Better Call Saul

[cjefferys]

The Charles Crumb influence was something Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould discussed on the "Better Call Saul Insider Podcast". They said Chuck wasn't directly based on Charles Crumb, but - from what I understood - when they were creating Chuck they already knew he was going to be a recluse, and watching the documentary "Crumb" helped them shape the character in terms of emotional tone. It's also why the named him Charles AKA Chuck.

OK man, I get what you mean now. I haven't been listening to that podcast, but I think I'm going to start doing so!

Oh, and Odenkirk has been amazing in this show! And I've noticed some of the movie references too!

[Brazoo]

OK man, I get what you mean now. I haven't been listening to that podcast, but I think I'm going to start doing so!

Oh, and Odenkirk has been amazing in this show! And I've noticed some of the movie references too!

They did a podcast like this for Breaking Bad too. I think it's great, because normally you hear interviews from actors, and sometimes directors, but this podcast involves writers and editors too - so you get to hear a lot of the thinking that goes through the entire process. It's especially interesting when you get to hear pre-production and post-production people together surprising each other with insights about what they do to achieve the overall vision.

--

My friend noticed one other reference last week. At one point Jimmy greats Mike saying: "The man in the booth, John Wilkes Booth, Booth Tarkington!", which I heard, but didn't think about much because it's just another "booth" name, until my friend pointed out that Booth Tarkington is the author of "The Magnificent Ambersons". Clearly, Jimmy is a HUGE movie nut.

[4NDR01D]

I'll admit I've found this show to be a very slow burn so far, the last two episodes have really started to kick it into gear but, "this show is every bit as good as "Breaking Bad" ever was" hyperbole is just silly (especially after, what, two episodes?). I completely trust the writers, director etc, but Breaking Bad was one of those shows that was instantly addictive whereas this show I've been DVR'ing and just watching through the week when I've had time.

[Iron Mego]

I think there's been more like 5 episodes actually.

There's really no reason to compare it to BB, it's a completely different show, with a different feel. I think they're playing with subtlety a lot more here, which I'm cool with. I think the anticipation, knowing what and whom he's going to eventually become involved with makes it really intriguing to me.

[drquest]

I feel it just keeps getting better! I enjoy the little things the writers do, and the extra time they are taking to tell the story.

So the Mike backstory episode was very well done.

[Hector]

Better Call Saul, Gotham, Walking Dead, Big Bang Theory, and the Flash...must see shows for me.

[4NDR01D]

I think there's been more like 5 episodes actually.

There's really no reason to compare it to BB, it's a completely different show, with a different feel. I think they're playing with subtlety a lot more here, which I'm cool with. I think the anticipation, knowing what and whom he's going to eventually become involved with makes it really intriguing to me.

I was stating that comment was made after two episodes, which to me, is crazy (and there's been 7 including the pilot). And to suggest there's no reason to compare it to BB is just silly, It's a friggin' spin-off, of course people are going to compare them.

[Iron Mego]

Nevermind.

[samurainoir]

Jimmy flipping at the end was heart-breaking. Also his reaction when she rejects his offer.

Love the Secret Origin of Mike.

Can't wait for Gustavo Fring to show up eventually. We know there is a story there, and Giancarlo Esposito is too good an actor not to come back to a juicy role like this.

[Iron Mego]

I can't wait to see what finally pushes Jimmy to lose his scruples.

[CrimsonGhost]

Jimmy never had scruples, hence "Slippin' Jimmy". Everything he's built so far is based on a scam. His character is fantastic, I love him.

This is my favorite show on TV right now. Odenkirk is an amazing actor and the guy that plays Mike is just fantastic. He's really showing it too, moreso than on Breaking Bad.

[Iron Mego]

Barring the kinds of cases he takes, he does indeed have scruples. He could have walked off with the Kettelman's money without a second thought. He struggles with his scruples, but he does have them.

[CrimsonGhost]

I had to Google the differences between scruples, morals, and ethics and I stand corrected. He does have scruples. His ethics are more questionable. Honor among thieves I guess.

[Iron Mego]

Really good episode last night. I like it when Jimmy is going up against the man. Interesting to see how Charles treated him back in they day.

[Iron Mego]

Oh man, what a great episode this week! And here's a nice article about the deliberate pacing of the show.

http://www.avclub.com/article/86-seconds-sofa-praise-better-call-sauls-slowness-216041

Can't believe the season will be over next week.