Why Better Call Saul is Brilliant
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What makes Better Call Saul one of the best shows on TV right now? In this analysis I examine what's so special about Better Call Saul.
Watch Season 3 on Amazon: amzn.to/2yO4QaD
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If you enjoyed this video, check out my essay about the use of establishing shots in Better Call Saul: th-cam.com/video/EeOUVXXZX_M/w-d-xo.html
Thomas Flight 3:20 Hey I just noticed that in that very scene when she starts picking up the trash, it's also an implication that she always picks up his mess, which reveals even more of their relationship, it's brilliant!
Thomas Flight You’re great. Keep the excellent work👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thomas Flight : I love the Sound Design...!!
Just a shame they’re making us wait until 2020 for season 5. It’s too long to make people wait and people will fall away out of resentment.
Willz __ oh I couldn’t agree more, it was horrible the way they put the fans off for GOT over a year and then only do a what 6 episode season to close it out. What’s worse is they were telling people they have enough material for 20 seasons to make and then they slammed us at the end and it was all over 💴 💰
HE DEFECATED TROUGH A SUNROOF
what a sick joke!
Chicago SUNROOF
With kids in the back seat!
My favorite line. The way Chuck says it kills me every time
zoë
Everyone at the couthouse
👁 👁
👄
Looking back at the early seasons it's amazing how well they wrote Howard. Great example of how to write an antagonist who isn't a bad guy. You expect him to be this slimy stereotypical evil lawyer that Jimmy gets to make look foolish but he's actually a very good and honest person and you feel bad that he's getting caught up in the McGill drama.
Dude's life is just taking hits from McGill brothers at every turn lol poor guy tbh
At first I felt like he was a douchebag, but by the time I got to the part where Chuck and him argue about Chuck's future at HHM, I just felt bad for him for getting tangled up in the feud between Chuck and Jimmy.
Now that Kim yelled at him, laughed at him when he told her what Jimmy did after offering him a job, AND wants to ruin his life...even if I still disliked him as much as I did when the show started, I would still feel he's gone through more shit than he deserves. Lol
When I re-watch the show, I start feeling even more and more sympathetic toward Howard, who I initially didn't like (I think it's easy to dislike Howard, but they also sort of "want" you to, at least at first). I understand why Jimmy hates Howard throughout, but Howard really isn't that bad a guy most of the time.
And boy how he suffered the consequences
I'm so glad we finally got a show about Kevin Costner, is all.
It works because he believes it
@Dinosaur Kin Yeah that's bob odenkirk
@@juniper963 nah he believes his Costner so hard he became the character
@@juniper963 Bob Costnerkirk Jr
:D
That trash can scene is also symbolic of how Kim seems to be cleaning up after Jimmy or helping him out of a jam.
That trashcan scene is perfect. Her not judging his frustration. The intimate cigarette sharing. Finishing each others thoughts. And her cleaning up after him. So much shown. So much rich character work. And only two lines of dialogue.
In a lesser show someone background or side character would infodump their shared history and how often Jimmy comes to this place and why. They'd wonder if Kim and Jimmy would make another go at it. I hint at a bad brakeup. Nothing would be there for the audience to just process and appreciate. Everything would be spelled out.
Its a show about a woman who is destined for great things, but is stuck with a no hoper criminal. Thats what it is,slow, boring.
@@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi Did you watch the latest season out, dude? It is slower than BB, BB is full of constant action basically, this one goes in other more interesting directions than BB.
@@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi wow…just wow.
Bashing your own head with a brick won’t knock anymore sense or taste in writing into you but do it anyway just for the hell of it.
@@teopazdrijan1008 breaking bad is for people who don't wanna think.
Even her fixing the garbage foreshadows how she fixes his messes for him.
Not by actually repairing the damage, but by covering it up, and in a manner that's very casual, like it happens all the time and it comes naturally.
that is clever thinking.
bravo vince
Also a cup not fitting into the cupholder in his new car. And then getting back his good old esteem once he leaves big corp.
Absolutely, I love how much work that bin does in establishing who the characters are! I think the garbage bin also works as a visual metaphor for how Jimmy feels about himself: it has a mirrored surface, so Jimmy literally sees himself in this smelly can of garbage that's kept in the basement of his brother's firm. Kicking the bin is an act of internal violence as well as external - he's figuratively beating himself up. By putting the bin back together Kim is fixing Jimmy's mess, but she's also trying to fix Jimmy himself.
