Television shows don't necessarily need nudity or vulgarity to be shocking. They don't always require non-stop action to be entertaining. Of course, that type of stuff helps. But, really, all a show needs to be good is breathing room. It needs to find its footing and develop storylines and characters in interesting ways. That's how AMC's "Breaking Bad" spinoff "Better Call Saul" is doing it and it's working.
I admit, at first, I was skeptical. Why does "Breaking Bad" need a spinoff? How can it ever top the original? But what I've found is that showrunners Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould aren't trying to live up to the heights they set originally. Instead, "Saul" is trying to branch out and grow into its own, distinct world.
Through the first few episodes, some critics and Breaking Baddicts panned "Saul" for its slow pace. Yet it was the show's unhurried stride that treated fans to small, human moments that saw Jimmy McGill attempt to be a better person. These attempts provided a handful of sobering, sweet, serious and humorous moments and gave viewers a glimpse into who Saul was long before Heisenberg ever started cooking. How he takes care of his brother, his relationship with Kim, his moral test with Tuco and the teenage twins. All of these painted the picture of a real character, not just the caricature he was in the show's predecessor.
Last week's episode "Five-O" focused on fan favorite Mike Ehrmantraut (played perfectly by Jonathan Banks). In it, critics were finally given the ramped up action they were craving like a hit of blue meth. But, again, in the less adrenaline soaked moments, it was the nimble touch of "Saul" that defined it. Watching Mike exact well-thought out revenge on his son's killers was wildly enjoyable, yet it was his heartfelt speech to his daughter-in-law that served as the episode's emotional foundation. As Banks' voiced cracked ever so slightly during his guilt-ridden admission, you knew right then and there that "Better Call Saul" was starting to hit its stride.
(Side Note: I think we should recast every role with Jonathan Banks. Luke Skywalker in the upcoming "Star Wars" flick? Jonathan Banks. Elsa's long lost twin in the sequel to "Frozen?" Jonathan Banks. The shark in the inevitable "Jaws" reboot? Jonathan Banks.)
This week's episode "Bingo" really made you feel for Jimmy. He took the high road - helping Kim instead of helping himself - and ended up with nothing to show for it. Again. It's a trend that started back in the show's pilot. This world is not going to give anything to Jimmy, especially if he plays it straight. It will force our protagonist to make an ethical choice and even though we know which side of the line he ultimately ends up on, watching how he gets there has been fascinating so far.
How will Gilligan and Gould keep it up?
Further exploring the burgeoning Mike-Saul partnership is one safe bet. Seeing how Jimmy's other relationships unfold is another. One thing I've realized, though, is that I'm not in any type of rush. I don't need car chases and shootouts; I don't need vats of hydrochloric acid and a rising body count. I don't even need shoehorned cameos of Jesse Pinkman or Walter White.
I'm fine with the slow and deliberate pace of "Saul" because it's treating me to a unique character journey that is both sad and hilarious, off-putting and enticing. It isn't quite Mr. Chips to Scarface, but it is a downward spiral worth our attention nonetheless.
