Better Call Saul: A Complete Guide

Nick Leason

-Nov 8, 2025

A deep dive into Better Call Saul, exploring its characters, storylines, connections to Breaking Bad, and legacy. Learn why this prequel became a critically acclaimed masterpiece.

Key Takeaways

Better Call Saul is a prequel and spin-off of the acclaimed series Breaking Bad.
The series follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman, a morally flexible criminal lawyer.
Key characters include Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, Mike Ehrmantraut, Kim Wexler, and Gus Fring.
The show explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of choices.
Better Call Saul is critically acclaimed for its writing, acting, and character development.
The series provides a deeper understanding of events and characters in Breaking Bad.

Introduction

Better Call Saul is more than just a spin-off; it's a character study, a legal drama, and a tragicomedy all rolled into one. This guide provides a comprehensive exploration of the series, from its origins and key characters to its most impactful episodes and lasting legacy. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer curious about the world of Saul Goodman, this article will provide insights and information to enhance your appreciation of the show.

What is Better Call Saul?

Better Call Saul is an American crime drama television series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. It is a prequel and spin-off of Breaking Bad, set primarily in the early to mid-2000s in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The series follows James “Jimmy” McGill's journey, a former con artist trying to become a legitimate lawyer, as he transforms into the morally compromised Saul Goodman. The show also explores the activities of other characters from the Breaking Bad universe, most notably Mike Ehrmantraut, and their involvement in the criminal underworld. The series provides context to Saul Goodman's appearance and actions in Breaking Bad, while also standing on its own as a compelling narrative. — Paso Robles, CA Zip Code: Guide To Locations & Boundaries

Why Watch Better Call Saul?

Character Development: Better Call Saul is renowned for its deep and nuanced character development, particularly the transformation of Jimmy McGill. The show explores his motivations, flaws, and the circumstances that lead him down a morally questionable path.
Complex Storylines: The series features intricate storylines that blend legal drama with crime thriller elements. The plot is filled with twists, turns, and moral dilemmas that keep viewers engaged.
Connections to Breaking Bad: For fans of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul offers a deeper understanding of characters like Saul Goodman and Mike Ehrmantraut, while also introducing new and compelling personalities.
Critical Acclaim: Better Call Saul has received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, acting, directing, and cinematography, making it one of the best television dramas of recent years.
Exploration of Morality: The show delves into complex ethical questions, exploring themes of justice, ambition, and the consequences of one’s choices.

Risks and Considerations

Slow Pace: Some viewers may find the show's deliberate pacing and focus on character development slow compared to more action-oriented series.
Dark Themes: Better Call Saul deals with mature themes, including crime, violence, and moral ambiguity, which may not be suitable for all viewers.
Requires Attention: The intricate storylines and character relationships require careful attention to follow fully.

Key Characters

Jimmy McGill / Saul Goodman: The protagonist of the series, Jimmy McGill is a charismatic but struggling lawyer with a history of petty crime. His transformation into Saul Goodman is the central narrative arc of the show, driven by a mix of ambition, resentment, and moral compromise.
Kim Wexler: A talented and ethical lawyer, Kim is Jimmy’s close friend and confidante, and later his wife. Her relationship with Jimmy is a central emotional anchor of the series, and her own moral journey is a key part of the story.
Mike Ehrmantraut: A former Philadelphia cop turned private investigator and fixer, Mike is a pragmatic and resourceful character with a strong moral code, even as he operates in the criminal world. His backstory and relationship with Gus Fring are explored in depth.
Gus Fring: A calculating and ruthless drug kingpin, Gus Fring is a major antagonist in both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. The series delves into his backstory and the establishment of his criminal empire.
Nacho Varga: A member of the Salamanca drug cartel, Nacho is a complex character torn between his loyalty to his friends and family and his desire to escape the criminal life. His story is one of the most tragic in the series.
Howard Hamlin: A successful and respected lawyer, Howard is Jimmy’s professional rival and the head of the Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill (HHM) law firm. Their complicated relationship is a significant element of the early seasons.
Chuck McGill: Jimmy's older brother, Chuck, is a brilliant but troubled lawyer who suffers from electromagnetic hypersensitivity. His complex and often antagonistic relationship with Jimmy is a central conflict in the series.
Lalo Salamanca: A charismatic and dangerous member of the Salamanca cartel, Lalo is a major antagonist in the later seasons. His presence brings a new level of threat and complexity to the storyline.

How Jimmy McGill Became Saul Goodman: A Step-by-Step Transformation

The transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman is a gradual process, marked by a series of pivotal events and decisions. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of his journey: — NFL Week 5: Game Previews, Predictions & Analysis

