Better Call Saul

:

Season 1
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 8, 2015
Season #: 6.5, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 1191 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,096 out of 1191
  2. Mixed: 44 out of 1191
  3. Negative: 51 out of 1191
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  1. HonestReviews9
    Feb 18, 2015
    5
    If you where on IMDB when this show aired you would've noticed this show had a 9.5 before it was even 10 minutes in. It goes to show people are rating this show based on how much they liked breaking bad. the first episode was wildly mediocre but the show started to pick up in episode 2. so far the acting is good and the cast isn't terrible. episode 3 was rather predictable. if it continuesIf you where on IMDB when this show aired you would've noticed this show had a 9.5 before it was even 10 minutes in. It goes to show people are rating this show based on how much they liked breaking bad. the first episode was wildly mediocre but the show started to pick up in episode 2. so far the acting is good and the cast isn't terrible. episode 3 was rather predictable. if it continues as it is i don't have very high hopes for it but if it picks up i will be pleased and surprised.… Expand
  2. ericcarl
    Feb 18, 2015
    10
    Simply Put, "Better Call Saul" is the only show that i currently will anxiously wait each week to see. It is that good. The humor is excellent and the plot connections between Breaking Bad make it even more fun to watch.
  3. rattrap551
    Feb 17, 2015
    9
    3 episodes in, and we have seen a serious palette of material that creates synergy with BB elements, rather than riding on coattails. The drama is crisp, the humor black, the vision precise. I am having much fun so far!
  4. cassiopia
    Feb 15, 2015
    10
    this is great. Saul is sooooooooo funy hahahah cant beleve vince is back yeaaaa! this rockzzzzz! so funy for real. watch it, find it online and watch it!
  5. gokartmozart491
    Feb 14, 2015
    9
    I think the series is off to a good start, I think it will be enjoyable to watch, but I'm tempering my expectations. One thing that I hope that they do in this series is develop characters that stand completely on their own, it's a major disadvantage to present characters who we know from the future, because we know they're going to live to fight another day. Gilligan has said already inI think the series is off to a good start, I think it will be enjoyable to watch, but I'm tempering my expectations. One thing that I hope that they do in this series is develop characters that stand completely on their own, it's a major disadvantage to present characters who we know from the future, because we know they're going to live to fight another day. Gilligan has said already in interviews that he doesn't want to work only with familiar characters, so I look forward to seeing new faces with quirks all their own.… Expand
  6. astrosio
    Feb 14, 2015
    5
    the attempt to humanize saul is terrible and, IMHO, is not consistent with the character that we all loved in breaking bad. probably the writers recovered some stuffs that wrote about the biography at the time of bb. and then they tried to develop it. (this means, perhaps, that the alchemy of a good character can't be justified only by the good work made.) but the series is totallythe attempt to humanize saul is terrible and, IMHO, is not consistent with the character that we all loved in breaking bad. probably the writers recovered some stuffs that wrote about the biography at the time of bb. and then they tried to develop it. (this means, perhaps, that the alchemy of a good character can't be justified only by the good work made.) but the series is totally watchable. yes. but that man is not the saul goodman that we love. (ok, sorry for my english, I'm italian.)… Expand
  7. Derek1101
    Feb 13, 2015
    8
    As everyone else has done in most of the reviews for this show, they have compared Better Call Saul to it's predecessor Breaking Bad, which has to be done to really be able to critique the show, but I also like to see the show with it's own legs to really see where it falls among all of these high drama shows in television today. Looking at the first couple episodes I really was a littleAs everyone else has done in most of the reviews for this show, they have compared Better Call Saul to it's predecessor Breaking Bad, which has to be done to really be able to critique the show, but I also like to see the show with it's own legs to really see where it falls among all of these high drama shows in television today. Looking at the first couple episodes I really was a little wary at