When Saul asks “ how does the this look” and his Secretary replies “ that side looks a little crooked” she was pointing to the M. That was perfect.
roberto gomez I don’t get it
Nasa - The M is for McGill, who as we know is a crooked lawyer/person
FUCKING GENIUS
he says “a little crooked...huh.” And then smiles. It’s so so fantastic.
And why is it crooked? Because he ripped the last bit of painter’s tape off in a fit of anger against Chuck, showing how his strained relationship with his brother ultimately kept making him go crooked.
The subtle metaphors in this show are legitimately some of the most impressive ever.
The montage of Jimmy and Kim to the song “Something Stupid” was probably the BEST montage
Ikr I love how real their relationship is and how it doesn’t talk down to the audience. Like there’s a mutual understanding between the show and the viewer
Ay get ur kfc console my guy
The one from season 5 is even better imo
Part 2 was amazing too
I love how in BCS there’s so many scenes where there’s no dialogue. All the information we need is given us visually and through sound. It’s crazy hard to make something like that. Genius series
You are completely right! "Show, don't tell!"
That Border check scene shows so many points without using a word
@@ididntmeantoshootthatvietn5012 I jumped up and down in my chair when I understood what Mike was doing!!! Pure Heisenberg meth isn't more addicting than this show
Every mike scene:
Unfortunately to do that you have to make sure it doesn't become boring
I seriously hope more people discover how great this show is. This is film school on TV.
tiamzy/ I'hava all the "Better call Saul" and "Breaking Bad" episodes in Blue Ray and DVD lol this is the only show that I'm still watching in this AMC network because the other shows in this channel are pure garbage including TWD and FearTWD this zombie's shows are completely ruined and AMC need to end this stupid zombie's shows
Vince Gilligan didnt go to film school but OK
Ryan Brown Many of the greatest filmmakers of all time did not go to/graduate from film school. That has less than no bearing on whether or not their work is worth being studied by those who choose or have the means to attend film school.
Also Vince literally did go to film school but OK.
@@Ryyobrow Vince went to the Tisch at NYU, one of the best film schools in the world.
Agreed- I’m always sending clips to my son, who is an aspiring filmmaker (but as a teenager does, still doesn’t really trust his artist mom’s opinions....)
Yes, finally someone who understands the genius of this show !
It is great to truly see people appreciate this show and understand what Gilligan and the team are doing with the origins of Saul Goodman and giving room to this new universe that is separate from Breaking Bad. I've been watching this show since 2015 after I had finished Breaking Bad the year before and I have continued watching it from the first season to the third season and I'm amazed by it. The third season has to be my favorite out of the last two seasons Jimmy and Chuck's relationship skyrockets into an emotional roller coaster ride there is so much bitterness and hate between them I cannot help but side with Jimmy compared to Chuck. Chuck has grown on me as someone I completely despise and really have a displeasure of witnessing on screen although this season tried to toy my emotions with Chuck in so many ways but I can't help but view him as a horrible egoistically virus against Jimmy and his own aspirations and successes. Jimmy is becoming Saul more gradually then before but what I love is that they show him more as a scam artist at times and not so much the lawyer that we all know and love from Breaking Bad. It is refreshing to see a different Saul try out new things before actually being associated more with criminals and establishing himself as a criminal lawyer. There is still a consequence within this character though as he is not completely morphed into Saul Goodman yet he is still Jimmy McGill I think that Jimmy and Saul symbolize Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde they present themselves on and off as both a human and monster fighting inside this character and which direction this character will follow towards going forward. It is an incredible show and it is stronger on its own as a prequel people automatically think of Breaking Bad and Saul Goodman and they don't have the patience to fully understand this man's personal life and struggles and what he actually was before Walter White and Jesse Pinkman came into the picture and it is unfortunate. Breaking Bad had a slow pacing and it wasn't until season three that the ground kicked off with Walter White and Gus and everything going on around them this is exactly what Better Call Saul's third season established for us as viewers and the writers start to become comfortable with where they are going with this character and characters and the events that we have yet to see. I'm pissed that I have wait another year what a finale!
RobZombieisAwesome with that being said by the start and the intimidation; where Mr.whites Ego. became the reason of his destruction; nothing other person outside his family matter.
Right?!! This show is so amazing, I can't believe it might be cancelled!!
'TisWandy They will not cancel it was just confirmed by AMC last week that season 4 has been renewed!
RobZombieisAwesome Thank god. Sorry I didnt find out sooner, I stopped looking into it as much after the bombshell which was that last scene in the finals.
Props to Vince Gilligan for choosing Saul as the character to make a spin off about. I can't imagine how blessed Bob Odenkirk feels after all this has done for his career. Such a talented actor and I'm happy he is getting the well deserved notoriety.
sleuth 2077 notoriety is a bad thing u prob mean getting recognition which is good.
