The Hidden Connections: Every Time 'Better Call Saul' Breathes Life into Breaking Bad and BCS
Experience the iconic catchphrase Better Call Saul in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul From the birth of Saul Goodman to his ultimate disappearance, these nine episodes will keep you hooked
Criminal lawyer Saul Goodman’s famous catchphrase "Better Call Saul" originated from the TV show Breaking Bad. This phrase gained popularity and eventually became the title of Goodman's own spin-off series, also called Better Call Saul, which serves as both a prequel and sequel to Breaking Bad. The character of Saul Goodman, played brilliantly by Bob Odenkirk, has become a favorite among Breaking Bad fans. Saul's distinctive appearance, with his Bluetooth earpiece and colorful suits, adds to his approachable and friendly persona, which is further enhanced by his iconic line.
The significance of this dialogue is also evident in Saul's campy television ads, the stories behind which are explored in Better Call Saul. Like other lines from Breaking Bad that inspired storylines in the spin-off, this catchphrase plays a crucial role in both series. While Breaking Bad only mentions the phrase five times, Better Call Saul incorporates it a total of twenty-two times. In the spin-off, the phrase is predominantly used in the black-and-white scenes set after the events of Breaking Bad.
Breaking Bad Season 2, Episode 8, “Better Call Saul”
The episode "Better Call Saul" in Breaking Bad marks the first time Saul Goodman and Walter White's paths intersect. In this episode, Saul comes to the aid of Badger, one of Jesse Pinkman's closest friends and partners in crime, who has been apprehended by the DEA. Recognizing the opportunity to represent Walter and his illegal activities, Saul offers his legal counsel to the former chemistry teacher-turned-drug lord in an empty school laboratory. Initially, Walter exhibits little interest in Saul's proposition, but Saul, with his flamboyant charm, leaves with his iconic line. As future episodes unfold, "Better Call Saul" will prove to be a much-needed plea for assistance from Walter.
Breaking Bad Season 3, Episode 2, “Caballo Sin Nobre”
Saul’s catchphrase makes a comeback in the third season when he sets out to assist Jesse in purchasing his parents’ house. Jesse’s strained relationship with his parents is a source of sadness, and Saul takes it upon himself to outwit them by presenting an offer they cannot refuse. By threatening them with legal action for not disclosing the former use of the building as a meth lab, he successfully negotiates a deal with Jesse’s parents. However, before reaching this resolution, Mrs. Pinkman identifies Saul from his print and television advertisements. Taking it as a compliment, Saul responds, “Better Call Saul! I get it all the time.”
Breaking Bad Season 4, Episode 2, “Thirty-Eight Snub”
While Saul does not make a direct appearance in the season 4 episode "Thirty-Eight Snub," Mike Ehrmantraut can be seen at a bar, observing one of Saul's advertisements on television. Referencing Breaking Bad's season 2 airplane crash, Saul can be heard discussing his ability to assist those impacted by the accident in obtaining a substantial monetary settlement, potentially ranging from six to eight figures. He acknowledges that although this compensation may not heal the emotional wounds, it could offer them a sense of justice. However, the only requirement for attaining this justice is to "Better Call Saul." Mike silently assesses Saul's flashy commercial while watching it.
Breaking Bad Season 5, Episode 13, “To'hajiilee”
In Breaking Bad, the episode titled "To'hajiilee" is a significant one as it sets the stage for the death of Hank in "Ozymandias." Walter, determined to safeguard Jesse from Todd's harmful intentions, approaches Andrea, Jesse's girlfriend. Although Andrea is unaware of Jesse's location, she suggests that Walter consult his lawyer. Walter mentions "Better Call Saul," but also admits that even the lawyer may not have any information. Later, an injured Saul himself visits the car wash owned by Walter and Skyler. Walter Jr., their son, immediately recognizes Saul as the man from the billboards, prompting him to humorously repeat his memorable line once again.
Better Call Saul Season 1, Episode 1, “Uno”
Better Call Saul Season 5, Episode 1, “Magic Man”
The number of appearances for a show called Better Call Saul is not as frequent as anticipated. This could be due to the focus of the initial episodes on Saul's previous career as Jimmy McGill. However, a dark black-and-white scene in the pilot episode showcases a mustached Saul Goodman watching his commercials repeatedly (each ending with the phrase "Better Call Saul"). The lively and optimistic Saul depicted in the advertisements stands in stark contrast to his current state. Under the alias Gene, while working at a Cinnabon, Jimmy struggles with a new identity following the events of Breaking Bad. The faint echoes of "Better Call Saul" serve as a subtle reminder of his once eventful past.
In another monochrome scene, "Better Call Saul" is once again heard abundantly in Better Call Saul. Despite his disguise as Gene, wearing glasses and a mustache, a mall goer recognizes him as Saul. As a former resident of Albuquerque, the stranger compels Saul to confront his past and recite that iconic line just like he used to in the advertisements. Initially, Saul begrudgingly mutters the words, but eventually, with confidence, he delivers it with a finger pointed directly at the spectator. Repeating the line incessantly, the blank expression on Saul's face is sure to elicit sympathy.
Better Call Saul Season 6, Episode 9, “Fun And Games”
The sixth season episode titled "Fun and Games" in Better Call Saul begins with the attempt to conceal the tragic death of Howard Hamlin. The subsequent storyline puts Saul and his legal and romantic partner, Kim Wexler, through emotionally demanding scenarios. A heart-wrenching farewell from Kim to the morally ambiguous protagonist is followed by a flash forward, unveiling Saul residing in a grand mansion, reminiscent of his depiction in Breaking Bad. By this point, Saul has amassed substantial wealth, enabling him to secure more prominent advertising spots. While cruising in his Cadillac DeVille, the accomplished lawyer listens to his own radio advertisement, which concludes with the familiar phrase "Better Call Saul."
Better Call Saul Season 6, Episode 12, “Waterworks"
In the last season, renowned comedian Carol Burnett made a special appearance as Marion, an elderly woman who becomes friends with Saul, using the alias Gene. However, in the second-to-last episode, the words "Better Call Saul" resurface when Marion discovers Saul's true identity, resulting in Gene's downfall. As she gazes at one of Saul's previous advertisements on her laptop, she expresses feelings of both betrayal and fear. Tensions escalate when Gene realizes that his secret is no longer hidden. All he can do is intensely stare at the laptop screen, listening to his past self in disbelief. Saul finds himself unable to seek help and put an end to his troubles.
Better Call Saul Season 6, Episode 13, “Saul Gone”
In the tear-inducing finale of Better Call Saul, the phrase "Better Call Saul" is uttered more times than ever before. The initial occurrence takes place at a police station where the arresting officers watch one of Gene's vintage television commercials. As Saul is ultimately sentenced, he is immediately recognized by a multitude of fellow inmates in the prison van. The prisoners, viewing him as a heroic figure, erupt into chants of "Better Call Saul" resembling a battle cry. Overwhelmed by the unexpected admiration and weighed down by a tumultuous history from Breaking Bad, Saul finally breaks into a smile, unsure of what lies ahead.