first considering where Saul Goodman AKA Jimmy/James McGill (his birth name) started off at, as a back office inside a beauty salon lawyer, with a thirst for money at no costs. As the story started to go a little deeper however I really became more favorable of where it was going. Finding out about Jimmy's brother Chuck, and Jimmy trying to get him the right amount from his company due to health problems was probably the highlight of the show for me, b/c I could start to see a very methodical puzzle being mapped out, with many pieces just scattered out in the wind for later resolution. As the episode continues we see Jimmy coerce two young hoodlums into a scheme with not a very good backup plan if any at all where one of the boys will hit the windshield of a particular woman and pretend to be badly injured so as to get compensation. As the plan fails however due to the wrong car being targeted, and the driver taking off, the boys decide to follow the car back to where the woman lives only to be taken into a hostage situation by the woman's grandson (Tuco from Breaking Bad) with Jimmy being taken in shortly after. As Tuco decides what to do with them he discovers the true intentions behind the three of them, and takes them out to the desert to maim them. He later comes to terms with Jimmy that he will let him go and injure the three boys with broken legs. After this is done, Jimmy is visited by one of Tuco's henchman Nacho, who wants to get the larger amount of Chuck's compensation in exchange for Jimmy getting a finders fee. Jimmy declines, and after threatening him Nacho leaves, and the second episode ends. I found the first two episodes to be very exhilarating with the same slow burn that Breaking Bad had but with an even more in depth look at the characters thought process and where they were coming from. The show has left us with many questions and very few answers, and a lot of conspiracy theories on my part, such as how Jimmy knew Tuco first and if that had anything to do with his and Walter's partnership, or how far Jimmy actually went to become who we all know and eventually loved. All in all I give it a great review b/c it sets up an arc that looks as if it will fall right in line with Breaking Bad, and as a show all it's own.… Expand
  8. Arcon
    Feb 12, 2015
    7
    |||||||||Only 2 Episodes into series|||||||||| I really want to like it but I feel as though I am watching some show made by guys who watched Breaking Bad but somehow missed something when trying to recreate it. I know its the same guys, but just something is missing thus far. Hopefully it will start to shine soon once the writers get done with their "We don't think the audience will like|||||||||Only 2 Episodes into series|||||||||| I really want to like it but I feel as though I am watching some show made by guys who watched Breaking Bad but somehow missed something when trying to recreate it. I know its the same guys, but just something is missing thus far. Hopefully it will start to shine soon once the writers get done with their "We don't think the audience will like this character if we don't show his humble beginnings when he once stood on the decent side of the moral compass" type crap. So far... Meh... but it shows great promise. And yea, all the 10's at this point in the series are from fanboys or people who work on the show. Disregard them.… Expand
  9. JonDoc
    Feb 12, 2015
    10
    The extended pilot episode surpassed expectations. Perhaps even better than BB's first episode. A work of art in - spectacular cinematography (exceptionally good colour grade), the soundtrack, most of all the writing and characterisations - for instance, Odenkirk's facial expressions when the Kettlemans were about to sign - just priceless acting - the interesting camera angles, narrativeThe extended pilot episode surpassed expectations. Perhaps even better than BB's first episode. A work of art in - spectacular cinematography (exceptionally good colour grade), the soundtrack, most of all the writing and characterisations - for instance, Odenkirk's facial expressions when the Kettlemans were about to sign - just priceless acting - the interesting camera angles, narrative surprises, and the rich layers of humour makes this an absolute viewing treat. Great to see Michael McKean back on TV too. Absolutely fantastic show! Congratulations to everyone involved. Long live Saul!… Expand
  10. BogKid
    Feb 11, 2015
    7
    I must admit to not having been a great fan of "Breaking Bad". When I decided to really check it out with a few episodes, I did like it but the show was too far along to try to catch up. So, I felt that I had to start with "Better Call Saul" right at the beginning.

