Better Call Saul | An Unprecedented Miracle

[@Mr_Case_Time]

Fuck yes, here we go. Edit: dude you’re about to hit 100K!

[@MacabreStorytelling]

Soon…

[@diddles3383]

​@MacabreStorytelling I am so baffled that it's taken so long for you to get 100k, your videos are amazing!

[@SubZero-hs9xc]

@@MacabreStorytelling you deserve more

[@nak3dxsnake]

Time to get a better channel icon. Lemme know if you want a good deal. I have no self worth.

[@goatsoup]

100k!

[@guillesuperior]

A moment that I loved in the show was when Lalo wanted to send Jimmy to kill Gus, but Jimmy convinced him to send Kim instead because that way she had a chance to escape, showed that Jimmy was willing to die for Kim, but Kim tried to actually kill Gus, because if she finished the job Jimmy had a chance to live, showed that Kim is willing to kill for Jimmy

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆👆👆👆

[@GothGfGG]

Really? I thought Jimmy sent Kim out of cowardice.

[@missmia196]

​@@GothGfGGno. Shallow surface level take.

[@GothGfGG]

@@missmia196 I just finished the show for the first time a few weeks ago Desp diving into these essays, sorry for the shit take

[@UnacceptedBySocietyArtist]

@@missmia196no need to be a shithead about it. Not everyone can pick these up at first, we have lives outside of watching TV ya know.

[@mynameisreza1]

This show is fascinating in how it literally took the most loudest and bombastic character from Breaking Bad and centred him in a much more quieter, nuanced, introspective and arguably better character drama. One of the best shows I've ever seen.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆👆

[@NuanceOverDogma]

@@MacabreStorytelling recency bias is so cringe

[@Jakeyisdead]

@@NuanceOverDogma You're right but this will stand the test of time for the people who watch it

[@Largentina.]

​@@NuanceOverDogma "Opinion is different than yours so it's automatically recency bias." -A Genius

[@lulairenoroub3869]

"Most" and "-est" is redundant. As is "more" and "-er". Most loudest. Most loud or loudest. More quieter. More quiet or quieter Doesn't matter in the slightest, and I'm a jerk for even mentioning it, but can't help myself. It eats at me

[@joshuatran6526]

Lets not forget that Nacho and Lalo were throwaway names from Breaking Bad. The writers managed to make two brilliant characters and perfectly sees why when he’s dragged into the desert Salamanca style, that’s where his mind immediately goes

[@TheRussianRob]

i feel like they were writing the scripts for both at roughly the same time, or they had more character lines developed for Breaking Bad, that were later dropped off as unnecessary in telling the story of Walter White, because otherwise all those little and unnoticeable details in BB don't make any sense...well they didn't at the time, but now I'm convinced they were there for a reason from start on. Brilliant!

[@RenaldyCalixte]

​@@TheRussianRobThey were throw away lines used to set up Saul as a comedy character. Saul shows up in 2010. Better Call Saul was being developed in 2013 just after Breaking Bad ended.

[@caleidoscopecara]

@@RenaldyCalixtei think its possible that the writers at least had a loose idea of Saul’s background and threw in some nuggets just in case they eventually explored it. But its also totally possible they expertly retconned details that were previously jus throw away moments. Either way, it was brilliantly executed!

[@ijdin]

​@@caleidoscopecarathis would be up for debate if not literally confirmed by the show writers

[@caleidoscopecara]

@@ijdin I didn’t know they confirmed it, I was just speculating based off the content of the shows and not any outside interviews or other commentary

[@DMIwriter]

I think one of the chief elements that contributed to Better Call Saul's brilliance is also what people most often criticize it for: it's pacing. I honestly think one of the biggest faults in modern media is that writers are uncomfortable with letting emotions sit for too long. Marvel is the prime example of this, as soon as any scene starts to get too vulnerable or sincere we have to resort to "witty" quips and sarcasm so we can keep the action rolling. But I think the biggest strength of BCS is that it's not afraid to just sit with a character and watch them process what just happened to them, or what's going on in their life, or considering the implications of what they're about to do. There's entire shots that are extremely long and consist of nothing more than a character emoting with no dialogue. It really helps the emotions of the character play out in a more natural way and helps their emotions and thought processes seep into the viewer. It's almost like we get to think through their thoughts with them in real time. A prime example would be Kim breaking down on the bus.

[@RenaldyCalixte]

Ironically the Marvel Netflix TV shows also (to a lesser degree) allow characters to sit in their emotions on longer scenes. However because these shows were produced by Netflix and not Marvel Studios. They are often ignored in Marvel Studios films and Marvel Netflix's approach despite being well received by fans and critics is ignored by executives at Marvel Studios when producing Marvel films. The most recent Marvel film. The Marvels spends more time on a comedy gag on an unusual planet than...the emotional arc between two characters that were present in the first Captain Marvel film which undercut the central story of the film.

[@reginaphalange9417]

​​@@RenaldyCalixteI miss Netflix' daredevil for this + it's good writing and its dark/brutal side (I hope the Disney's reboot won't never see the light of day)

[@reginaphalange9417]

1:44:50 Personally I got the impression that Jimmy's unusual determination to rob the cancer sufferer had something to do with his resentment against Walt. Also, the mistakes he eventually made were clear sign of his unconscious will to be caught.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆

[@delfin5418]

I still can’t believe how they turned such a go-lucky, hilarious lawyer like Saul Goodman into a depressing, grounded Greek tragedy of Jimmy McGill. Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould are truly geniuses in character writing.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

Pure talent

[@delfin5418]

@@MacabreStorytelling 99.1% pure

[@osmanyousif7849]

@@delfin5418 , and tight, TIGHT, TIGHT, TIGHT, TIGHT!!!!!

[@inFAMOUSBlastshards]

I'm excited for Vince's new show on Apple TV. There's literally no details on the show yet other than it's a Science fiction drama starring Rhea Sheahorn and that's literally all I need to know to get excited.

[@delfin5418]

@@inFAMOUSBlastshards yes can’t wait for that as well! I’ve heard it’s compared to The Twilight Zone which is another show I love so super excited to see what Gilligan has in store!

[@angelaisacliche]

One of my very favourite moments between Chuck and Jimmy is when Jimmy realises they're going to work together on the Sandpiper case and Chuck goes to shake his hand and Jimmy hugs him. In my opinion it's such a good visual representation of their relationship.

[@RenaldyCalixte]

Chuck shaking Jimmy's hand is him treating Jimmy as an equal but dismissing Jimmy's emotional sincerity.

[@samizdat4443]

@@RenaldyCalixteI don’t believe Chuck ever saw Jimmy as his equal. He was entering into a temporary professional venture knowing full well how he planned to take the wind from his sails once they took it to HHM. There was no sincerity behind what Chuck was doing

[@RenaldyCalixte]

@@samizdat4443 Then why spend long grueling hours working on the Sandpiper case with Jimmy? Why did his psychosomatic symptoms vanish when he and Jimmy spent all that time working together? Why did Chuck smile when Jimmy pointed out bro you don't need the space blanket, you are sitting outside on a park bench? Yes Chuck wanted to take the wind out of Jimmy's sails but he also genuinely cared about Jimmy but also viewed Jimmy as a threat because he didn't believe he abandoned his con man past. Also Jimmy has a very fatalistic outlook. He bases his entire motivation to do good on one person's opinion of him. 1st it was Chuck and then it was Kim after Chuck's death. If either of these people express a negative view Jimmy backslides into conning people. Let's not put Jimmy on a pedestal and claim he's a only a moral do gooder.

