The Unavoidable Comparisons Between ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul’
Ever since “Better Call Saul” hit the small screen in 2015, it’s been impossible to avoid comparing it to its iconic predecessor, “Breaking Bad.” Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind both shows, has intricately woven the narratives of Walter White and Saul Goodman, creating a seamless connection between the two series. But it’s not just Walter and Saul who share the spotlight; supporting characters like Skyler White, Hank Schrader, and Mike Ehrmantraut also play pivotal roles. Yet, perhaps the most compelling parallel lies between Kim Wexler and Jesse Pinkman, two characters who find themselves ensnared in the destructive paths of their respective partners.
“Perhaps the two Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul characters most affected by Walter and Saul are Kim and Jesse, though, and their journeys bear some surprising parallels.”
The Moral Compasses: Kim and Jesse’s Struggles for Redemption
Kim Wexler and Jesse Pinkman serve as more than just love interests or sidekicks; they are the moral compasses of their respective series. Both characters commit morally questionable acts but strive for redemption, only to be pulled deeper into the abyss by the men they can’t seem to quit.
“Both Kim and Jesse do terrible things over the course of their journeys, but they both strive for redemption. However, instead of being able to move on from the difficult positions they’re put in, they’re thrust deeper into trouble by demanding characters whose spiral downward sucks them in as well.”
Kim’s life unravels due to her involvement with Saul Goodman, culminating in a career collapse and overwhelming guilt over Howard Hamlin’s death. Jesse’s life, on the other hand, is derailed by Walter White, who manipulates him into a life of crime. Both characters serve as the voice of reason, yet neither can persuade their partners to abandon their criminal enterprises.
The Fateful Meeting: Kim and Jesse’s Brief Encounter
In a poignant scene from “Better Call Saul” Season 6, Kim Wexler steps out of Saul’s office and encounters Jesse Pinkman. Jesse, who is yet to meet the Walter White we know from “Breaking Bad,” is seeking legal advice for a friend. When asked about Saul’s competence, Kim offers a bittersweet response:
“When I knew him, he was.”
This brief interaction foreshadows the tragic fates that await both characters. Kim advises Jesse to get a lawyer, a suggestion that eventually leads him to hire Saul in “Breaking Bad.” This decision sets off a chain of events that make Heisenberg a criminal legend and leaves Jesse caught in the crossfire. Similarly, by the end of “Better Call Saul,” Kim finds herself in need of legal representation, bringing her journey full circle.
“Both travel the same path, just at different times, finding themselves dragged down by the ego and self-deception of their partners.”
The Inescapable Web: Kim and Jesse’s Shared Destiny
The stories of Kim Wexler and Jesse Pinkman serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of toxic relationships. Despite their best efforts to escape, they find themselves trapped in cycles of destruction, largely due to the men they are entangled with. While Kim and Saul’s relationship is romantic, Jesse and Walter share a more paternal bond. Yet, the end result is the same: both characters are left broken, their lives irrevocably altered by the choices of their partners.
As “Better Call Saul” inches closer to its conclusion, fans can’t help but wonder how Kim’s story will wrap up. Will she find the redemption that eluded Jesse in “Breaking Bad,” or is she doomed to a similar tragic end? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the parallels between these two characters add a layer of complexity that makes both series all the more compelling.
