The Ambiguous Evolution of Jimmy McGill
When “Better Call Saul” premiered, fans of “Breaking Bad” were eager to dive deep into the backstory of the flamboyant lawyer, Saul Goodman. But the journey of Jimmy McGill turning into Saul was unlike any transformation viewers had witnessed before.
In the very first season’s climax, a pivotal moment unfolds. Jimmy McGill, on the brink of metamorphosing into the shadier Saul Goodman, has an epiphany during a candid chat with Mike Ehrmantraut. Reflecting on their recent escapade, he laments, “Why didn’t we just pocket the $1.6 million from the Kettlemans?” Mike, ever the moral compass, retorts about the essence of “doing the right thing”. But Jimmy is resolute, vowing not to stumble into that pitfall again.
“This line implied that we are going to witness Jimmy step onto the bad-choice road.”
Shifting Sands of Narrative
Contrary to expectations, Jimmy’s descent into the world of Saul Goodman wasn’t immediate. Fans like a particular Reddit user felt a bit cheated. They had anticipated a deeper plunge into Jimmy’s dealings with the cartel shortly after season 1. Instead, the show shifted its focus, primarily concentrating on characters like Mike and Nacho up until season 5.
One can’t help but wonder: did the show’s writers momentarily lose their direction?
“We thought he’d be Saul Goodman with the crazy office by the end of season one,” revealed Peter Gould, one of the minds behind the show.
The Delicate Art of Character Development
Yet, for all the impatience, there was a segment of fans who applauded the slow burn. For them, the gray area – the uncertainty of when Jimmy truly becomes Saul – was the real magic. They argued that watching Jimmy morph from a small-time trickster to a high-powered criminal attorney over a prolonged period was far more authentic and engrossing.
This gradual evolution stands in stark contrast to “Breaking Bad“, where Walter White‘s descent was swift and fierce. While Walt’s story was about unearthing an inherent darkness, Jimmy’s tale was a step-by-step transformation.
“The two shows tackled character development differently, with Breaking Bad focusing on revealing the darkness within Walt and Better Call Saul showcasing Jimmy’s gradual transformation.”
Final Thoughts
In retrospect, “Better Call Saul” took the road less traveled. While it may not have delivered the rapid transformation some hoped for, it offered a rich tapestry of character development, intertwined narratives, and a deeper understanding of what made Jimmy McGill tick. Whether that made for a more captivating journey is, of course, open to interpretation.