[@samizdat4443]

@@RenaldyCalixte First of all I never claimed Jimmy was the pinnacle of morality, that’s your thing apparently. He also never saw him as a threat,certainly not as a peer, he just believed Jimmy was perverting the law toward the means of another one of his ‘slippin’ schemes. Secondly, of course Chuck is going to enjoy working on Sandpiper, no matter who it’s with, the Law is what he holds in the highest regard / cares about more than anything

[@samizdat4443]

@@RenaldyCalixte I mildly disagreed with your comment from two months ago about a fictional television program (a topic entirely open to personal interpretation) and you responded, defensively, within 10 minutes. Good Lord.

[@gnarrcan108]

The Jimmy and Chuck arc was one of the most gripping things I’ve ever watched

[@Devinisapimp2019]

Fr it’s so complex and it’s annoying when people interpret the dynamic in the completely wrong way into thinking that Chuck was always right

[@Shdhdhdhd]

Something amazing about the mike arc with Werner is the symbolism. Werner represents the part of mike that thinks he’s good and that he isn’t a criminal working for a drug empire. The part of him that wants to stay naive of Gus’s operations and evil. Mike having to realise the problem with Werner and kill him shows how he kills off the naive part of himself denying the work he does with Gus. It’s the final step for him to become a criminal beyond redemption.

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

I hadn't thought of it that way before. Good analysis 👌

[@tvaddict6623]

Wow, perfectly said!!

[@peanutgallery4]

What is the reasoning for Werner representing Mike's good side?

[@trashteamracing8262]

The Werner saga was really sad and frustrating. All he had to do was finish the job.

[@nont18411]

Also Mike killed Werner just to eventually got killed by Heisenberg. Werner Heisenberg.

[@benjamingentile1660]

The grifter moment with young Jimmy is one of my favorite scenes. Imagine swindling 5 whole dollars out of someone and then thinking you’re such a bad ass that you need to give a speech about wolves and sheep and “the way the world works.”

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆

[@shanez1215]

The equivalent of that guy today is the person who stole the disc out of Rise of The Silver Surfer at Goodwill. Yeah you're such a badass, committing a crime to save 3 dollars on a terrible movie.

[@davidmckean955]

That would be like $30 in today's money and the point is still valid.

[@supremeworld87]

​@@shanez1215 no one knows what the hell you're talking about

[@LC-mq8iq]

@@supremeworld87 hahaha i know exactly what he's talking about and its hilarious

[@joelsunnex5171]

I also found Lalo's end kinda of abrupt, but upon rewatching it I think it underlines how lucky Lalo (and later in BB, Gus and eventually Walt) both play with their food and indulge themselves in the GAME of outsmarting their opponents. Gus let's his bloodlust for Hector cloud is judgement and Walt could've let Gale take the fall for Heisenberg, but Walt's ego wouldn't allow it. Gus' revenge, Walt's ego and Lalo's showboating all eventually lead to their undoing. Gus could have messaged Don Eládio at any point and irreparable damage to his reputation with the cartel.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

That is one of the ways that makes it go down smoother; Lalo was far too cocky about showing Gus up

[@AdminAbuse]

Kinda means "kind of", kinda of is nonsensical

[@rhetiq9989]

I think Lalo's death felt abrupt bcs only an episode prior we already had a major death in our hands with Howard. I was expecting a few more eps until we had another but imagine my surprise, and they both were buried in the same grave lol

[@gongalicious]

The more I think about it over time the more I like how they did Lalo's death. I get that it feels sudden and a little understated for such a big personality, but I like how it opposes his character. It's like real death, just like how sudden Howard's was. There's no fanfare. He's shot in the throat and then thrown in a grave. Lalo slipped up once by letting Gus do his little speech and it was enough to kill him. Gus got lucky enough to hit him in a shot in the dark. That's usually how it goes in real life too in a battle of wits. It also parallels how Gus slipped up later on in BrBa by visiting Hector himself and it also led to his death. These guys, who think they're in control of everything, let their emotions get the best of them and it costs them everything.

[@saucegoodman825]

@@gongalicious Bra-fucking-vo Vince + Peter

[@driftless7134]

Better Call Saul has seeped into me at a very deep level in a way no media ever has. I often find myself daydreaming and reflecting on the show - especially the characters and interplay between them. It's just so good on every level and was able to achieve such marvelous heights. It touched on so many themes and topics that are so subtle and hard to put into words in our everyday lives and relationships. I think in a modern sense, it's the closest thing we have to a Greek tragedy or myth for our era.

[@magnawiz]

A modern day parable. A cautionary tale about denying your feelings.

[@PenitentOne69]

I feel similarly. I finished it very soon after the finale aired, am currently on a rewatch with my grandmother, and I still love the show so much I am down for another rewatch (perhaps with commentary from the cast & crew) right after I'm done with the current one. There is, however, another piece of media that has similarly resonated with me - Neon Genesis Evangelion. Granted, I've heard it said that that show appeals far more specifically to depressed people, with its themes of alienation, struggling to connect with people and self hatred. It has its flaws - an initial monster-of-the-week structure and the overall plot being pretty confusing at times, but if you don't focus on the lore too much and look at the plot just as a vehicle to explore the relationships between these very messed up characters, it is very good. Your mileage may vary, but personally, only NGE and BCS have resonated with me on such a deep level, so if you haven't seen it and any of the above themes seem relevant, that could be something to check out.

[@driftless7134]

@@PenitentOne69 Thanks for the recommendation! Cheers!

[@eaglesattack]

I’m in love with you I’m eagles attack

[@coleremme6899]

What a great analogy! Not sure people will view it as having the same impact as a Greek tragedy but I certainly do!

[@diegowushu]

I will never get over how Michael McKean and Odenkirk, both great comedians, completely and utterly own this show with their insane dramatic chops. I've never been more invested in brother's relationship as I've been with them. Just brilliant.

[@soggytortillla]

Just realized Chuck is Mr green in clue. It’s like Adam Sandler in uncut gems lol

[@reginaphalange9417]

and how none of them got an emmy...

[@brandonburrows186]

Saul if you just watch Breaking Bad: a funny albeit competent lawyer that's comic relief If you watch Better Call Saul: a shell of a man who hides behind a facade to mask his trauma

[@MacabreStorytelling]

A truly tragic tale...

[@dna6]

Thank God, something new to put on when I wake up at 6:50 am and need someone talking to me while I sleep before I wake up at 10:20 am

[@LoneWulf278]

😂

[@MacabreStorytelling]

Glad I could help!