    I did enjoy the first episode. I have not yet seen the second episode with is snuggly waiting in my DVR. The found the    I must admit to not having been a great fan of "Breaking Bad". When I decided to really check it out with a few episodes, I did like it but the show was too far along to try to catch up. So, I felt that I had to start with "Better Call Saul" right at the beginning.

    I did enjoy the first episode. I have not yet seen the second episode with is snuggly waiting in my DVR. The found the first half of the first episode totally intriguing. But then Chuck came into the show. I am not sure what his problem is but I found the character bland and annoying. If I had followed "Breaking Bad" maybe I would know who Chuck is and why he is, but It seems to me that prior knowledge of "BB" should absolutely not be required to enjoy "BCS". Too much of this may eventually put me off of this show. I hope not!    … Expand
  11. shoeone
    Feb 11, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If the first two episodes are any guide, "Better Call Saul" is a worthy successor to "Breaking Bad." Best moments for me: the flash forward of our hapless hero working in a Cinnabon -- as he predicted in "Breaking Bad" -- while constantly looking over his shoulder; and, the early appearance to two of my favorite Breaking Bad characters, Mike (Jonathan Banks) and Tuco (Raymond Cruz -- who really knows how to look menacing). I'm hoping for more refugees from Breaking Bad in future episodes, if only in cameo roles, and am really enthused about the series. Bob Odenkirk was fantastic in Breaking Bad and Fargo. He's on track to be every bit as good, if not better, in his new series.… Expand
  12. Apolsc
    Feb 11, 2015
    7
    This spinoff is quite entertaining but it fails to fly for itself and it looks very similar to breaking bad for now. Saul starts just as Walter, he is an underachiever tired of his life and willing to take the fast lane to change it.

    Este spinoff es entretenido pero no logra volar por si mismo, tomando mucho de Breaking Bad, al menos por ahora. El comienzo de la historia de Saul es    This spinoff is quite entertaining but it fails to fly for itself and it looks very similar to breaking bad for now. Saul starts just as Walter, he is an underachiever tired of his life and willing to take the fast lane to change it.

    Este spinoff es entretenido pero no logra volar por si mismo, tomando mucho de Breaking Bad, al menos por ahora. El comienzo de la historia de Saul es prácticamente el mismo de Walter, es un mediocre cansado de su vida y dispuesto a tomar el camino rápido para mejorarla.    … Expand
  13. Orudomonki
    Feb 11, 2015
    9
    Better Call Saul is a great serial and does Breaking Bad honor. It has more black comedy then Breaking Bad, but that doesn't make it worse: no, sometimes it makes it even better. Better Call Saul is well written and directed.
  14. SamB
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    Everything a Breaking Bad fan could possibly hope for and even if you haven't watched the show from which it was spawned you can follow exactly what is going on. It's slightly more rewarding with the knowledge of BB but not required. Actually without that knowledge it might possibly be even better without knowing certain events in some of the characters futures. It's great to be back in the ABQ.
  15. The_X_Filess
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    Wow, this show is amazing!

    Breaking Bad was an amazing show. The setting, the cast, the music, the cinematography and the story. I liked it all. I was really disappointed when the show ended in 2013. Then I heard about a spin-off called Better Call Saul created by Vince Gilligan. For a long time I was skeptical about the show, but after I've seen the first two episodes I'm all in.    Wow, this show is amazing!

    Breaking Bad was an amazing show. The setting, the cast, the music, the cinematography and the story. I liked it all. I was really disappointed when the show ended in 2013.

    Then I heard about a spin-off called Better Call Saul created by Vince Gilligan. For a long time I was skeptical about the show, but after I've seen the first two episodes I'm all in. I'm addicted and can not wait for the next episodes.

