How Better Call Saul Turned a Comic Relief Character into a Shakespearean Lead and Redefined Television Drama
Better Call Saul transformed Saul Goodman from a comic relief side character into a Shakespearean lead, showcasing the depth television storytelling can achieve. Originally introduced on Breaking Bad for humor and light-hearted moments, Saul Goodman was a cautious, scheming lawyer who lightened the tension yet seldom took center stage.
Over time, the prequel series examined his transformation from Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman with complexity reminiscent of Shakespeare’s tragic figures. Viewers followed his moral decisions, internal struggles, and evolving relationships, which led to comparisons with characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth—figures defined by ambition and ethical conflict.
Through careful character development, Better Call Saul turned what could have remained a one-note joke into a story about fate, identity, and consequences. The series elevated the comic relief blueprint, redefining what audiences might expect from television drama.
Origins of Saul Goodman: From Breaking Bad to Comic Relief
Saul Goodman entered the world of AMC’s Breaking Bad at a turning point in the show, providing a unique injection of energy. This character, created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, became an unexpected icon of humor and cunning in the midst of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman’s escalating criminal entanglements.
The Creation of Saul Goodman
Saul Goodman’s introduction in the second season of Breaking Bad was not originally part of the long-term plan for the series. The writers, led by Vince Gilligan, realized as Walter White and Jesse Pinkman grew deeper into illegal territory, they needed a figure to help them navigate legal danger with streetwise flair. Thus, James McGill—soon to embrace his pseudonym, Saul Goodman—was crafted as a fast-talking, colorful lawyer with ethically flexible methods.
His arrival immediately shifted the dynamic of the show. Saul was conceived to bridge the gap between comic relief and efficient plot advancement. Gilligan and Peter Gould embedded Saul with a blend of showmanship, legal acumen, and calculated sleaze. His TV commercials, outlandish catchphrases, and questionable ethics were intentionally over the top, making him instantly memorable among the cast of Breaking Bad.
Comic Relief in Breaking Bad
Saul Goodman stood out not only for his style but for the tone he brought to Breaking Bad. In a narrative marked by moral decay and violence, Saul’s comedic timing, sarcasm, and absurd advice balanced the show’s tension. He often appeared during moments of crisis, using humor to diffuse intensity or point out the absurdity of Walter and Jesse’s increasingly dangerous situations.
This injection of comic relief was intentional. Saul offered the audience brief reprieves from the grimness of the drug business. He also satirized legal loopholes and criminal strategies, portraying the legal world as both a source of laughs and a dangerous game. Saul’s humor served as both a shield for the characters and a commentary on the escalating criminality at the heart of Breaking Bad.
Bob Odenkirk’s Early Portrayal
Bob Odenkirk’s casting marked a significant shift in the scope of Saul Goodman. Known for his work in sketch comedy, Odenkirk brought an improvisational sharpness and natural timing that fit perfectly with the script’s demands. Initially, Odenkirk was skeptical about the character’s depth, seeing Saul primarily as a tool for laughs and exposition.
However, his portrayal quickly gained popularity due to the energy and unpredictability he brought to each scene. Odenkirk’s background in comedy allowed him to walk the line between outlandish satire and believability. His performance made Saul Goodman not just memorable but essential, helping transform an archetypal comic relief character into a figure with genuine intrigue and staying power within the Breaking Bad universe.
Reinventing Jimmy McGill: A Complex Character Emerges
Jimmy McGill's evolution in AMC's Better Call Saul is grounded in moral ambiguity, shaped by his environment, and brought to life by Bob Odenkirk’s subtle performance. The transformation from a comic foil to an antihero stands at the center of this character study.
From Comic Relief to Tragic Hero
In Breaking Bad, Saul Goodman was introduced as a fast-talking, comedic criminal lawyer who offered occasional levity. In Better Call Saul, the character begins as Jimmy McGill—a struggling public defender with a complex moral code and a desire for respect.
