Human peace and joy can be realized away from aggression, greed and envy, only through the moral path and only when people’s actions are defined by compassion, empathy and love.
Airing on Netflix and ERTFLIX, Better Call Saul is a mix of drama and comedy set in early 2000s Albuquerque, New Mexico. This prequel to the famous series “Breaking Bad” starring Jimmy McGill, a thief and lawyer, who later turns into the self-centered Saul Goodman. The series follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill, the resourceful but morally questionable lawyer, into the flamboyant and morally questionable Sol. Played with intelligence and subtlety by Bob Odenkirk, Jimmy’s journey is central, intertwined with the equally compelling story of Mike Hermandrot, played by Jonathan Banks, whose descent into the criminal underworld adds complexity to the narrative.
The series begins by exploring our hero’s tumultuous relationship with his brother, Chuck McGill (Michael McKean), a brilliant but troubled lawyer. Chuck’s debilitating condition, believed to be electromagnetic hypersensitivity, adds strain to their relationship. This sibling conflict acts as a catalyst for Jimmy’s transformation, highlighting his struggle for legitimacy and respect in the shadow of his respected brother. Chuck’s manipulations and eventual tragic end are pivotal to Jimmy’s moral descent, marking the point where he begins to shed his consciousness.
Parallel to the first story we see Mike Ermandrot Mike, a former police officer with a stoic demeanor and a dark past. Mike’s initial involvement with Jimmy seems accidental, but as the series progresses, their paths cross more and more often. Mike’s motivation is clear: he wants to provide for his son’s widowed wife and granddaughter, and his moral compromises gradually become serious. His meticulous and principled approach to work is in stark contrast to Jimmy’s opportunistic tendencies, yet both characters are driven by a deep sense of loyalty and love for their families.
In the early seasons, viewers are also introduced to Kim Wexler (Rhea Seahorn), a skilled and ambitious lawyer who has developed a complicated and precious relationship with Jimmy. Working at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill (HHM), the law firm co-owned by Jimmy’s brother Chuck and Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian), Kim is torn between her professional ambitions and her personal devotion to Jimmy. Kim’s evolution from diligent lawyer to co-participant in Jimmy’s schemes is fascinating but sometimes turns tragic. Kim’s eventual relationship with Jimmy, both professionally and romantically, highlights the complexities between them and highlights the moral ambiguity and consequences of moral compromises.
As the series develops, the focus shifts to the dangerous world of Mexican drug cartels, particularly the operations of Los Pollos Hermanos, run by the meticulous and calculating Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito).
The cartel’s violent and chaotic influence becomes a major plot driver, especially with the introduction of Lalo Salamanga (Tony Dalton). Lalo appears as a charismatic and ruthless antagonist, intent on dismantling Gus’s empire. His presence brings a strong and palpable sense of danger, pushing both Jimmy and Mike deeper into the criminal underworld. The introduction of Lalo Salamanca accelerates the series towards its climax, his cunning and relentless pursuit of Gus Fring creating high-stakes tension. His interactions with Jimmy, particularly the harrowing events that lead to the full emergence of Saul Goodman, emphasize the show’s dark and compelling tone. Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Ray Seehorn, Michael McKean, Michael Manto, Giancarlo Esposito, Patrick Fabian
Better Call Saul is notable for its detailed character development and complex narrative structure. It interestingly connects personal struggles with larger, more dangerous conflicts, creating a rich mosaic of human emotions and moral dilemmas. The series not only provides a deeper understanding of the characters introduced in “Breaking Bad,” but also stands on its own as a profound exploration of ambition, dedication, and the corrosive nature of immoral choices.
It seems that the only immorality that runs through people’s lives and that determines the future is not doing what should be done, when it should be done and most importantly the lack of love and empathy in what is happening.
#Dive #drama #unethical #routes
