Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul Defied a Troubling TV Pattern in Their Last Seasons
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul defied TV conventions with their final seasons, delivering exceptional storylines and captivating performances They set a new standard for success, surpassing the expectations of viewers and surpassing the failures of other shows
Summary
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul both defied expectations with their final seasons, delivering satisfying conclusions that were well-received by fans and critics alike.
The final seasons of both shows were arguably the pinnacle of their respective series, featuring standout episodes that skillfully blended intense action with thought-provoking storytelling.
These shows excelled by delivering tragic and unpredictable outcomes, distinguishing themselves from other shows that struggled to provide satisfying conclusions. Moreover, they made the wise decision to conclude their stories at the perfect moment, avoiding the common trap of prolonging a series beyond its peak.
The final seasons of Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul successfully defy the common trend of TV shows' declining quality. Breaking Bad, in particular, revolutionized TV storytelling by focusing on the transformation of its main character, Walter White, from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord. Similarly, Better Call Saul chronicles the transformation of well-intentioned attorney Jimmy McGill into criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. Both shows wrapped up their stories flawlessly in their final seasons.
While most TV spin-offs fail to capture the magic of the original series, Better Call Saul is an exceptional example that does justice to Breaking Bad. In fact, in many ways, it surpasses the original series. Another similarity between the two shows is their exceptional endings. In a world where disappointing finales are prevalent, such as Quantum Leap, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and Two and a Half Men, the flawlessly executed finales of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are even more impressive.
Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul Both Had Good Final Seasons
Most TV shows either have divisive finale episodes, such as The Sopranos or Dexter, or their final season is universally disliked, like Game of Thrones. The ending of Lost, for example, disappointed many critics by resolving long-standing mysteries in a way that left them unsatisfied. The series finale of Ozark also caused controversy by giving an unceremonious end to a beloved character. How I Met Your Mother faced criticism for predictably killing off the mother character and having Ted end up with Robin. It's extremely challenging to please a global fan base with the conclusion of a beloved TV show.
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, however, defied the trend of disappointing endings and received acclaim from both fans and critics. Breaking Bad's final season concluded Walter White's journey in a heart-wrenching manner. Better Call Saul's final season finally answered the lingering questions about Kim's fate during Breaking Bad and Jimmy's future after the show, in a poignant and bittersweet manner. In both cases, the antihero characters received fitting consequences (death for Walt and life imprisonment for Jimmy) and the narrative felt truly satisfyingly resolved.
The Final Seasons Of Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul Were The Best Outings
Not only were Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul's final seasons well-received, but they were arguably the best seasons of their respective shows overall. Breaking Bad's explosive climax in season 5, episode 14, "Ozymandias," delivered the action that fans had been waiting for and has since been heralded as one of the greatest episodes of television ever produced. Meanwhile, Better Call Saul's final season featured a shocking twist involving Howard, making it one of the most memorable moments in TV history and setting the stage for a gripping second half. Both shows' endings were not overly reliant on action, but rather offered a more contemplative conclusion.
Why Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul Succeeded Where Other Shows Failed
The satisfying conclusion of a TV show hinges on the skillful execution of its final season, particularly when it comes to delivering payoffs. Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul successfully achieve this by providing tragic yet unexpected outcomes. For instance, Hank's discovery of Walt's secret double life occurs in a completely unforeseen manner while he casually peruses reading material on the toilet in the Whites' bathroom. This revelation sets off a chain of events that leads to the dramatic collapse of the family. Similarly, Jimmy and Kim's playful pranks ultimately reach a breaking point, causing her to end their relationship and stripping away the last remnants of his humanity, thus propelling him further into his cold-hearted alter ego, Saul Goodman.
Many TV shows often stumble in their final season as they prolong the series beyond its optimal ending point. This was evident with Seinfeld, The Office, and The Walking Dead, which concluded long after they should have, resulting in less satisfying endings compared to Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul. However, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul wisely chose the appropriate moment to wrap up their stories. Breaking Bad season 5 saw the downfall of Walt's empire after reaching its pinnacle in season 4. Similarly, Better Call Saul season 6 served as a resolution for Jimmy and his various alter egos after he fully embraced his Saul Goodman persona in season 5.
