A Captivating Narrative Unfolds
Across six compelling seasons of Better Call Saul, audiences experienced a captivating narrative that unfolded to a satisfying conclusion. The intriguing aspect lies in the sharp contrast between Saul Goodman’s character arc and that of Walter White in Breaking Bad. While Walter transformed from an ordinary, khaki-wearing Ned Flanders type into a morally ambiguous drug lord driven by an unrelenting pursuit of power, Saul’s evolution into his persona explored the intricacies of morality and personal sacrifice. Unlike Walt’s descent into the criminal underworld, Jimmy McGill’s journey into becoming Saul Goodman offered a nuanced exploration of the human spirit, revealing layers of vulnerability and a genuine yearning for redemption.
In the poignant moments of Better Call Saul, Saul grappled with the repercussions of his choices, facing dilemmas that extended beyond the courtroom. His shift from a slippery con man to a heartsick individual underscored the show’s commitment to delving into the complexities of human nature. Saul’s willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good demonstrated a depth seldom witnessed in characters within the realm of legal dramas.
Uncertain Trajectory of Saul Goodman’s Character Arc
At the outset of Better Call Saul, Saul Goodman’s character arc trajectory remained uncertain. Positioned as a precursor to Breaking Bad, the series promised to unfold the metamorphosis from the morally ambiguous Jimmy McGill to the unequivocally unscrupulous Saul Goodman. Viewers were eagerly anticipating the intricate journey that would navigate the subtle nuances of Jimmy’s character development, guiding him along the morally ambiguous path that ultimately leads to the flamboyant and ethically questionable persona of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. The mystery surrounding Saul’s early identity as Jimmy McGill added fascination to the narrative. Viewers were on the edge of their seats, anticipating the revelation of events that would illuminate the catalysts propelling Jimmy toward adopting the more pragmatic and ethically flexible persona of Saul Goodman. The awareness that the series served as a precursor to the events in Breaking Bad fueled speculation and intensified curiosity regarding the pivotal moments shaping Saul’s destiny.
Expectations extended beyond a straightforward progression from a somewhat morally compromised individual to an outright criminal mastermind. Enthusiasts were eager to delve into the intricate web of circumstances, personal choices, and external pressures that would shape Jimmy’s character into the unapologetic and resourceful lawyer with a penchant for bending, if not breaking the rules. Taking an unexpected turn from the anticipated course, a substantial portion of Better Call Saul reveals itself as an unanticipated love story. Diverging from the familiar patterns of romantic relationships commonly depicted on television, the connection shared between Jimmy and Kim possesses a unique and remarkable quality. Their relationship surpasses the conventional romantic norms, establishing a partnership characterized by mutual respect and a profound understanding of each other’s intricacies. In the intricate dance of their connection, Jimmy and Kim perceive each other as equals, forming an unwavering team ready to confront any challenges that may arise.
The Viral Nature of Saul’s Character
Regardless of which point in Saul Goodman’s character arc is being focused on by the show’s writers, one thing remains consistent throughout the character of Jimmy/Saul is like a virus. He blows through life, corrupting everyone in his wake, leaving a trail of moral compromise and ethical decay. His infectious charm and slippery charisma act as vectors, infiltrating the lives of those around him and spreading the contagion of deceit and duplicity. Saul’s insidious influence is pervasive, whether that be manipulating someone to bend the rules “just this once,” or coaxing someone into helping him ruin a professional rival’s entire life. His actions create a ripple effect, entangling unsuspecting individuals in the web of his schemes. Much like a virus mutating to adapt to its environment, Saul adapts his tactics to exploit the vulnerabilities of those he encounters, leaving a lasting imprint on their sense of morality and integrity.
As the series unfolds, the audience witnesses the collateral damage of Saul’s infectious behavior, as friends become accomplices and allies turn into unwitting pawns in his elaborate game. The metaphorical virus of Saul’s character erodes the ethical foundations of those in his proximity and exposes the fragility of societal norms and the thin line between right and wrong. With that being said, to insinuate that Kim was not helping Jimmy of her own volition would be insulting to the character. Rhea Seehorn has always portrayed Kim with a purposeful, strong will and fierce intelligence. These established character traits cannot just be ignored in favor of the notion that Jimmy made Kim help him. Kim Wexler is a complex character, and her decisions are guided by a depth of agency that goes beyond mere manipulation.
Throughout the series, Rhea Seehorn brings Kim’s resilience and independence to life, showcasing a woman who navigates the morally ambiguous world with her own principles. Kim’s actions are not driven solely by Jimmy’s influence; rather, they reflect her moral compass and testament to her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. Even when it seems like Jimmy is pulling the strings, a closer examination reveals the subtleties of Kim’s character. She engages with Jimmy not as a passive accomplice but as an active participant, making choices that align with her understanding of justice, loyalty, and personal fulfillment. Rhea Seehorn’s nuanced portrayal allows viewers to witness Kim’s internal struggles and the complexity of her decisions, shedding light on the intricate interplay between her autonomy and the external pressures surrounding her.