And don't forget Michael Mando. His performance as Nacho was extraordinary and he could convey so much through so little dialogue.
Vince really has a talent for showing off the full range of actors who often were getting pigeonholed before. People knew Bryan Cranston was capable of playing a criminal but most people knew him as a silly character. Saul in Breaking Bad is arguably a very silly character, but BCS really deepened the character in a way that, in my opinion, improves Breaking Bad
He’s said before that he was genuinely worried about paying bills when he got the Breaking Bad role. Talk about fate.
@@JacobC479 I think it's awesome when stuff like that happens. Kind of like how the actors from Karate Kid all had their careers revived with Cobra Kai. I'm sure they never thought doing a TH-cam series would put them back on the map again.
I worked on the production of this show, saw Marshall Adams work as one of the cinematographers, and let me tell you, it was brilliant to see it all being put into work. The lighting setups for every scene were interesting and they all had their uniqueness to it. The acting was great, the whole cast are nice & talented people. Truly a privilege to have been there.
You’re apart of history
Very cool. I imagine it was incredible to work with people making a masterpiece.
I'm no cinematographer, but with this show, the shots are so well thought out and unusual, I would sometimes pause the show and ask, "What is this shot trying to say?" More often than not, the way the scene was shot had a lot to say about the scene itself.
One minor example: There was an establishing shot taken through the netting of a basketball hoop and I paused, thinking, "Now why would they want to film through that thing?" And of course there was a logical answer. I was learning the Gilligan / Gould method of visual storytelling.
i was there too i can confirm
Every time I'm telling someone about the show who hasn't seen it the word I keep repeating is cinematography. Sometimes while watching it I would just pause it to look at a particular frame for a while. Incredible work!
@@Capybara2240 I would thumb up but grammar
It's such a beautifully sad show... Slow, deliberate heartbreak. All the while you know that any happiness is destined to leave... Tragic, in all the right ways
just like life itself
well said: tragic in all the right ways
jollyrayda1
That's a wonderful way to put it. Slow, deliberate heartbreak. And yet we can't look away.
OMR
You have trash taste. Go watch Big Bang theory.
OMR you’re simple-minded, the show is probably too advanced for you to keep up with.
Jimmy ripping tape off of a wall will probably be a more satisfying pay off than any battle scene in Game of Thrones this year.
Adam Moore but not more satisfying than the following in GoT
-Aria exterminating the Frey’s
-Jaime figuring out that circe is a bitch
-Euron killing the sand snakes
-the contenders learning the actual threat of the night king
-Olenna getting her revenge on circe
-Circe getting revenge on Elaria
Joey Kevorkian the Littlefinger stuff sucked though
King Alfonso VI omg another MATN M2 character. I was Admiral Jon for a bit.
Joey Kevorkian Woah. That's a high tier character you know. I'm mid-low at best. Also, I didn't realize I was still signed in with this account.
Joey Kevorkian her names cersei
This show actually gets better the more time you rewatch it, it’s insane.
I started the show all over again that way I'll have something to watch while I painfully wait for season 6 to return lol
Insane is to watch that boredom-fest more than once.
@@disco.lemonade Then why watch a video about it? Keep coping bud.
I can't rewatch it knowing how it ends lol.
The fact that Jimmy goes to prison and Kim moves on with her life in Florida was devastating to me 😭. Very well done though, but tragic
@@disco.lemonade It's not as good as Breaking Bad imo but it's still a quality show. Season 1 and 2 aren't great but 3, 4, 5 and 6 were fantastic. If you didn't get past season 2 trust me give it another shot and get past the first two seasons.
I'd like to think of Better Call Saul's story progression as a quiet stacking of dynamite sticks under the viewers' seats then detonating them in an emotionally devastating moment, while Breaking Bad uses a more action-reaction-consequence approach, fitting of its chemistry elements.
It's the most exciting show I've seen. During every episode I cannot take my eyes off the screen for fear of missing some crucial detail.
But when someone asks me what's it about, I'm like: "Well... it's about lawyeeeers... and very realistic... but not like in a boring way..."
Saaame, I hate trying to explain what is BCS about
yeah so right, its very hard to explain because its a lot of things but also one thing at once. the theme is very clear to the viewer but its hard to explain whats unique about it. I love this theme so much, its unlike every other show I seen. the theme is that it feels like actually real life, but its very hard to explain why.
