Better Call Saul
Six years before Saul Goodman meets Walter White. We meet him when the man who will become Saul Goodman is known as Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer searching for his destiny, and, more immediately, hustling to make ends meet. Working alongside, and, often, against Jimmy, is “fixer” Mike Ehrmantraut. The series tracks Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman, the man who puts “criminal” in “criminal lawyer”.
Episodes
Uno
Jimmy works his magic in the courtroom. Unexpected inspiration leads him to an unconventional pursuit of potential clients.
Mijo
As his troubles escalate to a boiling point, Jimmy finds himself in dire straits. An act of carelessness puts Chuck…
Nacho
Jimmy pulls out all the stops to prove that his dangerous client is innocent, even though it causes some friction…
Hero
Jimmy devises a bold plan to obtain new clients, but must face consequences when his relationships become strained.
Alpine Shepherd Boy
Alarming news disrupts Jimmy's efforts at drumming up new business, forcing him to make a difficult choice.
Five-O
Mike's tragic past comes back to haunt him, and he's forced to seek help from an unusual source. Jimmy's moral…
Bingo
Jimmy meets with potential new clients. Then, when given the opportunity to do the right thing, he cashes in a…
RICO
Jimmy shows Chuck that he's willing to do almost anything to win a case, even if it means getting his…
Pimento
Chuck urges Jimmy to accept a harsh truth. Meanwhile, a deal threatens to go off the rails when Mike's ability…
Marco
In the aftermath of recent events, Jimmy seizes an opportunity to reconnect with an old friend. Chuck adjusts to a…
Switch
Jimmy and Kim's relationship takes a new turn. Mike decides it's for the best to sever his affiliation with an…
Cobbler
To keep a potentially messy situation from unraveling, Mike brokers a deal. Jimmy works to exonerate an eccentric client.
Amarillo
Jimmy's client outreach efforts thrive, and he exhibits new heights of showmanship. Mike is perplexed by daughter-in-law Stacey's troubling news.
Gloves Off
Jimmy's actions unexpectedly create waves for Kim. Mike cautiously weighs a lucrative proposal that might bring about dire consequences.
Rebecca
Jimmy becomes frustrated with his restrictive work environment. Kim pulls out all the stops to dig herself out of a…
Bali Ha'i
Jimmy finds comfort in familiarity. Kim receives a life-changing proposal. When he is threatened, Mike finds himself pushed to the…
Inflatable
Mike's growing frustration shows when his hand is forced, but with Jimmy's help, he works to keep the peace. Meanwhile,…
Fifi
Mike aims to settle the score with an enemy; an unexpected opportunity presents itself to Jimmy.
Nailed
Mike takes a methodical approach to his mission. Someone questions Chuck's capabilities. Jimmy faces a personal dilemma.
Klick
Jimmy must make a hard choice. Mike takes control of matters. Hamlin delivers shocking news.
Mabel
Jimmy and Chuck's relationship deteriorates. Kim feels the pressure of running her own firm. Mike investigates the note left on…
Witness
Jimmy and Kim hire an assistant. Mike seeks out a mysterious acquaintance. Chuck uses the law to gain an advantage…
Sunk Costs
Jimmy decides to represent a new client to Kim's dismay. Mike meets a formidable ally who gives a tempting offer.
Sabrosito
Jimmy asks a favor of Mike; new complications disrupt Salamancas' business. Chuck and Jimmy struggle with a compromise.
Chicanery
Kim and Jimmy face off with an adversary. Jimmy looks to Chuck's past to secure his future. Jimmy loses an…
Off Brand
Jimmy has a new endeavor. Chuck pushes himself to the limit. Nacho finds himself in a power struggle.
Expenses
Jimmy tries to settle debts. Nacho reunites with an acquaintance. Mike helps Stacey with a project and makes a connection.
Slip
Jimmy is pushed to desperate measures. Nacho picks up a new skill. Mike explores an alliance. Kim stands up to…
Fall
Jimmy visits an old friend and takes up a new pastime. Chuck and Hamlin spar over the future of the…
Lantern
Kim takes time off. Jimmy tries to make amends. Nacho gambles with his future. Hamlin pushes Chuck to make a…
Smoke
Jimmy struggles to cope with Chuck's tragic death. Mike ponders his role at Madrigal. Howard makes a startling confession.
Breathe
Jimmy seeks new employment. Gus navigates the fallout from Hector's collapse. Kim endeavors to support Jimmy in the wake of…
Something Beautiful
Jimmy puts a risky plan into motion. As alliances shift, Nacho finds himself in the crosshairs. Kim contemplates her future.
Talk
A restless Jimmy embarks on a new endeavor while Mike burns bridges. Kim pursues her bliss. Nacho tries to survive…
Quite a Ride
Jimmy identifies a new market for his talents. Mike vets a potential partnership. Kim drives a hard bargain.
Piñata
While Jimmy dreams of Wexler-McGill, Kim makes a bold move. Mike puts a plan into motion for Gus.
