Better Call Saul

A (well-deserved) phenomenon was soon born from Breaking Bad. This is one of the rare cases where both critics and television viewers agree on the exceptional quality and appeal of the series. It was therefore logical that the producers would try to get the most out of the project. Because the fate of the main protagonist had been fulfilled, a spin-off became the solution. However, very few members of the criminal gang remained, whose life stories could be further developed. The solution then became a prequel. Attention focused on two characters who, with their charisma and intelligence, stood out from the one-dimensional criminals. Better Call Saul is not just the story of a seasoned lawyer who knows how to operate on the fringes of the law and can arrange things beyond the scope of standard legal services, but also that of police veteran Mike, a former top criminal investigator who decided to change sides and only play by his own rules. Better Call Saul reveals the mark of an experienced screenwriter right from the beginning, intentionally using elements and techniques proven in Breaking Bad. The cool characters, who are believable and placed in the real world, have a sense of absurdity, black humor, and knowledge of different levels of crime. The series is capable of offering what only true elite television works can. It does not romanticize crime, it does not belittle it, it does not simply reduce it to certain social environments and groups; it is analytical and reveals the functioning of the system. And yet, it is incredibly entertaining. However, despite all its qualities, Better Call Saul falls short of Breaking Bad. Saul Goodman's journey to success is complex and brings with it the bitterness of knowledge several times, but it is by no means as painful and revolutionary as Walter White's journey. Breaking Bad provided a great human story and a shocking transformation of character; it was fascinating to see how far a model citizen, caring husband, and father is willing to go on his path to the top of organized crime. He had to deal with extremely sensitive dilemmas and cope with extreme existential uncertainty, and all of this eluded Saul. For Breaking Bad enthusiasts, the series is enjoyable for the intimate nods from the creators to the audience, but at the same time, the element of surprise disappears. You simply know where it is inevitably heading and what price each character will pay. On the other hand, after three seasons, I unequivocally give it a thumbs up and say that it is top-notch work which, in reality, forms a cohesive whole with Breaking Bad. I'm now raising my review to five stars and a 90% overall impression. (07/07/2015)

He has a way of doing the worst things for reasons that sounds almost noble. No millstone around neck, no treading water in the shadow, no “(pre) sequel at all costs, because the ratings require it", no flogging a dead horse. Better Call Saul is more than a worthy companion to his older brother Breaking Bad. It doesn't rely on it, it doesn't depend on him, because it works fully on its own, but still, logically, it's the best in “family business" mode. Which is also true in the opposite sense, as it gives new dimensions to one of the best series of all time. The whole thing has a distinctive character enough that it is not just a copy of the style. And while maintaining the major strong points of Breaking Bad; namely work with characters, exciting storylines, emphasis on filminess, quality first. From the truly average and the same all the time character of Saul Goodman, at that time Jimmy “S'all good, ma" McGill, the filmmakers made one of the most layered characters of contemporary quality tv. And it did not end with him. Yes, Breaking Bad was more packed and obviously goal-oriented. Better Call Saul´ approach is not that obvious, it´s not that fast, it is not a criminal drama, but a character drama. Sadly, it has a slower start (after all, the pilot of Breaking Bad clearly set a clear direction of cancer and drug production and bets, which is not seen here), in addition, it constantly struggles with too separated lines of Jimmy / Mike / cartel, which are excellent alone, that´s for sure, but for a long time (we're talking about the whole series, not episodes) they don´t seem like an integral part of the same story / whole. Which is probably the only weak point we can point out. And even that this gets better over time. | S1: 4/5 | S2: 5/5 | S3: 4/5 | (26/08/2018)

Pilot: This spin off of Breaking Bad is like returning home. It’s apparent that Gilligan was missing Heisenberg’s world terribly and so he treats it with the same amount of love. Familiar faces in a resourceful screenplay appear completely organically, but just different enough – entertaining while not losing oomph. Odenkirk is still excellent even in this more depressing role. Episode one asks some interesting questions and gives unexpected answers. Season one: It will very soon finds its own place within the great Albuquerque opera. It is not about the simple awakening of malice, but about the little things that can change the direction of your life. Bob Odenkirk is even better than in BB, this is a true one man show where his talent shines through. The quantity of references to big brother are just right. I look forward to season two. Season two successfully continues in the promising-looking storylines. Jimmy’s romantic storyline is cool and the ending offers interesting material for another season. With Mike we’re treated to meeting old friends, and also promises to the future. (10/02/2015)

After the phenomenal Breaking Bad, Vince Gilligan could have created absolutely anything. In the end, however, he stayed in his favourite territory and invented a whole new storyline for his favourite lawyer, Saul Goodman. Again, there are strong characters, unexpected twists and turns, and a pervasive southern New Mexico atmosphere. Nobody’s rushing anywhere, the plot slowly unfolds and the author's confidence is evident in every scene or dialogue. So even though the first 10 episodes could be summed up in a few sentences, it's the details that make it stand out from the competition. Already the theme song at the beginning of each episode suggests that this is not going to be mainstream. (11/04/2015)