Better Call Saul Soundtrack
This playlist was inspired by the show Better Call Saul. I went through every song from every episode of Better Call Saul and curated the best of the best songs into one compilation.
Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed American television series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. It is a prequel to Breaking Bad, another iconic series created by Gilligan. Better Call Saul chronicles the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time con artist and lawyer, into the morally dubious criminal lawyer Saul Goodman, a character who plays a prominent role in Breaking Bad.
The show explores Jimmy’s complicated journey as he navigates the legal profession, his strained relationship with his older brother Chuck McGill (a brilliant but mentally unstable lawyer), and his gradual descent into the world of criminal law and corruption. The series also delves into the lives of other key Breaking Bad characters, such as Mike Ehrmantraut, Gustavo "Gus" Fring, and Hector Salamanca, among others, giving fans a deeper understanding of their backstories.
Key Themes and Elements:
- Moral Ambiguity: Similar to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul is centered around moral complexity and the choices that shape a person’s identity. The series examines how Jimmy’s desire for success and recognition conflicts with his ethical standards, gradually leading him down a darker path.
- Character Development: The show is known for its intricate character development, especially the evolution of Jimmy into Saul Goodman, a morally flexible lawyer who thrives in the criminal underworld. This transformation is gradual and compelling, and the show gives equal weight to both Jimmy's personal and professional struggles.
- Legal Drama: While Better Call Saul features its fair share of criminal activity, it's also a legal drama at heart. The courtroom scenes and legal maneuvering provide a sharp contrast to the violent world of Breaking Bad, and the show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of legal proceedings.
- Cinematography and Style: The show’s visual storytelling is striking, with stunning cinematography and meticulous attention to detail. From the desert landscapes to the use of color to represent characters’ emotional states, the show’s aesthetic choices play a key role in conveying its tone and themes.
- Slow-Burn Storytelling: Better Call Saul is known for its patient pacing and slow-burn narrative. The writers take their time developing characters and plot-lines, allowing for moments of deep character introspection and tension.
Major Characters:
- Jimmy McGill / Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk): The central character, a struggling public defender who evolves into the sleazy, morally compromised lawyer Saul Goodman. Odenkirk’s performance is widely praised for its range, from comedic moments to deep, dramatic turns.
- Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn): A talented and ambitious lawyer who starts out as Jimmy’s colleague and later becomes his romantic partner. Kim’s arc is one of the most compelling in the series, as she grapples with her own ethical dilemmas while being drawn into Jimmy’s world.
- Chuck McGill (Michael McKean): Jimmy’s older brother, a highly respected lawyer who suffers from a psychosomatic condition (electromagnetic hypersensitivity) and has a complex, often antagonistic relationship with Jimmy. Chuck's relationship with Jimmy is a central emotional driver in the show.
- Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks): A former police officer turned fixer for Gus Fring, Mike’s backstory is explored in greater depth in Better Call Saul. His calm, stoic demeanor masks a dangerous and efficient operative.
- Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito): A cold, calculating drug kingpin who runs the fast-food chain Los Pollos Hermanos as a front for his drug empire. His character is fleshed out more in Better Call Saul, showing the meticulous planning and control that defines his criminal operations.
- Hector Salamanca (Mark Margolis): A member of the Mexican cartel and an antagonist to both Jimmy and Mike. His violent nature and his history with Gus Fring play a major role in the overarching plot.
Reception and Legacy:
Better Call Saul received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, direction, and performances, particularly Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Jimmy/Saul and Rhea Seehorn’s portrayal of Kim Wexler. The show was often compared to Breaking Bad in terms of quality, with many considering it to be on par with, or even superior to, its predecessor.
The series also garnered numerous awards and nominations, including several Primetime Emmy Award nominations, particularly for Odenkirk and Seehorn. In 2022, the final season concluded with a highly praised and emotionally charged finale that wrapped up the series’ themes and character arcs in a satisfying and poignant way.
Spin-offs and Continuations:
As of now, Better Call Saul is considered a standalone series, though it exists in the same universe as Breaking Bad. The success of Better Call Saul has led to discussions about potential spin-offs, but none have been confirmed. The show’s impact on television has been significant, cementing its place as one of the best dramas of the 21st century.
Better Call Saul is a meticulously crafted series that offers a deep dive into the life of one of television’s most fascinating characters, while also exploring themes of identity, morality, and the human cost of ambition. If you're a fan of Breaking Bad, it’s a must-watch, but it also stands on its own as a brilliant drama in its own right.
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