Better Call Saul Takes a beloved Breaking Bad Character to New Heights in Season 1
Mike's character in Breaking Bad won fans' hearts, but Better Call Saul's Five-O episode took him to new heights The entire series delves deeper into his tragic story, making him even more beloved
Article Overview
Mike Ehrmantraut's backstory as a former crooked cop who tried to protect his son adds a new layer of depth and tragedy to his character.
Despite his capacity for violence, Mike demonstrates empathy towards those who have taken the life of his son, proving that he is not simply a savage but rather motivated by his love for his family.
As Mike gradually dives deeper into the realm of crime in Better Call Saul, his ultimate failure to ensure the well-being of his granddaughter and his compromise of his moral principles in Breaking Bad becomes even more heartrending.
Mike Ehrmantraut quickly became a fan favorite among Breaking Bad viewers even before the start of Better Call Saul. However, the prequel series would later enhance his character even further. Initially, Mike challenged the traditional image of a young, muscular, and invincible action hero. Due to his age, viewers and his enemies underestimated him. Nevertheless, his sharpshooting skills and criminal intelligence consistently helped him outsmart his adversaries. Better Call Saul didn't need to make any changes to make Mike more interesting, but it did anyway.
By the sixth episode of Better Call Saul, Mike had already established himself as one of the standout characters in the Breaking Bad universe. However, in season one, episode six titled "Five-O," which showcased two of his most memorable quotes in Better Call Saul, audience perception of Mike soared even higher. Exploring his backstory further resonated with fans and deepened their connection to his character.
Why Mike Became A Fan Favorite In Breaking Bad
Mike's character in Breaking Bad underwent a significant transformation after the airing of season 3's episode 12, "Half Measures". One particular scene, where he delivers a memorable speech to Walt about the dangers of half-hearted actions, showcased his depth. In this speech, he recounts a personal regret of sparing an abusive husband, which ultimately led to the death of his wife. Mike vows to never repeat such a mistake.
As the series progressed, Mike's appeal soared because of his dry and dark sense of humor. His iconic line, "I assure you I can kill you from way over here if it makes you feel any better," solidified his status as a formidable character. Additionally, his ability to confront Walt about his true nature resonated with fans, making them even more attached to him. Walt's decision to kill Mike in season 5 only intensified the viewers' animosity towards him.
Even if the story had ended there, Mike would have remained a beloved character. However, the addition of his backstory in Better Call Saul added a new layer to his character, captivating audiences even further.
How Better Call Saul's "Five-O" Made Him Better
It got even worse for Mike.
Originally, Matty had intended to expose the corrupt policemen within his precinct, but Mike intervened, believing that such action would only endanger Matty's life. To persuade Matty, Mike resorted to extreme measures, even admitting his own involvement in corruption. Despite the fact that it meant shattering his son's perception of him, Mike's sole aim was to safeguard Matty's life. However, Mike's endeavors proved futile, and they not only damaged his reputation irreversibly in his son's eyes but also cost him the loss of his son's admiration and, ultimately, his son himself. This turn of events resulted in viewers sympathizing with Mike even more, thereby elevating his character to a higher level than before.
The Rest Of Better Call Saul Made Mike's Story Even Sadder
Mike's development in Better Call Saul only amplifies the sorrow surrounding his fate in Breaking Bad. Throughout Better Call Saul, we witness Mike's reluctant descent into the criminal underworld, despite his earnest attempts to distance himself from it. Those familiar with Breaking Bad already knew that Mike's struggles would ultimately prove futile. This fact alone adds a touch of melancholy, considering how much Mike cherished his granddaughter and yet failed to secure her future due to Walter White's actions. However, the situation becomes even more distressing.
The tragic aspect of Matt Ehrmantraut's death lies in the fact that the corrupt police officers who killed him did so out of a lack of trust. Mike sought revenge for his son's murder by killing them, believing his actions were justified due to his perceived moral superiority. However, as he climbed the ranks in Gus Fring's drug empire, Mike learned that his belief was misguided. In season 4, a German engineer named Werner Ziegler became a problematic loose end when he escaped from the construction site of Gus' meth superlab. When Lalo Salamanca nearly coerced him into revealing information, Werner demonstrated his lack of reliability. While they could have spared him, Mike decided to eliminate Ziegler as a precautionary measure, revealing his own similarity to corrupt Officers Hoffman and Fenske.
What makes Mike Ehrmantraut's narrative so tragic is that he embodied the idealized version of himself that Walter White tried to adopt. He became a criminal out of necessity to support his family and driven by guilt. It is astonishing to think that such a significant character in both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul emerged from a scheduling conflict involving Bob Odenkirk and How I Met Your Mother, highlighting the remarkable development of his story arc.
Editor's P/S
Mike Ehrmantraut, a beloved character in Breaking Bad, reaches new heights in Better Call Saul's "Five-O" episode. The prequel series delves deeper into his tragic story, making him even more beloved by fans. Mike's backstory as a former crooked cop who tried to protect his son adds a new layer of depth and tragedy to his character. Despite his capacity for violence, Mike demonstrates empathy towards those who have taken the life of his son, proving that he is not simply a savage but rather motivated by his love for his family. As Mike gradually dives deeper into the realm of crime in Better Call Saul, his ultimate failure to ensure the well-being of his granddaughter and his compromise of his moral principles in Breaking Bad becomes even more heartrending.
Mike's character development in Better Call Saul is truly remarkable. The writers have done an excellent job of fleshing out his character and making him even more relatable and sympathetic. His backstory, his struggles, and his motivations are all explored in great detail, giving fans a deeper understanding of who he is and why he does the things he does. It's clear that the writers have a lot of love for Mike, and it shows in the writing.
