Why Better Call Saul Feels Like a Greek Tragedy for Lawyers
Lessons in Fate and Ethics
Better Call Saul resonates with lawyers because it mirrors the structure and emotional weight of a Greek tragedy, showing how a well-intentioned man’s skills and ambition can ultimately lead to ruin. The journey of Jimmy McGill, a lawyer striving for legitimacy, taps into the timeless themes of fate, hubris, and personal downfall familiar to anyone who has studied classic tragedies.
The show’s legal battles and the ethical dilemmas that Jimmy faces are not just plot devices—they invite viewers, especially lawyers, to reflect on the tension between law as a noble calling and the personal failings that can undermine it. As viewers watch Jimmy transform into Saul Goodman, they see a story where talent and opportunity collide with moral compromise.
Better Call Saul stands apart because it doesn’t just depict crime or punishment; it explores the soul of a lawyer in crisis. The result is a narrative that feels both ancient in its structure and painfully relevant for those who understand the pressures and temptations within the legal profession.
Understanding Greek Tragedy in Modern Storytelling
Greek tragedy continues to influence the structure and emotional impact of modern storytelling. Its core elements—flawed protagonists, unavoidable fate, and the exploration of morality—connect ancient theatre with today’s most compelling dramas.
Defining Greek Tragedy
Greek tragedy is a form of classical drama that originated in fifth-century BCE Athens. It centers around a noble protagonist with a critical flaw, or hamartia, that leads to a downfall. Major tragedians like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides established conventions that included dramatic irony, catharsis, and complex moral questions.
Characteristics of Greek tragedy include:
Element Description Tragic hero Protagonist with noble traits and flaws Fate and prophecy Inescapable destinies and divine influence Chorus Group commenting on the action Moral dilemmas Difficult choices with no easy answer
Stories are set against the backdrop of family, honor, and the will of the gods. There is often a sense of inevitability—no matter what the hero does, tragedy unfolds.
Key Themes in Greek Tragedy
Greek tragedy explores themes such as fate, justice, pride, and the nature of suffering. These stories interrogate the limits of human power against destiny. The protagonists often struggle with hubris (excessive pride) or wrestle with ethical choices that have grave consequences.
Recurring themes include
Unavoidable Consequences: Actions, even with good intentions, lead to tragic results.
Conflict Between Individual and Society: Protagonists must choose between personal values and social or familial obligations.
Search for Meaning in Suffering: Characters and audience alike grapple with the reasons behind pain and loss.
These themes contribute to the emotional depth and philosophical resonance that makes tragedy enduring.
Relevance to Contemporary Television
Modern series often use the framework of Greek tragedy to shape narrative arcs and character development, especially in legal or crime dramas. The slow unraveling of a character’s life due to an internal flaw mirrors the fate-driven structure of classical tragedy.
Contemporary television adapts these elements to reflect present-day concerns—replacing literal gods with institutions, laws, or societal pressures. Series like Better Call Saul echo the sense of inevitable downfall, where the protagonist’s decisions compound and lead to irreversible change.
Writers draw on Greek tragedy to structure long-term character arcs, balancing suspense and inevitability. This deepens emotional engagement, making the tragedies of relatable, modern figures resonate with viewers much like ancient tragic heroes did for Athenian audiences.
The Tragic Arc of Jimmy McGill
Jimmy McGill’s life on Better Call Saul is a slow-motion unraveling that takes him from a struggling but hopeful lawyer to the infamous Saul Goodman. This transformation is marked by legal talent, shifting morals, and choices that echo classic tragedy.
Transformation into Saul Goodman
Jimmy McGill begins as a man desperate to prove himself, striving to shed his reputation as “Slippin’ Jimmy,” a small-time con artist. He pursues law, hoping for legitimacy and respect, but his methods push the boundaries of ethics even early on.
Legal setbacks, personal betrayals, and years of being seen as a “loser”—especially by his brother Chuck—start to erode Jimmy’s idealism. His gradual shift to the Saul Goodman persona is not a single act, but a process of rationalizing compromises and chasing success at any cost.
By adopting the Saul Goodman name and style, he fully embraces the role of a shady lawyer, seeking clients the traditional legal world would reject. The transformation is complete when he starts to prioritize cunning over conscience, accepting his place in the shadows of Albuquerque’s legal underworld.
The Role of Ambition and Fate
Jimmy’s ambition to rise above his hardships propels much of the show’s conflict. He is determined to prove himself to everyone—especially to Chuck, whose skepticism acts as a catalyst for many of Jimmy’s choices.
Yet, it’s not just ambition, but the apparent inevitability of his path, that gives the story its tragic tone. Like Greek heroes, Jimmy’s talents and flaws combine to set him on a course he is unable, or unwilling, to escape. He repeatedly finds himself in situations where his cleverness is both a gift and a trap.
