Did Breaking Bad Storyline Ruin Better Call Saul?
Breaking Bad is one of the most acclaimed shows in history. The series creator, Vince Gilligan, masterfully crafted a suspenseful, thrilling and emotionally charged story that captivated audiences for five seasons.
However, when the creator announced a spin-off series, Better Call Saul, many fans were skeptical.
Thankfully, Better Call Saul has proven to be a worthy successor to Breaking Bad, with its own unique voice, style and characters.
The show follows the early life of Jimmy McGill, a down-on-his-luck lawyer who eventually becomes the sleazy but charming defense attorney Saul Goodman.
However, some fans have criticized BCS (and especially season 6) for relying too heavily on the Breaking Bad storyline, even splitting the show into two time periods: Chuck and After Chuck.
The show has featured several characters from BB, including drug lord Gus Fring, former cop Mike Ehrmantraut, and even Walter White (and a little bit of Jesse Pinkman) himself in a brief cameo.
Some viewers have argued that these appearances overshadowed the main storyline.
One fan rightly noted that "those last episodes of BCS have less impact without knowing what happens in BB."
While it's true that Better Call Saul has incorporated elements of Breaking Bad, many believe that this has only enhanced the show's storytelling.
Another viewer noted that "…plot points in BB would become bigger if the viewer had only seen BCS. For example, you don't know how Gus's story ends (or the Salamancas for that matter)."
The presence of Gus, Hector or Michael has added depth and complexity to the world of Better Call Saul and the entire BB universe, showing how their actions in the past have ripple effects that still impact the present.
Furthermore, these characters have been given their own storylines and development, rather than being shoehorned in for fan service.
Still, it's controversial to say that the Breaking Bad echo ruined Better Call Saul. Instead, it has enriched the show with a deeper sense of history and world-building.
While it's understandable that some fans would like to see an entirely new story, Better Call Saul has struck a delicate balance between honoring Breaking Bad's legacy and forging its own path forward.
Source: Reddit