Nurpus it’s about lawyers but it’s also about the Mexican drug cartel but mainly lawyers
Other Person: wut
@@COOLMCDEN and then Mike too but I've got no idea how you'd explain him to someone who hasn't watched BB
The best shows are usually the hardest to sum up succinctly
Gilligan did it again
Oh, Magoo!
He can't keep getting away with it!!
We’ll never get off this island.
Gilligan said at comic con that he's been playing less of a role in S4, and even S3 than he was in the beginning, and indeed if you look at who writes and directs each episode, Vince is writing or directing about 1 episode (out of 10) per season. While he obviously has contributed greatly to the show, he himself said "thank Peter Gould and the rest of our wonderful writers, not me".
Kevin Lazaro said it again :|
In Episode 1, you literally see Kim cleaning up Jimmy's mess after him with the trashcan. Incredible. The fact from so early on they show you the dynamic is amazing.
The end of the third season literally had my jaw on the fucking flaw. It was so fantastically horrifically horribly scarily done, the way he just sat there, dead eyes, and all you hear is that kicking sound, and then it shows you, and then you work it out and you watch it happen as it cuts to the outside of the house. Fantastically done
Not only do I think that wide-shots express loneliness as you say, but in scenes such as the courtroom they express how much pressure Jimmy is under.
Deutschland
@@tonymontana23214 bitte hör auf Fortnite zu spielen
@@nicoffee777 was?
@@nicoffee777 wenn du dieses eine video auf meinem kanal meinst das war aus spaß hochgeladen für einen freund. Ich spiele nichtmal fortnite da es mir keinen spaß macht. Habe es damals am anfang gespielt und spaß gehabt aber es macht keinen spaß mehr jemanden abzuschießen der direkt ein hochhaus baut.
@@tonymontana23214 Freund? Du hast Manny erschossen D:
Sometimes I like to think that the long, silent scenes are small snippets of life. For example, there are times where I'm just working or studying in a building and its dead silent. People are around me, no one is talking. BCS captured that in the court room when people waiting. Some times, life is silent to people.
That's what's so beautiful about this show. It doesn't present itself as a story with characters. It puts the viewer in the place of a spectator watching life happen from the sidelines. It's real.
Very cool observation. It is like witnessing life as it happens.
Glimpse of reality. Thats beautiful!
Yeah, some of the episodes are having no dialogue for 5 to 10 minutes, watching a character doing something for the progress, no regrets watching it.
"Characters do things that make sense for them to do, not just what the plot needs next"
Such a spot on summary of the biggest problem with screenwriting today.
I once heard a writer's advice and agreed with it from my own conclusions: Create interesting characters that you love and then drop them into various situations to explore how they behave. Let the characters write the story.
Perfect writing. Not one second of the show is wasted.
I love this line:
"in life when a rift forms between two people, it can be often hard to place the blame to one of them in particular.
Instead, there often tends to be parts of their personalities or value systems that are at odds, and the blame is often a matter of perspective."
That's beauiful phrasing, thank you.
I literally watch this show for Mike. He's just so cool.
Mike is cool but the rest of the show is also so fucking brilliant. Every moment is so careful and well done
Mike is my dad
@@shayboual1892 Jimmy/Saul, and Mike, and two of my favorite characters from Breaking Bad, to.
@@jluis6027 mike is my grandpa. does that mean you’re my dad?
Lalo nowadays lol
Me during early seasons of BCS: God, why it takes a long time for hime to turned into Saul? 😒
Me during the later seasons: Jimmy don't do any more of this. 😭
Same lmfaooooooo
Yeah! The show is underrated, because in my opinion it can easily compete with breaking bad.
For some reason, I think the show has risen in popularity recently
@@nojatha4637 I stopped watching after season 2 and then literally just binged 3-5 in the past week. I absolutely think its amazing and just as good as breaking bad. The writing in both shows is unreal, it spoils other TV shows for me because most do not come close.
@@yann2850_ ja
There’s no reason for the two shows to compete...wtf??
@@shiftytorchic2136 why not? They are both very related to each other, that’s enough reason
It’s fucking mind boggling how one of, if not THE best dramas of all time got a spin-off that’s not only equal to the original, but is considered to be greater than the original. I am lucky to live in the same timeframe as Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould.
You forgot to mention the fantastic score from Dave Porter.
Agonothetes Porter is fantastic. The score that accompanies Chuck tearing his house apart in S3 is masterful.
He did say the music is great.
