FILMMAKER REACTS to BETTER CALL SAUL Episode 1: Uno

[@connorgrenier3301]

It’s actually wild how well you’re reading the dynamics so early

[@paulcarlsen5787]

Cos he seen the show already

[@nj00556]

@@paulcarlsen5787??

[@nicholas4727]

​@@paulcarlsen5787why would you think that?

[@pesho5370]

@@nicholas4727 I wonder that too. But honestly? Probably makes these videos more enjoyable to watch, so I don’t care. 🤷‍♂️ Don’t spoil the illusion. lol

[@DanJackson1977]

​@@paulcarlsen5787I mean, if you pay attention to these shows, you pick up on stuff. I see no evidence this is anything other than the first viewing

[@natekeen8301]

Did you notice that the reflections of the commercial in his glasses are in color?

[@MrMongoose221]

👀

[@John_Locke_108]

Wow. That is amazing. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

[@EntrEsprit]

​@@jasonvoorhees310than breaking bad? Breaking bad also has a lot of great details like this

[@swagdude6220]

now that you bring that up it’s almost like when he’s watching the old commercials post breaking bad he probably feels like that part was the colorful and best part of his life but now he’s in a world of gray just like walter in granite state, both stagnant and in a “dead” place they’re unhappy in

[@Beforezzz]

@@jasonvoorhees310 Needless competition.

[@irurwurst]

my favorite thing about the way they introduce Mike is that they definitely hide him a tiny bit so breaking bad viewers get a bit of anticipation and payoff, but when they do actually cut to his face there is no undue drama or fanfare relative to his current role in the story. Any person who hadn't watched breaking bad would probably not think "this guy must be from the other show". It really and truly feels like a fresh start, and that feeling applies the the whole show tbh

[@helvete_ingres4717]

it's kind of the complete opposite in the tuco reveal tho, which I found obnoxious and fan-servicey

[@tobiasrieper6640]

@@helvete_ingres4717yeah i think they pulled back from the fan service a bit after that one. That reveal was pretty obnoxious

[@MeowNap]

@@tobiasrieper6640 they did it because they anticipated breaking bad fans to not like the pacing and lack of violence as the show gets its footing.

[@MrHartApart]

for sure. when they bring characters into this show it's not for fan service at all it's much more that, 'yes, these characters were around and knew each other before Walt's story got going.'

[@MLennholm]

@@helvete_ingres4717Oh come on! The Tuco reveal was a great way to cap off one of the best pilot episodes in television history. Its fanservice is nothing compared to what they do in seasons 3 and 4 but they all work because they serve a purpose in the story, it's never done for the "yay, things I know!" factor.

[@headwound]

5:30 I love that shot. Everything is in B&W except the reflection of his commercial in his glasses, because that's the only color in his life.

[@dylanmarkley]

I remember feeling weird hearing "Jimmy" instead of "Saul" when I started watching this show but I was amazed at how quickly that went away for me. It's a testament to the writing that we accepted this new (or I guess OG) version of the "Saul Goodman" we watched in BB.

[@jackmclean7792]

I couldn’t get used to people calling him saul after bcs

[@SpellSteal]

the smoking scene with the soundtrack "shared smoke" is a pure, unadulterated, vibe.

[@bepitrumpet]

You have the Jimmy-Chuck relationship right on. You're going to love their dynamic, its really well-written.

[@maggotthemadman8142]

That scene of him watching his commercial is far more important than it seems.

[@CaptainOfGames]

After watching all 6 seasons, so many small "insignificant" early moments become extremely powerful on rewatch.

[@ThomasSoles]

In the end, I think this series is the better of the two. BB is awesome, but BCS upped the game with cinematic flair and characters. So many surprises and twists and two protagonists that we know are likely doomed but hope the best for. I love BB dearly, but BCS is such an amazing series that I feel it just climbs the ladder - especially towards the conclusion.

[@JamesVSCinema]

They are cooking. Breaking Bad was a damn good recipe and they made sure to cook their hearts out in this series.

