Key Takeaways:
– Better Call Saul generates debate about its impact relative to its predecessor, Breaking Bad.
– Some fans perceive the lead characters in Breaking Bad to have more compelling charisma than those in Better Call Saul.
– The timing of Jimmy McGill's transition into Saul Goodman was a discussed controversy among fans.
– Visible aging of characters in Better Call Saul was a distraction some fans pointed out.
Delving Into the Spin-off tussle
When it comes to illustrious television series, Breaking Bad and its spin-off, Better Call Saul, are often in spotlight talks. These acclaimed Emmy-winning crime dramas occupy top positions on the list of all-time great TV shows. There's no denying the fan love and critical applause these shows continue to garner.
The center of discourse, however, seems to be around the progression and character dynamics of Better Call Saul. Some fans have labeled it as not quite hitting the same sweet spots as its predecessor, Breaking Bad.
The Saul Goodman Transition Controversy
Breaking Bad's creator, Vince Gilligan, introduced audiences to captivating characters like Walter White and Saul Goodman. Gilligan added another feather to his cap by bringing in a prequel spin-off that revolved around Jimmy McGill, a smooth-talking con artist turned public defender.
Bob Odenkirk, who originally embraced the characterization of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad, reprised his iconic role in Better Call Saul. Despite similar accolades, fans argue that the spin-off falls a bit short in terms of impact and character dynamics.
In Breaking Bad, we see Saul Goodman as a crafty lawyer operating out of a strip mall, serving Jesse and Walter. The spin-off, Better Call Saul, however, primarily tracks Jimmy McGill's evolving relationship with Kim Wexler. The transformation of Jimmy into Saul Goodman only takes place in the final season, after Kim's exit.
Some fans believe that an earlier transition of Jimmy into Saul could have created a series on par with Breaking Bad. A resounding sentiment on Reddit suggests that Better Call Saul may have gained comparable impact if Saul Goodman's evolution had happened sooner.
Breaking Bad's Lead Character Charisma Outshines That of Better Call Saul
Both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are known for their top-class writing and layered characters. Despite originating from the same brain, Breaking Bad seems to edge past due to the compelling draw of its lead characters, Walter White and Jesse Pinkman.
The dynamic pair — Walter and Jesse — with their magnetic relationship, add layers of interest and excitement to the crime drama. However, some fans think that Better Call Saul missed a trick by not replicating a similar equation between Saul Goodman and Kim Wexler.
The contrast encapsulating the character relationships is a notable reason behind the perceived divergence in the excellence of the two shows. Fans value how Walter and Jesse's interactions bolster the storyline with tension and drama.
In comparison, Saul and Kim's relationship, though enticing, doesn't quite match that level of zest and intrigue. A Reddit user compared the charisma of Walter White as more captivating against Saul Goodman's character.
A noticeable point brought up was the visible aging of some Better Call Saul characters, serving as a hindrance to the intended portrayal of a younger timeline.
Despite Better Call Saul being a laudable series, many opine that Breaking Bad's more charismatic leads and smooth character interplays aid its stand as the superior show. Both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are available for streaming on Netflix. The line drawn between the two continues to create sparkles for all TV-lovers extending the fandom.
