The AMC series Better Call Saul has captivated audiences with its intricate storyline, complex characters, and intense drama. As a prequel to the critically acclaimed Breaking Bad, fans are often left wondering about the timeline between the two shows. How many years is Better Call Saul before Breaking Bad? This article will delve into the narrative connections between the two series, exploring the timeline, character developments, and plot twists that bridge the gap between these two beloved shows.
The Creation of Better Call Saul: A Prequel Born from Breaking Bad
Better Call Saul premiered in 2015, six years after the conclusion of Breaking Bad. Created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, the show was conceived as a spin-off exploring the backstory of Saul Goodman, Walter White’s morally ambiguous lawyer. Initially, the idea was to produce a comedy series, but as the story unfolded, it transformed into a drama that delved into the complexities of Jimmy McGill’s transformation into Saul Goodman.
The series’ narrative is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and spans across several years, with each season covering a distinct period. Unlike Breaking Bad, which unfolded in real-time over two years, Better Call Saul takes a more non-linear approach, jumping back and forth between different timeframes.
Understanding the Timeline: A Complex Web of Events
The timeline between Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad is intricate, with events from the prequel series influencing the narrative of the original show. To understand the chronology, it’s essential to look at the key events and characters that connect the two series.
Early Years: Jimmy McGill’s Rise to Prominence
The first season of Better Call Saul takes place in 2002, roughly six years before the events of Breaking Bad. We meet Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer trying to make a name for himself in Albuquerque. As the series progresses, Jimmy becomes embroiled in a series of misadventures, scams, and moral dilemmas that eventually lead him to become the Saul Goodman we know from Breaking Bad.
The Disastrous Dental Scam and the Introduction of Mike Ehrmantraut
One pivotal event in Better Call Saul is Jimmy’s disastrous dental scam, which lands him in hot water with the law. This incident marks the introduction of Mike Ehrmantraut, a retired Philadelphia cop who becomes Jimmy’s fixer and confidant. Mike’s character plays a crucial role in both series, serving as a voice of reason and a moral compass for Jimmy and eventually Walter White.
Kim Wexler: The Enigmatic and Complex Character
Kim Wexler, a senior lawyer at HHM, is another key character in Better Call Saul. Her complicated relationship with Jimmy and her own moral ambiguities add depth to the narrative. Kim’s story arc is a slow burn, but her eventual disappearance from Jimmy’s life has significant implications for his transformation into Saul Goodman.
Breaking Bad Timeline: The Rise of Walter White
Breaking Bad takes place in 2008, approximately six years after the events of Better Call Saul’s first season. Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, is diagnosed with terminal cancer, which sets him on a path of self-destruction and degradation. As Walter’s transformation into Heisenberg accelerates, he becomes embroiled in a world of drugs, violence, and deceit.
Walter’s Initial Meeting with Saul Goodman
The pivotal meeting between Walter and Saul occurs in the Breaking Bad episode “Better Call Saul.” This encounter marks the beginning of their toxic partnership, with Saul facilitating Walter’s criminal activities and enabling his descent into madness.
The Notorious Pinkman and the RV Meth Lab
In Breaking Bad, Walter partners with Jesse Pinkman, a small-time methamphetamine user, to produce and distribute meth. The iconic RV meth lab, a symbol of their early partnership, becomes a central plot point as the series unfolds.
Bridging the Gap: The Timeline between Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad
So, how many years is Better Call Saul before Breaking Bad? The answer lies in the narrative structure of both shows. Based on the events described above, we can estimate the timeline as follows:
- Better Call Saul Season 1-3: 2002-2005 (approximately 3-4 years)
- Better Call Saul Season 4-5: 2005-2008 (approximately 3-4 years)
- Breaking Bad: 2008-2009 (approximately 1-2 years)
This rough timeline suggests that Better Call Saul takes place around 6-8 years before the events of Breaking Bad. However, it’s essential to note that the shows’ creators have never explicitly stated the exact timeline, leaving fans to piece together the narrative connections.
The Legacy of Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad
Both Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad have left an indelible mark on the world of television. Their complex characters, morally ambiguous themes, and gripping storylines have captivated audiences worldwide. As we continue to explore the intricate connections between these two beloved shows, we’re reminded of the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on our lives.
| Show | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Better Call Saul | 2002-2008 (approx. 6-8 years) |
| Breaking Bad | 2008-2009 (approx. 1-2 years) |
In conclusion, the timeline between Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad is a complex web of events, characters, and plot twists. While we can estimate the rough timeline, the exact chronology remains open to interpretation. As we continue to explore the narrative connections between these two shows, we’re reminded of the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on our lives.
How does Better Call Saul connect to Breaking Bad?
Better Call Saul is a prequel series to Breaking Bad, which means it takes place before the events of Breaking Bad. The show follows the story of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer who eventually becomes the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk. Throughout the series, we see Jimmy’s transformation into Saul, which ultimately leads to his involvement with Walter White and Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad.