    The story is completely different from what I expected. The show is about the (pre-Breaking Bad) life of Jimmy McGill (aka as Saul Goodman). And I'm excited to see what will happen next.    … Expand
  16. VaasMontenegro
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    Did I ever tell you what the definition of insanity is? Insanity is doing the exact... same **** thing... over and over again expecting... **** to change... That. Is. Crazy. The first time somebody told me that, I dunno, I thought they were bull****ting me, so, I shot him. The thing is... He was right. And then I started seeing, everywhere I looked, everywhere I looked all these ****Did I ever tell you what the definition of insanity is? Insanity is doing the exact... same **** thing... over and over again expecting... **** to change... That. Is. Crazy. The first time somebody told me that, I dunno, I thought they were bull****ting me, so, I shot him. The thing is... He was right. And then I started seeing, everywhere I looked, everywhere I looked all these **** pricks, everywhere I looked, doing the exact same **** thing... over and over and over and over again thinking 'this time is gonna be different' no, no, no please... This time is gonna be different, I'm sorry, I don't like... The way...… Expand
  17. aa3IRAQI
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    It is very difficult to beat the expectations of being a successor to a show like Breaking Bad but Better Call Saul does this in spades. It immediately attracts you by using a great story and Saul's clever lawyer tactics with the perfect amount of humor.
  18. Greenmember
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    For all of the thoughts and worries that this show would be a sub par spinoff, cast those thoughts aside. 2 episodes in and we have a compelling story that works well as a drama but shows Saul maturing into the character he is in Breaking Bad. It's wonderfully directed, the second episode "Mijo" having some fantastic shots and a great montage near the second half and a bleak future introFor all of the thoughts and worries that this show would be a sub par spinoff, cast those thoughts aside. 2 episodes in and we have a compelling story that works well as a drama but shows Saul maturing into the character he is in Breaking Bad. It's wonderfully directed, the second episode "Mijo" having some fantastic shots and a great montage near the second half and a bleak future intro in the first episode that gives us some good foreshadowing of what's to come. The show is acted well, and the cameos from BB fit well into the show. I love it, I can't wait to see more of what's to come, Saul makes well for a main character and Vince and Peter have made a great show.… Expand
  19. vrildox
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    I expected this show to be great based on it's pedigree. I did not expect it to accomplish in two episodes what Breaking Bad did in one season. By that I mean completely hook me in and never let me go. Maybe I'm biased because I was one of the diehards that ACTUALLY started BB from the beginning. I just love Gilligan's writing and his directorial skills are so refined it feels like he'sI expected this show to be great based on it's pedigree. I did not expect it to accomplish in two episodes what Breaking Bad did in one season. By that I mean completely hook me in and never let me go. Maybe I'm biased because I was one of the diehards that ACTUALLY started BB from the beginning. I just love Gilligan's writing and his directorial skills are so refined it feels like he's been doing it for 50 years. Good ol' Bobby boy is delivering another perfect performance as Saul which was also expected. The people giving this show less than a ten are idiots who try to act like they know enough about film and writing to pick apart something that is flawless.… Expand
  20. XieneusJongIl
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    Great start for a spin-off series.

    The story so far is solid, the cinematography is fantastic and the mix of old and new characters is very interesting.

    I can't wait to see what happens next in the life of James M. Gill.

    9
  21. Fairlyhonest
    Feb 10, 2015
    9
    Gentlemen and Gentlewomen: Better Call Saul may be one of the greatest shows ever made. In the interests of honesty and fairness, however, I can only give the show a 9 out of 10, because it hasn't yet proven itself to be among the caliber of all-time greats, like The Sopranos and the first four seasons of Breaking Bad. To the pretenders who say the show is progressing too slowly, whileGentlemen and Gentlewomen: Better Call Saul may be one of the greatest shows ever made. In the interests of honesty and fairness, however, I can only give the show a 9 out of 10, because it hasn't yet proven itself to be among the caliber of all-time greats, like The Sopranos and the first four seasons of Breaking Bad. To the pretenders who say the show is progressing too slowly, while praising the original, I'm guessing that you started watching Breaking Bad circa Season 5. If anything, Better Call Saul is developing much more quickly than its predecessor did during the golden years of that show. Go back and watch, "Kafkaesque" and "Fly" -- and don't pretend you "get it" because you don't! HAHA. I'm just kidding. I'm sure you are very deep, mysterious, and sophisticated. Seriously, who would have guessed that a spin-off would end up being the best show on TV?… Expand
  22. KaizerAlex
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    I am not a big fan of spin-offs. Usually they are created to make more money out of a popular TV show. A lot of Better Call Saul build up on the momentum of Breaking Bad. In every scene, you just see how much BB is in it. For someone, who has never seen Breaking Bad (shame on you), this show could be disappointing. For all the fans of Walter White and Saul Goodman, it is great.

