The season six finale of “Better Call Saul” aired on August 15, ending the universe that created some of the most popular TV characters of all time. and the critically acclaimed original film “Breaking Bad” and Netflix’s “El Camino.”
While “Breaking Bad” focused on the exploits of chemistry teacher-turned-chef Walter White (Bryan Cranston), its prequel “Better Call Saul” focuses on Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), a charismatic but emotionally troubled lawyer. who finds himself intertwined with the world of organized crime and illegal narcotics. “Breaking Bad” fans know that he will eventually become Saul Goodman, a lawyer who would happily throw others under the bus to make money. However, the central question of “Better Call Saul” is not whether or not he will become morally corrupt, but how and why, AND if you can keep his life of crime separate from his life of honest work.
One of the main themes that the show deals with is how the past affects who we are and how we act. Jimmy, after facing a series of career setbacks and a falling out with his brother Chuck McGill (Michael McKean), becomes a so-called “friend of the cartel”, letting his moral standards slowly disappear. He transforms into the lawyer we all know and love: Saul Goodman. As season six closes on how and why Jimmy becomes Saul, the show poses a new question — whether or not he’ll stay that way for the rest of his life.
The play’s ongoing themes, storytelling, cinematic parallels, and dramatic pacing are some of its strongest points. In season six, when Jimmy tries to smear another character’s reputation, he carefully orchestrates a series of schemes that make this character appear that way. The audience only understands what Jim is trying to do as the scheme unfolds. This storytelling technique simultaneously draws the viewer’s attention, creates a fun and exciting montage, and furthers the story. In turn, viewers watch as Jimmy’s choices lead him down a “bad choice path,” a phrase coined by hitman Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks). When he indirectly causes the deaths of innocent people, or helps cold-blooded killers like cartel member Lalo Salamanca (Tony Dalton) avoid prison, he always seems to narrowly avoid total destruction. The rise and gain is flawless and surprising, but never unearned as his past grabs him when he least expects it.
The sixth season of “Better Call Saul” is one of the most carefully crafted and brilliantly executed pieces of television media to come out in the last decade. Director Vince Gilligan poses new questions while simultaneously tying up all of the show’s loose ends. These questions are perfectly played by the talented cast, all of whom add deep nuances to their characters’ motivations, desires, and shortcomings.
The writing is another strong selling point of the season, wrapping up the story beats naturally with poetic twists and terrifying moments. Before watching the final episode, viewers think what WILL happens to Saul. Will he die? Will he go to jail? Will he avoid paying for his crimes? The audience can leave Jimmy and his wife Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn) completely satisfied with answers to all their questions.
The audience that has followed the show for years, waiting for every moment of history and every burn question to answer, they will find themselves rewarded by its completion. While some shows leave you wanting more, the ending of “Better Call Saul” leaves viewers completely satiated.