I just love how Dave Porter did the score for Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, and even El Camino
I had never watched a single episode of Breaking Bad or BCS. One evening I saw BCS on the Netflix line-up and decided to take a look. I was immediately taken in by it, I didn't want it to end. I started binge-watching, three or four episodes a night. Netflix only had the first three seasons so when I got to the end of season three I frantically searched to find where I could get Season Four. Turns out Amazon on demand had is so I continued binge-watching until I again came to the end. Now I can't wait until season five and the wait is painful! Having gone as far as I could go with BCS I went back and started watching Breaking Bad. Again I was captivated and started watching episode after episode. I kept thinking, "okay, just one more before bed". Four episodes later I would crawl into bed speculating what might happen next. By the time I finished Breaking Bad I was emotionally exhausted but completely dazzled at what a phenomenal accomplishment this series is and where it takes you. I have never seen a television series so deep before, not like this. These characters are fascinating, sophisticated, and once you become wrapped up in it you can see their world from their perspective as if you were them. All we can do is hope that after BCS wraps up a new series will continue the drama!!
You should check out The Sopranos. It's the only show I've ever seen that is as good as breaking bad. I actually think breaking bad was inspired by it.
cool
And after watching season 5 now? Best season yet by far. It just keeps getting better and better and higher stakes. And now there's s6 coming, I'm hyped af more than I've been in years
Season 5 is a banger! :)
And after all that… A happy ending
There's been times when I binge-watched Breaking Bad and just wished the episode would end and get to the next one already. It felt like it dragged along at times. I've never got this feeling with Better Call Saul, as a matter of fact I watched each episode slowly like I'm savoring it like it's a really good meal.
Exactly the same for me as well!
In both series, I found that I could just keep watching continuously, and I had to force myself to stop watching.
I have tried to restart both from scratch (having finished both, with BCS up to the current point anyway), and couldn't get past the first episode in either case.
I just really don't enjoy rewatching these particular series for some reason
Breaking Bad is never slow.. honestly neither shows drag
Maybe that's becouse you already know that BCS is good from watching Breaking bad?
Yeah I've noticeed that too. Not that I really binge-watched BB like "get done with it already morons" but at some point I got bored of evil Walt and Jesse who constantly screwed up everything.
With BCS, it was literally impossible to watch only one episode at a time, I've always done them in pairs. Just couldn't stop seeing it after such a little time
Love this show, love this essay.
Thank you.
I loved the season 3 episode chicanery. What beautiful filmmaking. That episode in itself could've been a tv movie. Also it did the same dustbin setup and payoff but on a much larger level.
Loved that episode as well. The amount of dramatic range they expressed within that one room was amazing.
Great video btw!
Chucks breakdown was amazing
Chicanery I would argue is the best episode of the series to this point and the fact that Michael McKean was NOT nominated for an Emmy after that courtroom scene is downright appalling.
Me too
11:09 I only just noticed that the reflection of the TV is in colour, while the rest of the shot is in black and white. Some super subtle visual story-telling to show some nostalgia for the past, haha.
oh shit, didn't catch that
It's even better than Breaking Bad in my opinion, and that's saying a lot. BB is so violent and heavy on the emotions that I had difficulty watching some episodes. BCS is more on the funny side, without being silly. It's the perfect mix of drama and (dark) humor.
@Phasor 777 The way it ended for chuck showed the disintegration of mental health, but yeah parts of it where funny everyone turning off tech for him.
It's not a comedy. Having humor in a drama or thriller does not make it an actual comedy. Comedy is a tool that can be used to break tension and add some relief. Better Call Saul uses it very sparingly. That doesn't make it a comedy show.
Yeah, its interesting. I thought Better caul saul would be comedy. But it wasnt. If anything, its sometimes even more serious or deep than Breaking bad.
People forget how much comedy is in the first season of Breaking Bad.
Better Call Saul seems to be following the same pattern and getting progressively darker with each season.
"I just talked you down from a death sentence to 6 months probation.....I'm the BEST lawyer ever."
who cares what it is. it's just good. labeling something comedy or drama has no bearing on quality.
@@clairedex 👌
I love this show and the characters.
@@montecrano6699 bro what
@@nicedude2091 What did he say?
I'm here after that Howard scene from the last season...... just.. no words
Exacly!! I just finished watching and OH MY GOD.
I find it very sad that barely anyone is watching this show, it seriously deserves more. Saul stole every scene in Breaking Bad, and to be honest I thought he deserved his own show when I watched breaking bad.
That's the most insightful explanation of a show, I've ever heard. You need to do a podcast.
I do actually: obscurigami.com
It's a shame that not many people watches this show. I honestly like it more than BB and I saw BB twice. Shows like BCS and The Americans get barely any viewers and are two of the best tv shows currently airing. I just hope amc confirmes a 4th season for BCS.
