Breaking Bad's Psychological Thriller Gets the Love it Deserves: Why Better Call Saul's Underrated Sequel is a Masterclass in Television

Better Call Saul, the prequel to the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, has garnered a significant following despite receiving less attention than its predecessor. The show's slow-burning narrative, character-driven storytelling, and exploration of moral ambiguity have left audiences and critics alike in awe. However, despite its merits, Better Call Saul often flies under the radar, overshadowed by other prestige TV dramas. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons why Better Call Saul's underrated sequel deserves love too, and explore its many strengths that set it apart from other shows in its genre.

Better Call Saul premiered in 2015, six years after Breaking Bad's conclusion. Created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, the show follows the transformation of small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill into the morally ambiguous attorney Saul Goodman. As the series progresses, Jimmy's character is put to the test by his own ethics and the harsh realities of the world around him. The show's narrative is layered with complexity, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

The Making of a Masterclass in Television

Better Call Saul is the product of a meticulous writing process, with a keen focus on character development and world-building. The show's creator, Vince Gilligan, has stated that he and his team spent years crafting the backstory of Saul Goodman, from his humble beginnings as a small-time lawyer to his rise as a high-stakes attorney. This attention to detail has paid off, with each episode expertly weaving together the complex threads of Jimmy's character and the world around him.

A Slow-Burning Narrative that Pays Off

One of the standout features of Better Call Saul is its slow-burning narrative. Unlike other TV shows, which often rely on quick cuts and dramatic plot twists to keep viewers engaged, Better Call Saul takes a more measured approach. The show's pacing is deliberate and thoughtful, allowing viewers to absorb the complexities of Jimmy's character and the world around him.

A Deep Dive into Character Development

Better Call Saul is all about character development, with Jimmy McGill being the show's linchpin. Through a series of clever narrative devices, the show explores Jimmy's backstory, revealing the events that shaped him into the person he is today. From his childhood experiences to his relationships with his family and friends, Jimmy's character is expertly nuanced, making him both relatable and flawed.

Supporting Characters that Add Depth

The show's supporting characters are equally well-developed, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Mike Ehrmantraut, the former cop turned hitman, is a particular standout, his character serving as a foil to Jimmy's moral ambiguity. Meanwhile, Kim Wexler, the fiercely independent lawyer, provides a compelling counterpoint to Jimmy's more reckless approach.

Moral Ambiguity in a Gray World

Better Call Saul explores the gray areas of morality, a theme that is both timely and timeless. In a world where right and wrong are increasingly subjective, the show presents a nuanced exploration of the characters' motivations and actions. Jimmy's transformation from a small-time lawyer to a morally ambiguous attorney serves as a powerful metaphor for the consequences of our choices.

A World that's Both Familiar and Strange

The show's setting, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is both familiar and strange, a city that is both beautiful and corrupt. The show's attention to detail in its production design and cinematography adds to the sense of atmosphere, transporting viewers to a world that is both captivating and unsettling.

The City as a Character

Albuquerque is a character in its own right, with its own unique rhythms and quirks. From the dusty streets of the desert to the high-rise apartments of the city's wealthy elite, the show's use of location shooting creates a sense of place that is both authentic and immersive.

A Visual feast

Better Call Saul is a visual feast, with a keen attention to detail in its production design, cinematography, and editing. The show's use of color, lighting, and composition adds to the sense of atmosphere, creating a world that is both beautiful and haunting.

Criticisms and Misconceptions

Despite its many strengths, Better Call Saul has faced criticism from some viewers who feel that it is too slow-paced or that Jimmy's character is not as interesting as Walter White. However, these criticisms overlook the show's many accomplishments, including its nuanced exploration of moral ambiguity and its expertly crafted narrative.

A Breakdown of Common Misconceptions

• Too slow-paced: While Better Call Saul may be slower-paced than some other TV shows, its deliberate narrative is a deliberate choice that pays off in the long run.
• Jimmy's character is boring: Jimmy's complexity and nuance make him a compelling character, and his transformation into Saul Goodman is both heartbreaking and terrifying.

Conclusion

Better Call Saul's underrated sequel deserves love too, its many strengths and complexities making it a masterclass in television. With its slow-burning narrative, expertly crafted characters, and nuanced exploration of moral ambiguity, the show is a must-watch for fans of prestige TV. Despite its criticisms and misconceptions, Better Call Saul remains a powerful and thought-provoking show that will leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.

Final Thoughts

• A testament to television's potential: Better Call Saul is a shining example of the medium's potential, a show that has pushed the boundaries of storytelling and character development.

• A must-watch for fans of Breaking Bad: While Better Call Saul is a separate entity from Breaking Bad, its connections to the original series are deep and meaningful, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

• A Understatement of the Show's Impact

  Better Call Saul is more than just a TV show –