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. 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
  2. trooper1993
    Mar 6, 2015
    9
    The first two episodes left a lot to be desired considering that the series had to match the superb quality of Breaking Bad. However, a couple of episodes down the road I have to admit that it is slowly catching up to expectation. Most people forget that they watched Breaking Bad in binge sessions and didn't have to deal with frustrating seven day long cliffhangers. Although the series isThe first two episodes left a lot to be desired considering that the series had to match the superb quality of Breaking Bad. However, a couple of episodes down the road I have to admit that it is slowly catching up to expectation. Most people forget that they watched Breaking Bad in binge sessions and didn't have to deal with frustrating seven day long cliffhangers. Although the series is a little bit slow and lacks the whole drug crazed characters that made Breaking Bad such a success AMC still has many episodes to bring back up the pace.… Expand
  3. TheQuietGamer
    Feb 24, 2015
    9
    Whether or not you watched the parent show "Breaking Bad" doesn't matter. This is a spin-off that manages to stand on it's own two feet. Outside of a few little easter eggs and a few cameos you won't be missing much at all for not watching Breaking Bad. The writers just throw in a little fan service here and there. The show however creates it's own unique thing with fleshed out writingWhether or not you watched the parent show "Breaking Bad" doesn't matter. This is a spin-off that manages to stand on it's own two feet. Outside of a few little easter eggs and a few cameos you won't be missing much at all for not watching Breaking Bad. The writers just throw in a little fan service here and there. The show however creates it's own unique thing with fleshed out writing that doesn't hinge on it's predecessor.

    Odenkirk once again gives another excellent performance and really brings the character to life. The new supporting cast is great. I'm really curious about their fates. That's really one of this spin-off's greatest strengths.

    Given that this is a prequel odds are a lot of viewers already know "Jimmy's" fate. You already know he's going to get out of the scrapes he gets into relatively unscathed. The question is what happens to the people around him? It's obvious these new characters are playing a large role in his life right now. So when he drags them into trouble with him you'll be asking yourself if Jimmy is going to be able to get them out of these situations? Or will they suffer for his mistakes? It's a compelling hook that will keep you watching even if you've seen how things end up for the oddball main character in Breaking Bad.

    However while Better Call Saul isn't afraid to ratchet up the tension and have you worried for character's fates, it's still kind of a light-hearted affair most of the time. The show's focus is on dark/black comedy. Something I thought Breaking Bad quickly moved away from. It makes the show feel more like it's own unique thing and makes it funny in often very dark ways.

    In conclusion so far this show is a huge success. It's a spin-off that doesn't stand in the shadow of the parent show and doesn't even require any knowledge of it. It's one that can appeal to new audiences as well as returning fans of Breaking Bad. Either way you'll be hard pressed to not enjoy what's being offered here.

    I give it a 9.1/10.    … Expand
  4. 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
  5. JamesIrish68
    Feb 21, 2018
    3
    I can't understand why this show is rated so high, It has great production values and the actors are very professional, but it has no verve, no energy, no pulse. In short, boring and tedious...
  6. idanidan123
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    Vince strikes again. Awesome storyline, great acting, compelling mystery, funny lines from Saul... The show's got it all !
    I can't wait for season 2, seems like another Vince masterpiece !
  7. SchroederRock
    Feb 29, 2016
    8
    As I'm watching the final episode of the first season of Better Call Saul, I can see a show with a hook that is nearly as big as Breaking Bad's. It's not quite the drama or high of its source material, but Saul is a winner, drawing on the great writing and slick characters that we loved so much from Breaking Bad. Heck, you don't even need to see that show to know what's going on inAs I'm watching the final episode of the first season of Better Call Saul, I can see a show with a hook that is nearly as big as Breaking Bad's. It's not quite the drama or high of its source material, but Saul is a winner, drawing on the great writing and slick characters that we loved so much from Breaking Bad. Heck, you don't even need to see that show to know what's going on in Better Call Saul, you just have to enjoy what the show has to offer. That being said, to enjoy it you'll probably need to push beyond the first couple episodes, because it takes a while to get the ball rolling. But as the show builds, and Saul's life comes into focus, it all takes off. By the time season one ends, I was already hyped for its second season.… Expand
  8. 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
  9. drlowdon
    Apr 7, 2015
    9
    Creating a spin-off to a popular show is never easy; creating one for what many consider the best TV show of all time is an even more difficult task. Fortunately with Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan in charge we needn't have worried as, while this first season never quite hits the heights of his previous show at its peak, it often comes pretty close.

    The writing, acting and    Creating a spin-off to a popular show is never easy; creating one for what many consider the best TV show of all time is an even more difficult task. Fortunately with Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan in charge we needn't have worried as, while this first season never quite hits the heights of his previous show at its peak, it often comes pretty close.