[@LagraFinucio]

Send me your address and leave a window open at 6:50... i know someone who can help with that

[@ex_nazguul]

Lmao so accurate

[@dannyredfern2154]

I genuinely think the Chuck and Jimmy story is the greatest dynamic between two characters ever put on television. Also think the point of Jimmy ignoring the consequences of his actions through his guilt is spot on, its why the finale hits so well for me, after years of running from his guilt he finally took responsibility for his actions

[@moonlessiguana1826]

Clearly, you have not seen True Detective :)

[@errwhattheflip]

@@moonlessiguana1826 It's a lot better than Rust and Marty's dynamic, as much as I love it. Simply far more layered and nuanced. But they are way too different to properly compare, so there's that

[@Davinki651]

I could never hate chuck because his resentment and need for justification is painfully relatable. Chuck worked to the bone for his parent's happiness and love (he went to college at 14 ffs), but jimmy just existing got more love and adoration out of them than any of chuck's accomplishments. In order for this to make sense, jimmy has to be a perfect angel, but he's not, and chuck knew it. If he could prove it, maybe he'd get a little more love and credit for the way he lived his life. But they never believed him, and no matter how much jimmy messed up, there was no strictness or consequences (mostly due to them expecting chuck to look after him and bail him out). Then they both died never knowing jimmys true side, so chuck is forever robbed of that. Him being hellbent on proving it to the world makes so much sense and although it doesnt justify a lot of his actions, man do i understand why he cant let it go

[@maude7420]

Actual great insight, my mother felt the same way towards her sister

[@GLKHD]

boohoo, how is this all new to people lmao. There is a quote for this and it will always reign true: ''life is inherently unfair and full of suffering no matter you SJW's pretend to think otherwise''. No one is equal in this world even though all you Gen Z boomers seem to think it is that way. And always remember, you either die young or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

[@YungTony]

Chief, you got it exactly right

[@Peremptor]

Damn now we need the prequel to the prequel of Chuck's story of how his annoying kid brother that kept interrupting his reading of classic children's fiction books drove him towards killing himself.

[@rear9259]

You don’t throw rope to the swimmer keeping his head well above the water.

[@Death13Horseman]

This show's character work and storytelling is just so above and beyond. Incredible analysis.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

Objectively correct take

[@GabesEdtiz]

Better Call Saul is without a doubt one of the best prequels of all time, but at the same time it’s so good that it doesn’t even need Breaking Bad. It stands perfectly fine on it’s own.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

💪

[@saadasaad8538]

I love how you touched on Kim's loyalty and the extent she went to protect Jimmy, i just want to add that she even actually only confessed to her role in Howard's murder after Jimmy gave her permission in their phone call in the Gene timeline. That scene to me was so great that even though Jimmy had gone so far downhill, he was right to criticize Kim for telling him to turn himself when she never took accountability for her actions legally and to her credit she actually does this opening herself up to civil suit and i believe this is why Jimmy confessed to his crimes due to Kim's example .

[@MacabreStorytelling]

Definitely. He wanted to show her that he could be the man she always believed he could be.

[@Humorless_Wokescold]

It's legitimately the first time in their relationship where they push each other in positive directions. No con jobs. No rationalizing away amoral behavior. No using sex to avoid resolving their problems. They call each other out and then each goes to do what they shoulda done years ago.

[@Snarl_Marx]

Chuck is one of the best written antagonists in television history, McKean brings such a mastery and nuance to the role. Truly, in my opinion, the most tragic character in the series.

[@ArthKryst]

This show literally made the phrase, "Never Judge a book by it's cover" scream out louder than ever. We all judged Saul's character in BB as a comedy competent criminal lawyer And we judged the book by the cover. And now Better Call Saul was the book we read to realize what the man actually was. This is just pure gold. The BCS team just made me rethink majority of BB characters in such a different light. I love it.

[@alexgrissom3513]

What’s so sad about Jimmy’s speech to Christie at the end of season 4 is that he’s telling her one thing but showing the opposite. He’s telling her nobody will see anything more than her past, but he’s the one who spoke up for her in the meeting and reached out to her after she was passed over

[@philippedreux7155]

He did so in parts because of her past though didnt he ?

[@EverSinceMyExorcism]

Jimmy was the only one who couldn't see past his flaws.

[@osmanyousif7849]

Man, I kind of wish she somehow played a role in the final season somehow....

[@errwhattheflip]

@@EverSinceMyExorcism Well that's not really true. Jimmy wanted to see past his flaws, in fact he took it a bit too far

[@MeatMonsterMan]

The nod to Dr. Strangelove. Well done. The final scene between Manuel and Mike probably hit the hardest, Mike thinks Manuel is confused about the word "justice," but Manuel's response saying he speaks of revenge and that he is the same as all of them. The show didn't miss a beat.

[@inFAMOUSBlastshards]

I personally never believed Jimmy could bring himself to actually strangle Marion, I thought he was going to tie her up while making time for his escape. But I believe even just having that hint of doubt that Jimmy could possibly strangle Marion was to point out how far he had come. The audience even having a hint of doubt that he could do something like that shows how far Jimmy has slid in our eyes.

[@osmanyousif7849]

Honestly, could you imagine he did? Imagine a scenario where Buddy goes to check on her and finds her dead and when he tries to call Jimmy he sees that he’s gone and then calls Jeff to tell him what happen. Jeff figures out it was Jimmy and decides to talk to the cops in order to get payback for what he did. Sort of similar to when Jesse found out Walter poisoned Brock and decided to go to the DEA to give Walter over.

[@yoyo2ma]

I was so relieved he didnt. I knew there was at least a bit of decency left in him and that very small, yet possibility of a reunion between Jimmy and Kim. If he was a killer, no way.

[@FreeOpenTruth]

​@@yoyo2ma- He should have strangled her.

[@theblobconsumes4859]

Thank you for this analysis, but more specifically, for the breakdown of Chuck's character. I see way too many people just say "chuck was right" and assume that Jimmy never had any possibility to change, to the point that I wanted to make a video on this myself, because it was incredibly apparent to me the depth within both of their characters, and most people just turned it into a black and white thing when it is far more grey in reality. So, I'm glad I don't have to do that. That and, I honestly am wary of people who say that Chuck was in the right just as much as people who fully understand Walt's character and still sides with him.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

Chuck is GOAT

[@GKJusticar55]

Chuck is portrayed as a morally good person, but his goodness rebuffed all the avenues of growth and transformation Jimmy happened to be striving or just ambling towards.

[@jasonjenkins8910]

Yup. Chucks performance is up there with Lalo

[@RenaldyCalixte]

​@@GKJusticar55Chuck is morally good but refuses to humble himself and learn why people want to support Jimmy.

[@Devinisapimp2019]

Same bro I’ve seen wayyyy to many people say that about chuck just saying he’s was right when Jimmy himself proved chuck and the viewers that think that wrong

[@ahumanbeingfromtheearth1502]

HOLY SHIT, SOMEONE ELSE WHO PREFERS THE FIRST 3 SEASONS!! don't get me wrong, the whole show is incredible, but chuck and his relationship with Jimmy are just perfectly written and I have always been baffled by people who say the show takes a while to get going.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆👆👆

[@jamesduffy7549]

I love the first 3 the most too

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Same. I just rewatched and honestly zoned out a heap during seasons 5 and 6. I think I just prefer Jimmy McGill as a character to Saul or Gene tbh.