[@kayden2119]

Nothing is objective people can absolutely think one is better than the other@@StayFractalesque

[@allaboutthecookies9642]

I think what also maybe gives BCS an edge is that it’s wild how amazing it is especially in light of having to work within the framework of an already existing BB world/story! In my mind it’s like I can’t pick which Lord Of The Rings movie I like best because it’s all one story that is so seamless… BB and BCS just work so beautifully together

[@XxXDestroyer]

I think I'd have to agree with you, BCS has the slight edge imo. But both incredible of course.

[@steved1135]

Interesting. I agree with you on the cinematics to be sure but, I found that the story wasn't as good as BB, and in that aspect, I felt the ending episodes were really weak... Still, it's indeed a very good show.

[@oliverhughes610]

lol I told you that you saying people in Breaking Bad were like Far Cry villains would be funny - now you know why! Saul mentioned in BB that his real name was McGill and that he only goes by Goodman as it's good for his brand to appear as though he's Jewish lol

[@majorgabe56]

I need a montage of James fangirling over Mike

[@JamesVSCinema]

It would be 3 hours long haha

[@john.c.munoz04]

he probably went crazy over ep 6!!!

[@blackswan7568]

Mike is truly a Top G

[@MrMongoose221]

BCS is a real slow burner, ill admit I struggled with first two seasons but by the end I ended up thinking its actually better than BB. The pay off in the later seasons was so worth it but I'm sure you'll enjoy it from the start as you're much more observant lol

[@John_Locke_108]

Same here. I almost quit watching the show after two episodes into Season 2. But after a couple of years I came back and somehow I managed to watch the entire show last month.

[@dnllrnt]

Once season 3 hits, the writing (I'd argue) is better than Breaking Bad.

[@themonarch5688]

@@dnllrntyes! Mid-late season 3 is among the best parts of the show

[@vicrattlehead5051]

For some reason it took me three tries to get through it 😂 i would watch the first two seasons then just stop watching long enough i forgot what happened so i had to rewatch it again but after watching the show i loved it

[@portalmanHUN]

Never topped BB for me but it's a fine show. Mike and the cartel carried the whole thing.

[@valkiron11]

I guarantee you won't be calling him "Saul" by the end of the show.

[@zbarneyz]

Just a friendly reminder of how insane hard that intro to the first episode is.... ''If I'm lucky, month from now, best-case scenario, I'm managing a Cinnabon in Omaha.'' - Saul Goodman S5E15 of Breaking Bad. These writers are all geniuses. I count both of these as one show and its the best show ever made PERIOD. Discussion is over dont @ me

[@ativaadzem566]

James being excited at the Mike cameo was so sweet 🥰🥰🥰

[@chaost4544]

The production for this show was already a well oiled machine when "Better Call Saul" premiered and it shows.

[@andrewfisk8846]

One of Saul’s last lines in Bb is “best case scenario I’ll be managing a Cinnabon in Omaha” Such a good detail to start with

[@jamie4892]

so glad you immediately caught on that Jimmy and Chuck are brothers! I've seen a few reactors who didn't catch on to that until episode 3 weirdly enough. This show is amazing and I can't wait to re-watch with you!

[@jamesbond99]

AGREED AND AMEN 100%

[@MLennholm]

_"So Chuck is definitely his father"_ - ...

[@NotoriousMinion]

Ohhhh James I know you’re already pretty far ahead on Patreon, but this show is an absolute masterpiece in cinematography and character work. If you thought the last season of breaking bad was good, this shows final season is like a symphony. Not sure if I like this or BB more, that alone is a testament to this shows quality.

[@JamesVSCinema]

It’s still really great coming back to these videos though! I’m excited to see how you all react and commentate on the videos haha!

[@beerme8949]

​@@JamesVSCinemadude! We're excited!!!

[@NotoriousMinion]

@@JamesVSCinema loved your comments on the cinematography, there are some truly insane shots that I can’t wait to see your reaction to. I don’t know how many videos I’ve watched going over this shows compositions for its shots, but man it’s a treat. Even as a guy who knows next to nothing about filmmaking, I sometimes just pause the show to admire what they’ve created.

[@miquonk]

Seeing Mike and Tuco appear at the end made me feel like I was watching a marvel movie or something man lol, great world building and storytelling

[@PodyTheCirate]

Felt the same, except in a forced camp-y sort of Marvel way. That Tucco reveal is..not great and his char feels hammy in BCS lol, Mike feels natural enough tho.

