9. The Superlab's Ominous Foundation
Initially, the Superlab in Breaking Bad's 'Más' symbolized the apex of Walter and Jesse's meth enterprise. Revisiting this scene post-Better Call Saul, the revelation that the lab's bedrock conceals the remains of Lalo Salamanca and Howard Hamlin casts a grim shadow over its every appearance. This once triumphant moment is now a haunting intersection of Walter's burgeoning empire and the dark undercurrents of Albuquerque's crime saga.
The Superlab Season 3, Episode 5, “Más”
8. Saul Goodman's Cinnabon Prophecy
In 'Granite State,' Saul Goodman's final Breaking Bad scene foreshadows his own future with a casual remark about managing a Cinnabon in Omaha. With the full arc of Better Call Saul, this line is transformed from a throwaway joke to a poignant prelude to Saul's attempt at redemption and the mundane reality that awaits Jimmy McGill. It's a clever nod to his fate and a sad reflection on the man who once was.
Saul Goodman’s Final Scene Season 5, Episode 15, “Granite State”
7. Mike's Tragic End and His Peace with Death
Mike Ehrmantraut's death in 'Say My Name' was a heartbreaking departure in Breaking Bad. However, Better Call Saul's 'Bagman' lends this scene a deeper layer of tragedy by revealing Mike's resignation to his mortality and his desire to provide for his family. Walter's impulsive act extinguishes Mike's life, rendering his end not just sad, but senselessly futile against the backdrop of his past struggles and acceptance.
Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut yells at Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad.
6. Jesse's Anguish and Saul's Plea
In 'Confessions,' Jesse Pinkman's confrontation with Saul Goodman over Brock's poisoning is charged with desperation and betrayal. Better Call Saul adds a layer of complexity to Saul's pleas for understanding. Knowing the kindness Jimmy possessed, Saul's assertion that he 'didn't want any of this' resonates with a newfound sincerity, as viewers recognize the conflict between Saul's criminal facade and Jimmy's buried conscience.
Jesse Pinkman Confronts Saul Goodman Season 5, Episode 11, “Confessions”
5. Mike's Intimidation of Saul
The tension between Mike and Saul in 'Full Measures' when Mike threatens Saul for Jesse's whereabouts is a stark contrast to their camaraderie in Better Call Saul. Knowing the lengths they went through together, Mike's readiness to resort to violence is a sobering reminder of the disintegration of their partnership. This scene is recontextualized as a poignant moment of fractured loyalty and a foreshadowing of their ultimate fates.
Mike Physically Threatens Saul Season 3, Episode 12, “Full Measures”
4. The Poignant Allusion to Kim Wexler
Saul Goodman's offhand comment in 'Green Light' about his second wife cheating with his stepdad was once a humorous anecdote. Post-Better Call Saul, this remark gains emotional weight as a nod to Kim Wexler, Jimmy's third wife. The joke transforms into a melancholic connection to Kim's fate and the moral descent of Jimmy McGill, highlighting the series' ability to infuse humor with layers of meaning.
Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul seasons 1 and 6
3. The Deeper Meaning Behind Saul's Abduction
Walter and Jesse's abduction of Saul in 'Better Call Saul' shifts from a tense moment to a nexus of narrative threads once we understand Saul's mistaken fear of the cartel. His references to 'Ignacio' and 'Lalo' are no longer cryptic, but direct ties to the rich backstories unraveled in Better Call Saul. This scene becomes a testament to the show's masterful storytelling and the interconnectedness of the two series.
Saul Goodman Kidnapped in Breaking Bad
2. Gus Fring's Calculated Introduction
Initially, Gus Fring's subtle introduction in 'Mandela' as a fastidious restaurant manager is unassuming. With the prequel's insights into his past conflicts with the Salamancas, the encounter at Los Pollos Hermanos becomes a chess move by a cautious kingpin. Better Call Saul provides context to Gus's restraint, enriching the scene with layers of strategic depth and a heightened sense of danger.
Gus Fring first appearance in Season 2, Episode 11, “Mandela”
1. Meeting Saul Goodman with Fresh Eyes
Saul Goodman's flashy debut in 'Better Call Saul' is an unforgettable introduction to Breaking Bad's iconic lawyer. After delving into his complex transformation from Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman, the character's first scene takes on a new emotional resonance. The cheesy infomercials and shady dealings now reflect a man's tragic journey, imbuing the scene with a sense of loss and the weight of Jimmy's forsaken potential.
Saul Goodman's infomercial in Breaking Bad Season 2, Episode 8, “Better Call Saul”