    The writing, acting and directing that made Breaking Bad so good are all in evidence here meaning that, even though we already know the fates of Saul/Jimmy and Mike, the journey still makes for a fantastic watch. It’s going to be a long wait for season two.    … Expand
  10. Rolento
    Jul 2, 2015
    9
    Excited at first about this because Saul Goodman was one of the (many) best parts of Breaking Bad, skeptical later because I feared that said character, like many well-written characters in television, could only work as a secondary character due to its nature.

    Boy, was I mistaken. And once again, just like in Breaking Bad, he's just one of the astounding characters of the series! I bet    Excited at first about this because Saul Goodman was one of the (many) best parts of Breaking Bad, skeptical later because I feared that said character, like many well-written characters in television, could only work as a secondary character due to its nature.

    Boy, was I mistaken. And once again, just like in Breaking Bad, he's just one of the astounding characters of the series! I bet they could do the spin-off of a spin-off of a spin-off and still pull it off perfectly.    … Expand
  11. Goganga
    Apr 4, 2015
    10
    It 's simply outstanding. It's very refined and cured in every detail, ironically dramatic, intensely gentle. Masterfully written and performed. AMAZING. Maybe better of BB... so it's INSANE!!!
  12. 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
  13. zouz123
    Mar 11, 2015
    10
    No doubt one of the best shows this year for all breaking bad fans. I first thought this show wouldn't work, because we were over-satiated with breaking bad, but i was proved wrong, it totally delivers. You'll fall in love with the characters, mainly Jimmy, and the story is totally believable and not over the top. Excellently funny show
  14. 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
  15. JohnMasterL
    Feb 28, 2015
    9
    Better Call Saul: Season 1 respeta la esencia, estilo, humor, drama y entretenimiento de Breaking Bad, solo que esta vez, tenemos mas dosis de humor negro, (se maneja el drama, pero se maneja muy poco) Saul como protagonista, momentos totalmente divertidos e inesperados y una excelente dirección y un excelente Guion de Vince Gilligan
  16. Geemom
    Mar 5, 2015
    10
    I love this show!!! The dark humor of James McGill morphing into Saul is a must see! Not to mention Mike. I highly recommend this show. The episode where James orchestrates the publicity stunt with the billboard incident is priceless. Every billboard I pass advertising a law firm makes me chuckle and think what a sleazebag.
  17. fbtimes
    Apr 14, 2015
    10
    Shattering expectations and better than any spin-off series has a right to be, Better Call Saul shows great promise, and certainly gives Breaking Bad a run at its money.
  18. BumbleJuice
    Apr 6, 2017
    9
    The first season of Better Call Saul is fantastic. Not only is the writing great, the actors to a fantastic job expressing emotions. It is edited very well, and every frame feels like a painting. I haven't seen a better looking show since Mad Men. Great pilot season.
  19. lilkillpappy
    Feb 24, 2015
    10
    it's too soon to be rating this show, but people seem to be doing it anyway. I think it is shaping up to be something great. It's taking its time and by the time the season is over people and critics a like will be singing its praises. I like what I have seen so far, and I trust the writers to deliver the goods.
  20. jam0427
    Mar 24, 2015
    9
    Better Call Saul stands firmly on its own. Any connection to Breaking Bad is purely incidental. Even familiar characters like Mike and Tuco feel fresh and original in their interactions with the title character. To compare it with Breaking Bad seems superfluous. It's sort of like comparing Mad Men to House of Cards. Both exceptional shows telling very different stories in very differentBetter Call Saul stands firmly on its own. Any connection to Breaking Bad is purely incidental. Even familiar characters like Mike and Tuco feel fresh and original in their interactions with the title character. To compare it with Breaking Bad seems superfluous. It's sort of like comparing Mad Men to House of Cards. Both exceptional shows telling very different stories in very different ways. Better Call Saul is a uniquely smart, thoughtful, and multidimensional character study. What a wonderful rarity this is when you consider most of the plodding and over produced dramas for television - network, cable, and streaming sources combined.… Expand
  21. 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!
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. ConnorK
    Mar 21, 2015
    9
    Best new show! After watching the first episode I was hooked. Great writing is present here just like Breaking Bad. If you're a fan of Breaking Bad and haven't seen this, you're missing out.
  26. 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
  27. Puddywoody
    Apr 14, 2017
    0
    Waited a year for season 3 and its still painfully SLOW. The first two seasons could've been achieved in two shows. Unrelated sequencing, slow to no story. Very disappointing. I've official stopped watching.
  28. 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
  29. 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!
  30. 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
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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

All reviews »
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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