[@FreeOpenTruth]

Because people want to see the Breaking Bad connections. Not able to see the show as it's own thing between the relationship of Chuck and Jimmy actually "the making of" the character named Saul Goodman.

[@ollie7486]

I really liked how Lalo went down. The almost ironic way he planned everything and went down to a moment of chance was poetry

[@bilkywaygalaxy]

I 100% agree with this. His end was meant to be ironic and poetic. Antithetical to his character, oh so perfect.

[@D14MBK]

Keep coping

[@D14MBK]

​@@bilkywaygalaxy keep coping

[@bilkywaygalaxy]

@@D14MBK What 💀

[@ollie7486]

😭😭

[@sirbuster223]

BCS is highly unique in the fiction world in general. I can't really think of a serious, professional written story and concept that, in my eyes, eclipses it's parent work with such flying colors. When lightning strikes in a bottle, I have a hard time not recommending a story like this to anyone. I'm so glad your tackling this series as I appreciate your very comprehensive story analyses - I value your contributions to media critique quite a bit. Definitely setting aside some time to sit through this and drink it all up!

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤

[@ricardohernandez8683]

Throw in Red Dead Redemption II in there. That game literally is up there with Better Call Saul as one of the greatest prequels and spinoffs of all time. It also does an amazing job at being its own thing while still enhancing the original work with flying colors

[@RenaldyCalixte]

​@@ricardohernandez8683Yeah I didn't want to play it because I was annoyed it was a prequel and not a sequel to the first game. But so many people say the story within the game is so great that it doesn't have to follow the ending of Red Dead Redemption I.

[@gregoryhenry8464]

The thing about this show and universe that I love is that I think I would watch an entire 6 season spinoff of most of the characters. They’re all so layered and interesting. Not only that but it’s amazing that it both stands out on its own AND makes breaking bad even better upon second watch

[@jhellert1]

I think it is fascinating that first and last scenes of Jimmy and Kim together show them indulging in a dangerous, cancerous and ultimately self destructing vice: smoking. It symbolizes everything they will become and what they were.

[@RenaldyCalixte]

Also the irony that Walter White got lung cancer and never smoked in the pilot. Then in the final episode Walter is talking to Skyler who is smoking.

[@ultimatehope549]

The best part of the show is still when one of the characters goes “hey, you’re Better Call Saul!” And then everyone around them starts chanting “Better Call Saul!” Truly one of the endings of all time. 10/10 bravo Vince

[@LemonRectangle]

I liked the breaking bad ending better where one of the characters said breaking bad and everyone around then starts chanting breaking bad also truly one of the endings of all time

[@zerg0s]

I love that this dumb meme scene actually happens in the movie, and how it utterly devastates Gene.

[@metelineblue294]

"i told you, its better call saul"

[@andrewstephens5885]

Reddit and it’s consequences on society.

[@mosquitopyjamas9048]

McNulty, we gotta take down the barksdale gang as soon as we can, it’s all coming down … to The Wire

[@tylersmith2854]

Magnificent breakdown of BCS, because of how you were able to dissect those crucial relationships and tie it all back to the major ideas of BCS eloquently and as concisely (for a 2 hour video essay lol) as possible. For real, besides Watchmen, this is your best video. Congrats on this shit dude, and keep up the great work as one of the BEST Essayists on KZbin.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤️

[@boogalooblues3931]

2 hour dissertation on a tv show and enthralled the whole time. You hit the shows thematic beats right on the head, beats that I sense and can perceive and have tried to explain and organize in my mind but have failed to do as thorough and as precise as you have here. The compilation and editing together of so many shots, that alone is a monumental effort. My whole feed is filled with videos like this, I watch them on everything. I’ve seen many about better call Saul, it’s a fantastic show. This was top tier for real. Well done my dude

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤️

[@shadowxps]

The way Chuck treats Jimmy is the saddest ultimate form of seeing the worst in someone bringing out the worst in someone. I won’t lie this dynamic was actively painful for me for me to watch.

[@johnkobebalod6821]

I like to think "Point and Shoot" is basically "The Long Night" done right. Both episodes killed off the main antagonist in one night/one episode, but "Point and Shoot" works so much better because the villain has an active role in the story and there is genuine tension because the decisions each character makes is logical and true to their character.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆👆

[@nont18411]

If it was D&D, it would be Holly White jumping out of thin air to croak Lalo with a quick stab. And Gus will be screeching at Lalo for no reason like Jon screeching to a dragon. What’s even more impressive is that BCS had a limitation of being a prequel. GoT has none.

[@osmanyousif7849]

@@nont18411 , that makes ZERO sense at all, considering Holly isn't born yet. I'd say it would be like having Lyle (Los Pollos Hermanos manager) take the final shot, because he was somehow following Gus (due to forgetting his paycheck or something....), and saw that his manager was in danger and came to save him.

[@Foudedanse]

Manuel’s talk with Mike may not have been a wake up call for Mike, but it was for the audience.

[@TheOrian34]

I find it poetic how Jimmy looks like Walter when he's reaching his apex as a monster.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

Dem glasses…

[@maude7420]

I really liked the reason for Gene trying to rob and kill the random cancer man be that he projected his hate for Walter on him

[@nickbloom6861]

​@Mauve I can't believe I didn't put that together at all. Brilliant thing to notice man.

[@tidepride86]

​@@nickbloom6861 Chances are they only noticed it in a comment, just like you.

[@prettyface146]

I have never clicked on a video so fast. I would’ve never guessed that a show about Saul Goodman would arguably surpass Breaking Bad

[@danieljohnson2005]

I couldn’t agree more. It’s even more surprising when you look at the first couple of seasons of Better Call Saul. It was such a slow burn, but I was hooked from the first episode.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆

[@jeffwinbush5039]

Better Caul Saul is not only one of the best shows ever made and stories ever told, it is better than Breaking Bad, the great epic that spawned BCS. Great analysis by the creator.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤️

[@raymondsims7042]

@@MacabreStorytellinghey mate I watch a lot of your tv show reviews! What would be your top ten tv shows? Mine are 1. The wire (hands down the best show ever) 2. Game of thrones 3. Mr robot 4. Dark 5. The boys 6. Breaking bad 7. Succession 8. Stranger things 9. Sopranos 10. Mad Men/Better call Saul For me all these shows are top of the top and that would be my top ten in order. Also I couldn’t just leave off a masterpiece like better call Saul so I had to make it a tie with mad men at the tenth spot😂 honorable mentions are dexter, Alice in borderland

[@ZachHonest]

I just wanted to say, thanks to your content, I watched all of the Shield. And you were so correct on how good the show is, I loved it.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤

[@mikeschliker5176]

check out DEADWOOD

[@johnnymac6242]

I thought Lalo's death was perfect because Gus, despite all his genius, survived by pure luck. One good hit.

[@adamf34]

One of the things I love the most about BCS is where it takes place. I have many times found myself paying more attention to the background scenery than what the characters are doing.

