Should I Watch Better Call Saul Before Breaking Bad

Should You Watch Better Call Saul Before Breaking Bad? A Definitive Answer

So, you're thinking about diving into the critically acclaimed world of Breaking Bad, but you've heard whispers of its prequel, Better Call Saul. The question burning in your mind: should you watch Better Call Saul before Breaking Bad? The short answer is: it depends, but in most cases, the slightly longer answer is a resounding yes. This article will delve into the reasons why watching Better Call Saul first enhances your Breaking Bad experience, as well as considerations for those who might prefer a different approach.

This article will explore the pros and cons of watching Better Call Saul before Breaking Bad, helping you decide which viewing order best suits your preferences. We will consider factors like plot understanding, character development, and overall enjoyment.

Why Watching Better Call Saul First Enhances Breaking Bad

• Deeper Appreciation for Saul Goodman: Breaking Bad introduces Saul Goodman as a quirky, somewhat sleazy lawyer. Better Call Saul reveals his origin story, transforming him from Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer with a good heart, into the Saul Goodman we know and (sometimes) love. This transformation adds significant depth and complexity to his character in Breaking Bad, making his actions and motivations far more understandable and impactful.

• Enhanced Understanding of the Breaking Bad Universe: Better Call Saul expands the Breaking Bad universe, introducing new characters and storylines that intertwine with the main plot. This expanded universe gives you a richer understanding of the moral ambiguities and the complexities of the Albuquerque underworld. You'll spot subtle connections and foreshadowing that will add layers of meaning to your Breaking Bad rewatch.

• Improved Character Development: Several key Breaking Bad characters appear in Better Call Saul, providing additional context to their pasts and motivations. Witnessing their development before their Breaking Bad appearances adds depth to their already compelling arcs. This is especially true for Mike Ehrmantraut and Gus Fring, whose backstories are fleshed out significantly.

• A More Satisfying Narrative Arc: By watching Better Call Saul first, you essentially watch the complete arc of Saul Goodman, experiencing his transformation from idealistic lawyer to morally compromised criminal lawyer. This offers a more complete and satisfying narrative experience, enriching your understanding of his journey and his eventual fate.

Arguments for Watching Breaking Bad First

While watching Better Call Saul first is generally recommended, some viewers might prefer to experience Breaking Bad first. This approach might offer:

• Maintaining the initial impact of Breaking Bad: Some viewers prefer the initial shock and awe of Breaking Bad without the context provided by Better Call Saul. This approach could heighten the suspense and mystery surrounding certain characters and plot points.

• Avoiding potential spoilers: While Better Call Saul doesn't explicitly spoil major plot points from Breaking Bad, some viewers prefer to avoid any potential hints or foreshadowing.

• Different pacing: Better Call Saul has a slower pace than Breaking Bad. Some viewers might prefer to start with the faster-paced, more intense action of Breaking Bad and then delve into the more character-driven prequel.

The Verdict: Watch Better Call Saul First

Ultimately, the decision remains personal. However, the benefits of watching Better Call Saul before Breaking Bad significantly outweigh the drawbacks for most viewers. The deeper understanding of characters, the enriched narrative experience, and the expanded universe considerably enhance the overall enjoyment of both shows. The prequel acts as a powerful enriching layer to the original series, revealing nuances and contexts that elevate the entire experience. So, unless you have a strong preference for experiencing Breaking Bad completely unspoiled, we strongly recommend starting your journey with Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman.