The Epic Transformation of Jimmy McGill: A Riveting Switch from Villain to Hero in Better Call Saul

Throughout Breaking Bad, Jimmy McGill, also known as Saul Goodman, played a role in assisting Walter White and participating in heinous crimes to amass more wealth. By the conclusion of Breaking Bad, Saul Goodman had become an unsympathetic character. However, Better Call Saul's conclusion provided a glimpse into a different side of Jimmy McGill.

Despite this, showrunners Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould convinced Bob Odenkirk to join the prequel and aimed to redefine the morally corrupt lawyer as a relatable character. Over the course of eight years covered in Better Call Saul, viewers witnessed Jimmy McGill's transformation into the infamous Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad, as well as his decision in the finale to take responsibility for his actions. Interestingly, this moment would not have been believable if it had been shown sequentially at the end of Breaking Bad. However, it works due to the extensive character development provided by Better Call Saul, including a significant detail introduced in the first episode.

Better Call Saul Episode 1's Fake-Out Made Jimmy Sympathetic

In the first episode of Better Call Saul, titled "Uno," there is a cleverly executed shot that emphasizes the stark contrast between Jimmy's current situation and his past in Breaking Bad. After a public defense trial, Jimmy leaves the courthouse and appears to be heading towards a silver Cadillac in the parking lot. However, at the last moment, he diverts his course and enters his iconic, worn-out yellow Suzuki. This small visual trick serves as an early attempt by the show to reshape Jimmy's image and make him a more sympathetic character, someone who has fallen on hard times.

Even for those who despised Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad, the reintroduction of Jimmy McGill feels like the introduction of a new character altogether. While he still possesses his trademark fast-talking nature and knack for clever schemes, he has yet to commit any truly heinous crimes. The car fake-out immediately evokes empathy for Jimmy, especially when considering the previous scene where he tried to negotiate for more money after a public defense case. Better Call Saul truly excels in its cinematography, which consistently enhances the storytelling through visual means. Moments like this, where silent character development takes place, are scattered throughout all six seasons of the show, and this brief fake-out scene holds significant importance in establishing its overall premise.

Better Call Saul's Cadillac Easter Egg Foreshadowed His Future

Jimmy's trajectory in Better Call Saul is paved with foreshadowing, especially for those who have watched Breaking Bad and are aware of his ultimate fate. This deceptive shot serves as a subtle hint of what lies ahead. Jimmy possesses remarkable intelligence and an unparalleled work ethic. His aptitude for exploiting legal loopholes and taking shortcuts presents a foolproof strategy for accumulating wealth within a flawed system. As he confidently strides towards the Cadillac, it becomes evident that he possesses the potential to become the affluent figure we witness in later years. However, he has yet to confront the ethical compromises he will inevitably encounter on his journey towards success.