[@willowdrakon]

The audience was made to relate to and empathize with walter white, but as time went on we saw his changes and realized just how much suffering he directly caused. But even after seeing all the irresponsible acts commited by jimmy/saul/agent steel after chuck's death, I just can't forget the pain in jimmy's face when he learned his brother won't ever respect him, the pure resentment and hurt in his eyes.

[@jimmymurphy898]

I actually prefer this show to Breaking Bad. Jimmy's and really every characters' story arc is so beautifully crafted. The relationship between the McGill brothers Jimmy and Chuck in particular I thought was brilliant and really heartbreaking.

[@InfinityBladeFans]

thank god you’re covering one of the best shows of the last several years

[@BlyGuy]

Best shows ever made.

[@InfinityBladeFans]

@@BlyGuy not disagreeing. i love it.

[@ismaill-0819]

I've never finished watching the entire two hours video essay like this before. Very glad I did. Without a doubt this is the best analysis regards to one of my favorite TV shows of all time. I subscribe to your channel because of this. Keep it up! I also agree that Better Call Saul has surpassed its predecessor. I find the show gets better and better on each rewatch. More re-watchable than BrBa for me. Bravo Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤

[@ryanporterhouse]

You’d like the Whats Therapy analysis series on better call Saul too!

[@duhotatoday3277]

I absolutely agree on the "superior conclusion" part. As satisfying as Breaking Bad ending was at the time, upon rewatching, I found it to be more like a glorified and heroic power fantasy of Walter White. "The one man, against all odds, finds a way to provide his family with his blood money (that they don't want), saves his partner from slavery (that he had put him into a couple episodes before), kills all the neonazis with a big gun he hid in his pa.. I mean in the trunk of his car and dies with a smile on his face (after ruining lives of all people he knew)" It was bombastic, it was exciting but to me it seems like it went too much against the morale of season 5. So much, in fact, that many people still don't see Walter White as the villain of the show and instead focus their hatred on his victims, in particular Skylar White (which buffles Vince btw). In comparison the conclusion to Better Call Saul was so much more mature with its themes and while it might not be as satisfying to most people as Felina, it definitely is perfect to me.

[@RenaldyCalixte]

If Walt ended up in prison humiliated it would contradict the momentum of the story that began in Season 5. Walter is skilled when he sets his mind to something. That's why Breaking Bad contained bombastic action sequences. The 3rd to last episode was the moral backbone of the final season where Walter is a fugitive and hated by his family and neighbors mourning the death of his brother in law which he caused. There's no room in the Finale for a moral examination of Walter. However the Finale of Better Call Saul showed Walter's true colors and I think was the appropriate place to address the moral failure that is Walter White.

[@errwhattheflip]

I think that's essentially exactly what Walt's conclusion is because that's kind of the point. Walt's power fantasy was always going to happen but not because of the money and shit but because he was able to find freedom past his own flaws. It wasn't his ego that held him back, but the dissonance of the different parts of himself that were conflicted with one another. His ego and his conscience, broken apart by his childhood trauma and obsession with his public image ruined him and it's through the unification of these conflicting sides of himself that he's able to do what he wanted with maximum efficiency. But despite all of that, the show never forgets to remind you that Walter is still a monster who ruined people's lives and was ultimately a negative influence. It doesn't really forgive Walter but it is a thematically proper conclusion to his character

[@PeteJohnWilson]

What a great video about an amazing show. Unlike a lot of video essays I've watched on the subject, you have really brought up some points I've never considered and really made me think about the way the story unfolded in a different way, particularly when it comes to Gus and Chuck. Thanks for making this, it was a real pleasure to watch.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤️

[@Onezy05]

I never had the pleasure of watching Breaking Bad or the first 5 seasons of BCS as they aired but I did for season 6... and it was so worth it. 'Saul Gone' might just be the most cathartic finale to a TV show I've ever seen. I found Breaking Bads to be satisfying, and Sopranos to be artistically touching, but BCS's finale was just pure catharsis. After 7 years, we finally see the fate of Gene Takavic. After 7 years, we finally see Saul Goodman back in his lawyer suit. After 7 years, we finally see Jimmy McGill take responsibility for his actions and prove his brother wrong - he CAN change!

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆👆👆

[@ultramariogod]

The two moments that made me hate Jimmy and Kim were Jimmy taking advantage of Irene and Kim gaslighting Cheryl I began watching Better Call Saul after the release of El Camino movie, I was somewhat bored yet interested in the 4 seasons, season 5 brought my interest way up to hardly waiting for the final season to come out, and finally recording every episode of the final season. The wait so worth it

[@smartwater598]

Crazy how you hate jimmy and kim but not cold murderers like gus and lalo

[@OneDodgyDude]

Man, that's so cool! I also didn't start watching the show until very late in its run. Shortly before the premiere of its final season, to be precise. Now I'm even more hyped to see what you thought of the show. I'm actually really glad that I waited.

[@ringkunmori]

After watching BCS and seeing the Saul scene in Breaking Bad, I never really changed my opinion of the character for the worse. Instead I felt bad for him because he completely succumb to his Saul persona as a coping mechanism. After fun and games it turns out the Breaking Bad era was Saul's Jimmy's Granite state. It may be because I love Jimmy so much, but I can't imagine that era of his life as not a penance. Even with the wealth and success he accrued I don't believe he ever achieve the kind of happiness he had when he was with Kim. It puts to perspective how Jimmy's golden years were slim and rare. I might have missed the point but even now I pity him too much to see him as a villain now.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

Agreed. His lightheartedness now is coated with so much sorrow and pity.

[@willy_b_coyote]

Honestly, I think Vince Gilligan just woke up one day in 2008 and decided “I’m gonna make two of the best shows ever made” just to flex.

[@raymondsims7042]

Lmao facts😂idk how he and his team made two of the top ten tv shows ever made. It’s just crazy what they accomplished

[@mason11198]

Id argue Gus had a massive development from better call saul and breaking bad, similar to many other characters. You can see in BCS there's almost a tad of an amateur to Gus, he isn't fully calculated yet, he hasn't gotten to be as cunning as we will see him to be, and there is a bit more emotion in him. A very small subtle scene is when he tosses trash across the room and sinks it first try, and he gets a pretty innocent smile from it after he essentially scored on Hector. That kind of energy just isn't there in breaking bad, it's a humanity that withers away that cements its fate in the wine scene you described.

[@skatefan9495]

Thanks for this very insightful and comprehensive analysis. Did you notice that Chuck had a talent for the con in the way he suckered Jimmy into committing a felony (breaking and entering)? Afterwards, Jimmy said to Kim, "he played me." Which he did. Kim also was not just following JImmy's lead in doing cons. The scheme to get Huell off without prison time was devised by her. And afterwards, when Jimmy thanked her but said he wouldn't involve her again, her response? "Let's do it again," and she proceeded to con the City of Lubbock to get her client's bank expansion plans approved. The flashbacks to Kim's childhood show that she grew up with con artist--her mother. And shades of Kristy Esposito, she was a shoplifter, too! Jimmy just awakened something familiar within her. And by the end, she hadn't completely given up her talent for deception, conning her way into the prison as Jimmy's lawyer. Nothing about her or Jimmy is black and white, which is why I think they are among the best TV characters ever.