The connection between the two shows is more than just a shared character, however. Better Call Saul explores the backstory of several key characters from Breaking Bad, including Mike Ehrmantraut and Hector Salamanca, providing a richer understanding of their motivations and actions in the original series. By watching Better Call Saul, fans of Breaking Bad can gain a deeper appreciation for the characters and their relationships, which adds a new layer of complexity to the Breaking Bad narrative.
What is the timeline of Better Call Saul in relation to Breaking Bad?
The timeline of Better Call Saul is a bit complicated, but essentially, the show takes place over several years, from 2002 to 2008. The first season begins in 2002, and each subsequent season jumps forward in time, with the final season culminating in 2008. Breaking Bad, on the other hand, takes place from 2008 to 2009, with the final episodes occurring in the summer of 2009.
The overlap between the two shows is significant, as the final episodes of Better Call Saul set the stage for the events of Breaking Bad. In fact, the last scene of Better Call Saul seamlessly transitions into the first scene of Breaking Bad, providing a sense of continuity between the two series. By paying attention to the timeline, fans can appreciate the subtle connections and callbacks between the two shows, which add to the overall narrative complexity.
How does Mike Ehrmantraut’s storyline intersect with Breaking Bad?
Mike Ehrmantraut, played by Jonathan Banks, is a key character in both Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. In Better Call Saul, we see Mike’s early days as a cop, as well as his transition into the world of private security and eventually, his work with Saul Goodman. Throughout the series, Mike’s character is developed, and we see the events that shape him into the person he becomes in Breaking Bad.
In Breaking Bad, Mike plays a crucial role as Walter White’s fixer and confidant. His character is much more mature, and we see how his experiences in Better Call Saul have prepared him for his work with Walt. The events of Better Call Saul inform Mike’s actions in Breaking Bad, providing a deeper understanding of his motivations and relationships with the other characters. By watching both shows, fans can appreciate the complexity of Mike’s character and his role in the larger narrative.
What is the significance of the Super Lab in Better Call Saul?
The Super Lab is a key location in both Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. In Better Call Saul, we see the construction of the lab, which is later used by Walter White and Jesse Pinkman to cook methamphetamine. The lab is built by Gus Fring, a powerful drug lord, who uses it to produce high-quality meth.
The Super Lab is significant because it represents a turning point in the narrative of both shows. In Better Call Saul, the lab marks the beginning of Gus’s rise to power, while in Breaking Bad, it becomes the site of some of the most intense and dramatic moments of the series. The lab serves as a symbol of the intersection between the two shows, linking the worlds of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman and Walter White/Jesse Pinkman.
How does Hector Salamanca’s character develop between Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad?
Hector Salamanca, played by Mark Margolis, is a ruthless and cunning drug lord who appears in both Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. In Better Call Saul, we see Hector’s early days as a small-time crook, as well as his rise to power within the Salamanca organization. Throughout the series, we see Hector’s character develop, including his relationships with other key characters, such as Mike Ehrmantraut and Gus Fring.
In Breaking Bad, Hector is a much more significant figure, having become a powerful and feared drug lord. His character is more complex, and we see the full extent of his cruelty and manipulation. The events of Better Call Saul inform Hector’s actions in Breaking Bad, providing a deeper understanding of his motivations and relationships with the other characters. By watching both shows, fans can appreciate the complexity of Hector’s character and his role in the larger narrative.
What is the significance of the Cinnabon scene in Better Call Saul?
The Cinnabon scene is a poignant moment in the final season of Better Call Saul. In the scene, we see Jimmy McGill, now fully transformed into Saul Goodman, working at a Cinnabon in Omaha, Nebraska. The scene is significant because it marks the culmination of Jimmy’s transformation, showing how he has abandoned his former life and identity.
The Cinnabon scene is also significant because it serves as a direct callback to the events of Breaking Bad. In Breaking Bad, Saul Goodman mentions that he has a guy who can help them disappear, and that he has a friend who works at a Cinnabon in Omaha. The scene in Better Call Saul shows us that Jimmy has become that person, providing a sense of closure and continuity between the two shows.
What is the ultimate purpose of Better Call Saul in relation to Breaking Bad?
The ultimate purpose of Better Call Saul is to provide a richer understanding of the characters and events of Breaking Bad. By exploring the backstories of key characters, such as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, Mike Ehrmantraut, and Hector Salamanca, the show adds depth and complexity to the Breaking Bad narrative. Better Call Saul also serves to humanize the characters, making them more relatable and sympathetic.
By watching Better Call Saul, fans of Breaking Bad can gain a deeper appreciation for the characters and their motivations, which adds a new layer of complexity to the Breaking Bad narrative. The show also serves to enrich the Viewing experience, providing a more complete and nuanced understanding of the characters and their relationships. Ultimately, Better Call Saul is an essential companion piece to Breaking Bad, providing a richer and more satisfying viewing experience.