Introduction: The Rise of 'Better Call Saul'
The critically acclaimed television show Better Call Saul is once again making headlines, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. The show, a spin-off of the iconic Breaking Bad series, has consistently delighted fans with its compelling characters and masterful storytelling. However, recent revelations and discussions around its lead character, the infamous lawyer Saul Goodman (played by Bob Odenkirk), have reignited interest in both Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. So, why is Better Call Saul trending now? Let's dive into the details.
The Greater Breaking Bad Universe: Why Fans are Still Hooked
At the heart of this resurgence is the fact that Better Call Saul is deeply intertwined with the Breaking Bad universe. The show traces the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer, into the morally dubious Saul Goodman, whom fans first encountered in Breaking Bad. With its nuanced character development and intricate plotlines, Better Call Saul has captivated fans in much the same way as its predecessor.
Recently, discussions about the Breaking Bad series finale have brought fresh attention to this universe. In an interview shared by Slashfilm, it was revealed that Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, had originally considered killing off Saul Goodman in the Breaking Bad finale. This revelation has set the internet abuzz, as Saul is one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.
Key Revelations: Saul Goodman Almost Didn't Survive Breaking Bad
According to Slashfilm, Gilligan had several ideas in mind for the Breaking Bad finale, including the potential death of Saul Goodman. In hindsight, this decision could have dramatically altered the course of the Better Call Saul spin-off, which would never have come to fruition had Saul met his demise in the original series. Fans have since expressed their relief that Saul was spared, pointing out that his complex backstory and character journey have contributed significantly to the success of Better Call Saul.
A similar report from IMDb further emphasizes the importance of this decision. Had Gilligan killed off Saul, fans would have missed out on the rich narrative that explores Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman. The spin-off has allowed audiences to delve deeper into his motivations, relationships, and struggles, making him one of the most fascinating characters in the Breaking Bad universe.
Vince Gilligan's Decision: A Close Call for Saul
In another related IMDb report, it's suggested that Gilligan and his writing team dreaded the idea of killing off Saul Goodman because they recognized the potential for his character to carry a spin-off. While the initial plan was to conclude many storylines in the Breaking Bad finale, the decision to keep Saul alive paid off, leading to a critically acclaimed prequel that has expanded the universe in unexpected and exciting ways.
The decision to keep Saul alive also allowed for further exploration of other fan-favorite characters such as Mike Ehrmantraut and Gus Fring, whose backstories are intricately woven into the fabric of Better Call Saul. These characters, along with Saul, provide a rich tapestry of morally complex individuals who operate in a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong.
Why Better Call Saul Continues to Captivate Audiences
One of the reasons Better Call Saul remains so compelling is its ability to stand on its own, even as it ties back to the events of Breaking Bad. The show doesn't rely solely on nostalgia; instead, it crafts its own narrative while providing deeper context for fans of the original series. Odenkirk's portrayal of Saul—a character who oscillates between comedic levity and profound tragedy—has been lauded by critics and fans alike.
Moreover, Better Call Saul has been praised for its slow-burn storytelling, allowing character arcs to evolve naturally over time. This approach has provided viewers with a unique perspective on the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters, making it one of the most thought-provoking dramas on television.
Conclusion: A Fortuitous Decision That Changed TV History
In the end, the decision to keep Saul Goodman alive at the end of Breaking Bad was a pivotal moment in television history. Not only did it allow for the creation of Better Call Saul, but it also gave audiences a deeper understanding of one of the most iconic characters in modern TV. As discussions about the Breaking Bad finale resurface, fans are once again reminded of how close they came to never experiencing the brilliance of Better Call Saul.
With the show continuing to trend, it's clear that the story of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman still resonates with audiences, proving that even years after its debut, the Breaking Bad universe remains as compelling as ever.
Sources
- The Breaking Bad Series Finale Almost Killed Off One Of The Show's Best Characters - Slashfilm
- The Breaking Bad Series Finale Almost Killed Off One Of The Show's Best Characters - IMDb
- “We Dread the Day That It Will Happen”: To Us, It Looks Like Vince Gilligan Planned to Kill a Breaking Bad Character That Ended up Surviving in Better Call Saul - IMDb