Laugh-Out-Loud Moments: Why Better Call Saul Will Leave You in Stitches

Summary

Better Call Saul originally had a sitcom format, with half-hour episodes driven by humor. Although it evolved into a drama, it still maintains comedic roots.

The show effortlessly navigates between dark elements and uproariously funny situations, offering a harmonious blend. One cannot overlook the comedic moments experienced by characters such as Domingo and Kim Wexler.

Jimmy McGill's relentless efforts to be fired from his cherished profession, his humorous diatribe about The Chicago Sunroof, and his shrewd ploys involving imitating a Louisiana preacher and tormenting Howard Hamlin stand out as some of the most hilarious scenes in the entire series.

Despite its reputation as one of the top dramas on television over the past decade, Better Call Saul often takes on the tone of a sitcom. While Breaking Bad, the show from which Better Call Saul was derived, had its comedic moments, the lively and larger-than-life personality of Jimmy McGill allows his own series to incorporate even more humor. Co-creator Peter Gould initially envisioned Better Call Saul as a sitcom, with half-hour episodes focused on comedy. However, as the show developed, it transformed into a more dramatic series, resembling Breaking Bad, and featuring longer episodes that delve into the troubled journey of James McGill. Nonetheless, Better Call Saul still embraces its comedic origins, infusing many scenes with sitcom-like humor. Despite the show's grounded approach to storytelling, Jimmy McGill and his acquaintances frequently find themselves in uproariously funny situations, providing a welcome counterbalance to the show's darker elements.

10 The Drain Pipe Fiasco

Better Call Saul stood out because it delved into the backstories of various background characters from Breaking Bad, revealing significant moments that were previously only mentioned. One such character is Domingo, a lower-ranking meth dealer for the cartel who eventually becomes Walter White's first victim. Despite the challenges faced by poor Domingo in both series, there is an amusing incident that establishes his past as a prior offender with the D.E.A., highlighting his misfortune in perfectly-timed fashion.

In an elaborate setup by the cartel, an apartment building is utilized for drug deals. Customers eagerly await their drugs, which are delivered through a drain pipe after payment. However, a routine deal turns chaotic and comical, resembling something out of Tom and Jerry. The baggies of meth become stuck halfway down the pipe, frustrating the buyers who resort to climbing the pipe while tugging on it. Adding to the humor, Domingo is left behind and reluctantly explains to the police that he was simply taking care of some late-night maintenance. He lightly kicks the pipe in embarrassment, causing the drugs to finally dislodge and land at his feet, completing the comedic scene.

9 Kim Impersonating Kevin Wachtell

Kim Wexler is a highly talented lawyer, known for her fierce advocacy and professional demeanor. Actress Rhea Seehorn's portrayal of Kim in Better Call Saul earned her an Emmy award and solidified her as one of the show's standout characters. With complex motivations and a dynamic personality, Kim is a captivating presence on screen.

While Kim may not often display her comedic side, especially when compared to the charming and charismatic Jimmy McGill, she does have her moments of levity. One such instance occurs in the privacy of their apartment, where Jimmy playfully encourages her to imitate her boss, Kevin Wachtell, a prominent banker. Kim's surprisingly accurate imitation of Wachtell's Southern drawl is amusing enough on its own, but Jimmy's participation in mimicking Kim adds another layer of humor. What makes this scene particularly delightful is that Jimmy seems to enjoy the acting exercise more than he initially lets on, creating a sense of intimacy as they both maintain their character voices. Not only does this scene showcase Kim's comedic abilities, but it also offers valuable insight into the natural chemistry between Kim and Jimmy.

8 A Man And His Horse

One of Jimmy McGill's greatest attributes is his remarkable ability to capture the attention of almost anyone he talks to, effortlessly maneuvering himself into a position where even the most hostile audiences listen to him. Nowhere is this quality more remarkable or entertaining than in his initial encounter with Mr. Everett Acker, an unhappy homeowner who resisted selling his property to the corporate interests of Mesa Verde Bank and Trust. Despite his deep resentment towards lawyers, particularly after Kim informs him that he will lose his home, Saul manages to grab his attention using an unconventional approach.

Taking advantage of Mesa Verde's representation as a pioneering institution, symbolized by an image of a horse-riding pioneer, Jimmy, presenting himself as Saul, seizes the opportunity. He shows the perplexed Mr. Acker a provocative image, promising to metaphorically recreate the distasteful photo and guaranteeing Acker's triumph over Mesa Verde. Acker's complete bewilderment upon seeing such material, his description of the image, and his stunned gaze at Saul, followed by a cut to Jimmy joyfully informing Kim that he has acquired a new client, all combine to make this peculiar sequence an absolute comedy gem.

7 Jimmy's Attempts To Get Fired

Vince Gilligan's expertise in montage is exemplified in Better Call Saul through the creation of exquisite scenes. The audience is kept in suspense, trying to decipher the ultimate objective behind a character's seemingly nonsensical actions, as the outcomes are generally concealed to highlight the methods used. Amongst these montages, none display such flair as Jimmy's hilarious attempts to lose his job.

After securing a coveted position at the prestigious law firm D&M, Jimmy quickly realizes that the conservative approach and strict adherence to conventional litigation does not align with his preferences. Despite being bound by a contract that carries severe consequences if broken, Jimmy finds inspiration in a vibrant inflatable car dealership mascot and chooses to exploit a loophole by intentionally getting fired. This leads to an uproarious montage of Jimmy's shenanigans, ranging from wearing outlandishly garish suits to wreaking havoc in the firm's break-room with a juicer. The montage, a mix of laughter and cringe-inducing moments, takes the viewer on a thrilling ride.

