Better Call Saul (AMC, 2015) S: Odenkirk, Banks
As AMC‘s Breaking Bad is heading into its final eight-episode run this summer, the network and series producer Sony TV are exploring keeping the franchise alive with a spinoff series centered on one of Breaking Bad‘s most recognizable supporting characters, Bob Odenkirk‘s unflappable criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. There are no deals in place yet as the project is in its nascent stages, but I hear it is being conceived by Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan and series writer-producer Peter Gould, who created the Saul character together for a Season 2 episode written by Gould. In the episode, titled “Better Call Saul“, Walt (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse (Aaron Paul) hire the flamboyant Goodman after Badger (Matt L. Jones) is caught by the DEA. Goodman, who has been a regular presence on the show since, is a sleazy but highly competent criminal lawyer with a penchant for over-the-top TV commercials in which he uses his signature tagline “Better Call Saul!” Saul has served as Breaking Bad‘s comic relief, which is not surprising given Odenkirk’s strong comedy background. As a result, I hear the potential spinoff is eyed as a comedy, which could be one-hour, but a half-hour format also is being explored. |
re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Hmmm. Not sure how I feel about this. One one hand, if Vince and the regular writers are on board, it may be good. But, I could see how badly this could turn out as well.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Interesting idea. Not sure how effective Saul would be as a lead. He works well as part of a strong supporting cast. Curious to see where this nets out.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
I love Breaking Bad and Saul is a great character but I'm not sure on this idea to be honest. Saul seems better suited as a side character if you ask me and I just don't know if the idea is strong enough to stand on it's own as a series. If Vince Gilligan was involved I'd at least check it out.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Love Saul... loved Mike more (but he ain't coming back in a spin-off). I'll watch this.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
I'd watch this in a heartbeat. Saul cracks me up!
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
I'd watch for sure, but hopefully Gilligan has something else in the works as well.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
I'd give it a shot. It's a little disappointing to read about, though, as it pretty much guarantees Saul's well-being for the final season of BB. Although, I guess there weren't really any remaining threats to his safety, anyway. His freedom, perhaps, but not his safety.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Apparently Gilligan didn't learn his lesson from The Lone Gunmen.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Originally Posted by andicus
(Post 11646416)
I'd give it a shot. It's a little disappointing to read about, though, as it pretty much guarantees Saul's well-being for the final season of BB. Although, I guess there weren't really any remaining threats to his safety, anyway. His freedom, perhaps, but not his safety.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
I'd watch. If it were a 30 minute comedy and it also had Badger and Skinny Pete I'd be excited. If it were a prequel with Mike, I'd be ecstatic.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Originally Posted by andicus
(Post 11646416)
I'd give it a shot. It's a little disappointing to read about, though, as it pretty much guarantees Saul's well-being for the final season of BB. Although, I guess there weren't really any remaining threats to his safety, anyway. His freedom, perhaps, but not his safety.
If it is a real viable idea, I hope they shoot it as though it will only be one season, it's sort of an anthology, and that it's a dark dramedy feel hourlong. |
re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
http://www.thewrap.com/tv/article/br...d-ahead-101091
The Saul Goodman spinoff is in full development mode now. Gilligan and Gould are still working out logistics on what they are pitching to Sony. It's either a prequel or follow up. If its a prequel, Gilligan says its possible he could bring back Gus Fring. |
re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
I'll watch it if it's made but I'm still skeptical on the idea. I think Saul's part works on Breaking Bad because he's only on it now and again and is a part of a larger ensemble cast. Not sure if it's a strong enough premise to base an entire series on personally. It seems like something that could really fizzle out unless there's a strong supporting cast and some really interesting stories. Still though as I mentioned earlier if Vince Gilligan is involved with it I'll check it out.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
I hope in the first episode they have Saul's sister dumping her young daughter off on Saul, so we see him juggling his legal career with parenthood. I also hope they shoot it three camera style with a laugh track. Just as big "Fuck you" to the fans of Breaking Bad.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
I'd have far more interest if it's a follow-up than if it's a prequel that features characters that are dead in the current fictional timeline. There's just a level of cognitive dissonance I won't be able to shake.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Originally Posted by Crocker Jarmen
(Post 11753673)
I hope in the first episode they have Saul's sister dumping her young daughter off on Saul, so we see him juggling his legal career with parenthood. I also hope they shoot it three camera style with a laugh track. Just as big "Fuck you" to the fans of Breaking Bad.
Not interested in a Saul spinoff. Just let this magnificent series finish nobly without tarnishing it by trying to squeeze out every nickel. |
re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Saul's always seemed to me more like a walking spoof than a real character.
It works on the main show because while structured like a heavy serialized drama, a lot of what goes on is gallows humor and grim satire. That's the undercurrent. I don't know how well it works as the primary driver, especially with a cipher in the center. Hell, after how-many-seasons on the air, you still can't say whether he's smarter or stupider than he lets on. Everywhere but Breaking Bad, Odenkirk has always been the death of comedy. I'm really open to seeing more in this universe, but this doesn't sound what I'd call promising. Surprise me, Vince! |
re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
The 'comedy' tag worries me, but if they could nail the tone of the first two seasons of Breaking Bad it could be worth watching. I think a show following Saul and his motley crew of deadbeat criminal clients has potential. Without knowing Saul's fate in the final season of BB, I'd have a followup than a prequel. A prequel with Odenkirk could only go so far back before his first appearance in BB season 2, and it would kill any suspense they built around him as a lead character since we know he turns out okay. Plus I'd rather have a fresh location.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Must miss.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Originally Posted by Geofferson
(Post 11646262)
Interesting idea. Not sure how effective Saul would be as a lead. He works well as part of a strong supporting cast. Curious to see where this nets out.
I wonder what people first thought when they learned that the Cheers spin-off featured Kelsey Grammer. I must admit that when I first heard the rumours I was half-expecting any spinoff would feature Woody and his wife! NB) Never saw the Tortelliis. |
re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Yeah apparently there was a poll conducted around the end of Cheers' run, and Frasier was one or the least voted candidates.
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re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
Originally Posted by benedict
(Post 11753989)
I'm only a couple of seasons into BB (on DVD), so have just encountered Saul.
I wonder what people first thought when they learned that the Cheers spin-off featured Kelsey Grammer. I must admit that when I first heard the rumours I was half-expecting any spinoff would feature Woody and his wife! NB) Never saw the Tortelliis. This may be horrible. It may be brilliant. Personally I think Saul's character may be best suited to going to prison and surviving in a very hostile place with his unique skill set. That is what I'd like to see. |
re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
What a waste. Kind of demonstrates what a studio "believes" it wants versus what the audience is telling them. Ratings don't mean shit if a production wants something.
Saul is a character (among many other characters) which keeps Breaking Bad being a top-notch series. Let's not fool ourselves into thinking these interesting characters can actually do a series on their own and keep an audience entertained for more than a few episodes. |
re: Better Call Saul (AMC, Premieres 2014) S:Odenkirk
I disagree entirely, I love Saul and it keeps the show's darkly comical sensibility from seeming out of place.
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