Fate, manifested through a mix of circumstance and personality, seems to steer him. Each victory carries the seeds of future ruin, making product of both personal agency and external forces.
Moral Decline and Consequences
Jimmy’s descent into Saul Goodman is marked by a steady erosion of his moral standards. Early transgressions—like cutting corners for a sympathetic client—soon escalate to elaborate scams and cons against his own peers.
He becomes comfortable manipulating those around him, including his partner Kim Wexler, and exploiting legal loopholes for personal gain. The show details how self-delusion grows: Jimmy lies to everyone, but most dangerously, he lies to himself about the harm he causes.
Consequences multiply, both legally and emotionally. What starts as a tactic for survival becomes a way of life, leading to isolation and self-destruction. In the world of Better Call Saul, this is not just a professional failing but a personal tragedy that irrevocably marks Jimmy McGill.
Lawyers as Tragic Heroes
In Better Call Saul, the profession of law is depicted through characters whose struggles are reminiscent of the classical tragic hero. These lawyers confront moral ambiguity, personal flaws, and the heavy demands of legal ethics within a modern context.
Classical Elements in Modern Lawyers
Better Call Saul draws from the structure of Greek tragedy by giving its lawyers a sense of fate and inevitability. Key characters, such as Jimmy McGill, are not merely legal professionals; they carry burdens that echo those of ancient tragic figures.
The show frames the courtroom as a modern-day arena, where the stakes are reputations, livelihoods, and even lives. Legal decisions often have ripple effects that are irreversible, as in classic tragedies.
The tension between individual agency and the pressures of the system is central. Lawyers are shown making choices that seem logical or necessary at the time, yet these choices lead to unanticipated harm or personal downfall.
The Flawed Protagonist
Jimmy McGill exemplifies the flawed protagonist, blending cleverness with a disregard for professional responsibility. Like the tragic heroes of mythology, he possesses unique talents, but his inability to conform to ethical boundaries leads to repeated conflict.
His journey is marked by traits such as pride and rationalization. He bends legal rules for personal gain or out of desperation, often convincing himself that the ends justify the means.
It is these personal flaws—not just the complexity of the law—that push him toward irreversible missteps. The result is a gradual descent, not a single catastrophic error, making the tragedy feel inevitable yet entirely avoidable.
Conflict Between Law and Conscience
The clash between legal duty and personal morals is a constant theme. Lawyers in the series are faced with professional responsibility that often contradicts their own values or sense of justice.
Saul Goodman, for example, frequently chooses strategies that benefit clients but violate legal ethics and societal norms. He is aware of the consequences, creating a profound sense of internal conflict.
This ongoing battle between doing what is right by the law and what feels morally correct causes alienation and regret. It ultimately reinforces the tragic, almost inescapable, cycle of choices that define both the characters and the show.
Kim Wexler and the Duality of Ethics
Kim Wexler’s journey in Better Call Saul highlights the uneasy relationship between personal values and professional ethics. Her choices illustrate how even well-intentioned lawyers can cross ethical lines in the pursuit of justice, ambition, or loyalty.
Moral Ambiguity in Legal Practice
Kim Wexler often operates within legal gray areas, pushing boundaries in both client representation and courtroom tactics. Her willingness to bend rules, like manipulating opposing counsel or fabricating evidence, stands in direct contrast to the expectations set by professional responsibility codes.
While she rarely breaks the law outright, Kim’s conduct frequently skirts the edge of confidentiality and honesty. She rationalizes these actions as necessary for the greater good or justice for her clients. This mindset can be observed in her schemes with Jimmy McGill, blurring her perception of what is truly ethical within legal practice.
Her approach reflects a broader reality for many lawyers: navigating the difference between what is legal and what is right is not always straightforward.
Personal Versus Professional Choices
Kim’s professional decisions are deeply affected by her personal relationships, particularly with Jimmy McGill. She sometimes puts loyalty and affection ahead of her obligations to clients or the court, exposing the conflict between her internal values and the broader legal system.
For example, her involvement in complex cons and manipulations—such as sabotaging Howard Hamlin’s career—demonstrates how easily personal motives can override the principles of professional responsibility. This duality makes Kim’s actions unpredictable and pressures her ethical boundaries.
Kim’s struggle to separate emotion from duty is a core component of her character, and it underlines the challenge lawyers face in keeping personal and professional spheres distinct.
Kim Wexler’s Downfall
Kim’s gradual departure from ethical standards contributes to her downfall both personally and professionally. Each compromise increases her risk, endangering her career, clients, and reputation as a reliable attorney.
Her participation in confidential schemes undermines her role as a trusted legal advisor. Over time, the cumulative effect of these choices leads to isolation—professionally, from colleagues, and personally, from herself.
