Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed prequel to Breaking Bad, chronicling the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer with a hustler’s spirit, into Saul Goodman, the morally flexible criminal lawyer we meet in Breaking Bad. Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the series begins with Jimmy struggling to establish himself as a legitimate attorney while grappling with his older brother Chuck’s disdain for him and his complicated relationship with Kim Wexler, his former colleague and love interest.
The show delves deeply into Jimmy’s attempts to balance his desire for success with his tendency to bend or break rules. As his legal career falters, he begins to embrace his talent for manipulation and deception, slowly adopting the Saul Goodman persona. Meanwhile, the series introduces fan-favorite characters like Mike Ehrmantraut, a retired cop turned fixer, and Gustavo “Gus” Fring, a meticulous drug kingpin, as it builds the foundation for the criminal empire seen in Breaking Bad.
Throughout its six seasons, Better Call Saul explores themes of morality, ambition, and the cost of compromise. Jimmy’s relationship with Kim becomes a central focus, as her own moral descent parallels his. The show also weaves in the rise of the Salamanca drug cartel, with figures like Lalo Salamanca adding tension and danger to the story. As Jimmy’s world becomes more entangled with crime, the series skillfully portrays his journey toward becoming Saul Goodman while showing the emotional toll on those around him.
The series concludes with a poignant blend of tragedy and redemption. It ties seamlessly into the events of Breaking Bad, providing closure to Jimmy’s story while exploring the fallout of his choices. Better Call Saul is celebrated for its meticulous storytelling, complex characters, and emotional depth, solidifying its place as one of television’s most masterfully crafted dramas.