Early Life and “Slippin’ Jimmy”: Jimmy’s early life as a con artist, known as “Slippin’ Jimmy,” establishes his penchant for bending the rules and engaging in petty scams. This background shapes his later decisions and actions.
Working in the HHM Mailroom: After a run-in with the law, Jimmy's brother Chuck helps him get a job in the mailroom at HHM, where Jimmy witnesses the success and prestige of his brother and other lawyers, fueling his ambition to become a lawyer himself.
Earning His Law Degree: Jimmy earns his law degree through correspondence courses, a symbol of his determination and resourcefulness. However, this achievement is met with skepticism by Chuck, adding to the brothers' complex dynamic.
Joining the New Mexico Bar: Despite his efforts, Jimmy faces obstacles in joining the New Mexico bar, highlighting the challenges he faces in being taken seriously as a lawyer.
Early Legal Career: Jimmy starts his legal career as a public defender, taking on low-paying cases and struggling to make a name for himself. His idealism clashes with the realities of the legal system, pushing him towards more unconventional methods.
Conflicts with Chuck: The strained relationship with his brother Chuck, who doubts Jimmy's abilities and integrity, is a major catalyst in Jimmy’s transformation. Chuck’s actions and judgments deeply impact Jimmy’s self-perception and choices.
Becoming Saul Goodman: Frustrated by the limitations of his legal career and driven by a desire for success and recognition, Jimmy adopts the persona of Saul Goodman. This alter ego allows him to engage in more aggressive and morally questionable tactics.
Working with Criminal Clients: Saul Goodman’s reputation as a lawyer willing to work with criminals leads him to represent drug dealers and other unsavory characters, further entrenching him in the criminal underworld.
Relationship with Kim Wexler: Kim's influence is both a stabilizing and destabilizing force in Jimmy’s life. Their complex relationship navigates ethical boundaries, impacting their careers and personal lives.
The Breaking Bad Era: By the time of Breaking Bad, Saul Goodman is fully immersed in the criminal world, serving as a key advisor and lawyer to Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. This period marks the complete transformation of Jimmy McGill.

Examples & Use Cases

The Kettleman Case: One of Jimmy’s early cases involves the Kettlemans, a family accused of embezzlement. This case highlights Jimmy’s resourcefulness and willingness to bend the rules to win, setting the stage for his transformation into Saul Goodman.
The Sandpiper Crossing Lawsuit: Jimmy’s efforts to build a class-action lawsuit against Sandpiper Crossing, a retirement home chain, showcase his legal skills but also his willingness to cut corners and manipulate evidence.
Working with Mike Ehrmantraut: Jimmy’s professional relationship with Mike Ehrmantraut introduces him to the criminal underworld and leads to various morally ambiguous situations. Their collaborations demonstrate Jimmy’s growing involvement in illicit activities.
Representing Drug Dealers: As Saul Goodman, Jimmy represents drug dealers like Nacho Varga and Lalo Salamanca, entrenching himself in the world of organized crime. These cases highlight the risks and moral compromises he faces.
Saul Goodman’s Commercials: Saul Goodman’s eccentric and often outrageous commercials are a key part of his persona, attracting a wide range of clients and establishing his reputation as a lawyer who will do anything for his clients.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices for Enjoying Better Call Saul

Watch Breaking Bad First: While Better Call Saul can be enjoyed on its own, watching Breaking Bad first provides essential context and enhances the viewing experience.
Pay Attention to Details: The series is known for its intricate plotlines and character development, so paying attention to details and subtle cues is crucial.
Consider Character Motivations: Understanding the motivations and backstories of the characters adds depth to the viewing experience.
Engage with Fan Theories and Discussions: Participating in online discussions and exploring fan theories can provide new perspectives and insights into the show.
Appreciate the Cinematography and Direction: Better Call Saul is visually stunning, with deliberate shot compositions and directing choices that enhance the storytelling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating the Pace: The show’s slow pace is deliberate and allows for in-depth character development. Avoid rushing through episodes or expecting constant action.
Ignoring Character Nuances: The characters in Better Call Saul are complex and morally ambiguous. Avoid making snap judgments and consider their actions within the context of their circumstances.
Skipping Minor Episodes: Every episode contributes to the overall narrative, so skipping episodes can lead to missed details and plot points.
Focusing Solely on Breaking Bad Connections: While the connections to Breaking Bad are important, Better Call Saul is a standalone series with its own distinct themes and storylines. Avoid viewing it solely as a prequel.
Dismissing Kim Wexler’s Importance: Kim Wexler is a central character whose choices and relationships are critical to the show’s narrative. Dismissing her role diminishes the overall viewing experience.

FAQs

Is Better Call Saul a prequel or a sequel? Better Call Saul is primarily a prequel to Breaking Bad, but it also includes scenes set after the events of the original series, making it a prequel-sequel.

Do I need to watch Breaking Bad before Better Call Saul? While not strictly necessary, watching Breaking Bad first is highly recommended as it provides essential context and enhances the viewing experience.

How does Better Call Saul connect to Breaking Bad? The series features several characters from Breaking Bad, including Saul Goodman, Mike Ehrmantraut, and Gus Fring, and explores their backstories and relationships.

What are the main themes of Better Call Saul? The main themes of Better Call Saul include identity, morality, the consequences of choices, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power.

Who is the main character in Better Call Saul? The main character is Jimmy McGill, also known as Saul Goodman, whose transformation is the central narrative arc of the series. — Death By Lightning: Cast And Characters Guide

Is Better Call Saul based on a true story? No, Better Call Saul is a fictional story, although it is set in a realistic world and explores themes that resonate with real-life situations.

How many seasons of Better Call Saul are there? There are six seasons of Better Call Saul, which aired from 2015 to 2022.

Conclusion with CTA

Better Call Saul is a masterfully crafted series that offers a compelling exploration of character, morality, and the consequences of choices. Whether you're a fan of Breaking Bad or new to this universe, Better Call Saul is a must-watch. Dive into the world of Jimmy McGill and witness his transformation into the unforgettable Saul Goodman. Start your journey today and experience one of the greatest television dramas ever made. Watch Better Call Saul on AMC or stream it on various online platforms.

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 18:38 UTC