Better Call Saul Review

In this article, we will review a tv show called Better Call Saul 

Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed television series that premiered in 2015 and concluded in 2022. It is a spin-off prequel to the popular show Breaking Bad, which focuses on the character of Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk, and his transformation from a small-time lawyer to the criminal lawyer we meet in Breaking Bad.

The show is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and follows the life of Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer who is trying to make a name for himself while dealing with personal and professional challenges. Jimmy's character is complex and multi-dimensional, and his journey is filled with both triumphs and setbacks.

The show is notable for its outstanding performances, particularly by Bob Odenkirk, who delivers a nuanced and captivating performance as Jimmy/Saul. The supporting cast, including Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut and Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler, also deliver exceptional performances.

The show's writing is another standout feature, with intricate and well-crafted plots that keep viewers engaged and guessing. The show's pacing is deliberate, allowing for character development and exploration of the show's themes, such as morality, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power. 

major factors :

Visualization : 

The show's cinematography is a standout feature, as it uses framing, camera angles, and movements to convey the characters' emotions and perspectives. For example, in the first season, the opening scene shows Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) working at a Cinnabon in Omaha. The camera is positioned above him, emphasizing his smallness in the vast, empty mall. This shot sets the tone for the series, as it establishes the character's low point and foreshadows his eventual downfall.

In addition, the show's use of color grading is notable, as it helps to create a distinct visual style that sets it apart from its predecessor, Breaking Bad. The color palette is muted, with a focus on blues and greens, which creates a somber, melancholic mood. This subdued aesthetic complements the show's themes of regret, loss, and moral decay.

Finally, the show's use of visual effects is subtle but effective. For example, in season three, there is a scene in which the character Jimmy (Saul's real name) descends into a subterranean space, and the camera follows him through a narrow, claustrophobic tunnel. The visual effects used to create the tunnel's walls and lighting add to the sense of danger and confinement, heightening the tension in the scene.

Cast: 

 Bob Odenkirk: 

Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman: Odenkirk's portrayal of Jimmy/Saul is one of the show's strongest elements. He brings both humor and pathos to the character, making him both likable and sympathetic, despite his questionable actions. Odenkirk's performance is nuanced, with subtle shifts in tone and body language that convey the character's emotional state. He captures the complexity of Jimmy's journey from struggling lawyer to morally compromised criminal with skill and sensitivity.

Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman

Jonathan Banks:

 Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut: Banks is a veteran actor who brings gravitas and intensity to the role of Mike. He plays the character with a steely resolve but also reveals glimpses of vulnerability and regret. Banks' performance is understated but powerful, conveying a depth of emotion and experience that adds depth to the character. 

 Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut

 Rhea Seehorn:

 Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler: Seehorn's performance as Kim is a highlight of the series. She brings a range of emotions to the character, from her fierce ambition to her vulnerability and conflicted loyalty to Jimmy. Seehorn's portrayal is nuanced and subtle, with small gestures and expressions that reveal the character's inner turmoil. She has a natural chemistry with Odenkirk, and their scenes together are some of the show's most compelling. 

 Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler

Patrick Fabian:

c: Fabian's performance as Howard is excellent, portraying the character as both arrogant and vulnerable. He brings a complexity to the role that makes Howard more than just a caricature of a successful lawyer. Fabian plays the character with a mix of charm and menace, making him a compelling and dynamic antagonist for Jimmy.

Patrick Fabian as Howard Hamlin

Michael Mando:

Michael Mando as Nacho Varga: Mando's portrayal of Nacho is a standout performance in the series. He brings depth and complexity to the character which makes him more than just a stock villain. Mando portrays Nacho as a man torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to escape the criminal life. He conveys a sense of danger and menace but also reveals moments of vulnerability and tenderness.

Michael Mando as Nacho Varga

Giancarlo Esposito:

Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring: Esposito's portrayal of Gus Fring is masterful. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, conveying a sense of control and menace without resorting to over-the-top theatrics. Esposito plays Gus with precision and restraint which makes him a compelling and terrifying character. His scenes with Odenkirk and Banks are some of the show's most memorable. 

Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring

Tony Dalton:

 Tony Dalton as Lalo Salamanca: Dalton's performance as Lalo is a recent addition to the show, but it has already become a fan favorite. He brings charm and charisma to the character which is both alluring and dangerous. Dalton plays Lalo with a sense of playfulness and mischief but also reveals a darker side that makes him a formidable opponent. His scenes with Seehorn and Odenkirk are some of the show's most intense.