    The    I am not a big fan of spin-offs. Usually they are created to make more money out of a popular TV show. A lot of Better Call Saul build up on the momentum of Breaking Bad. In every scene, you just see how much BB is in it. For someone, who has never seen Breaking Bad (shame on you), this show could be disappointing. For all the fans of Walter White and Saul Goodman, it is great.

    The first two episodes were suspenseful, dramatic and fun. It's not a comedy, it's a drama series. In the next 2-3 years, we will know whether Better Call Saul can live without BB or not.    … Expand
  23. vrchris
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    How on earth do you follow Breaking Bad - well I wouldn't have dared attempt it but if anyone can do it its Vince Gilligan! Better Call Saul has a very strong sense of Breaking Bad - if you walked into a room when it was on you would think it was a scene from it - but at the same time it has its own strong identity. Can't wait to see where they take the story!
  24. nicholasbert
    Feb 9, 2015
    7
    I'm not going to compare this with Breaking Bad. It is a spin-off, yes, but it only features a couple of the same characters, it's set in a different time, it doesn't deal (I'm assuming) with the same things. Instead, I'm going to review this as if it were a stand-alone show.

    The series starts off in the right direction, promising enthralling plot and even some directorial odd choices,    I'm not going to compare this with Breaking Bad. It is a spin-off, yes, but it only features a couple of the same characters, it's set in a different time, it doesn't deal (I'm assuming) with the same things. Instead, I'm going to review this as if it were a stand-alone show.

    The series starts off in the right direction, promising enthralling plot and even some directorial odd choices, it being a TV show: we see black and white, we see weird interruptions, long scenes and so on, stuff that normally belongs in movies. Bob Odenkirk has a combination of manic, sad, foolish, hilarious charisma that isn't that common to find, and he sets off to nail his dubious character of a broke lawyer turned fraudolent defendant of the crooks.

