There is no overlap between Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. The prequel is a story about the lawyer Saul Goodman before the events of Breaking Bad.
About Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad
Together, Better Call Saul, the spin-off series that explores the background of colorful lawyer Saul Goodman, and Breaking Bad, which is widely praised for its nuanced depiction of a modest chemistry teacher turned vicious methamphetamine maker, create an engrossing interconnected narrative universe. In addition to chronicling Jimmy McGill’s metamorphosis into Saul Goodman, Better Call Saul gives viewers an intimate look at the motivations and personal histories of other well-known Breaking Bad characters.
Related: Which Breaking Bad Character Are You?
Better Call Saul as a Springboard
Better Call Saul’s brilliance resides in the way it employs the backdrop of Albuquerque’s criminal underworld—which was first introduced in Breaking Bad—to give well-known characters more nuance and context. For example, we observe the early commercial endeavors and family ties of drug dealer Gus Fring. Additionally, Mike Ehrmantraut’s character is developed in Better Call Saul, which offers a closer look at his past and the reasons behind his descent into crime.
The Overlap Between Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad
The intrinsic similarities between Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad are concealed by memorable moments, even though each program has its own distinct tone and storyline. The prequel frequently gives viewers “ah-ha” moments; for those who have watched Breaking Bad, it rewards them by completing some narrative threads and illuminating the reasons behind various events and choices made in the show. Before watching Better Call Saul, it’s not necessary to have watched Breaking Bad, but for those who have knowledge of the characters’ eventual outcomes, the experience is undoubtedly enhanced.
Writing Order Versus Narrative Order
Better Call Saul’s story takes place earlier in the timeline, despite the fact that it was written after Breaking Bad. Nevertheless, viewers frequently wonder which sequence to watch these series in. Is it appropriate to begin with Breaking Bad and view Better Call Saul as a protracted flashback? Or is it more fitting to regard Breaking Bad as a somber trip into the future and begin with Better Call Saul? In either case, the spectator learns more about the intricate, multi-layered storytelling of this universe, and the similarities get more obvious as each episode goes on.
Shared Themes, Locations and Characters
It would be insufficient to analyze Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad’s similarities without taking into account their common themes, settings, and characters. The central premise of both shows is transformation—the ongoing moral advancement—that our heroes experience. Albuquerque is more than just a backdrop; its natural and cultural settings almost take on a life of its own, influencing the choices and behaviors of its people. Common characters that transcend the confines of a single series, such as Gus Fring, Mike Ehrmantraut, and Saul Goodman, act as live links between the two shows.
Conclusion: A Harmonizing Narrative
Essentially, there is more to Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad than just character reunions and related settings. Rather, the two shows cleverly combine—flashing back and forward—to create a unified story that expands on a common universe. We learn more about the motivations, challenges, and eventually tragic, unavoidable ends of the characters from these overlaps and returns to well-traveled pathways. For fans of both programs, these crossovers are a thrilling confirmation of the intricately woven storylines that have been painstakingly developed over the course of two of the most beloved television shows.