[@Prosyy]

There's something so deep about the show I could never begin to articulate. But it's incredible and I'll forever treasure this universe and the writers behind it. Thank you Vince for putting the wheels in motion and starting this wild journey. Breaking bad will always have a place in my heart as it quite literally made me realize my passion for chemistry and changing my life path.

[@peachcup4413]

With Season 6 being so depressing, it makes re watches so much more impactful knowing that these small characters, like howard, will shape Jimmy into who he later becomes. It's a ticking clock of eventual doom. And it's great

[@juddmandeluxe_]

You hit the nail on the head throughout this entire video! I’ve never seen an analysis that aligns so perfectly with my interpretation. And it’s also amazing to see someone who appreciates the first half of the show as much as I do. Chuck is not only amazingly written but incredibly performed. Also great to see someone acknowledge the significance of Jimmy’s response to his part in Chuck’s death. This isn’t the moment he becomes Saul, but it is the moment we lose Jimmy. It’s genius how on a first watch the insurance scene didn’t seem all too significant, just as Jimmy didn’t think it was. However upon reflection both from Jimmy and the audience we realise together that this may be the most significant moment of the entire show. While the finale alluded to the flashback with Chuck being Jimmy’s time machine moment, the insurance scene would absolutely be another for Jimmy.

[@rebeccahopkins9522]

Unpopular personal opinion: the first three seasons of Saul with the storyline of Chuck and Jimmy and their relationship actually surpasses Breaking Bad in greatness. Owing especially to the levels of emotional depth and incredibly multidimensional characters and performances. I mean, it’s just heartbreaking and agonizing, untenable and completely gut wrenching…at a much deeper depth than reached even in such a phenomenal show as BB. This is especially true in all the devastation they reek on each other, bitter and yet deep down still longing for each others love and acceptance, but unable to express it or get to a place where they can just let collectively the past go. Then the gut punch in knowing that when Chuck goes up in that fiery conflagration, the spiraling aftermath effects it has on Jimmy is a fall he will never recover from. And the Saul he then becomes blossoms before our eyes in a garden of unreconciled pain and loss. Between the brothers- So much love. So much pain inflicted on one another. So much tragedy. So many chances to mend it becoming forever lost. So much of making me thankful I’m an only child. 😂

[@SuperUnknownPerson]

This show is a great example of the domino effect in terms of storytelling

I'm only 10 minutes through the video, but I just had to pause and comment. Your presentation of Gus's final scene absolutely up-ended my understanding of his character. My interpretation was that, one he was alone, he noticed that he'd enjoyed a pleasant conversation with romantic tones. Then, he deliberately shut the door on that going any further, because he hadn't avenged Max yet (so he didn't "deserve" to move on, find new love, and be happy). So, for me, he exited moving directly towards his character as we know it from Breaking Bad. But here, you suggest that he sees the possibility of new romance maybe bringing David into danger - that David could be killed to hurt him, just like Max was - and so he sadly but resignedly walks away. In my version, "old Gus" surfaced briefly, to be repressed until revenge had been achieved. In your version, it turns out that he was always there, but standing to the side, as a mere witness.

[@elijahdoesstuff4600]

I like Lalo’s anticlimactic ending. It feels cruelly ironic.

[@arepius2505]

I also think one of the reason Jimmy blasts at Howard with the "magic from my fingertips" rant is that, in his conversation, Howards seems to have overcome the grief and guilt of Chuck's death, and he cannot accep the fact Howard did it but he, even though it looks like it, hasn't even begun to accept said grief, so he lashing out at Howie feels also a bash at himself or at a stubborn part of him that won't let the emotions flow

[@birchwwolf]

2:10 hearing the full theme song feels like gaining forbidden knowledge

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

It's so so good!! I feel like they actually picked the worst part of it for the show's intro 😅

[@DrWhack]

I wouldn’t say the cartel storyline in BCS to be pointless recap filler. I think it adds greater dimension of the lengths characters like Gus and Mike had to go through to secure Gus’ empire in New Mexico. With just BB, we took it for granted that Gus has all of these connections and resources, has a super lab, is just intelligent etc. But BCS really shows how those things we took for granted came to be and adds greater dimension of Walt’s foolish pride leading to the downfall of Gus’ empire. It makes you in some ways hate Walt for killing Gus, and makes you agree with Mike more when he told Walt they had a good thing going with Gus, but Walt couldn’t let go of his foolish pride and ego.

[@bananeneiscraeme]

you know what i dont get though..in breaking bad...does the cartel know about the superlab? because when they introduce jesse to show the cartel how the meth is made...you feel like they know about gus cooking his own meth...but why is it in BCS so important that it is a secret lab that only lalo found out about?

[@yanivbin7521]

Disagree with the conclusion. If anything, BCS painted Gus as even more of a monster than we knew - certainly it didn't make me regret the downfall of his empire. I refuse to sympathise with Gus.just because he worked hard and killed a lot of people for his empire (which is something we could have guessed anyway). Also, it wasn't Walt's "foolish pride" that brought down Gus - that's something Mike literally made up. Walt had no problem playing second fiddle (he's even mad at Jesse for suggesting Gus isn't paying them enough) - the rift started because Walt saved Jesse's life from the child-killing gangsters. From this point on, Walt is simply playing self defence as Gus wants to kill him. Not defending Walt, who's an horrible human being on his own, but that's just what happened. As for Mike, BCS exposed him as one of the most hypocritical, delusional and terrible characters in the whole series IMO. Convincing himself he's "not like the others" because he follows some imaginary "moral code", which he routinely breaks when convenient to him, while he's literally the right hand man of a psychopath drug lord. Nacho's dad was spot on, Mike is just another heartless gangster, and his end - deserting his daughter in a pathetic attempt to escape - is absolutely fitting. His final speech wasn't a "truth bomb" but a summary of all the delusions he convinced himself to desperately justify himself, even when he's literally helped hide a child corpse two episodes ago. At least Gus and Lalo were aware and accepted how evil they are.

[@transformersrevenge9]

I just finished The Shield, thanks to your video. It was really really damn good. Also, I love how Better Call Saul of all shows, decided to go full on ''Crime and Punishment'', and unlike the neo-western that was Breaking Bad (one lead goes down in a gundfight, the other rides off into the sunset), it had the lead go to prison and accept responsibility. Saul was all about avoiding responsibility. But in the end it would not have saved his soul, if he pulled another big brain scheme, and got out of the situation. And that was incredibly hard for tv viewers to understand and accept. I remember when the finale dropped, and quite a number of people were not happy with Jimmy doing the right thing and saving his soul, over saving his body. People are so used to endings where the hero either gets away with it, or tragically dies trying. But here they got an ending all about accepting the consequences. Surprising and deep stuff.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆👆👆

[@downsjmmyjones101]

Raskolnikov spent so much time on that couch bitching and moaning that I skimmed till the end. BCS is a better Crime and Punishment.

