By BrainFall Staff - Updated: October 21, 2015
If you find yourself saying, “But how can I sue a person or a company? And who should I sue?” Saul Goodman has the answers! Take our quiz and find out if you should “Call Saul!”
Should You Call Saul?
Embarking on the epic saga of 'Breaking Bad' raises the crucial quandary of whether to commence the journey with its sardonic prequel, 'Better Call Saul'. The tale of Jimmy McGill's metamorphosis into the morally elastic lawyer Saul Goodman predates the meth-enthused chaos of Walter White's world. Opting to watch 'Better Call Saul' first offers a chronological feast of events but risks spoiling the narrative twists of the original series that captivated audiences from its original release in 2008.
Stepping into the 'Breaking Bad' universe without the prequel's foundation might leave you bewildered at Saul's shenanigans once he sashays onto the screen. Yet, some fans argue that the prequel's flavor is best savored with the aftertaste of 'Breaking Bad', enriching the complex layers of the franchise. Deciding which path to tread in the watch order is like choosing the best dipping sauce for your fried chicken – it's a matter of personal taste, but oh, does it make a difference!
You're not just watching a couple of shows; you're investing in the real estate of your mind where meth moguls and morally dubious lawyers will reside rent-free for the foreseeable future. So, the question isn't just "Should you call Saul?" but rather, will you dial up the prequel for appetizers, or go straight for the main course that 'Breaking Bad' serves up? The choice is yours, and as Saul Goodman himself would say, "Make it a good one" – because your next binge-worthy obsession hangs in the balance.
Meet the Colorful Cast
Before you decide on whether to dial up Saul, let's get up close and personal with the vibrant array of characters that could populate your speed dial – from morally flexible attorneys to the shadiest of criminal operatives.
From Slippin' Jimmy to Saul Goodman
You've watched Jimmy McGill, portrayed by the ever-charismatic Bob Odenkirk, transform from a struggling lawyer to the flashy Saul Goodman. His journey is rocking as many sharp suits as morally grey decisions, with a slogan that's as unforgettable as his clientele. Then there's Kim Wexler, brilliantly brought to life by Rhea Seehorn, the no-nonsense counterpart whose battle with her ethics is as gripping as her ponytail.
Key Allies:
- Mike Ehrmantraut, played by the gravel-voiced Jonathan Banks, brings a quiet intensity to the table as your fixer extraordinaire.
- Howard Hamlin - Patrick Fabian's portrayal of the slick-haired, often self-righteous lawyer - a thorn in Jimmy's side but oh-so-stylish with it.
Criminal Allies and Adversaries
Who could forget the big hitters in the criminal underworld? Gus Fring is the man with a plan and a chicken joint, played with chilling precision by Giancarlo Esposito. And there's the wildcard everyone loves to be scared of, Lalo Salamanca, thanks to Tony Dalton. He's as charming as he is terrifying, definitely someone you want on your good side.
Key Adversaries:
- Nacho Varga - Michael Mando nails it as the man caught between a rock and a hard place, trying to please both the Salamancas and Gus Fring.
- The Legacy Characters - Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, though not featured as prominently, their looming presence is felt throughout each storyline twist and turn.
Navigating the Saul Cinematic Universe
Before jumping into the deep end of Saul's world, know that the timeline isn't as straightforward as a call to your lawyer. Deciding between release order or a chronological binge profoundly affects your experience. Ready to tackle the conundrums and hunt for easter eggs?
Chronological Conundrums
If you're adamant about strict timelines, buckle up for chronological gymnastics. Start with "Better Call Saul" and witness the transformation from Jimmy McGill, slick lawyer whiz, to Saul Goodman, the man who can make any problem "go away." Prequel mayhem abounds.
- Prequel: "Better Call Saul" (Seasons 1-6)
- Original Saga: "Breaking Bad" (Seasons 1-5)
- Epilogue: "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie"
Watch Bob Odenkirk's Jimmy evolve before Bryan Cranston's Walter White takes his first bad turn. But don't forget—flipping the timeline invites foreshadowing and nuances that could spoil future fun.
Easter Eggs and References
Easter eggs in Saul’s universe are like blue meth—highly coveted and hidden in plain sight. Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould have masterfully woven easter eggs throughout the saga. Here's a handy list to spot some of their crafty work.
- Foreshadowing Fun: Keep an eye out for any item or character that pops up in "Breaking Bad"—it's a foregone conclusion that Saul's got his fingers in it.
- Flash-Forward Flickers: "Better Call Saul" occasionally leaps into post-Breaking Bad territory. Spot the references that tie into Walter and Jesse's explosive adventure.
- Cameo Carousel: Aaron Paul's Jesse Pinkman and Bryan Cranston's Walter White foreshadowing Saul's fate in their own amusing ways.
To get the most out of your viewing—and because you're obviously keen on quizzes—why not take a "Which 'Better Call Saul' Character Are You?" quiz afterwards? See which character your binge-watching habits align you with.