We haven’t spent a lot of time talking about Better Call Saul, the Breaking Bad spinoff-prequel that wrapped up its first season last night, which is too bad. Because it’s stellar.
In just ten episodes, the folks behind Saul have crafted a story that is on par with if not better than the adventures of Walter White. It’s clear that the same driving forces are at work here—you can see it in everything from the tight plotting to the sweeping shots of New Mexico’s skies—but unlike Breaking Bad, Saul doesn’t meander. There’s no wasting time with Marie’s shoplifting or the incessant whining of Walt Junior—Saul’s story-tellers are confident and assured, carrying over all the lessons they’ve learned over five seasons of blue crystals. (And most importantly, we’re getting a healthy dose of Mike Ehrmantraut.)
Plus, Saul feels far more human than Walt ever did—though Bryan Cranston obviously did remarkable work as the lord of meth, it was often difficult for anyone with a sense of decency to understand why he made some of the choices he made. Saul is relatable. His transformation from Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman is triggered not by greed or selfishness but by betrayal and hopelessness.
But enough from me—what do you guys think of the show so far? What do you want to see in season two? When are we gonna get some Gus Fring action?
You can reach the author of this post at jason@kotaku.com or on Twitter at @jasonschreier.
Top photo: Ursula Coyote/AMC