[@ErgoProxy12345]

A lot of things in BCS were alluded to in passing in Breaking Bad. The nail salon, Saul’s name being McGill, some characters yet to come… It’s amazing how much attention to detail they had. It feals like this show was already written when Breaking Bad was coming out.

[@isaacgraham5727]

The cinematography and use of color on this show is just… stunning. Play the strictest attention to these two colors especially in season 1: BLUE and GOLD. Blue will always represent lawfulness and he mainly associated with characters like Howard and Chuck. Gold, on the other hand, will always represent a moral shadiness as well as greed and the acquisition of wealth, and be mainly associated with Saul Goodman. Jimmy, particularly in season 1, will be presented with a mixture of both colors representing the conflict within him. Just pay attention to how those colors are used and when they come up.

[@percey]

love watching reactions to these episodes, that are so dear to me, with not only a superfan but a student of Vince Gilligan. Thank you James ❤

[@JamesVSCinema]

Ayyy anytime, happy you are enjoying the ride my friend. 🙏🏽♥️

[@autonomous8108]

If you rewatch Breaking Bad, youll find in the episode where Saul is introduced that he actually tells Walt "my real name's McGill." Such a small detail that they just seemed to brush over in breaking bad, most people like myself didnt even catch it at first

[@rockerdude725973]

The first season takes place sometime in 2002. The show has 6 seasons and Breaking Bad started in 2008.

[@transformersrevenge9]

Oh here we go. This is gonna be so good. Can't wait to see you complete this saga. I'm gonna enjoy rewatching it with you. Also, once you finish BCS, I do think The Wire would be right up your alley. Not many people react to it on YT, but those that do, have so much to dissect, discuss and analyze about that still incredibly culturally relevant and amazing show.

[@Quixotic1018]

I love this show. Some people would argue about which show is better but I think they're both great. This show you can see how everything learned on Breaking Bad (cinematography, writing, acting, etc.) was honed to perfection. Also whereas we did not know what direction Walt's life was going, we know where Jimmy's headed eventually and they both maintained to draw me in for the entire series.

[@disuba]

OMG this is so exciting. Better call saul is my top show of all time. Amazing journey. Both BB and BCS are companion shows to each other.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

I actually love this series even more than BREAKING BAD. That's a testament to the brilliant writing, direction, and acting. This is going to be a great ride!

[@Broski8137]

Excited to see James watching this. They made BCS so dense. It rewards perceptive viewers. And they dont waste a second of screen time. James is pretty perceptive so I think he'll enjoy it.

[@alwaysbreezy37]

I'm so happy we're finally starting BCS, I miss this show so much! It really is another masterpiece & not just piggybacking on BrBa either, it really stands on its own 🙌

[@batmanvsjoker7725]

"It seems like Jimmy and Chuck are on the same page" -James, 2023

[@alexm4163]

I am so excited for this reaction series. I recently binged this show for the first time and it has become one of my favorites of all time

[@cecillegravelle2590]

Hey James great reaction. The actress that plays Mrs Kettleman was the wife in FARGO tv series season 1. the wife of the cop that got killed. Mollie's friend.

[@florianclaaen7535]

Ladies and Gentlemen, it happened. STAY CALM! DON'T PANIC! This is gonna be the best ride ever. Thank you for doing this. I will lust for the next video just like I did with your breaking bad reaction. Have a fantastic day my guy :)

[@PodyTheCirate]

Yoooo so ready for this after finish BB with ya. Love your insight bro! Chuck and Jimmy’s relationship are the glue of this show.

[@needsomezzz]

I’ve been wait8ng for this day since you started your reaction to Breaking Bad! I love this show and I’m excited to see your reactions.

[@Jared_Wignall]

It’s awesome to see the beginnings of Saul Goodman and how he was just Jimmy McGill at one point as well as seeing where he is after Breaking Bad as Gene. We also get to see a good amount about Mike, his story and how he knows Jimmy early on and during by the end of the show, understand why and how he works with him when he’s Saul. Great reaction man, I hope you’re doing well. Take care!

[@KayinAngel]

it's crazy they made a spin off series based on an initially minor character from a pretty great show, and the spin off show they make is at least as good or, arguably, better.

