Better Call Saul (Breaking Bad)

For the Breaking Bad spin-off, see Better Call Saul.

"Better Call Saul (Breaking Bad)"

"Better Call Saul" is the eighth episode of the second season of the American television drama series Breaking Bad, and the fifteenth overall episode of the series. It was written by Peter Gould and directed by Terry McDonough.

This episode marks Bob Odenkirk's first appearance as Saul Goodman in the series. He was promoted to series regular in Season 3, stayed with the series until its end, and then reprised the role in Better Call Saul.

Plot summary

Badger, Jesse's dealer and friend, is arrested in a sting operation by the Albuquerque police. Walt and Jesse hear about it when they realize he has not paid his full share, and look to hire a shady lawyer named Saul Goodman, who has a string of advertisements on park benches and late night television. Saul has already offered to be Badger's legal counsel, provided he can pay for the service, and has found out that the DEA are involved, hoping that Badger will lead them to Heisenberg. Walt goes to Saul's office, pretending to be Badger's uncle, and learns that Saul will advise Badger to inform because he will not last in prison. Walt offers him a bribe to keep Badger from confessing, but Saul refuses him. He and Jesse then kidnap Saul and threaten to kill him if he does not keep Badger from informing on them, but Saul sees through their intimidation techniques and instead asks for payment so he can legally be their representation, and keep their talks confidential. Saul arranges for a man who makes a living being paid by other criminals to go to jail to stand in for Heisenberg. The DEA bust him when Badger gives them a fake deal, but Hank is not completely convinced. Later, Saul visits Walt at school, telling him that he is much too easy to find. He offers to be his full-time legal counsel and adviser in covering his tracks.

Skyler is going in to work on a Saturday, and Walt notices that she is looking especially nice- possibly dressing up for her boss, with whom she has a history. Hank is still suffering from the after-effects of killing Tuco and seeing the bomb detonate in Juarez. Walt gives him a motivational speech, talking about how he has not had any fear in his life since he was diagnosed with cancer and knew with certainty what would kill him. This helps Hank leave the house, but he still has anxiety attacks. Meanwhile, Jesse has slept with Jane. He offers her marijuana to smoke, and she reveals that she is in recovery from addiction and has been clean for 18 months. He agrees to stop smoking in the house. Later, he orders a mattress, as he has no furniture in his apartment. Seeing it, Jane comes over, and the two start making out once again.

Production

The episode was written by Peter Gould, and directed by Terry McDonough. It aired on AMC in the United States and Canada on April 26, 2009.

Critical reception

The episode was very well received. Donna Bowman of The A.V. Club gave the episode an A, and praised Jesse and Walt's evolving role in the drug world.

External links

• "Better Call Saul" at the official Breaking Bad site
• "Better Call Saul" at IMDb
• Template:Tv.com episode