They definitely will BCS has an audience and a demand. I'm loving this show more then Breaking Bad too even though Breaking Bad will always have a special place in my heart. Some people want everything rushed and don't bother to pay attention to the characters, their environment, everyday situations etc the small things. I think that this show captures those moments perfectly and doesn't cheat or rush in a sloppy fashion. AMC would have to be fools to not continue this series.
Angel Cruz 4th season has been confirmed. I heard someone say season 5 will be the last one. but i have nothing to back that up with
Harry Jamieson I would'nt mind if they end the show with five seasons like Breaking Bad. I just don't want them to rush things. I want them to take their time and do it right.
Angel Cruz I agree with you I want them to succeed in telling the story of Saul before and after Breaking Bad. I'm loyal to the creators there is an audience I can't wait for next year and I think a sixth season could do it and that's it.
@@Me-ui1zy Giancarlo Esposito said that there will be 6 seasons.
I think BCS has the best portrail of an actual couple ever. At first I thought it was lacking in chemistry. But in fact it's just absolutely accurate, passion being a lesser feature Jimmy and wexler are close in a way only couples ever are. Like true friends.
The small details of this show are really good. When Jimmy was in the dessert and picking up the bail money for Lalo. There was a close up shot when he was cleaning his shoes with his water. Little did Jimmy know that he would be needing and wanting it later on.
found a great BCS Easter egg yesterday. I decided to watch the very first episode of BCS again. It was in the beginning of the episode in the flash forward segment with Gene/ Saul/Jimmy sitting at home watching tv. He decides to watch some video of his old commercials and gets out a hidden box with some items in it of which one was the video tape he wanted. That's when I noticed that one of the items in the box was the old band-aid can that he had hidden in the ceiling of the old store his father used to own. He had the coin collection in it. He almost left the can behind when he came back in and grabbed it. Awesome show!
That scene is shoot entirely b&w but the reflection of the tv in his glasses is in color. That tells you that he is living a dark moment and watches a video of happier days. A masterpiece!!!
Andrés Arcos yeah I love how the only thing that emits color is his old commercials.
That scene is in this very video, at 10:00. And yes, that looks like the band-aid box from his father's store
Someone finally points out the genius of this show. Better Call Saul is practically already better than Breaking Bad and has shown itself to be one of the most methodical and well put together shows in a long while.
I played a small part in 609 and got to spend hours talking to Giancarlo Esposito during our breaks. Such an amazing and kind gentleman.
Director Michael Morris and the whole crew were simply masterful. Everything is rehearsed and planned meticulously.
It's an experience I will never forget.
I love this show for so many reasons.
thats pretty cool
Thats very interesting. Who did you play, if I may ask?
@@elonif4125 thanks! I played the Maître D. My lines ended up being cut, but I still go the costar credit and you can see me for half a second in the bar scene, right before David comes to talk to Gus.
Aged like fine wine
this is one of my favorite shows of all time.
I was just in Albuquerque (during the shooting of season 4) but, didn't happen upon any filming :(
I did take photos of a lot of the film sites, though!
OMR stfu
Hahahahahahah
@@RPMcM09 ok go watch the bachelor
This show has some of the most inventive and unique camera angles and shots of any show I’ve ever seen. It’s a little thing that keeps it fresh
And the first scene also shows how Kim is always there for him in the background and repairs Jimmy's mess.
the actor playing Mike deserves an Oscar or something, solely for the scene where he tells the story about his son
Jonathan banks was great throughout in all renditions of bbu
I always see a bit of "Mad men" in this show, it feels like a real life moment to moment scenes, its fantastic writing and acting makes it top tier entertainment. Love it
3:12 I was struck, the very first time I watched this, by the way Kim goes and sets the trash can back upright again. Watch it and really think about it. She does so patiently, uncomplainingly. She doesn't come back out to the garage and yell at Jimmy or ask him not to do it again. It's clear it's not the first time she's cleaned up after one of his tantrums. And yet she still shares a cigarette and obvious intimate familiarity with this man. So it immediately makes you start thinking: what kind of relationship is this? what kind of woman still wants intimacy or at least close friendship, with a loser like Jimmy?
Absolutely brilliant. Kim righting that trash can was the moment I was hooked. I knew right then that Gilligan wasn't going to fall short or fail me, that this show was going to be BB's equal. And it is. :)
I too thought this was a terrible idea, and watching the show many years after it's release, it is indeed a masterpiece in every aspect of television.