[@jimralston7562]

This will blow your mind. About 3 years ago a friend told me how great BCS was. So I started watching it on NetFlix. I had never watched BB, or knew its plot. I remember thinking "what's up with this parking lot attendant guy?". Lol

[@Skullzrapper]

This is gonna be a treat! As someone who appreciates the intricate details in filmmaking, you're gonna love this! This show doesn't always have the action to fall back on like BB did but for what it lacks in action, it makes up for in complexity, cinematography, and acting!

[@corvuslight]

What's the definition of insanity? Thinking James wouldn't catch the Far Cry connection...well done, sir. One of the best video game characters of all time and one of my favorite BCS characters.

[@lahnnabell11]

OMG get ready for some incredible Mike scenes coming. I mean, you are going to be floored. Can't wait to relive this series!

[@iCortex1]

YES YES YES AND YES AGAIN, I was so hoping you would start this right after BB/EL Camino ! My prayers have been answered. So fucking ready for this, Saul is amazing

[@jaives]

the cinematorgraphy in BCS is so phenomenal, it feels like Gilligan and Gould are just flexing at this point. Some people disregarded this as a sequel cash grab but it actually felt more like the Soldier Boy/Homelander meme. "I'm the upgrade."

[@batmanvsjoker7725]

You're gonna love this! It doesn't have half as much action as Breaking Bad, but I was never bored once.

[@bloodyx24]

It doesn't have as much as bb but when you do get it, it's really intense

[@ea09]

You're in for a treat. Breaking Bad was good, but BCS's cinematography is on whole another level. Probably best in TV.

[@royrvereo9053]

BCS IS BY FAR MY FAV SHOW SO IM SO EXCITED FOR THE JOURNEY

[@0101tuber]

Wow, surprised at myself over how elated I was to see this much-awaited BCS review has been posted. Gonna be a fun ride, can't wait for your observations...

[@slackstarfish8133]

This show gets crazy. And nacho is one of the best characters in the entire universe

[@tarantula_7u863]

3:50 was a fire transition. Don't think nobody appreciated that 😂

[@mlgamings6110]

It's kinda sad that a lot of people stop watching Better Call Saul after Season 1 or 2. Yeah, it's a bit slow, especially comparing to Breaking Bad. But it's very necessary as after the show picks up pace in Season 3 and after, I honestly believe that it even manages to surpass Breaking Bad. Especially Seasons 4 and 5. The best part is how much more context it adds to Breaking Bad. After I finished Better Call Saul, I rewatched Breaking Bad and was amazed by how different the entire show felt.

[@zachsutton6195]

This show takes a fun character and turns him into one of the greatest ever

[@BillyBong]

Yes! Here we go. Been waiting on this over a year. The attwntion to detail on this show is insane. Jimmy said Kettleman drives a Mercury Sable, and they hit a Ford Taurus. Amazing.

[@Mrgarethw]

So many people I know didn’t stay with this show because the first couple of series were a little slow - but genuinely it has some of the greatest single episodes. By the end I put this above breaking bad. So glad you’re going on to watch it

[@lorddoobsworth144]

looking forward to this journey with you James 🔥 It's always funny seeing reactors go from calling him Saul to calling him Jimmy.

[@Arkenway]

I'm so happy that I have something to look for every Tuesday 🙏🏼 Love your work James

[@DjDown1984]

Yes yes yes, so happy you got on this so fast, vince gilligan and peter gould are monster writers

[@pawpaw__]

I'm here for this, man! lol Your excitement is contagious and well justified. Hell yeah

[@louielouie22]

The read for this was awesome to watch too. I watched the chemistry unfold. Looked like a lot of fun.

[@justjasontm]

So glad you're finally on this! I just finally started the 6th and final season of Saul today so now I can catch up as I finish it haha

[@Rurukuken]

I’ve been waiting for this moment and we’re finally here! Still one of my favorite pilot episodes for a show.

[@H0neyB2dg3r]

I love watching you experience these shows for the first time. It's making me enjoy them all over again.

[@maxmarshall7123]

Can’t wait for you to get DEEP into this show. Better Call Saul top-notch visual storytelling

[@Boognish82]

It's all good man! Excited for this series James

[@sadclown7340]

Such an excellent read on the brothers relationship.. impressive. Also. Your perception on Kim's importance to Jimmy.. you forgot by the end.lol.

