When discussing the greatest TV shows of all time, the Emmy-winning crime drama Breaking Bad and its spin-off series Better Call Saul have consistently been featured on top lists. Both series have earned critical acclaim and widespread audience admiration over the years.
However, despite the praise and fan enthusiasm, some find the Bob Odenkirk-led spin-off lacking compared to the original show. The progression and character dynamics in Better Call Saul have led some fans to perceive it as inferior to its predecessor.
Saul’s Delayed Transition in Better Call Saul Undermines The Show’s Impact
After introducing intriguing characters like Walter White and Saul Goodman in the crime drama Breaking Bad, the creator of the show, Vince Gilligan, brought in a prequel spin-off focusing on the con artist turned public defender, Jimmy McGill.
Bob Odenkirk, who originally embodied the character in Breaking Bad, returned in his iconic role in the spin-off. While the series has received similar acclaim as its predecessor, some fans feel that it falls short in certain areas.
The original series introduced the character as a shrewd strip mall lawyer representing Jesse and Walter. However, the spin-off focuses primarily on Jimmy McGill and his relationship with Kim Wexler. The transition to Saul Goodman doesn’t occur until the final season, following Kim’s departure.
Many fans believe that an earlier transition to Saul Goodman could have made the series as impactful as its predecessor. “Maybe if the transition to Saul happened sooner,” one fan said in a Reddit discussion, arguing why Breaking Bad is often seen as superior.
However, the contention extends beyond Jimmy’s transition to Saul Goodman, with fans also debating the dynamics between key characters like Bryan Cranston’s Walter and Aaron Paul’s Jesse compared to Saul and Kim.
Walter and Jesse’s Charisma and Chemistry Outshine Saul And Kim in Better Call Saul
Both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul stand out for their exceptional writing and complex characters. However, despite coming from the same creator, Breaking Bad has been considered to excel due to the compelling charisma of its lead characters, Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
The dynamic duo of Walter and Jesse, and their chemistry, injects a level of intrigue and excitement into the crime drama. However, many fans argue that the spin-off missed out on establishing a similar equation between Saul Goodman and Kim Wexler.
The contrast in character dynamics is a significant factor in the perceived difference in quality between the two shows. Fans appreciate how Walter and Jesse’s interactions drive the narrative forward with intensity and drama.
However, despite being engaging, Saul and Kim’s relationship doesn’t reach the same level of energy and excitement. “Walter White is more charismatic than Saul Goodman is a hot take,” one Reddit user stated in the discussion.
The discussion also extended to the noticeable aging of some characters in Better Call Saul compared to Breaking Bad. While the prequel was meant to depict a younger timeframe, some of the characters appeared older, which ended up serving as a distraction from the intended portrayal of its timeline.
While Better Call Saul is a solid series in its own right, many believe that Breaking Bad’s more charismatic main characters and seamless character dynamics contribute to its status as the better show.
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are available to stream on Netflix.
