'Breaking Bad' is my favorite show of all time. I'm in love with nearly everything about it. The authenticity that the actors bring to their characters, the pacing of the show, the superb writing and the dark themes that are all too real in the world we live in and all drew me in to the show and kept me hooked. After finishing the show several years ago, I was left with a void.
I've since found good shows, but not too many shows even are worth mentioning in the same breath, save for 'Mad Men,' 'Parks and Rec' and maaaaybe 'Dexter.' While those three shows all have their own special place in my heart, I was looking for something closer to what 'Breaking Bad' provided me with. Then I made a fantastic discovery: Vince Gilligan, the creator of BB, made a spin-off origin story featuring Bob Odenkirk's fan favorite character, Saul Goodman. I found my new binge-worthy show.
The story follows Odenkirk's character, Jimmy McGill (later to be known as Saul), a former con-man who is morally flexible and is now a fast-talking two-bit lawyer whose office is a tiny closet in the back of a nail salon. His older brother, Chuck (Michael McKean) is one of the most well respected lawyers in the country, a brilliant senior partner at a top law firm in Albuquerque.
Unfortunately for Chuck, he believes he has recently contracted a condition that makes him extremely sensitive to electromagnetic hypersensitivity, meaning he can't be in the presence of cell phones, light bulbs, computers, etc. This means an extended hiatus from work. The tumultuous relationship between the brothers is the driving force of the show and Odenkirk and McKean have tremendous chemistry.
'Better Call Saul' also brings in many familiar faces from 'BB.' Mike Ehrmantraut, Gus Fring, Tuco and Hector Salamanca, just to name a few. Also in effect are the great cinematography, music and visuals in general that helped set 'BB' apart as an artistic masterpiece. Combine that with the wonderful storytelling and compelling characters, 'Better Call Saul' comes very close stylistically.
Although 'Better Call Saul' falls slightly short of the long shadow that 'BB' casts, it has enough of the same elements to more than make up for that.
