Which show would you label as iconic? I wouldn't hesitate to say #BreakingBad and I have earlier said that it will feature as a cult classic of the 21st Century (https://www.ashoksfive.com/post/breaking-bad-is-the-modern-cult-classic-of-television-shows). And that's why I approached the prequel to this iconic show with great trepidation. I am delighted to report back that this prequel is a master class in how to spin-off a successful show into yet another winner. #VinceGilligan and #PeterGould have done this earlier with a feature film #ElCamino but this tv series is truly immersive and very absorbing; the perfect lockdown engagement that you are looking for.
ASHOK’s FIVE reviews #BetterCallSaul, the story of the transformation of the adorable lawyer Jimmy MCGill to the badass Saul Goodman, who hob-nobs with the drug mafia. The first four seasons are featured on #Netflix and the fifth one released last year on #AMC. The sixth and final season is expected to be released in 2022.
#BobOdenkirk is simply brilliant as he plays the character to perfection. His quirky mannerisms coupled with the goofy oddball self of the lawyer who always finds a way, make for a near-perfect character who audiences can relate to. The show combines the lead character’s delightful deceptions with a set of supporting characters who are detailed out superbly. The New Mexico locales and the exact detailing combined with the music and cinematography make for the winning formula. This is the perfect recipe for a TV series and a lot of content creators would benefit from taking a look at this show. For those inclined to trivia, there is a Bengali song “Henna, Henna” that plays out of the blue in episode 6 of season2 , performed by Bombay Royale.
This is not your conventional script. What the writers have done is to put together the back stories of some of the characters without trying too hard or forcing the pace. One thread of the story is the partnership, love and eventual marriage between Jimmy Mc Gill and his confidante Kim Wexler (#RheaSeehorn). Rhea plays the perfect stick-to-the narrow-path-lawyer foil to the lead and their relationship is surely one of the highlights. Many have opined that #Seehorn deserves high praise for her performance here and her impressive acting credentials, deep voice and superb body language make her a solid character on the show. Full marks to her.
On the other side is the story of television’s best henchman, Mike Ehramnatraut (#JonathanBanks). The story of this erstwhile corrupt cop, living in the guilt of the death of his own son and with a family that has been left behind is touching. Mike is enjoined to work for Gus Fring, the ramrod-straight owner of the chicken shop. His enigmatic smile and the starched shirts make for one of the coolest villains in show business. #Giancarlo Esposito plays a memorable role of a character who will remain etched in our minds for a long time. Season 5 also introduces #TonyDalton as the smiling don Lalo Salamanca; that cheery smile under the silver moustache is as menacing as it gets. This season also showcases the face-off between him and Nacho Varga (#MichaelMando) in a gripping final episode.
The track that is the winning piece though and for which the writers should take a bow is the one that has Jimmy’s elder brother Chuck McGuill, and the love-hate relationship between the brothers. Chuck plays an eccentric, accomplished lawyer who has a phobia of all things electromagnetic and chooses to sleep under a blanket of aluminium foil. These episodes give us an insight into what moulded the man that Jimmy has become and why he chooses to become the more flamboyant Saul Goodman of the block shirts and matched ties.
Themes around sibling rivalry have been exploited well in cinema. Our own #Deewar was the tale of the tension between the upright law-abiding younger brother pitted against the victim-of-circumstances, self-made elder brother. What works in #BetterCallSaul is that the younger brother is the under-dog. He is obviously in awe of his more erudite elder brother; at the same time he has the knack of bending the rules (not breaking them) and securing a win in the most hilarious of ways. How “Slippin Jimmy” transforms into “Saul Goodman” is not just fascinating; it is in some ways the story of a man who plays within his limitations and finds success. Does that resonate with most of us. Hell, indeed!
#BettercallSaul blends the over-saturated bright scenes set in New Mexico with period costumes and set designs . The Albuquerque milieu is crafted meticulously. The convergence into #BreakingBad is what also attracts your curiosity. The writers take their own time on this and the entry of Hank and Steve marks the lead-in to the merging of the story lines. Needless to say, it is fascinating to watch #DeanNorris come back to play himself in this prequel.
The best thing about #BetterCallSaul is that it is designed to stand on its own and does not lean on the mother show for support. Each character is unique and the story line develops at its own pace with no hurry to drive convergence. Every #BreakingBad fan though will be looking forward to sport whether Heisenberg will make an entry into this prequel. What a high that will be for the worshippers of Walt Whitman and Jesse Pinkman!
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