Something Stupid
Jimmy expands his business, but runs into a problem that only Kim can solve. Gus intervenes in Hector's medical care.…
Coushatta
Jimmy goes to great lengths to right a wrong, as Kim pulls out all the stops for a case. Mike…
Wiedersehen
Jimmy and Kim unburden themselves, risking their relationship in the process. Nacho is forced to make the rounds with Lalo.…
Winner
Jimmy turns the page on his reputation. Lalo tracks a loose end in Gus' operation. Mike is forced to make…
Magic Man
Now doing business as Saul Goodman, Jimmy unveils an unorthodox strategy for client development that tests Kim's tolerance of his…
50% Off
Jimmy's promotional stunt has unintended consequences. Nacho takes extreme measures to earn Lalo's trust. Saul is a success at the…
The Guy for This
Jimmy's business enters uncharted territory. Kim's confidence is tested when she's faced with a legal problem only she can solve.…
Namaste
As Jimmy doubles down on Saul Goodman, a deeply conflicted Kim brings him an interesting proposition, Gus makes a sacrifice…
Dedicado a Max
Mike takes an impromptu trip out of town. As she and Jimmy grow closer over their campaign to help a…
Wexler v. Goodman
Kim tries to pump the brakes on Jimmy's latest scheme, but it may be too late to stop Saul. Mike…
JMM
Jimmy and Kim build a legal firewall with help from Huell. Kim sets things straight with her clients as Jimmy…
Bagman
When a simple errand for a client goes sideways, Jimmy is pushed to the limit. Mike takes measures to contain…
Bad Choice Road
In the wake of Jimmy's traumatic misadventure, Kim takes stock of what is important. Jimmy attempts to return to business…
Something Unforgivable
Jimmy and Kim make a sideways move that takes a serious turn. Nacho gets closer to the cartel than he'd…
Wine and Roses
Nacho runs for his life. Jimmy and Kim hatch a plan. Mike questions his allegiances.
Carrot and Stick
Harsh realities dawn on Nacho. Gus investigates his suspicions.
Rock and Hard Place
Still on the run, Nacho is forced to choose where his loyalties lie. Jimmy doubles down.
Hit and Run
Gus takes extreme measures. Jimmy and Kim enlist a local pro to put on a show.
Black and Blue
While business booms for Jimmy, the vise tightens on the cat-and-mouse game between Gus and Lalo.
Axe and Grind
Kim and Jimmy enlist a knowledgeable contact. Howard scrutinizes Jimmy's business practices.
Plan and Execution
Jimmy and Kim deal with a last-minute snag. Howard's investigation finally yields results.
Point and Shoot
An unexpected visitor forces Jimmy and Kim to face the consequences of their actions.
Fun and Games
Gus attempts to smooth things over with the cartel while Mike ties up loose ends.
Nippy
A lost dog leads to a new friend. A new player gets in the game.
Breaking Bad
Emboldened by recent successes, partners throw caution to the wind and escalate their enterprise to new levels.
Waterworks
The stakes are raised when a discovery is made that will send shockwaves far and wide.
Saul Gone
Revelations. Regrets. RICO violations. Jimmy's worlds — and identities — converge in one final showdown.
Where to watch
THEDORAMA.COM Review
To approach *Better Call Saul* merely as a prequel to a celebrated predecessor is to fundamentally misunderstand its profound artistic ambition. This is not simply an origin story; it is a meticulously crafted character study, a slow-motion tragedy disguised as a legal drama, and a masterclass in cinematic patience.
The genius of *Better Call Saul* lies in its unwavering commitment to the internal landscape of Jimmy McGill. Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, through their direction and writing, refuse to rush his metamorphosis. Instead, they invite us to witness the agonizing, often pathetic, dance between Jimmy's inherent goodness and his undeniable proclivity for cutting corners. The cinematography, particularly in its early seasons, often isolates Jimmy within vast, empty frames, mirroring his professional and personal isolation. We see the world through his desperate, hopeful, and eventually cynical eyes.
Bob Odenkirk's performance is a revelation, a nuanced portrayal that transcends comedic caricature. He imbues Jimmy with a vulnerability and a restless energy that makes his eventual descent into Saul Goodman not just believable, but heartbreakingly inevitable. Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler is equally compelling, her quiet strength and ethical compass serving as both a grounding force and a tragic counterpoint to Jimmy’s moral erosion. The series excels in showing, not telling, the intricate push-and-pull of their relationship, a dance of support and complicity that defines the show's emotional core.
While the pacing can feel deliberate, almost glacial, to some, this is its strength. It allows for the subtle shifts, the almost imperceptible compromises, that lead to profound change. My only minor contention would be that, perhaps, a few of the early legal procedural elements could have been streamlined to maintain a tighter focus on the character arcs. However, this is a minor quibble in a series that consistently elevates television to the realm of high art, challenging our perceptions of morality, ambition, and the very nature of identity. *Better Call Saul* is a testament to the power of sustained, intelligent storytelling, demanding and rewarding deep engagement.