6 The Chicago Sunroof

Despite being one of Jimmy's lowest moments in the series, his rant about The Chicago Sunroof is a scene that has become legendary and is considered one of the funniest in the entire show. After experiencing feelings of dejection and depression due to losing the Sandpiper case to HHM and discovering that his brother had sabotaged his legal career, Jimmy finds himself announcing numbers at a bingo game for seniors as a way to promote his expertise in elderly law. Unable to contain his frustrations, Jimmy unleashes a lengthy rant to his captive audience, expressing his dissatisfaction with his current situation.

Sporting a cream suit and holding a pencil microphone, Jimmy resembles a game show host from the 70s as he shares anecdotes with the uncomfortable seniors. He touches on various topics, including his disdain for New Mexico and his past nemesis, Chet. It is during this moment that the audience finally learns about the criminal act that Chuck had bailed Jimmy out for many years ago, which Jimmy straightforwardly refers to as a "Chicago Sunroof". This revelation sets the stage for the prank's comical mention in Chuck's memorable rant during the third season of Better Call Saul in the episode titled Chicanery.

5 Jimmy And Marco's Wild Night Out

After venting his frustrations at the senior center, Jimmy takes a mental break from his law practice and returns to his hometown of Cicero, Illinois to reunite with his former partner in crime, Marco. Without missing a beat, they dive back into their old ways and start playing tricks on unsuspecting customers at the local bar, as if no time had passed. Jimmy's homecoming in Cicero leads to one of the most poignant scenes in Better Call Saul, but the montage showcasing his and Marco's antics offers a much-needed comedic interlude.

With masterful editing, Vince Gilligan exaggerates the passage of time as the two con artists engage in one scheme after another, their deceptions becoming increasingly intricate and absurd. In what feels like no time at all, a whole week elapses, leaving both Marco and the viewers yearning for more of this exhilarating escapade. The sequence even includes Jimmy successfully convincing a girl that he is none other than Kevin Costner, a clever reference to a throwaway line from Saul in Breaking Bad.

4 Jimmy Acts As A Louisiana Preacher

When Jimmy's business partner, Huell Babineaux, finds himself in trouble for assaulting a police officer, Jimmy must come up with a clever plan to pressure the D.A. into agreeing to a plea bargain that will keep Huell out of jail. What unfolds is one of Jimmy's most amusing and intricate schemes yet. He cleverly forges countless letters and phone calls from Huell's hometown, all portraying him as a beloved hero and demanding his release. Exploiting Huell's Louisiana roots, Jimmy and his inexperienced film students add a Creole touch to their fabricated character testimonies, making the whole plan even more preposterous.

With Saul coaching the film students in acting and the frustrated D.A. overwhelmed by the stacks of unique handwritten letters, this con becomes one of Jimmy's most unforgettable and uproarious exploits throughout the series. To top it off, Jimmy himself embodies a Louisiana preacher, altering his voice with a thick Cajun accent as he passionately pleads Huell's case directly to the district attorney. Yet again, Saul brings his acting skills into his personal life, joking around with Kim about the scam and amplifying the comedy of it all.

3 Howard's Lunch Is Interrupted

Jimmy's likability and watchability as a protagonist stem from his penchant for pettiness. He holds a personal grudge against Howard Hamlin, his late brother's former law partner, and takes pleasure in subjecting him to a series of escalating pranks that venture into illegal territory. In his determined quest to tarnish Howard's reputation, Jimmy disrupts one of his crucial lunch meetings with Cliff, his partner at the law firm.

Taking matters to an extreme, Jimmy hires a couple of prostitutes to harass Howard during the meeting, instructing them to act as if Howard owed them money. The women excel in their performance, vociferously harassing the hapless Howard to settle his imaginary debt. Amidst the confusion, Cliff is left bewildered as the women mockingly refer to Howard as "Howie", and Howard's futile attempts to disassociate himself from the unexpected lunch guests only serve to further implicate him. This comical scene, even devoid of context, would seamlessly fit into any sitcom on mainstream television.

2 Chandler's Special Toilet

The series finale of Better Call Saul showcased the show's impressive dramatic abilities, but some of the most humorous moments occurred early on. The earlier seasons, potentially influenced by the show's sitcom roots, placed a strong emphasis on comedy. In Season 1, Jimmy encounters a variety of quirky clients who have lofty ambitions but lack intelligence.

One client in particular stands out as the funniest: a young inventor seeking Saul's legal assistance in obtaining the rights to his latest creation. His masterpiece, a talking toilet designed to aid in potty training his son, is undeniably absurd yet incredibly amusing. The toilet's disembodied voice, calling out the inventor's son's name in a peculiar and suggestive manner, adds to the comedic effect. The inventor's defensive shock when Jimmy points out this observation, as well as Jimmy's later humorous imitation of the talkative toilet while unwinding with Kim after work, further amplifies the laughter.

1 Daniel Wormald And Squat Cobbler

Few characters in the Better Call Saul universe bring about more laughter than Daniel Wormald, a pharmacist who finds himself in over his head after becoming involved with the cartel as a supplier. With his cluelessness about the world of organized crime, actor Mike Proksch, known for his role in What We Do In The Shadows, is perfectly suited for the bumbling criminal role. Daniel's humorous qualities shine through, particularly with his love for antique baseball cards and flashy Hummers, which never fail to bring about laughter.

When the police discover a suspicious hiding place in Wormald's home, the anxious pharmacist becomes a nervous wreck as the authorities descend upon him. Fortunately, Jimmy steps in and comes up with an ingenious explanation, dismissing the hiding spot as a storage area for Wormald's collection of erotic videos, where he sits in pie. Jimmy even gives it an amusing name, "Squat Cobbler." This lie stands as one of Jimmy's greatest moments, showcasing his brilliance during the interaction with the police and further solidifying Better Call Saul as a comedic powerhouse.