Agreed, in many ways I like it more than breaking bad. Kim Wexler is such a better written opposite for Jimmy, than Skyler was for Walter. Adding in the actor who played Trevor from GTA 5 was also a great nostalgia touch.
Don't forget Vaas from Far Cry 3, such an underratted actor!
you get that wrong . walts opposite is supposed to be Jesse not Skyler . that is obvious . skyler isnt a main carachter in the show like jesse , walt and gus . you cant compare her to kim who is a main carachter
@@mahadbahad9895 no. walts opposite changes throughout the series. sauls doesn't
@@CHMgamemedic777 Don’t forget him…
Hahaha, I was joking…
Or was I.
"A smaller story isn't less worthy of the screen; it just needs a different lens to view it by." Tom Flight, Screenwriter.
This show has big stories
From murders drug dealers to mass destruction everything
This was ahead of the curve
I think you've illustrated so clearly why some people absolutely adore Better Call Saul and others can't quite get by it. Personally it's in my pantheon of best TV shows of all time.
This masterful show will, if anything, grow in stature over the years. It is the epitome of expert television making.
Thanks for putting into words why this show is so good.
It's funny how I started watching BCS before Breaking Bad. When the first season started to air on AMC, I got hooked on characters like Saul and Tuco. I even eventually found out BCS was really a prequel of BB, which at the time I briefly heard it was one of the best TV shows ever. Since then, I've watched the entirety of Breaking Bad twice and am up to date with BCS. Best shows I've seen so far (Haven't tried Game of Thrones, House of Cards, among others)
Saitama Prison breaks good so's Dexter.
I watched BCS before BB but House of Cards >> bcs >> bb
@Shafiq You're joking
GoT season 1-4 > BB > Rick and Morty > House of cards season 1-2 > BCS > GoT season 5 > every other show except Walking dead > GoT season 6 > every other show > Got 7+
The Wire is probably the best show ever...
She picks up the garbage bin after him
It’s a symbol of their dynamic, he misses up and she fixes things
this series is somehow heart-breaking, yet hopeful at the same time. A feeling of how a person would react from desperation by the given situation.
I feel like BCS tops BB sometimes, mostly due to the dynamic between all the characters and their interactions with each other. Not to mention that subtle payoff that happens almost every, if not every episode really helps.
BrickDevil its much deeper
All I wanted to see about this show.; made my day, thank you.
Emil Hoeft j
No one could play Saul like Bob Odenkirk, absolute genius
Its been such a long time since I really got into a show. So many I start to watch and then either stop caring or find it just a bit too much. But I love the pace of Better Call Saul. It gives me time to think and imagine whats coming next and to soak up the atmosphere. Its amazing. Most shows these days should take note of the saying "less is more". BCS demonstrates this perfectly and as said, the cinematography is excellent.
It's such a satisfying thing to have a show that has been planned multiple seasons in advance. Better Call Saul somehow manages to get even better over time. I wish there was more of that on TV.
Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, then El Camino? How does one come up with shows and films this genius consecutively and consistently? The Breaking Bad universe holds one of the best story-telling and is done so perfectly
El Camino kinda mid but I only like it bc of its ties with the universe
Thank you so much for making this video. I feel like Better Call Saul is a criminally underrated masterpiece of modern television and not near enough people are talking about it. You beautifully described a lot of the aspects of the show that I adore.
I just finished watching it. It is, by far, the best series I have ever watched. The ending was so heart-wrenchingly beautiful.
Dude. This was fantastic. Subbed.
Thank you for this. I feel like with this show we are getting a more mature seasoned team Gilligan. I understand why some BB fans don't like it. It's not BB. BUT I feel like they are setting us up for a truly amazing end game like BB. Chicanery and Lantern are as good as TV gets in my opinion.
Kris Crunk BB and BCS are the only two shows that have made me cry without my feeling manipulated (like by the use of over dramatic music or cheap emotional notes like reunion with pets/children/etc).
Kris Crunk I agree
lies, all lies. I cried once watching both shows and that was the season 4 finale opening
Well you said that 4years ago!!, it's like 10x better now
The biggest thing for me is that this show can stand on its own as one of the greatest shows. Seeing all the characters and start of storylines from Breaking Bad is the cherry on top
All I can say is job well done on this video. I don't know how this show has not won an EMMY yet of any kind. I feel like season 3 is where we might see it finally get the award it deserves.
Please AMC pick up for season 4!
It's one of those shows I can't wait to rewatch after I had seen it. I'm about to finish season 4, amazing really.
I find myself thinking, "this show is really good" a lot while I'm watching it. I like how characters will behave in certain ways will make you think, "I wonder why he/she did that?" The action isnt necessarily out of character but he motivation isn't spelled out either. I like that.