Jimmy’s gradual shift is marked by his choices and the consequences that follow. His actions become increasingly manipulative, as he navigates legal loopholes and bends ethical boundaries to survive in the world of Albuquerque crime and law.
The writers frame Jimmy’s journey as a modern tragedy. His potential for good is constantly undercut by personal setbacks, family conflict, and systemic pressures. What began as comic relief turns into a portrait of a man wrestling with identity and integrity, ultimately leading to the birth of the antihero Saul Goodman.
The Impact of Albuquerque on Jimmy’s Journey
Albuquerque plays a critical role, providing more than just a backdrop. The city’s atmosphere—its stark landscapes, unique culture, and undercurrents of crime—shapes the drama around Jimmy McGill and influences every key decision he makes.
Jimmy’s connections, both personal and professional, are formed and tested within this setting. Relationships with figures like Kim Wexler and Chuck McGill are built around the unique blend of hope and cynicism that defines Albuquerque. The city amplifies his ethical dilemmas and drives his transformation into a criminal lawyer.
Crime in Albuquerque is ever-present, from the cartel’s shadow to the daily struggles of ordinary residents. These pressures become inseparable from Jimmy’s story, as the city’s influence steers him toward darker choices and solidifies his complex journey.
Bob Odenkirk’s Performance in Better Call Saul
Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Jimmy McGill is central to the character’s reinvention. Odenkirk moves away from broad comedy and instead delivers a nuanced interpretation, emphasizing vulnerability, desperation, and wit.
He uses expressions and tone to reveal Jimmy’s internal conflicts. Scenes that could have played as farce reach emotional depth due to Odenkirk’s ability to balance humor and tragedy.
The shift from comedian to dramatic actor allows viewers to see Jimmy as a fully realized antihero rather than a caricature. Odenkirk’s performance grounds the series, convincing audiences of the believable transition from a morally conflicted man into the ethically compromised Saul Goodman.
Narrative Techniques: Crafting a Shakespearean Arc
Better Call Saul uses deliberate storytelling devices and structured moral challenges to transform Saul Goodman from a side character into a figure with tragic depth. The writing draws inspiration from Shakespearean drama by focusing on complex character development and ethical ambiguity.
Storytelling and Writing in Better Call Saul
Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould approach storytelling with a focus on gradual transformation. The series rarely relies on dramatic reveals; instead, it builds tension through careful pacing and layered motivations. Dialogue is often understated, allowing subtext to drive scenes.
Writers avoid simple exposition. Instead, they let the audience interpret characters’ true feelings through visual cues and silence. This invites viewers to analyze choices and motivations without being told what to think.
Parallel storylines and callbacks connect the narrative to Breaking Bad but also deepen insight into Jimmy McGill’s internal struggle. Each subplot is crafted to reveal incremental changes in character, contributing to a cohesive, evolving portrait.
Key Techniques Table:
Technique Effect on Narrative Gradual pacing Builds suspense and realism Visual storytelling Adds subtle emotional layers Nonlinear references Enhances continuity and depth
Dramatic Structure and Moral Complexity
The series mirrors Shakespearean tragedy by centering the plot on Jimmy’s moral decline and the consequences of his actions. Each step Jimmy takes toward becoming Saul Goodman is driven by personal flaws and external pressures. This echoes the way Shakespeare built his protagonists’ downfalls from character traits and fate.
Moral dilemmas are central. Characters are rarely completely good or evil, reflecting the ambiguity of real-life choices. The show frequently positions Jimmy against systems and people who also blur moral lines, increasing the weight of each decision.
The writers highlight consequences. Major plot events are tightly connected to prior actions, reinforcing the inevitability seen in classic tragic arcs. As with Macbeth or Hamlet, viewers watch as the lead’s destiny unfolds from small, often avoidable missteps.
The Roles of Supporting Characters in Jimmy’s Transformation
Jimmy McGill’s path to becoming Saul Goodman is shaped not just by his choices, but by the complex relationships and pressures exerted by those closest to him. His transformation is deeply influenced by personal loyalty, rivalry, and the shifting moral codes modeled by others.
