FILMMAKER REACTS to BREAKING BAD Season 2 Episode 8: Better Call Saul

Hope you enjoy my first reaction to Breaking Bad. :D
Early Access (2 episodes ahead!) & Full length Reactions: / jamesvscinema
Original Show on FX Networks: Breaking Bad (2008)
Ending Song: / charleycoin
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[@JamesVSCinema]

SAUL GOODMAN is in the house! Breaking Bad S3 on Patreon! Click here: www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Much love! Eat ya leftovers too!

[@davidcase8635]

@JamesVSCinema Those names that Saul Goodman said to Walter and Jesse: "Ignacio and Lalo." They're gonna be very important in the future! Just wait! And yes, Saul Goodman's real name and identity is McGill. As in Jimmy McGill. Another important thing to remember for the future!

[@chipsthedog1]

James its probably not the right pacing for reaction videos but being into film making please tell me you have seen The Wire?

[@revengeofthenerd5261]

As of 12/27 (today), how far ahead is Patreon with this show? I'm considering my January Patreon subscriptions

[@l34CoNCreepy]

many argue better call saul is better than breaking bad....whether it is or isnt, being that close, its worth watching after BB ends.

[@davidcase8635]

@@l34CoNCreepy Yeah, same can be said about Red Dead Redemption 2 being better than the first one.

[@matthewhearn9910]

"Lalo didn't send you? No Lalo?" "Whoever that person he just said, he's a problem" - James you have NO IDEA.

[@kidsseecudi3408]

Does He Know ????

[@pendulumandraven9338]

@@kidsseecudi3408 i hope he does BCS after completing this and el camino :3

[@s.henrlllpoklookout5069]

"Shhhhhh...shhhhhhh....okay, let's talk"

[@coffeeninja2852]

I wonder if he'll even remember this by the time he comes around.

[@dillydraws]

@@coffeeninja2852 A lot of reactors don't lol

[@OddManeuver]

Hank just got hit by the hardest "Yo Mama" joke ever in this episode. That shit was more traumatic than El Paso.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Yeah that was a damn bomb of a roast.

[@LuizenL]

@@JamesVSCinema I see what you did there

[@NoseyBonk5599]

1 month ago?

[@reaperofmemes923]

@@NoseyBonk5599 man is time traveling

[@debbyemerson3877]

@@reaperofmemes923 yeah saw that before and it's gotta be patreon comments.

[@vincentlecornu201]

So fascinating that you immediately sensed that Saul could "bob and weave" and "find a way." Gilligan later said that he thinks of Saul as "the ultimate survivor."

[@federerfanatic]

Cockroach.

[@oldaccount9563]

True, he has the gift of always being able to argue his way out of impossible situations. MAJOR BCS SPOILERS BELOW . . . . . . . That's why I loved "Saul Gone" where he was able to show he could easily escape his major consequences if he wanted and makes a big show of it just because he can, only to do the right the thing in the end like he still wanted to deep down. He always wins his way in court.

[@gbuckss]

Yea he called that out quick

[@chrisakaschulbus4903]

"the ultimate survivor." You mean like a cockroach...? ;)

[@jesstube6466]

Crazy how a comic relief character becomes one of the most complex/well written characters of all time

[@monfernova]

Watching you watch this episode after just finishing BCS myself makes this particular episode quite the trip.

[@MamadNobari]

Back when my boy Saul had the best haircut.

[@Froman4200]

Right!! When he talked about nacho and lalo I was like holy shit I forgot about this

[@mashav8114]

Spoilers for BCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . After BCS rewatching the whole scene when Saul tells them about Jimmy In-n-Out hits really different

[@heyhi5503]

same i finished bcs yesterday

[@benf1111]

Yeah, I kinda forgot how strongly Saul/Bob Odenkirk just walked and put his balls on the table from jump.

[@sherylsmallwood-valdivia5375]

Bob Odenkirk was told by his agent "you're going to be offered a small role in Breaking Bad. Whatever it is, take it". Little did he know!

