Vince Gilligan originally envisioned Better Call Saul as a half-hour sitcom, which certainly could have been entertaining. However, the grounded, dramatic rendition that audiences experienced turned out to be even more compelling. In a revealing conversation with Rolling Stone, Gilligan shared that the initial concept for the Saul Goodman spin-off aimed for a more episodic comedy format. This lighter version would have depicted Saul in his bustling office, meeting an array of eccentric clients each week. These diverse characters would bring unique legal challenges, echoing the format of Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist, which combined humor with relatable scenarios.
As Gilligan collaborated with co-creator Peter Gould, they quickly recognized their strengths lay in crafting hour-long dramas rather than half-hour comedies. Consequently, they shifted the format to a one-hour structure, aiming to create ?a really funny hour.? This new approach intended to invert Breaking Bad?s humor-to-drama ratio of 25% humor to 75% drama. However, as Better Call Saul progressed, they found themselves moving away from that initial premise. The series evolved into a narrative as poignant and dramatic as its predecessor, Breaking Bad, revealing the depth of character and storytelling that captivated audiences. Despite the brilliance of the final product, the initial sitcom idea still sparks curiosity.
Exploring the Potential of Better Call Saul as a Half-Hour Comedy Show
Why Saul Goodman Would Have Thrived in a Sitcom Format
The ultimate rendition of Better Call Saul stands as a testament to what a Saul spin-off could achieve. Its narrative style aligns closely with Breaking Bad, providing an in-depth exploration of the character Jimmy McGill, akin to the profound analysis of Walter White. The animated spin-off, Slippin? Jimmy, illustrated the risks of deviating from the established style of Breaking Bad. It underscored how easily a spin-off could misfire. Nonetheless, imagining a half-hour sitcom version of Better Call Saul remains an intriguing thought, suggesting it could have brought a unique blend of humor and drama to the table.
The central narrative of Better Call Saul unfolds between the years 2002 and 2004, providing a rich backdrop for character development and plot progression.
The Saul Goodman character is inherently suited for a comedic series. As an unscrupulous lawyer, he employs clever tactics to avoid courtrooms, presenting an ideal setup for a comedic twist on the legal drama genre. Prior to Breaking Bad, where his dramatic talents were highlighted, Bob Odenkirk was celebrated for his comedic prowess. He co-starred in the iconic sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David and had memorable guest roles in How I Met Your Mother and The Larry Sanders Show. While Better Call Saul has been lauded for its dramatic elements, it undoubtedly possesses the potential to be a hilarious sitcom.
Imagining Odenkirk’s Comedic Talents in a Sitcom Setting
While Better Call Saul could have served as an exceptional sitcom, the half-hour format would have likely imposed long-term restrictions on the show?s narrative depth. Initially, it would have been entertaining to witness the various guest stars seeking Saul’s legal expertise and the humorous situations he would navigate. However, the inherent structure of a sitcom would have meant the series would struggle to evolve beyond its initial premise. In contrast, the completed Better Call Saul traversed a trajectory akin to that of Breaking Bad, with its tone and narrative evolving in tandem with the protagonist?s transformation.
The dramatic version of Better Call Saul really sunk its teeth into Saul?s psychology and what made him tick. It showed how a wayward young underdog got gradually corrupted and became a *criminal* lawyer.
If Better Call Saul had embraced a sitcom format, it would have undoubtedly showcased Odenkirk’s comedic talents, yet it would have fallen short of illustrating his dramatic range as the hour-long version did. The series delved deeply into Saul?s psyche, unraveling the complexities that transformed him from a struggling underdog into a *criminal* lawyer. A sitcom approach would have constrained character development and the storytelling abilities that the dramatic format masterfully executed, ultimately limiting the richness of the narrative.
Why Better Call Saul Stands Out as One of the Funniest TV Dramas
Although Better Call Saul is not technically a sitcom, it undeniably delivers a wealth of humor. Much like its predecessor, Breaking Bad, it ranks among the most humorous TV dramas ever produced. Character-driven humor and situational comedy permeate Better Call Saul, seamlessly woven into a complex narrative populated by multifaceted characters. From Jimmy?s outrageous scams to Mike?s hilariously dry one-liners, the series is replete with moments that elicit laughter while maintaining a compelling storyline.
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In many ways, Gilligan and Gould successfully balanced humor and drama in their creation of Better Call Saul. By opting for an hour-long drama format, they were able to harness the strengths of Breaking Bad, including its serialized storytelling and intricate character arcs, while still infusing the series with the humor that would have characterized the sitcom version. Better Call Saul may not fit the traditional sitcom mold, but it certainly surpasses many sitcoms in terms of comedic value.
Source: Rolling Stone
Better Call Saul follows small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill as he navigates the legal world to make ends meet. The series, set six years before his encounter with Walter White, chronicles Jimmy’s evolution into Saul Goodman, with notable interactions alongside fixer Mike Ehrmantraut.
- Cast
- Adam Dorn , Bob Odenkirk , Jonathan Banks , Peter Gould , Rhea Seehorn , Stacy Keach , Thomas Golubić , Thomas Schnauz , Vince Gilligan , Dave Porter , Junior Brown , Rob Estrada , Gordon Smith , Michael McKean , Patrick Fabian , Michael Mando , Tony Dalton , Giancarlo Esposito , Stoney Westmoreland , Alex Désert , Elisha Yaffe , Chris Mulkey , Jim Beaver , Raymond Cruz , Teddy Eggleston
- Seasons
- 6
- Showrunner
- Peter Gould