Kim’s story examines the real-world consequences when a lawyer prioritizes personal justifications over the rules and norms expected by society and the legal profession. Her trajectory serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of losing sight of professional boundaries.
Howard Hamlin: The Unsuspecting Victim
Howard Hamlin’s journey in Better Call Saul encapsulates the downfall of a decent man ensnared by forces beyond his control. His diligent efforts, strict ethics, and unwavering professionalism failed to shield him from destruction orchestrated by others.
Characterization as the Morally Upright
Howard Hamlin is introduced as the external face of Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill (HHM), upholding high standards of legal conduct. He operates as a polished, professional lawyer, consistently maintaining civility—even when facing hostility from peers like Jimmy McGill.
He often acts as a steadying force during moments of chaos, rarely resorting to outbursts or vindictive tactics. Reliable, courteous, and careful with his words, Howard exemplifies the ideals promoted by the bar association. His devotion to integrity is clear whenever ethical dilemmas arise, such as handling Chuck McGill’s mental health concerns or responding to Jimmy’s provocations with patience.
Despite being cast in the antagonist role early on, Howard never demonstrates malice. His sense of duty stems from genuine belief in the law and professional decorum.
Professional Sacrifices
Howard’s career at HHM is marked by repeated personal sacrifices. He routinely absorbs the fallout from Chuck McGill’s decisions, shielding the firm and its reputation from scandal. When the firm faces crises, Howard quietly manages damage control, often at his own expense.
He takes on blame to help colleagues save face, such as when he conceals the real reasons behind the firm’s treatment of Jimmy. Rather than seek recognition, he prioritizes the firm's stability. Howard’s willingness to admit perceived faults to peers and even the bar association highlights an unwavering dedication to legal ethics and self-sacrifice for the greater good.
As financial pressures and internal betrayals mount, Howard accepts difficult compromises, working to keep HHM afloat and professional standards intact.
Role in the Tragic Narrative
Howard becomes a central figure in Better Call Saul’s tragic structure by embodying the "unsuspecting victim." His downfall is orchestrated not by his own flaws, but by Jimmy and Kim’s manipulations. Their elaborate schemes to destroy his reputation—posing him as a drug addict, sabotaging his work—leave him bewildered, isolated, and increasingly desperate.
He is targeted specifically because of his adherence to ethics and trust in due process. When confronted by the bar association and his colleagues with false allegations, Howard’s faith in the system is weaponized against him. His tragic fate is sealed when he walks into the McGills’ apartment, believing he can reason with them, only to become collateral damage in a world far more ruthless than he anticipated.
Howard’s demise illustrates how, within the show’s Greek tragedy framework, even the most upright lawyers can become victims through no fault of their own.
Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul offers a nuanced exploration of the intersection between legal standards and personal values. The series frequently shows how small ethical lapses can spiral, affecting both individual lives and the integrity of the legal system.
Legal Ethics in the Show
The show closely follows Jimmy McGill’s journey through law, highlighting his frequent conflicts with established legal ethics. He often tests the boundaries of the Rules of Professional Conduct imposed by bar associations.
Notable moments involve document forgery, evidence manipulation, and misleading clients. These actions violate core principles such as honesty, client confidentiality, and loyalty. Scenes in courtrooms and bar disciplinary hearings further emphasize the importance of professional responsibility.
Characters like Chuck McGill act as foils, representing strict adherence to legal ethics and demonstrating how the profession values transparency and trust. This dynamic adds depth, showing that the ethical dilemmas faced by Jimmy are not just personal, but central to the practice of law.
Consequences of Ethical Lapses
Ethical violations in Better Call Saul lead to significant and often irreversible consequences for those involved.
Jimmy’s actions result in professional discipline—including suspension and disbarment risks. Other characters, like Kim Wexler, face their own moral struggles and professional consequences when crossing ethical boundaries. Legal repercussions are not the only outcomes; personal relationships and reputations also suffer.
Bar association investigations and hearings are shown as critical moments where ethical infractions are formally examined. These processes underscore the gravity of professional misconduct and highlight the regulatory role of the legal community.
Influence on Real-World Legal Professionals
Better Call Saul prompts real lawyers and law students to reflect on their own obligations regarding ethics and professional responsibility.
Discussions in bar associations and legal forums often reference scenarios from the show to illustrate what lawyers should—and should not—do in practice. The show’s cases can be found on professional blogs and in legal education seminars, cited as both cautionary tales and teaching tools.
Practicing attorneys note that the series accurately reflects how easily small lapses can evolve into serious violations. By dramatizing the consequences of neglecting ethical duties, Better Call Saul reinforces the importance of integrity within the legal profession.