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are the best of storytelling. Characters are very interesting. Does a wonderful job of showing how people can get themselves into unbelievable situations and justify insane behavior in a society.
Dude how do you not have 1M subs? no justice in this world i swear
Here's hoping!
DUDE! You totally captured the greatness of BCS, all in under 15 minutes. Totally loved it, thanks for taking the time to share.
This video is also a good example of "Why Thomas Flight is Brilliant"! Great art you're making in this channel, it's really appreciated
This review was everything I was looking for, perfectly synergised analysis.
The spinoff of this show is worthy in it's right because it takes you on it's journey post breaking bad era.which was only fair many fans of breaking bad wanted a Gus Fring spinoff which would have meant another rise and fall drugping king.But Saul Goodman the lawyer who not only fixed many of the problems Walt and Jesse got. into but with a killer punchline literally. Kudos to Vince Gilligan.Three cheers for Bob Odenberk.
That one dislike is from someone who has no idea what brilliant television is, and a good review too
It was probably Chuck.
Thomas Flight Fuck Chuck!
mlsaulnier I mean the button is there for a reason. Maybe he/she genuinely doesn't like the show/video. Did you think of that?
TF How many fucks could a good Chuck give if a good chuck could give fucks?
Opinion means nothing if it has no knowledge to back it up.
You should make an updated version, with season 6 being out now and all. :)
“Locigal writing that serves the story instead of the genre “
Thisss. I rly agree with this line and how this show sets it apart from other shows. The writing for the characters here are always so thoughtful.
Love this essay!!!!
This is beautifully done. I had to say thank you for your overview and perspective on this show, and how lovely a job you did of editing the clips to show your points. I love BCS and can't stand that I have to wait a year for season 4. But wanted to say thank you for this video and to encourage you to make more! You did an amazing job.
You're welcome! Thank you for watching. :)
9:16 that's called postmodern film-making and i agree it's great. The show doesn't stick to the traditional hollywood storytelling, instead taking it's own time. Telling a story at it's own pace. Neither does it fit into any specific genre, and thereby is given alot of liberty with the plot, and it's structure. As you also pointed out, nobody in the series is the "good guy" and nobody is the "bad guy". That's another part of postmodern film-making. All opposing parties are morally gray to a certain extend. That's something you have to love. It means every person who watches the show will have atleast slight quirks in their interpretation of the characters, and sometimes drastic differences of interpretation. That is something i live for.
Postmoderm film rules.
This is the kind of show that’s great to watch after a long day of work. It feels so relaxing and laid back, and yet there are several exciting moments and conflicts there as well.
And this incredible, dare I say FLAWLESS show has won no Emmy over the last five seasons. Ridiculous.
Your video quality is crystal clear, man. Nice touch, when so many other video-essay youtubers use such low-bitrate crappy clips - makes all the difference!
This show is awesome at giving us subtle but meaningful details that tell us the whole story
The first couple of times when this show had me scratching my head wondering what is going on, I feared I might have missed something. 4th seasons in, now its a feeling i welcome because I'm sure everything will be explained to me in time. I even feel excited because i know there will be major plot developements.
Great analysis. I love how coherent this show seems -- how many different characters all combine to make a believable and compelling story. Can't wait for Season 5!
The pacing of Better Call Saul is one of it's strengths but also it's weakness. I love the show, but a lot of people who watched Breaking Bad can't stand the slow pace of this BCS. They just can't seem to understand why it takes more than one season to have Jimmy become Saul Goodman. These viewers just want to get to the destination, not care about the journey. The reason I watch the show is because of the latter. I care about Jimmy's transformation, as well as Mike and Gus Fring. They're all very fascinating characters worth finding out more about. Breaking Bad was a much more violent and brutal show as well, whereas BCS is much more centered around relationship drama. Season 3 of BCS hasn't had a single significant on-screen fatality that I can recall, if anyone dies it's off-screen. I think this also really hurt the people who expected BCS to be exactly like BB. I really feel bad for these people who want fast answers and gory violence to get them to watch and stick to a show.
bamb0ostick right on
Four full years *is* a bit long to get to him becoming Saul Goodman. 3 probably would've been better
You earned another subscriber. Excellent video, keep it up!
This video was amazingly crafted... it was the fair tribute to one of the most interesting shows of the last years... the cinematography and the writing of the characters is just beautiful, I love this show so much! Plus, Bob Odenkirk is a monster of talent... it's hard not to love Jimmy and not to feel sorry about what he became