[@Nategreat923]

Awesome! So excited to see your reaction. Great series. Thanks for sharing

[@JamesVSCinema]

Ayyy anytime!! Thanks for taking the time for checking it out!

[@Nategreat923]

​@JamesVSCinema Banger of a react! Super excited for the rest!

[@Yora21]

The whole parking garage elevator sequence is one of my favorite things on screen ever. The setup with the trash can that sets the tone going into the meeting, and then the payoff later. Introducing Kim. Then the trashcan again when Kim picks it up, cleaning up after him without saying a word about it. It all establishes so much backstory with no words. Mostly very simple looking shots, but they communicate so loudly that this is really important.

[@HaloOfSun]

I love that close up of the trash can and Jimmy looking back at it. It's obvious that trash can has been beaten by Jimmy more times than he could count. Really good imagery for Jimmy's dissatisfaction and frustration.

[@1967HandleX]

So glad you get to experience this so fresh out of Breaking Bad. Be thankful, young man., we had to wait. I look forward to your amazing reactions.

[@sneakyfingers]

You're gonna enjoy this show James. I look forward to watching you experience it.

[@antoinerougier3083]

Michael Mando is definitely one of the biggest highlight in therms of new character in the show his acting is so good

[@ashy7416]

Yesss BCS is finally here! Watching your reactions for BB was great 👍 looking forward to more episodes

[@matthewcorya7514]

It’s great seeing characters from BB but in my opinion it’s the new characters that make this such a great show. Kim is one of my all time favorite characters in TV

[@ThePete1081]

I've been waiting since you first mentioned Farcry in the BB reactions for you to react to Vaas in ep 2. But you nailed it immediately from just Mando's name in the credits. Well spotted sir.

[@williamdavis8076]

Great reaction James! Also, it’s funny that you said future Saul looks like a Fargo character, since Bob Odenkirk was in Fargo season 1!

[@HaloOfSun]

I am beyond excited to watch this journey you are about to go on and to hear your insight. I have not shut up about it since I finished it just a few months ago.

[@Head-ck4hu]

BCS is 6 seasons. But it took almost 9 years to air because of covid, filming delays and Bob's heart attack. Characters were great. #1 question you'll have is, "why aren't they in BB. What happened." Enjoy the ride.

[@itzfraggle9620]

I've been to that skatepark many times. (The Los Altos Skatepark btw) Watching these shows is like you recognizing spots in Philly when you watch it's always sunny. "Hey I know where that is!" :D I'm excited you're watching this series next. I'll be watching every one with you.

[@lufcharrison2234]

im impressed with how much you pick up just from your first watch, you the goat G

[@sherigrow6480]

I loved this show from the first second. Brilliantly shot and lit. The cast is unreal.

[@Bee-id6nv]

Very happy you are doing this show. So many amazing scenes and shots. Cannot wait to hear some of your thoughts on them.

[@Miika_Hakalahti]

Woohoo BCS reactions are here! 🎉 I actually love to watch these reactions weekly. It's like experiencing the shows again with a similar pace as it first aired, without the long waits between seasons ofc. All of my favorite shows, BB, BCS, Got, Lost, I've watched on a "tv schedule" of once a week. I think that, atleast for me, shows tend to give a more lasting impact that way. You get to treasure each episode, each scene. Sure the wait between seasons, and sometimes for just the weekly episode could be torturous, but with shows like BCS, damn rewarding stuff.

[@santithemanti1491]

now james embarks on our favorite show

[@ScottToma]

In the scene in his condo, he’s watching the Saul ads, the reflection in “Genes” glasses is in color. Brilliance.

[@dariodelvoije]

It's been a while since I watched better call saul, I kind of forgot what the first episode was about. Really cool watching this with you and seeing you fangirl over the cinematography. Also you picked up some things really fast

[@the10thdoctor21]

Knowing how good your commentary is I'm just dying to see your reaction to Mr. Robot, love your vids man

[@bllacklightt]

The Best Show ever period

[@marciahuehn2365]

Yes, yes, yes, you will love this series and I am excited to be watching it for the second time with you. Happy Thanksgiving! Peace and love.❤

[@JamesVSCinema]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Enjoy your time with yourself and the people close!

