Breaking Out
Standing on your own when coming off of one of the most lauded show of the last decade is no easy task. Breaking Bad became a juggernaut, especially during its final season, cultivating in near-unanimous praise calling it one of the greatest TV series of all time. The hype leading up to Better Call Saul has been huge, but at times confusing – would it be a comedy, a gritty drama, a procedural legal series? Judging by the first two episodes that aired last week, the show itself is still sussing that out. And to say that’s the biggest thing working against the series so far is a major compliment – despite not carrying a consistent tone, the first two episodes were hugely entertaining and busting with possibilities.
Like Breaking Bad before it, Saul plays with time; we start off somewhere after the finale of Bad, where Saul is living out the future he predicted for himself during his final scene with Walter White – living in Omaha managing a Cinnabon. He’s looking over his shoulder at all times, and the first scene has a sense of paranoid frenzy reminiscent of the final shots of The Sopranos. But Saul is primarily a prequel, and after that quick opening flash-forward we’re transported to a time before Saul even exists, while he’s still going by Jimmy McGill.
For me the most interesting of our new regulars is Michael McKean who plays Saul/Jimmy’s brother Chuck McGill. We don’t know much about his situation other than that he’s recently developed what he refers to as “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” – visitors need to leave their cell phones in the mailbox before entering his house. He’s left his law firm and Jimmy is trying to help him reap the financial benefits, but Chuck doesn’t seem to be phased by it. There's a lot more going on here than we know just yet.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Again, the biggest issue for me was the slightly inconsistent tone. Vince Gilligan, creator of the series, does both comedy and high drama right – there are genuine laugh-out-loud moments and then moments where, despite knowing the characters fate, he had me squirming. Saul incorporates the same trippy camera work and breathtaking cinematography that made Breaking Bad so unique, and it was unsurprisingly nice to have it back on our screens.
What I really want, though, is for Saul to be able to establish itself more as its own series. Already it’s leaning a little more on Bad than I thought it would so early on with the end of the first episode reintroducing Tuco (which was awesome!) and the second cliff-hanger leaving Saul/Jimmy possibly cutting a deal with one of his cronies. Many of the best scenes in the episodes came courtesy of Tuco, and I was glad he was there. But going forward I’m most excited to see the new characters explored – like the mystery blonde (series regular Rhea Seehorn) who has charged run-ins with Jimmy. It’s also great to see Patrick Fabian (Veronica Mars, Grey’s Anatomy) in a regular role and I’m definitely looking forward to more of his seemingly nefarious lawyer.
Bottom Line
Better Call Saul has already won me over. I can nitpick a few things, sure, but the pilot episode and second installment were probably the most enjoyable hours of TV I watched last week (maybe tied with Justified.) I’m eager to see what else is in store, and I’m so glad Odenkirk is getting the chance to shine in a lead role (he was particularly awesome and underrated in last year’s Fargo miniseries.) I’ve got total faith that Gilligan wouldn’t agree to this series without a clear and exciting story to tell, and it typically takes a series some time to find its footing, so I’m sure the best is still yet to come. Will Saul reach the epic heights of Breaking Bad? Hard to say. But I’m eager to find out.
I'm also curious to know what you guys thought of the first two episodes and what you're most excited for tonight. Drop us a line in the comments and feel free to connect with me on Twitter for more on this series and all my SpoilerTV work.
