmy’s partner in both life and law, serves as both his moral compass and his partner in crime, constantly balancing her love for Jimmy with her own personal integrity. Her journey, especially as she becomes increasingly willing to cross ethical boundaries, mirrors and contrasts Jimmy’s, adding depth to both characters.

Mike Ehrmantraut, a fan favorite from Breaking Bad, gets a nuanced backstory that highlights his motives and struggles. His relationship with Jimmy is both complicated and layered, filled with a mutual understanding of the moral compromises each has made. Then there’s Nacho Varga, a new character with compelling depth and tension, caught between a rock and a hard place as he navigates the treacherous waters of the drug world. Together, these characters create a rich, interconnected story that enhances the show's narrative and amplifies Jimmy’s journey into Saul Goodman.

Expanding the Breaking Bad Universe: Connections and Insights

Better Call Saul does more than serve as a prequel; it offers a whole new dimension to the Breaking Bad universe. With carefully woven connections to Breaking Bad, it enriches the backstory of fan-favorite characters like Gustavo Fring and Hector Salamanca, revealing how the foundations of their infamous rivalry were built. These insights not only deepen our understanding of the characters but also make Breaking Bad itself feel more layered upon re-watching.

The show also surprises fans with unexpected cameos and Easter eggs that tie into pivotal moments from Breaking Bad, making it rewarding for dedicated viewers. Yet, these connections never overshadow Better Call Saul's unique storyline; instead, they complement it, allowing Better Call Saul to stand as a strong series on its own while still honoring its predecessor.

See also: El Camino: A Breaking Bad Sequel – What Became of Jesse Pinkman?