    A closer look at the technical aspects, as I mentioned, also reveals a particular attention for detail that can never hurt. We'll see where this goes.    … Expand
  25. motleycruefan
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    Once again, Vince Gilligan has worked his magic and created another master piece. I look forward to the next episodes of Better Call Saul. I great recommend watching this amazing masterpiece.
  26. oDjento
    Feb 9, 2015
    8
    An excellent opening to the series. Following a similar tone to the first season of Breaking Bad but with enough difference from BrBa due to it's quirky protagonist: Jimmy McGill. The direction was really nice with Vince Gilligan nailing it again, writing was also very well written and great to listen to. There plenty of foreshadowing and throwbacks to other characters in breaking bad thatAn excellent opening to the series. Following a similar tone to the first season of Breaking Bad but with enough difference from BrBa due to it's quirky protagonist: Jimmy McGill. The direction was really nice with Vince Gilligan nailing it again, writing was also very well written and great to listen to. There plenty of foreshadowing and throwbacks to other characters in breaking bad that BrBa fans will have rhe biggest blast watching this. Funny with enough Pathos to not makes it stupid, better call saul has started off great. For now i'd give it an 8.4/10 but i will change my score if needs be as the series progresses. Looking like anothwr successful project from Gilligan. BETTER CALL SAUL!!!… Expand
  27. YJMalmsteen
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    We miss him so much!!
    Amazing pilot! Great start to a new show..
    An outstanding first episode with fine acting and writing from all concerned. Gilligan and Gould really captured Saul's fraudulent nature.
    S'all good man!
  28. dantheman2293
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    Although I was super stoked for this show, one of the things that was an absolute must was for this show to stand on its own two feet. So far, I think that is the direction it is going. The cinematography and acting are absolutely amazing. As if the first episode couldn't pull me in enough, the end of the episode brought in a "Bad-esque" surprise that is going to keep me hooked for the long run.
  29. Ravens1294
    Feb 9, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A great start to the spin off of Breaking Bad. The flashforward to Saul's life after Breaking Bad was perfect as so was the ending with Tuco. The premiere was slick, smart, and awesome. Definitely excited for the rest of the season.… Expand
  30. LaraR
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    Oh man, that ending! Great start to a new show. Still upholds some elements from Breaking Bad but approached with more humor. Gilligan and Gould really captured Saul's fraudulent nature. When you're just about to think he might be a principled human being, you realize you've been duped and its just good old Saul.
  31. royphishooh
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    An outstanding first episode with fine acting and writing from all concerned. It has the depth and attention to detail we came to love in "Breaking Bad" and unlike that show we don't have to put up with the hideous over-acting of Anna Gunn. It's a winner!
  32. StefanGoedhart
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    Ignacio "Nacho" Varga and Lalo will kick some ass! Yes Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan, we discovered your easter eggs! S'all good man! I won't spoil it though!
  33. Terraapex
    Feb 8, 2015
    10
    The follow-up to Breaking Bad. Tough shoes to fill. Since everyone is gonna be comparing the two, i will as well. I do not think this was as good as the first episode of Breaking Bad. But in all honesty, that was not gonna happen. Does that make it a bad show? Of course not. This was a however fantastic first episode. It started off giving us answers that we had at the end of Breaking BadThe follow-up to Breaking Bad. Tough shoes to fill. Since everyone is gonna be comparing the two, i will as well. I do not think this was as good as the first episode of Breaking Bad. But in all honesty, that was not gonna happen. Does that make it a bad show? Of course not. This was a however fantastic first episode. It started off giving us answers that we had at the end of Breaking Bad and left us with questions for Better Call Saul. With as little spoilers as possible, we start off seeing Saul or as he is known before the events of Breaking Bad, Jimmy. Bob Odenkirk's fantastic portrayal of Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad carries over into this show yet there is something different. We get to see Jimmy before he was a big shot lawyer. Before he had mastered his job. He is not as quick talking. Which is an interesting dynamic. We get to see a whole new side of him. We get to see his sad living style. His depressing life. Struggling to make it through. Though do not read this wrong. It has quite a good amount of humor. Odenkirk kills it with his dialogue. Subtle jokes throughout make the humor great. Though a little slow after the start, this will hopefully turnout great throughout the series. Not to mention the great cliffhanger at the end that will have me watching next episode, though, I was gonna already.… Expand
  34. Exa8yte
    Feb 8, 2015
    10
    Hell yes! Vince is just too damn good. I thought the first episode was perfect. What a cliffhanger! Which I totally wasn't expecting. Having watched Breaking Bad 4 times, it had just enough Breaking Bad links to make me smile without over doing it. It had me asking so many questions. I'm already hooked.
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best TV Season of 2015
9
#9 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
21
#21 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Marlow Stern
    Feb 9, 2015
    80
    The ball of manic, depressed, negative energy that is Jimmy is a perfect match for Odenkirk’s comedic (and newfound dramatic) chops, as he lends plenty of pathos to this mesmeric loser with a heart of fool’s gold. He’s not Saul Goodman just yet, but the journey there should be a bumpy, thrilling ride.
    Read full review
  2. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Feb 9, 2015
    70
    Odenkirk is a gifted comic actor, and the sadness in his eyes hints that he can fill in more dimensions to Jimmy McGill as time goes on. But the first two episodes of Better Call Saul take their own sweet time setting things up.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Feb 9, 2015
    90
    Better Call Saul has its own tone--it's a different, unique creation.
    Read full review
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