[@monil2447]

You have no idea how good Better Call Saul is, and not just funny as hell. What they did with this hilarious character is perhaps even more amazing than Breaking Bad.

[@JohnSmith-wh2ob]

The writers walked in seasoned veterans coming off the greatest show of all time and crushed it with better call saul

[@goblintwo]

Saul being the main character and Breaking Bad being the spinoff was the biggest surprise watching "Better Call Saul" in its original run. Wild that you're already picking up on that vibe

[@ratedr7845]

Nah, BCS is the spinoff

[@vito7654]

@@ratedr7845 that was a joke dude

[@johnny-vu6rl]

@@ratedr7845 whoosh

[@isaiahromero9861]

@@vito7654 there's some truth to it though, Saul does feel more central to the overall lore to me than Walter does

[@dillydraws]

@@isaiahromero9861 Saul is basically the main character with more screen time. Walt is like a natural disaster that causes big things to happen

[@CthulhusPRRep]

Yoooo slippin jimmys first appearance, best character of the series

[@PhatLayCes7825]

Well, actually.. cough cough Gustavo.. can't wait til James is introduuced to Gus Fring!

[@leeannmcdermott8313]

Saul taking control of his abduction situation without a sweat makes you know right away that this isn’t his first rodeo. There are no shallow or dumb characters in this show, and that includes Marie as well 😂

[@cooperhurst2639]

“There are no shallow of dumb characters in this show” Ted Beneke 🫠

[@Spirit529]

Dude was on his knees in front of a grave and walked out getting payed.

[@The-Xclusiveeeee]

Saul Goodman enters the building!! Amazing character he's hilarious, perfect casting

[@MamadNobari]

Idk about the perfect casting, Kevin Costner could've done a good job too imo.

[@DeskIsUndead]

@@MamadNobari wait I thought this was Kevin Costner

[@MamadNobari]

@@yaboyrams9500 Debatable

[@MamadNobari]

@@yaboyrams9500 I just think Dwayne Johnson could've done a nicer job.

[@transformersrevenge9]

Saul Goodman is the quintessential shady lawyer character. And he comes at the right time too. Just when we are used to the Walt-Jesse-Hank dynamic, he enters the story and brings in a totally new energy. Also, still loving Hank's development here. They are really showing the cognitive dissonance about his alpha/macho man/hero cop facade he puts on, and the geniuenly caring and soft man he is on the inside. We just don't see that often with tough guys in movies and TV. Not everyone can gun down a man, and sleep like a baby later. It's a fresh angle for the hero-antagonist cop character.

[@newspooiechannel]

Fun fact about this one. The original second half of season 1 was planned out and several episodes written, but ended up being scrapped due to the 2008 writer's strike. Thus the abrupt ending and pickup at the junk yard in the last and first episodes between seasons. With the extra time between seasons, this became the only point during the show when the entire season was plotted out in advance of filming an episode. Originally, Tuco was intended to be the recurring villain of the second half of the first season and the second season; however, Raymond Cruz became unavailable for much of the second season due to other commitments and his primary role on 'The Closer,' so they scrapped their plans a second time and wrote him out of the show by killing him off early on. The character of Saul Goodman was invented as an afterthought as the writers figured they would need a new primary character to help carry the rest of the season and aid Walt and Jesse as they got into trouble as well as bringing a more comedic side to the show to fill the void when Hank begins to experience trauma from his brief excursion in Mexico. Meanwhile, Bob Odenkirk took the role at the insistence of his agent. Many shows had approached him for characters to play over the years that he did not have much interest in and his agent told him "this is the kind of show people win Emmys from." He would go on to be nominated for Best Male Performance in 5 of the 6 seasons he starred in 'Better Call Saul.'

[@kareningram6093]

I love how you could see immediately how this dude earned his own series. From minute one, he just busted into somebody else's show and asserted his dominance lol.

[@Skullzrapper]

I felt the same way when I first saw this. I was like, "DAMN, he just came in here and stole the episode like it was nothing." Saul is an amazing character! Just about every character that gets introduced in this show is incredible and so memorable 💯

[@posmanager44]

Saul is an amazing addition on this ride!

