The Essence of Evil in the Netflix Original 'Better Call Saul'!?
Among all the Netflix original works, "Better Call Saul" radiates a special kind of brilliance, and every time I watch it, I find myself wanting to recommend it to others.
Breaking Bad to those who tell me they enjoyed watching it, I can't help but urge them, "In that case, you should definitely watch this show too."
The title of that show is "Better Call Saul."
What is Better Call Saul?
The Netflix original series "Better Call Saul" is a spin-off of the critically acclaimed drama "Breaking Bad."
It is a standalone story that can be fully enjoyed even if you haven't watched "Breaking Bad."
You will find yourself feeling anxious, frustrated, restless, and excited by the developments of the protagonist Jimmy McGill (later Saul Goodman) and the choices he makes, which might even seem good-natured at times.
Before you know it, you'll be hooked on the story, even as you find yourself thinking, "Are you an idiot!"
While it has the outward appearance of a witty courtroom drama or comedy, it is also a human drama that carefully depicts the psychology and choices of its characters.
What kind of story is "Breaking Bad"?
To put it simply, "Breaking Bad" is a story about an ordinary chemistry teacher who gradually falls into darkness as he enters the drug business.
At first, I thought it was just a story about "a protagonist who gradually becomes a bad person," but I made a surprising discovery after watching it repeatedly.
It is not just the protagonist who becomes evil; it is also a story where the human relationships and social structures around him slowly crumble, and as a result, many people change in a "bad direction."
You will experience a nail-biting sense of thrill as the story unfolds, where everyone becomes a liar just to cover up a single lie.
You will even be surprised to find yourself rooting for the bad guys before you know it.
The Downfall of Jimmy, the Protagonist of Better Call Saul
Returning to the main topic, the protagonist of "Better Call Saul" is Jimmy McGill (later Saul Goodman).
The story follows his path toward becoming a corrupt lawyer. Why does this kind-hearted man, who at first glance seems lovable, smiles often, and reaches out to those in need, end up being called a "corrupt lawyer"?
The answer cannot be told in a single word, but several core factors overlap to lead him in the direction of evil. You won't be able to take your eyes off that story development either.
The "Evil" Born from Isolation
When people are betrayed by those they trusted or blocked by institutions, they become isolated and find it easier to justify extreme choices.
In Jimmy's case, the important connections of love, family, and mentorship gradually frayed, pushing his actions toward a path that was socially and legally unacceptable.
In other words, his 'deterioration' cannot be explained solely by individual malice; it is also a tragedy triggered by his environment and the reactions of others.
Differences in the Portrayal of 'Evil'
'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul' both depict the 'birth of evil,' but there is a major contrast in how they portray it.
Walter White: Falling into Evil from Within
The protagonist of 'Breaking Bad,' Walter White, appears at first glance to be a timid, good-natured teacher.
However, his true nature is actually self-centered, harboring a cold-bloodedness that allows him to use even those close to him without a second thought. He was not driven into a corner by society, but rather fell into evil through his own choices and desires.
In short, this can be called a 'story of the evil lurking within blooming.'
Jimmy: Pushed into Evil by Society
On the other hand, the protagonist of 'Better Call Saul,' Jimmy McGill (Saul Goodman), is the exact opposite. He is a man who looks suspicious and every bit the crooked lawyer, but at his core, he has a kindness that cares for others.
(Saul Goodman) is the exact opposite. He is a man who looks suspicious and every bit the crooked lawyer, but at his core, he has a kindness that cares for others.
He possesses a goodness that sometimes leads him to help strangers even at the risk of his own safety. However, he is repeatedly crushed by the absurdities of social structures and systems, eventually leaving him no choice but to transform into a 'crooked lawyer.' This could be called a 'story of a good person being shaped into evil by society.'
The Complementary Relationship Between the Two Stories
In other words, when comparing the two,
'Breaking Bad' is evil that arises from within the individual,
'Better Call Saul' is evil that is pushed into by society and environment,
forming a complementary relationship.
By watching both works, you can face the question of 'why do people lean toward evil?' from completely different angles.
A Human Drama That Evokes Tragedy and Empathy
The brilliance of 'Better Call Saul' lies in how it carefully builds up these elements.
Viewers laugh while sympathizing with Jimmy, and at times, even find themselves rooting for him.
However, as the story progresses, the reality and the price of those choices become clear, and it is heart-wrenching.
It is not merely a 'tale of the birth of a villain,' but a human drama that makes you think deeply about the weight of choices, human fragility, and the relativity of ethics.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece That Touches the 'Essence of Evil'
With laughter, tears, and a lingering aftertaste that stays with you long after you finish watching—'Better Call Saul' is a masterpiece with exactly that kind of appeal.
Whether you watch it before or after Breaking Bad, first try immersing yourself in this story.
If you watch it while considering the question of Jimmy as a person—'how much of this is him, and how much is due to those around him'—you should be able to appreciate it even more deeply.
Writing this article has made me want to watch this show again. It is a work that has depth no matter how many times you watch it. When you see Saul Goodman, you want to watch Breaking Bad, and vice versa.
It is a truly wonderful work that stands on its own despite being a spin-off.
'Better Call Saul'.