[@PenitentOne69]

I must admit I was initially one of the people kind of unsatisfied with the ending. Despite all the shit he had done, I was always rooting for Jimmy and wanted him to get away with things. He was my favorite character even as the comic relief scumbag in Breaking Bad, and it was fun to watch him do all his schemes. But on rewatch, and in hearing other takes, I like the ending a lot more. On rewatch I see Chuck very differently, I see the consequences of Jimmy's actions a lot more (e.g. just how repulsive the whole thing with Irene really was). Howard reads very differently, as well, now knowing that he was sincere in trying to be nice to Jimmy and not just putting on a persona. If Jimmy had gotten away with the 7 year sentence, he'd just continue the same destructive path he was on, so this really was the best ending.

[@reno9821]

Really damn good analysis. I felt the video got better and better as it went on, a pretty difficult task to pull off for a 2 hour analysis video. I think my favourite part was your perspective on how Kim views Howard in relation to Chuck's death. It's something I've never thought about too deeply but will now be something I won't soon forget on any rewatch I do. Here's hoping the new Rhea Seehorn-led show by Vince Gilligan is great too. Hopefuly with Peter Gould and the many other talented writers and directors returning as well. When both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are both so spectacular across the board, you really don't need more spin offs in the same universe to replicate its quality, you just need the same people and same level of care behind it. If they're able to have that, I think there may be another miracle in the works.

[@ca6koto0]

Many incredible points are being made in the comments but I haven't seen much praise for Kim and Rhea Seehorn. Kim was supposed to be a simple love interest at the beginning but then the creators noticed her great acting ability. I am so happy that they developed her further, Kim became my favorite character in the show. The actors, writers, cinematographers, wardrobe and audio people (whatever they're called) deserve all of the awards that can be given to them but got almost nothing for their efforts. It's criminal how few people are talking about this show. Thank you for making this video.

[@g7924]

I love Kim, she’s my favorite character on the show. So complex and interesting.

[@nont18411]

She’s initially written to be just a love interest at first but later on, she’s written as a “course correction” of Skyler because the writers realized their mistakes at making Skyler got hated by the audience more than she deserves.

[@CircuitRider]

A+ work as always, Mac. Watching this a second time now. Better Call Saul is indeed nothing short of a miracle. As much as I love BrBa, I do think BCS is even better. I’ve just rewatched the first 3 seasons of BCS and I found them stronger than ever - I think on initial airing I was a bit restless in waiting for the more “exciting” stuff to come. But in retrospect I get your point about S1-3 being special due to the Chuck vs Jimmy storyline. I think S5 or 6 is probably still my favorite but S1-3 really are amazing, some of the most beautifully written character drama ever. Minimalist, subtle, smart storytelling. Not much else quite like it. And I think one advantage the show has over its predecessor is that it takes so much time to really ramp up to the higher stakes stuff and to the cartel and lawyer plots crashing together, so that when they finally do crash together it’s perhaps even more devastating and shocking than, say, Ozymandias. Just because BrBa was high octane from the start but BCS lulls the viewer into a false sense of normalcy before smashing that to bits. That’s why Bagman, Bad Choice Road, Plan and Execution, Fun and Games, etc are all so incredible. Jimmy’s cartel work and PTSD from the desert is all the more powerful for not being rushed to get to by the writers. They took their time, with everything, in this show. And it sure as hell paid off. But even if the show somehow ended after those first three seasons, it’d be near-perfect. Jimmy and Chuck surely form one of the great character relationships in TV history, up there with Tony and Carmella Soprano or Don Draper and Peggy, etc. Incredible how the writers and actors added so much nuance and made us feel for both characters at the same time despite them both being so flawed.

[@LisaLee__]

Gilligan & Gould made history. Awe inspiring creators

[@elliota.1063]

Great analysis, man; I really appreciated it. I think I might watch this series from beginning to end. I think the best shows/films NEVER lose track of the humanity of their characters, and your analysis made me realize (again) just how important that always is. Great job...E

[@snowset675]

This was an exceptionally written video. You definitely deserve more views my guy. Keep it up! I am in full agreement with you that Chuck and Jimmy’s relationship is the most interesting part of the show, and, while my personal favorite episode is Bagman (S5E8), I also agree that seasons 1-3 are unfairly criticized as being boring. They’re incredibly underrated compared to seasons 4-6, even though those are also incredible. I think part of the reason why people thought they were so underwhelming was because of expectations set by Breaking Bad - but Better Call Saul isn’t Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad is a very fast paced crime drama, while Better Call Saul is a slow-burning crime romance drama. It’s more sophisticated in its writing than Breaking Bad, one could say. The reason I can’t express this to most of my family members is because they like the crime aspects of it and they don’t care for the lawyer bits. One thing I’m not so sure on is Lalo’s death. I think his death, while a little underwhelming, worked for his character. His little chuckle before he chokes to death on his blood mirrors Gus' death in Breaking Bad when he adjusts his tie. And, obviously, Gus' is far more grand than Lalo’s but I liked it. I read elsewhere from other people that they thought that it was interesting because Gus won by a literal shot in the dark, and even then he ended up wounded. They basically said that he won by sheer luck and that just demonstrates the terrifying capabilities of Lalo Salamanca. That definitely gave me a new outlook on it. Anyway, fantastic video, I hope to see more like it!

[@justinbaker9583]

DUDE, this was the best BCS analysis I've seen yet, serious props!!

[@yunehversomi1458]

There’s just so many ways a prequel can mess things up. It truly is something worth celebrating when you get something as good as that.

[@thomasc7322]

1:16:41 One thing I want to note here-because otherwise, I mostly agree with and appreciate your assessment-I don’t think Jimmy’s effort to force a settlement in the Sandpiper case are necessarily motivated by financial **gain**; rather, I think it’s more motivated by his desperation to preserve the dream he’s been clinging to, where he and Kim share an office and fly in the face of the establishment firms like HHM. By not being able to fulfill his end, he sees that eventually, the point will come where they’ll need to shutter the offices-a practical solution that hardly leaves Kim devastated, but one that’s effectively killing Jimmy’s dream.

[@jamesabernethy7896]

Fantastic video as always. I watched Breaking Bad a few years after it had started. I was looking for something with a slightly darker edge after finishing Sons of Anarchy. I loved both shows. This fell into the same category as The American's, I liked the show but didn't love it enough to keep with it, it's hard to explain where they fell short for me. I love the way you use your visuals, setting the scene / mood for the characters and not overplaying the action. Although you reuse clips, the imagery is very clear but doesn't distract from your storytelling. A great love letter to the show.

[@EnragedBarrothGaming]

Long form content of such consistent quality takes a lot of hard work, you've earned a sub.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤️

[@huellwhite4355]

First time seeing one if your videos and im really impressed! The analysis was really well done, good structure and well thought through arguments that was presented in a comprehensive way with examples from throughout the seasons. I also liked that you elaborated on some of your criticism of the show as well as discussing other critique/different takes that are quite common. One thing I would have like for you to discuss further is what exactly caused Jimmy to confess everything in that final courtroom scene. Because that is perhaps the most common complaint about the ending: Jimmy has basically never taken accountability before and now when he has spiraled down worse than possibly ever (going as far as to almost kill marion) and is risking lifetime in prison and at this point he does this massive 180. I guees people thought this was a bit contrived and out of character. To me, I do think it made sense that he had somewhat of a wakeupcall when he found out Kim hade turned herself in. But is it more to it than that? Did he entirely make up his mind on the plane or was it in the courtroom when he could see Kim and her expressions? And also a semi related topic that I think is interesting. Chuck claimed that jimmy would never change and that people around him would get hurt because of his behaviour. But how much of this turned out to be true throughout the show? And in the end did he really change or did he just accept that he can't change which would sort of give Chuck and jimmy half a point each? Lots of text but again, really great video and keep up the good work! And if someone has any interesting takes on these questions i would love to hear them :D

[@ryanmahoney7308]

Best BCS series retrospective I’ve seen so far. Great job!