Crime and the Legal Profession: A Tense Intersection
Better Call Saul presents a layered look at how criminal activity and the legal profession intersect, especially in the case of Saul Goodman. The series explores how personal ambition and compromised ethics can have serious effects on both lawyers and the justice system.
Blurring the Line Between Law and Crime
Saul Goodman, originally Jimmy McGill, drifts from legitimate legal work into outright criminal conduct. His journey is marked by small ethical lapses—bending rules, manipulating evidence, stretching the boundaries of client confidentiality—that gradually escalate into criminal activity.
This evolving moral ambiguity is a recurring theme. The series suggests that proximity to crime can erode professional boundaries, especially when incentives exist. Lawyers, who must navigate client representation and legal obligations, feel unique pressure when the law and crime overlap.
Example Table: Lawyer Actions and Consequences
Action Legal Status Risk Involved Filing misleading claims Unethical Bar discipline Aiding criminal clients Illegal Disbarment, prison Skirting firm rules Unethical Job loss, reputation
Saul’s choices reveal the gradual process by which legal professionals can cross ethical and even legal lines, driven by pressure, ego, or necessity.
Repercussions for Lawyers
The consequences for crossing the criminal-lawyer divide are severe and often irreversible. For Saul, the slide into crime destroys his reputation, leads to disbarment, and permanently alters his career. The personal toll is significant—loss of relationships, social standing, and professional trust.
Other lawyers in the series, such as Chuck McGill and Kim Wexler, also face professional and emotional fallout when confronted by the ethical gray areas of legal work. These stories highlight how the legal profession’s high ethical standards demand constant vigilance.
Disciplinary actions, including censure or permanent disbarment, serve as reminders that the American Bar Association enforces the integrity of the profession. Episodes show disciplinary hearings as tense and consequential, underscoring real legal risks.
Societal Impact and Perception
Better Call Saul reflects and shapes public perceptions of the legal profession. By depicting lawyers entangled in crime, the show raises important questions about trust, ethics, and the true nature of justice. Viewers may see both the appeal and the dangers of “creative” lawyering.
Media portrayals like these can shift how people view attorneys, sometimes reinforcing stereotypes of lawyers as manipulative or morally ambiguous. For aspiring lawyers, the narrative is a cautionary tale about the temptations and pressures of practice.
Key Points:
Public trust in lawyers is fragile when linked to crime.
The show underscores the need for transparency and ethical rigor.
Legal drama can spark broader debates about reform and oversight in the profession.
Breaking Bad Connections and Creator Influence
Better Call Saul stands as both a companion and a contrast to Breaking Bad, shaped by the shared leadership of Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. Key narrative and creative decisions tie the series together, deepening the impact of Jimmy McGill’s transformation while broadening the original story’s tragic scope.
Narrative Parallels with Breaking Bad
Better Call Saul’s story structure mirrors Breaking Bad’s descent as characters face escalating moral compromises. Both series present protagonists—Walter White and Jimmy McGill—whose initial justifications erode in the face of personal ambition and external pressures.
Plot devices like gradual identity shifts, mounting legal and ethical dilemmas, and strained relationships foster a sense of tragic inevitability. These narrative parallels emphasize how choices, rather than fate alone, drive both men toward personal and professional ruin.
Visually, the use of symbolism and callbacks—such as familiar locations and secondary characters—reinforces their shared universe. The interconnected plots enable viewers to draw direct lines between decisions in Better Call Saul and consequences in Breaking Bad.
Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould's Vision
Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould deliberately crafted Better Call Saul to expand on themes from Breaking Bad without merely replicating its formula. Their shared vision prioritizes character-driven storytelling over sensationalism, focusing on the internal conflicts haunting lawyers like Jimmy.
Gilligan’s and Gould’s backgrounds in both series allowed for a consistent tone and careful character development. They shifted the tone toward the slow unraveling of motivation, using patience and subtle detail to highlight Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman.
With input from a returning team and strong collaboration, the creators ensured the transition from comic relief lawyer to tragic protagonist was both credible and impactful. Their approach results in a nuanced portrayal of law, morality, and consequences.
Expanding the Tragic Universe
Better Call Saul broadens the Breaking Bad universe by reinterpreting established characters and creating new, equally complex, legal and criminal figures. The show doesn’t merely fill narrative gaps; it reframes the entire saga through a lawyer’s point of view, highlighting systemic flaws and personal weaknesses among legal professionals.
This expansion deepens the tragedy for viewers familiar with Breaking Bad. Characters’ fates in the prequel echo and foreshadow moments from the original series, elevating familiar source material into something richer and more personal.
Through supporting characters—such as Kim Wexler and Howard Hamlin—the series spotlights the pervasive effects of ethical erosion on the legal profession. The creators leverage these connections to show the profound effects of ambition and compromise across both series.