[@shineyx1047]

3 episodes in one week? Now this is a pace I can get behind.

[@PhatLayCes7825]

"It wasn't me, it was Ignacio..!" man that line gave me chills. Can't wait til you find out what and who the context is all about. Also, fun fact. I've played pool in Alabama with DJ Qualls (the Fed from the cold open) .. some of his childhood friends were regulars I knew from a restaurant I had worked for. He came down from Nashville during the holidays, and we drank and shot the shit a few games at a local watering hole.

[@oliverhughes610]

I now can't wait for you to get to BCS. That thing he said when looking at the grave? 'It wasn't me, it was Ignacio'? Yeah... remember that one. As well as the mention of 'Lalo'. Bob Odenkirk was unreal for this role. He went from being a comedic writer/actor to perfectly playing a dramatic - and yet still funny - role and in BCS he completely blows it out of the water and takes it to another level entirely. For a fun bit of trivia, his brother Bill was one of the main writers of Futurama.

[@mushroomlad6233]

why you gotta spoil that bruh

[@gianni99999]

bro chill with the spoilers

[@persephone9177]

🤦‍♀️

[@cryb0rg]

I'm disappointed in you.

[@oliverhughes610]

@@mushroomlad6233 how is saying 'remember that line' a spoiler lol

[@benaiah2119]

The writing is so perfect. When saul is in the desert and he thinks he’s about to die, it shows you this guy has history and there are people who want him dead. And then the writers doubled down and made a whole show based on this scene. Bravo Vince and Peter.

[@ganjiblobflankis6581]

The cinematography and visual story telling on BCS is a step up, the characters and drama is roughly the same, but the action and excitement is not as consistently present as in BB. They feel like very different shows, despite being in the same universe.

[@jmwild1]

The genres are different and it's felt throughout both shows.

[@ratedr7845]

Honestly Breaking Bad is better

[@vn5774]

BB is the greatest show of all time, and BCS is the greatest spin-off of all time

[@coleintheville117]

Action can sometimes take away from the writing, in my opinion BCS is superior in basically every way.

[@paratus04]

Like the Godfather 1 & 2 or Alien & Aliens or Terminator 1 & 2 legitimate arguments can be made for either BB or BCS being the best show. That definitely says something about creators.

[@gerryadams9868]

James I just wanna let you know, your videos have been the only form of comfort in my life atm and I look forward to watching u to escape my thoughts, sending u love from Ireland

[@JamesVSCinema]

Oh word thanks Gerry!! Imma have to hit you up for when I go to Ireland! Appreciate you!

[@NileMcKenna]

An Irish brother

[@sunnny819]

from ireland aswell bro stay strong

[@robertt9825]

Fun fact, when I lived in Las Vegas during the launch of Better Call Saul, like every personal injury/defense lawyer had put up billboards referencing Better Call Saul in some way lol

[@themoviedealers]

A few here in LA also did it

[@tannerlink566]

The person Saul was Scared of was Lalo, just remember that name for when you watch Better Call Saul.

[@jmwild1]

Saul Goodman's intro aside, I really love the cold open for its simplicity. It's like a short stage play, captured all in one unbroken wide shot.

[@sinang9013]

"Lalo didn´t send you? No Lalo?" Chills XD

[@video6400]

If you love that shot in the grave scene then you're gonna be loving how amazing some of the shots in Better Call Saul are. The show is filled with shots like that and it's one of the things that people consider to just straight up be better at Breaking Bad at

[@paulcarlsen5787]

Hanks actor is so underrated, such a great performance of fragile masculinity

[@DrBeardfacePA]

I grew up on Mr Show with Bob and David. This man helped shape my sense of humor, and he’s so damn good in this role.

[@d.-_-.b]

The first of a trio of phenomenal characters that get introduced in the back half of this season that IMHO are what elevate this series from competent to legendary!

[@timothybrown5999]

I think this might be my favorite episode of the series. It’s really well acted, nicely paced and really funny.