Kim Wexler’s Influence
Kim Wexler, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn, stands as one of the most pivotal figures in Jimmy’s life.
Her intelligence and drive inspire Jimmy to aim higher, but her willingness to bend rules blurs his moral compass. Their partnership is marked by a unique blend of professional respect and emotional intimacy, which pushes both into ethically gray territory.
A turning point comes as Kim joins Jimmy in elaborate schemes, showing her own capacity for risk and deception. The tension between her personal ethics and her loyalty to Jimmy creates a dynamic that feeds both characters’ ambitions. In many ways, Kim’s evolution reflects and accelerates Jimmy’s slide toward “Saul Goodman,” especially as they become complicit in each other’s choices.
The McGill Brothers: Chuck and the Shadow of Family
Chuck McGill, played by Michael McKean, serves as Jimmy’s greatest rival and harshest critic.
Chuck’s high standards and lack of faith undermine Jimmy’s self-worth. His distrust and repeated obstacles fuel Jimmy’s need to prove himself, often through morally questionable actions. The constant judgment from his brother becomes a defining pressure, shaping Jimmy’s attitude toward both the law and his own identity.
Family, in the form of Chuck, never provides comfort for Jimmy. Instead, it becomes a source of conflict, pushing him to adopt the persona of Saul Goodman to escape Chuck’s shadow and to finally assert his autonomy.
Antagonists and Allies: Gus Fring, Mike Ehrmantraut, and Howard Hamlin
Gus Fring, played by Giancarlo Esposito, represents the height of criminal sophistication and ambition.
His operations expose Jimmy to larger stakes and more dangerous territory. Mike Ehrmantraut brings a steady, pragmatic perspective, acting as both mentor and warning about the criminal path.
Howard Hamlin, despite being a thorn in Jimmy’s side, is not a villain. His actions and decisions reflect the complex, often impersonal forces within the law firm that further isolate Jimmy and push him toward transformation.
Supporting characters such as Nacho Varga also serve as signals of the escalating risk and moral compromise at play as Jimmy moves deeper into the world of Saul Goodman.
Visual Storytelling: Cinematic Techniques in Better Call Saul
AMC’s Better Call Saul stands out for its meticulous cinematography and detailed environmental storytelling. Careful attention to visuals shapes character arcs and makes the city of Albuquerque feel integral to the narrative.
Cinematography and Symbolism
The series is known for deliberate framing, sharp composition, and the use of visual motifs throughout its six-season run. Cameras are often placed low to the ground or outside of rooms, creating a sense of surveillance or isolation around its characters.
Symbolic objects, like colored ties or flickering exit signs, are used to communicate emotional states or turning points in Jimmy McGill’s transformation. Color palettes shift across scenes: cooler tones for bleak moments, warm earth tones to hint at nostalgia or moral ambiguity.
Lighting in the tv series highlights the duality of its protagonist. Shadows frequently fall over characters’ faces, dividing them between the two worlds they inhabit. Specific shots, such as long static takes, add suspense and reflect inner turmoil without a word of dialogue.
Setting the Scene: Albuquerque as a Character
Albuquerque is more than a backdrop—it is an active participant in the story. Sweeping shots of the New Mexico desert, with its harsh sun and vast skies, mirror the loneliness and opportunities that define the series.
Local landmarks, strip malls, and neon-lit diners anchor events in a palpable reality. Even mundane locations, like Saul Goodman’s law office or nail salons, become visually rich settings. Weathered architecture and stark landscapes reinforce the emotional landscape, driving home the impact of place.
Daily life in Albuquerque—represented by sprawling intersections, distant mountains, and empty highways—emphasizes the inevitability of change and consequence in the tv series. The setting’s visual consistency adds authenticity, making the environment feel inseparable from the characters’ fates.