Therefore, it must be the case that Kim knew exactly what she was doing. With that in mind, does Kim deserve a happy ending, or does she deserve to be in the same position as Jimmy in the show’s post–Breaking Bad scenes? Regardless, Jimmy chooses to clear Kim’s name at the end of Better Call Saul, meaning that she can restart her law career without any potential prosecution issues hanging over her head. The complexity of Kim’s character prompts a reflection on the nature of deserving a happy ending. The intricate dance between morality and self-preservation in her decisions forces viewers to question conventional notions of justice. As the series unfolds, it becomes evident that Kim is not merely a victim of circumstance; instead, she actively shapes her destiny, navigating the morally murky waters with a calculated awareness.
Whether Kim deserves a happy ending becomes a nuanced exploration of the consequences of one’s actions. Does her strong will and intelligence excuse the moral compromises she makes, or do these very qualities make her accountable for her choices? It challenges the audience to grapple with the shades of gray defining the Breaking Bad universe, where characters are not easily categorized as good or bad. Jimmy’s decision to clear Kim’s name adds another layer to this moral tapestry. It showcases a glimpse of redemption amid a narrative that often teeters on the edge of moral ambiguity. By absolving Kim of potential legal consequences, Jimmy demonstrates a form of selflessness and highlights the lingering hope for redemption and a fresh start.
Human Connection as a Narrative Force
In the final episode of Breaking Bad, Skylar White sees her husband alive for the last time. She berates him, clarifying that she is sick of his excuses, saying: “If I have to hear one more time that you did this for the family.” He cuts her off, uttering a famous retort that asserts what the audience and everyone else in the show suspected to be true: “I did it for me. I liked it. I was good at it. And… I was really… I was alive.” Breaking Bad fans have immortalized this infamous exchange in the years since the show’s finale. It is partly due to that scene being a fantastic example of the show’s phenomenal writing; however, it is also due to that scene summing up the true nature of Walter White. Regardless of the turmoil that his drug empire has brought upon his family, Walter White remains proud of what he built. He never shows any real guilt or remorse. Even when mortally wounded, he dies smiling in a meth lab.
Walter White’s admission in that pivotal moment not only shatters the illusion of a man driven solely by noble intentions but also lays bare his character’s complex and morally ambiguous core. The stark contrast between his purported motivations for entering the drug trade and the raw honesty of his confession exposes the depth of Walter’s transformation throughout the series. The iconic retort serves as a climax to the show’s narrative and a profound revelation of Walter’s true motivations. The enduring impact of this scene can be attributed not only to Breaking Bad‘s exceptional writing but also to its ability to encapsulate the essence of Walter White. Once a mild-mannered chemistry teacher, the character evolves into a formidable figure driven by a dangerous desire for power, recognition, and a taste of the forbidden. Walter’s acknowledgment that he did it for himself, relishing the thrill of his capabilities, adds a layer of complexity to his character that resonates with viewers long after the series has concluded.
In contrast, Saul Goodman’s character arc ends with a selfless act. He admits to everything he did throughout Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad in court. He was sentenced to 86 years in prison. Even if that gets reduced, he will likely spend the remainder of his life behind bars. However, Better Call Saul still has a happier ending than Breaking Bad as it is an example of love triumphing over everything else, even the most self-serving character in television. Saul’s ultimate confession and the subsequent lengthy prison sentence mark a profound departure from his earlier days as the slick, morally flexible lawyer who thrived on bending the rules. The courtroom admission becomes a poignant moment of redemption, starkly contrasting with Walter White’s unapologetic acknowledgment of his selfish motives. Saul’s willingness to face the consequences of his actions without attempting to manipulate the system or escape responsibility demonstrates a newfound integrity that transcends the self-serving nature that once defined him.
The 86-year prison sentence serves as a weighty symbol of the gravity of Saul’s past misdeeds, and even if legal maneuvering manages to reduce the sentence, the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars looms large. Despite the bleak outlook, the conclusion of Better Call Saul resonates with a sense of catharsis and closure. It is a testament to the show’s ability to weave a narrative that transcends the conventional expectations of a character arc, delving into the complexities of morality, redemption, and the enduring power of love. In this unconventional and somewhat tragic resolution, Better Call Saul stands out as a story where love triumphs over the dark shadows of one’s past. The series paints a compelling portrait of the transformative power of genuine human connection, even for a character like Saul Goodman, who seemed irreversibly entrenched in a world of duplicity. The juxtaposition with Breaking Bad, a series defined by its descent into moral decay, underscores the unique narrative direction taken by Better Call Saul, offering a glimmer of hope and redemption in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Ultimately, the show’s happier ending lies not in the conventional sense of triumph but in the subtler victory of human connection prevailing over the consequences of a lifetime of questionable choices. Better Call Saul challenges the notion that a character’s trajectory must culminate in tragedy, presenting a narrative where love, self-awareness, and acceptance become powerful forces capable of transcending even the darkest aspects of a character’s journey.
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- Daniel. (2022). How Saul Goodman’s Character Arc Is the Opposite of Walter White’s. FandomWire.
- Erdodi, L. (2022). The finale of Better Call Saul: A psychologist explains how Jimmy McGill became Saul Goodman. The Conversation.
- Power, B. (2022). Better Call Saul’s Finale Proves It Was Never Saul Goodman’s Show. CBR.