[@henriquegondim2115]

Hey James! Im a follower from Brazil and Ive been wanting for some time now to thank you for this channel and your videos. I would like to know more about you, and im sure more people here too, and about your passion of cinema and to know what movies are important to you and how was the process of creating this channel. There are some movies that you reviewed such as "The Place Beyond the Pines", "American History X" and "City of God" that were very touching to me and it has been amazing to "rewatch" them with you and see it through your eyes, knowledge and experience. My girlfriend is an assistant director here in Brazil, she actually just won the bronze lion in cannes, and Im always sending her your videos. Im really enjoying the selection you are doing in you channel. The Second Mother is a brazilian movie that i recommend you to watch and I think you and everyone here would love to see your review on it! Keep it up man, it has been really special to learn with you@

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yoooo this was an awesome comment!! Shoutout to Brazil! The City of God watch through was the most iconic so far on this channel. Grateful to people like you who spread positivity..cheers my friend!

[@gonzalogallego9265]

This series is definitely more about understanding the characters and watching their interactions, and they get so complex further on, much more than Breaking Bad in my opinion.

[@alexa.english174]

Here we go, the start of another adventure!

[@CaucasianCajun]

You mentioned Fargo so much I am going to have to check it out. I have no clue if it is a show or movie but I trust your judgement and apparently you give it extremely high praises haha

[@weirdguy1495]

To answer your question: it's both.

[@ProductionAnything]

It's a 90's movie, a cult one. And then a tv show happening in the same universe that started in 2014 if I'm not mistaken. Could have easily been a huge failure. Turns out it is one of the best examples of a great reboot.

[@SpectrumAnalysis]

I love the moment that Tuco started throwing his revolver around you put your hands up as if he was aiming at you. I would, frankly, even through the screen. Also some BCS spoiler-free points (Spoilers for BB and El Camino tho): -In Breaking Bad, Saul says after the Heisenberg situation dies off he'll be lucky to be a manager at a Cinnabon in Nebraska, which is where he actually ends up. They did this same call-back style in El Camino where Jesse chooses to go to Alaska in Breaking Bad before having the brain blast about Walt poisoning Brock, and we learn in El Camino that he got the idea for Alaska from Mike. -When Walt pretends to be Badger's dad and uses Badger's Irish last name "Mayhew" to first contact Saul in BB, Saul says his real name is McGill and, to quote him: "the Jew thing [he] does for the homeboys; they all want a pipe-hitting member of the tribe, so to speak" whatever that might mean. I've seen allusions to it meaning he'll go the distance to get things done like a spec-ops agent, or that he's ingratiated into the "tribe" of his clientele, since his clients assume Jews would make better lawyers, proverbially hitting their peace-pipe. Notice he fiddles with his ring in that scene, keep that in mind for later in this series and consider he may mean a different homeboy, maybe a boy back home. Many people might discard it as a very traditional Saul lie to get in someone's good graces, but he's actually using info from his real life, that's why he's such a good liar, he only half lies to make it more believable and uses his real life experiences and emotions as ammo for his deceptions while subtly bending the truth. It's amazing how many people think Saul is his real name when he literally tells us it isn't and it's a pun on "It's all good, man." Most reactors I watch are surprised when they learn he's called Jimmy. -Everything to do with Saul's past is in colour, even when everything else is in black and white. His commercials are in colour in the reflection of his glasses in the flash forward. -Michael Mando, while he doesn't appear in this first episode, is now the second Far Cry villain to be in the series after Giancarlo Esposito, and you claimed Tuco acted like one too. This whole series gives off major GTA/Far Cry vibes at times, I wouldn't be surprised if both series cribbed off of each other. I mean, we later see Trevor's actor in BCS as a non-plot relevant cameo.

[@rageus4731]

So happy you started this so early! Its finally time

[@joeyboogenz]

I have been waiting for this !! This is deep stuff here.

[@keikosman]

Best first episode EVER!

[@PeteHummers-my3kv]

A glorious show and a perfect complement to BB ... & we get to see some old friends during the run

[@Exoixx]

Honestly so excited to see these reactions!

[@alexkramerblogs]

It begins!!