Screening Report "Better Call Saul"

Several juxtapositions have been raised regarding the new AMC series “Better Call Saul” since there was no need for another courtroom drama with the likes of “Suits” and “The Good Wife” monopolizing the interest of the viewers. This is where, award winning writer and producer Vince Gilligan steps up  to provide a satisfying spin-off series living up to both the fan’s and critic’s expectations.
Like its predecessors Gilligan’s new series also suffers from a rather blunt start, however Raymond Cruz’s return as the psychotic drug dealer Tuco Salamanca in the second episode compensates for that. Constant jumps in time are used as a manner of exposition, since the audience is unfamiliar with a most of the characters shown in the first episodes. It is also important to highlight that every episode so far revolves around a different character, thus keeping the story coherent, while explaining the motives behind every action taken by the characters. This can be frustrating at some points, but keeping in mind Gilligan’s style all is supposed to lead up to something bigger.
 At this point it’s important to mention that the director makes it easier for the audience to follow the fragmented narration by using a different color palate for each time period of Jimmy’s Life. His early life is portrayed with dim colors and a screen filter, the time of the basic storyline with rather lively ones, while the present is depicted only in black and white in order to show his transformation from a pushover to the best lawyer of the state and his final fall from grace. Moreover several hints about the upcoming events are shown via establishing shots like the opening scene of episode seven with a butterfly ready to hatch from its cocoon right before Jimmy starts working on his biggest case yet. On the down side, the parts with the young Jimmy are comic to say the least, since the main difference is the addition of a wig on the protagonists head in a vain attempt to make him look younger.
 Character transformation is a another important aspect for the creator of the series as it is seen on his previous works, such as “The X-Files”, “Breaking Bad” and even the disappointing movie “Hancock”, so many plot twists are expected ahead with hints provided in each episode. The transformation of “Fixer Mike” from a dirty cop to a vigilante, Saul’s Brother Chuck from a “rockstar lawyer” to a man-child and even Jimmy’s transformation to Saul Goodman are some of the prime examples of character changes that have or are expected to come later on. Despite all of the virtues related with character development some of them, such as the Kettlemans or the Detective investigating Mike’s case are forgettable and rather annoying at some points.
The performances are top notch with award winning Bob Odenkirk stealing the show especially when compared with the same character appearing on “Breaking Bad”. Some of the supporting actors include Oscar nominee Michael McKean as well as primetime Emmy nominee Jonathan Banks.
“Better Call Saul” has made a great start, making both critics and hardcore “Breaking Bad” fans ecstatic about its arrival. Great actors, intriguing plot, unique characters that complement each other are some of its great features, however it is difficult to determine whether all of these elements will fall flat in the upcoming seasons.