Themes and Motifs: Ambition, Morality, and Transformation
Jimmy McGill’s journey from a struggling attorney to the criminal lawyer Saul Goodman—and later, Gene Takavic—shapes the show’s central exploration of personal ambition, shifting morality, and profound transformation. Each phase of his life is marked by key choices that reveal the costs of desire, the complexity of right and wrong, and the fragile nature of identity.
Ambition and Downfall
Ambition drives Jimmy McGill’s entire arc. Early on, he seeks legitimacy in the legal world but constantly finds his earnest efforts blocked by entrenched power and skepticism, especially from his brother Chuck.
In his quest to be respected, Jimmy’s willingness to bend rules escalates. He moves from minor cons as “Slippin’ Jimmy” to calculated manipulations in courtrooms and business. This progression blurs ethical boundaries, making him vulnerable to temptation.
The unchecked pursuit of status and success ultimately leads to his downfall. His transformation into Saul Goodman—embracing the façade of a criminal lawyer—isn’t just a new persona; it’s an acceptance that ambition alone, when untethered from morality, can be self-destructive.
Moral Dilemmas and Consequences
Moral ambiguity is at the core of the show, with Jimmy repeatedly facing ethical crossroads. Situations often challenge him to choose between the right action and the easy, profitable road.
Key Examples:
Forging documents to win cases.
Manipulating clients and friends for personal gain.
Sacrificing others’ well-being for professional success.
Each choice brings consequences—damaged relationships, escalating criminal activity, and eroded self-respect. The narrative highlights that moral compromise rarely remains isolated; it ripples outward, affecting everyone around him, including Kim Wexler and other close associates.
Identity: Jimmy, Saul, and Gene
Identity forms a central motif. Jimmy oscillates between his genuine self, the flamboyant Saul Goodman, and finally Gene, the subdued manager in hiding.
Name changes signal deeper transformations. As Jimmy, he tries—and fails—to belong in the traditional legal world. As Saul Goodman, he crafts a persona that thrives on crime, dismissing the burden of a conscience.
As Gene in Omaha, he is haunted by past deeds and forced into anonymity. Each identity is distinct but interconnected, showing how a person’s choices lead to the construction—and sometimes, the loss—of self. This progression underscores the series’ view of transformation as both survival and tragedy.
The Legacy of Saul Goodman: Influence on Television
Saul Goodman’s journey from comic relief to complex protagonist shifted television’s approach to character depth and narrative. This transformation also set new expectations for supporting roles and the depiction of crime in TV dramas.
Comparison with Breaking Bad and Heisenberg
While Breaking Bad focused on Walter White’s evolution into Heisenberg, Better Call Saul centered on Jimmy McGill’s gradual transformation into Saul Goodman. Both series excelled in slow-burn storytelling, but Saul’s arc brought a nuanced exploration of ethics, vulnerability, and personal choice. Saul is driven less by ambition than by a deep need to survive and adapt.
Comparison Table:
Element Breaking Bad (Heisenberg) Better Call Saul (Saul Goodman) Motivating Force Power, pride Acceptance, resourcefulness Path to Crime Rapid escalation Gradual erosion Tone Intense, violent Subtle, introspective
Heisenberg’s reign in Breaking Bad was marked by explosive violence and sweeping morality. In contrast, Saul Goodman’s story is quieter, dissecting the small compromises that lead to criminality. This shift paved the way for more layered antiheroes in television.
Impact on TV Shows and Crime Dramas
Better Call Saul influenced how crime dramas portray law, morality, and flawed protagonists. Writers took cues from its patience in character-building and willingness to dwell on everyday consequences, rather than just headline-making crimes. The show’s restraint—visible in its pacing and storytelling—became a model for subsequent series.
A few elements that stand out include:
Portrayal of legal professionals as multidimensional
Emphasis on psychological conflict over spectacle
Blurring the lines between hero and villain
Modern crime TV now often features sociological depth and internal conflict, reflecting Saul Goodman’s complicated legacy. The series’ success signaled that audiences are willing to invest in slower, more character-driven storytelling.