[@jackhiller2135]

Just hearing the recap of this show is leaving me an emotional wreck beautiful show

[@itsaIIgoodman]

Haven't finished the video yet but hearing you mention making a follow-up I already know I want another video! More BCS/Breaking Bad content is never a bad thing!

[@matthewrasero2349]

As the show went on, I really did not expect Kim to become perhaps one of my absolute favorite characters throughout the series. In the end there is a tragedy to her, limiting her potential and future to get away from all the trauma. But in the end her ability to face her shadow and move on with life, even if it became mundane, showed she was stronger than Jimmy who just could not face reality anymore. Kim was an incredible aspect of the show

[@hester234]

yes. And I'm so happy she didn't die. I would have bet money on that.

[@Zenny-YouTube]

I drive a truck for a living and I cannot tell you how awesome it is to find another channel making long form content. Gonna be a good watch

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤️

[@arthurfortes8398]

Thanks for posting, I like your videos and I adore Better Call Saul. Also: I think Gus is developed in many ways: He learns not to use fear as the only motivator, thanks to Mike, and he becomes more set in his mission after his encounters with Lalo. Also, I really like Lalo's because it subverted the expectations in a good way and I liked how Gus was the person to get rid of him. That was really cool in my opinion. Suggestion: Macabre Storytelling, I think your next recap should about the Bourne Franchise, Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, Daredevil, Smallville, Planet of the Apes or El Camino.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

The Bourne Trilogy I def might do; Dexter and Daredevil (TV show) are on the docket!

[@osmanyousif7849]

And one for the Mission Impossible series, and just because…. Fast and Furious: A Retconning Failure

[@arthurfortes8398]

@@MacabreStorytelling Great. Also, here are more suggestions: The Walking Dead, Banshee, Arrow, True Blood, Reacher, The Boys, Legion, Wandavision, How I met your mother, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Superman and Lois, Invincible, Homeland, 24, The Mandalorian, Andor or The Witcher.

[@UndergroundRose]

This video is genuinely one of the best story analyses I've ever come across. What I wouldn't give to see a similar kind of video from you of Hunter x Hunter.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

❤️

[@bennilol2034]

Seeing a video of this quality for hunter x hunter would be really cool ngl

[@UndergroundRose]

@@bennilol2034 I would recommend "Aleczandxr" His videos aren't as long, but they are by far the most nuanced I've seen.

[@chaosofthegalaxy3094]

Amazing analysis Mac. BCS is my favourite show and hearing someone put into words all the things I’ve loved about it is very cathartic. Especially since I’ve only really seen people start to talk about it post-S6E7.

[@Davinki651]

Great video, man, love ur analysis videos. Although at 34:28 I would argue chuck only helped jimmy because his mom begged him over the phone. If it were up to him, he would've let jimmy serve at least some time (not rot in prison given his reaction in season 3 to jimmy facing serious charges for real and even asking for another way) , but because of his mom's influence, best he'll settle for is keeping a leash on him in the mailroom, not because he believed that path would lead jimmy anywhere, because it's implied he would've let jimmy stay in the mailroom indefinitely unless begrudgingly convinced otherwise

[@RenaldyCalixte]

Chuck still bailed Jimmy out though. Chuck could have easily said no but he didn't. If your argument was 100% true the mom wouldn't have bothered to beg Chuck at all because Chuck has zero care for Jimmy. But Chuck does care for Jimmy but his jealousy and pride towards Jimmy make such feelings buried deep down.

[@duchessravenwaves]

I LOVE CHUCK!!! Your take is SO refreshing. The one comment I still constantly see is how seasons 1-3 are boring and slow but at no point during my initial watch did I feel that. I've rewatched it through several times and its still my favorite part, when i hit seasons 4-6 im just like, "I cant wait to finish this and restart it because i miss Chuck." Chuck is captivating. His story is heartbreaking. He's a bastard, but he's also so justified in his feelings. Hes the best kind of character- you hate him, but you love him too. Also as an older sibling myself, I too felt like Chuck never didn't love Jimmy, of course he does. We all say things we don't mean, especially when we've been hurt. And the exploration of mental illness and how truly physical your mind can make things feel. I think that's a big part of why I love and sympathize with Chuck, as a neurodivergent person myself. Thank you.

[@BenjaminRodriguezReyes]

1:57:15 Kim's legal license is not actually valid anymore, she just said it doesn't have an expiration date printed on it so she was able to use it to get in. It's one last cheeky con at the end to show she is back in good spirits.

[@MacabreStorytelling]

BASED

[@mentalanime]

This video got me so emotional. Well done

[@frogglen6350]

game of thrones season 8 really made me realize how miraculous it is that a show is consistently good

[@MacabreStorytelling]

👆

[@entwixed3406]

It wasn't just Season 8- Season 7 was really where it began to sink, when they started going off script, and trying to unite a bunch of plot points in 13 episodes instead of 20- if not 40-

[@noodle2904]

I really enjoyed this video and appreciated the thorough breakdown of the series and some interesting perspectives on things. One comment about Kim near the end. I didn't get the impression that she was still able to practice law, I think she just said about the card not having an expiry date as it meant she was able to get in to see him as she wouldn't have been able to were she a regular visitor. I think she could get her licence again, but she would likely have to pass the bar exam again considering she asked them to terminate it previously. Thanks again for a great video

[@tjclandestino]

About Lalo's death: Gus is most probably former military ("el Generalissimo") so, even though he moved into other ventures, he still knows weapon combat.

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Yeah it made sense to me that he'd be able to hold his own in a combat situation. I didn't think Lalo's death was cheap at all. It seemed to me that the whole building up of him as an irrepressible terminator and then being able to be gunned down with no big action setpiece or protracted death scene, that was kind of the whole point. All of the characters are painfully human and fragile, even the "bad guys". Having Lalo die so "easily" really drove that home imo.

[@artenkey7645]

A beautiful work, I love those long analysis videos

[@MacabreStorytelling]

Ima keep em comin

[@robertrompf]

Chuck is so narcissistic and egotistical he never once considered the fact that when his dying mother cried out for Jimmy maybe she did it not because she played favorites, but she wanted to see both of her sons one last time before she died.

[@PlayNiceFolks]

I hadn't thought of that. 👍👍

[@toreno3307]

Just got around to watching this video, even though it s been on my radar since the day it released, and im so glad i finally watched it. By far the best video ive seen regarding BCS, would love if you did more BCS content in the future❤

[@st_orlie]

So good it made Breaking Bad feel like the weird spin-off, great video.

[@DocM.]

Awesome observations, deep dives, video, and editing! ❤