[@markogolem9537]

God watching this after seeing all of better call saul is insane, crazy how this man becomes like the most deep developed character in the brba universe, and his mention of just two random names who then go to become some of the most amazing fan favorite characters...

[@jeremyl99]

seriously great job by the writers and Bob Odenkirk to literally just steal the show in every scene he’s in and not once miss a beat really difficult thing to do in a show already in the second season. And better call Saul is simply masterful in writing and visual storytelling you’ll for sure love it whenever you start it

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

Bob Odenkirk is so great as Saul Goodman. Just want to mention the movie, "Nobody" that he starred in a little while back (before his heart attack, which thankfully he recovered from!) and is great, popcorn fun (a movie, not series). A serious action flick with lots of fun / comedy in it - but not "broad" comedy. Love seeing your reaction to this amazing show!

[@gregwillett2710]

11:58 - Saul literally does walk into this scene from his own prequel series as that character in real time. His series catches up in real time to the Breaking Bad series. In fact, Saul is the one single character featured througout the entirety of the Gilligan universe - it all comes full circle with his arch - many call him the main character of both series

[@Quixotic1018]

The way these showrunners flesh out Saul in this show and the next is phenomenal and I can't wait for you to see how he fits into this world

[@kevinklare6436]

“I’m gonna love this guy” Yes, James, you will. Great character.

[@desertrose0027]

"It wasn't me! It was Ignacio!" And that right there spawned the prequel.

[@ratedr7845]

You forgot "did Lalo sent you?"

[@mushroomlad6233]

there were always little moments throughout breaking bad that showed that saul used to be a real person and not a soulless husk. like him going out of his way to tell a story to brock or telling jesse to go see andrea. there's other stuff too like hank's mention of mike's "dramatic exit" from the philadelphia police force. all these details aligned perfectly to enhance bcs and vice versa.

[@xrpmxwix7932]

15:15 i thought he was saying random stuff to be funny or was desperately trying to convince them to let him live but after watching Better Call Saul this line is crazy i never realized when watching the first time.

[@llorona7847]

“This dude just walked in like a main character” Hence, the need for a legit spinoff

[@ScooterSkillsYolo]

I feel like this is the beginning of the start of truly what makes breaking bad next level. Saul is such a big player in this story and I can’t wait for you to see more. Ur a gem for doing this multiple times a week btw. Love bro

[@nicholasloduca6668]

Ah Lalo. James is correct in his assumption that he is definitely a problem. I didn't think the villains in BCS would be able to match Breaking Bad, but hell, Lalo was so good.

[@luthandomabengeza1655]

Also check the timing of Badger's arrest. Literally an episode after seeing Heisenberg's face for the first time. So definitely high stakes

[@TheRadScientist_]

I genuinely think that BCS is the best show I’ve ever seen and I don’t think anything even comes close. The storytelling in that show is on a whole other level. Can’t wait to see you react to it.

[@georgesnow797]

"It's incredibly microscopic in its narraration of its characters". That's the best description of the show I've heard. Bravo, good sir!

[@reneramirez]

I just signed on to your patreon james and its because im loving everything you react to, but i couldnt wait weekly for breaking bad!

[@alexwills6905]

What episode is he up to on patreon?

[@reneramirez]

@@alexwills6905 i think season 3 ep 4

[@nabychuck]

@@alexwills6905 description says 2 episodes ahead

[@phylazen5649]

"he BEASTED this entire episode, y'all." damn straight he did. from the fire back to Hank's diss to noticing Walt's cough and being able to manipulate the situation. Great episode dude, cant wait for episode 9!

[@nickc127]

The show definitely gets better now that Saul is in the picture. He's an awesome character. Can't wait for season 3!

[@Not_deez111]

Next episode has one of my fav scenes in the whole show.

[@erinesque1889]

I like how you caught on to the fact that that episode with Tortuga is going to change Hank. This show, like chemistry, is about change, as Walter said in an early episode in season one. I really appreciate your knowledge and intelligence while watching this show. It makes it so much more enjoyable.

