TMC
10-08-2018, 05:37 PM
http://thefederalist.com/2018/10/08/bob-odenkirk-makes-better-call-saul-best-show-tv/
“Better Call Saul” inches closer to its sequel series “Breaking Bad” each season—not just in terms of converging storylines, but also in overall tone. The jovial and light-hearted nature of early seasons has given way to darkness. The silly antics have been replaced by moves of desperation, and in the scope of dynamic television characters, few rival Jimmy McGill’s quality and complexity.
Each new episode of “Better Caul Saul” adds a layer of the titular character to further his evolution into Saul Goodman, whom viewers came to know in “Breaking Bad.” The more his inner workings are exposed, the more we are enthralled. No other fictional person contained in a TV series has better portrayed unrelenting conflict and struggle like McGill.
Certainly the show’s development, production, and writing are to be greatly credited, but Jimmy does not become Saul Goodman without Bob Odenkirk’s masterful and electric portrayal. His performance is a perfect cocktail of humor, discomfort, genius, arrogance, and anxiety.
Jimmy’s self-doubt, which he struggles to contain, finds a home on Odenkirk’s face even in the most hopeful moments of the show. Without Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul” might be a decent show. With him, it’s the best show on television.
“Better Call Saul” inches closer to its sequel series “Breaking Bad” each season—not just in terms of converging storylines, but also in overall tone. The jovial and light-hearted nature of early seasons has given way to darkness. The silly antics have been replaced by moves of desperation, and in the scope of dynamic television characters, few rival Jimmy McGill’s quality and complexity.
Each new episode of “Better Caul Saul” adds a layer of the titular character to further his evolution into Saul Goodman, whom viewers came to know in “Breaking Bad.” The more his inner workings are exposed, the more we are enthralled. No other fictional person contained in a TV series has better portrayed unrelenting conflict and struggle like McGill.
Certainly the show’s development, production, and writing are to be greatly credited, but Jimmy does not become Saul Goodman without Bob Odenkirk’s masterful and electric portrayal. His performance is a perfect cocktail of humor, discomfort, genius, arrogance, and anxiety.
Jimmy’s self-doubt, which he struggles to contain, finds a home on Odenkirk’s face even in the most hopeful moments of the show. Without Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul” might be a decent show. With him, it’s the best show on television.