 Tony Dalton as Lalo Salamanca

These are just a few of the main characters in the show, and many other talented actors appear in recurring or guest roles throughout the series. The ensemble cast of Better Call Saul is one of its greatest strengths, as each actor brings nuance and depth to their character, making the show a compelling and emotionally rich viewing experience.

Overall, the cast of Better Call Saul is exceptional, with each actor delivering nuanced and complex performances that add depth and texture to the show's storytelling. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, creating a rich and immersive world that draws the viewer in and keeps them invested in the characters' fates. 

Overall Review:

Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed American television series that serves as a prequel to the popular crime drama Breaking Bad. The show premiered in 2015 and has since become a fan favorite, known for its strong writing, exceptional performances, and stunning visuals.

The series follows the story of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), a struggling lawyer who eventually becomes the criminal lawyer known as Saul Goodman. Along the way, he becomes involved with a cast of characters, including his girlfriend Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), the ruthless drug lord Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito), and the former police officer and hitman Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks).

One of the strengths of Better Call Saul is its exceptional writing. The show's creators, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould have crafted a complex and compelling story that explores themes of morality, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power. The show is masterfully paced, with each episode building on the last to create a rich and immersive world.

The performances on the show are also exceptional. The entire cast delivers nuanced and complex performances that bring depth and texture to their characters. Bob Odenkirk's portrayal of Jimmy/Saul is a standout, capturing the character's journey from struggling lawyer to morally compromised criminal with skill and sensitivity. Rhea Seehorn's portrayal of Kim is also a highlight, conveying a range of emotions and conflicts with subtlety and nuance.

In addition to the writing and performances, the show's visuals are stunning. The cinematography is top-notch, with a visual style that is both striking and atmospheric. The show's use of color, framing, and composition creates a mood and tone that perfectly complements the story and characters.

Overall, Better Call Saul is a masterful television series that stands on its own as a compelling and complex story. While it shares some of the same themes and characters as Breaking Bad, it is a distinct and unique work that explores its ideas and themes. The show is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, with exceptional writing, and great performances.

Critics Review:

Better Call Saul has been highly acclaimed by critics since its debut in 2015. Here are some snippets from reviews by notable critics:

Variety:

"Better Call Saul" is every bit as good as its predecessor, with a richer array of characters and a distinctive visual style that matches its predecessor but never feels derivative. 

CNN:

"Better Call Saul" is now better than ever, and that's saying something. In a TV era in which it's become commonplace to hail shows as the new best thing, this AMC drama is simply one of TV's best things ever, period.

The Hollywood Reporter:

"Better Call Saul" is a show that stands on its own, but also is enriched by its connections to "Breaking Bad." It's a master class in the art of the prequel, and it features some of the finest performances on television today.

IndieWire:

Better Call Saul is quietly becoming one of the best shows on television, period, and its latest season is its finest yet. 

The Guardian:

With its dazzling cinematography, meticulously crafted dialogue, and strong performances from its ensemble cast, Better Call Saul continues to be one of the most enthralling dramas on TV. 

Overall, critics have praised the show's writing, performances, and visual style, with many hailing it as one of the best television shows today. Its connections to Breaking Bad are also noted as a strength, with the show successfully building on the original series while also standing on its own as a unique and compelling story.

Storyline: 

Better Call Saul follows the story of Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer who eventually transforms into the infamous criminal lawyer Saul Goodman, the character he played in the popular series Breaking Bad.

The series is set six years before the events of Breaking Bad, and it explores the life of Jimmy as he navigates the legal world and his complicated relationships with his brother Chuck (Michael McKean) and girlfriend Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn).

Throughout the series, Jimmy faces numerous challenges as he tries to establish himself as a successful lawyer. He faces discrimination and mistreatment from other lawyers and judges, and he struggles to make ends meet as he takes on cases that are often low-paying or pro bono.

As the series progresses, Jimmy becomes increasingly disillusioned with the legal system and begins to resort to unethical and illegal tactics to achieve his goals. He becomes involved with criminal elements, including drug lord Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) and the former police officer and hitman Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks).

The storyline of Better Call Saul is driven by Jimmy's character development and the events that shape him into the criminal lawyer we see in Breaking Bad. The show also explores themes of morality, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power, with each season building on the last to create a rich and immersive world.

Overall, Better Call Saul's storyline is a masterfully crafted prequel that stands on its own as a compelling and complex story, while also building on the events and characters of Breaking Bad. It is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, with exceptional writing, and great performances.

Who Should watch it? :

Overall, Better Call Saul is a must-watch for fans of Breaking Bad and those who appreciate well-crafted storytelling and complex character development. The show's combination of exceptional performances, expert writing, and masterful direction make it a standout in the television landscape.

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