[@gregthebaritone]

How often does an actor get to do this? Bob Odenkirk basically auditioned for the lead of a show that the producers had no idea existed.

[@Dreveryn]

Not sure if you picked up on the moniker, but Saul Goodman's name is literally It"s all good man." Bob Odenkirk's performance was legendary in this show. From this first episode with him he made it unquestionable that he can hang with the rest of this amazing cast, and prior to this show he was practically unheard of.

[@libra_v3]

this man is just bombarding us with the good stuff, glad you're so into this series!

[@0101tuber]

Yes! Really enjoying your analysis and super happy you are up for BCS.

[@ryan40905]

Name dropping Lalo in this ep is crazy

[@midnightfeeder]

The only bad thing about better call saul having its own series is that I'll probably have to wait a long time to see you react to it. But ill wait patiently cause damn it will be nice.

[@seanellio]

Breaking Bad was the greatest TV show OF ALL TIME!!!! Until seasons 5 and 6 of "Better Call Saul". Both shows are classic and should be remembered and honored for years.

[@coleintheville117]

A fun fact: Both BB and BCS have an episode titled after the other show, this episode in s2 titled Better Call Saul, and the s6 BCS episode titled Breaking Bad.

[@redeadhead4]

12:50 is by far my favorite quote of the entire series. So much truth and touches on the big overarching question of Better Call Saul.

[@jealaniash3554]

When u get to reacting to Better Call Saul,try and remember the names he was yelling out when he reached the " gravesite". The details in both those series are phenomenal!!! Great reaction tho James. Peace!!

[@lynnc5252]

The give away cough. Could this be any more poetically, heartbreakingly, realistically magical? I was DO NOT DISTURB for every episode.

[@HerSandiness]

Wow. Picking up on Saul being the BIG driving force behind wheelin' and dealin', bobbing and weaving, as quick as you did... and saying he's like the main character and BB is just his side gig... Now I can't WAIT til you someday react to Better Call Saul, the series!

[@adambainbridge1708]

"He's walking in like he's the main character..." He is the main character!

[@tucci06]

It's crazy that we still haven't even been introduced to some of the best characters in the show yet.

[@solezeta1314]

And thus this episode is now officially the introduction to an icon

[@jamescoconut1282]

Legendary character of all tv. His story in Better call Saul is top notch television too, when you get there

[@rlboozer56]

It’s so crazy to think you’ve just begun basically, the ride you’re in for is amazing

[@papl20]

My best friend, my lover, my soulmate, my saul goodman is here. The best of the best. Top of the line. It's insane how the best comic relief of the show became quite literally the best written character in this universe. A toast for a real one 🥂

[@allupelailee]

3 episodes in a week :0 You are treating us good!!

[@iminumst7827]

A zero spoiler heads-up for Better Call Saul show: While Breaking Bad has breakneck pacing, Better Call Saul has a lot of slow moments. But to me those moments don't feel slow because the writing and cinematography is surprisingly an improvement on Breaking Bad. Saul is a big personality and comic relief in Breaking Bad, but in his show you see a lot more of his sincere side. So don't go into BCS expecting it to be a really comedic show, it's a gritty drama with comedic elements just like Breaking Bad. IK that's really far ahead, but I'm sure you will like Breaking Bad enough to start Better Call Saul, and I think it's good to set the proper expectations. Better Call Saul is an amazing show, but lots of people get turned off from it because they expected more action and more comedy, but it's a character study and drama. The biggest difference between Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul is that BCS focuses more on internal conflict and moral ambiguity. But beware, there is crazy enough a prequel to Better Call Saul called "Slippin Jimmy", it's a cartoon, and absolutely terrible. Avoiding watching it at all costs.

[@cclmnz6850]

Although there is more action, breaking bad is mainly a character study on walt and jesse and we feel that with better Call Saul, the writers have improved on this aspect.

[@gregwillett2710]

0:32 - "Better Call Saul" the series - is the prequel to Breaking Bad - many of the same characters actually featured throughout - as one series finally (and literally) intersects in real time with the other. The entire Giligan universe is a carefully orchestrated Masterpiece

[@cjmkdolphin8443]

Than you for uploading more of this series so soon. It's like watching it for the first time again.

[@LukeWarm05]

Great timing! I'm on a road trip and happen to be staying the night in Albuquerque.

[@jamo8378]

"Conscience gets expensive, doesn't it??." is very true in that game. Very true lol "You are killin me with that BOOtay" will forever be remembered as the line that made shoot MountainDew out my damn nose. JUST WAIT til he calls Skylar a "chatty Cathy".....you are going to die as I did 😆

[@TumzFestivalYT]

The tragedy of the show to me is that the DEA needs their own chemists. Hank should've shown him the DEA's lab before taking him on a ride along.

[@johnnymac972]

Badger is also a voice actor on that show kick buttowski

[@Cyber_Noot]

As soon as I saw the episode title I was like "Yeah James is gonna really like Saul."

[@Malryth]

Oh I will truly look forward to when you watch the spin off Show about Saul. This episode of Breaking Bad was when it truly pivoted in my mind.

[@greatness2374]

I love your commentary on this series. You're a beast!

[@lordcrispen]

Oh my god. Watching this again after years from the first watch, god damn this is great stuff. Thank you for taking this journey with/for us. I'm strapped in.

[@MadisonApitz]

These reactions are so fun to watch. Keep doing what you do!

[@jobigburn2688]

I'm learning english by watching your videos. It's cool... I like your voice, your face, what you say and Breaking Bad of course !

[@georgewilliamsiii4677]

Going off something you said. When I started watching reactions from people in the industry who know the behind the scenes stuff, I really started paying attention to the production side, all that actually goes into making a good scene.

[@shawnbowers8774]

Very much enjoying your reactions to the BB series! I was one of those who slept on it forever and could not stop binge watching it once I gave in. And yes the Better Call Saul series is amazing in its own right... cant wait for your reactions to that one as well. Oh man its like I get to relive the experiences all over again watching your react. Keep em coming.

[@gesundheit602]

Breaking bad finished in 2013 and Better Call Saul didn’t air until 2015. So storyline wise there are some prequel lines, etc but as an actor Odenkirk didn’t come in to BB as a “side job”. He was on breaking bad and finished that series first.

[@thebigbop5866]

My favourite character hasn't even debuted yet, and people won't know who I'm talking about because there's still lots of new brilliant characters to come in.

[@rumham7466]

19:38 actually I think the door getting stuck was an accident and they kept rolling with it. Also.. I like that you get and appreciate the humor in this show. It’s filled with dark humor. Large part of it is dark comedy

[@rkdeshdeepak4131]

"He is treating breaking bad as if it is a side mission" Yes, breaking bad is a side mission and he is the main character of the universe.

[@yungcheeseman]

15:46 “whoever that person he just said is gonna be a problem” Most accurate BCS prediction from someone that’s only seen 2 seasons of BrBa

[@kidsseecudi3408]

15:44 oh james you have NO idea😭

[@AnythingButSerius]

Really enjoying the commentary. Your gonna love better call Sual

[@daniloassis8958]

the same way you saw that shot as a “Fargo shot” was how i saw those typa shots in Fargo and thought “that’s a Breaking Bad shot”😂

[@leocrux6314]

Thank you for the double up this week! Happy holidays, stay up

[@unxprienced9548]

I think it's even funnier that Badger totally sniffs out the cops down to the vans that they're in and still sells it to the guy

[@Valp85]

Now, English might be my second language, but it took me waaay too long to realize the verbal pun of Saul Goodman. Bob Odenkirk is a delight as this character

[@daz_n]

To think they built an entire god-tier series around a side-character that makes BB an even better show than it already was.

[@NLBrown-gz2qe]

The Nacho and Lalo references from Saul make me excited for you to check out Better Call Saul. They’re both my favorite and probably the most interesting of both series.

[@cvlcvl190]

Happy Holidays James. Best wishes to you and your Family for a bright and Happy New Year. 🙏🌟🥳🕊️