Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad are two of the most critically acclaimed series in the realm of television, with stories that are deeply interconnected and showcase the dramatic journeys of their protagonists into the murky depths of criminal activities. Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturing drug dealer, undergoes a transformation that sees him evolve from a desperate man trying to provide for his family to the formidable figure known as Heisenberg.
This journey, filled with ambition, danger, and moral ambiguity, is a tale that has been extensively explored and discussed. On the other hand, Jimmy McGill’s metamorphosis into the slick criminal lawyer, Saul Goodman, is a story that unfolds with its own set of complexities. As viewers, we are presented with a character that, at first glance, might seem like just another cog in the grander scheme of things. But as the series progresses, we witness Jimmy’s personal struggles, ethical dilemmas, and the gradual erosion of his moral compass.
While Walter’s descent is overt and often associated with power and control, Jimmy’s is more subtle, punctuated by moments of vulnerability and desperation. The show doesn’t just give us an alternative antagonist in Jimmy but paints him in shades of grey, making viewers question their own understanding of right and wrong. This complex portrayal challenges the earlier notion which positions Walt as the sole figure of malevolence in the narrative.
By contrasting these two compelling stories, we are invited to delve deeper, to not only witness the haunting parallels between the two men but also to ponder on the underlying themes of morality, choice, and consequence.
Jimmy vs. Walter: Not So Different After All
In the acclaimed series Better Call Saul, Jimmy’s multifaceted portrayal offers a deep dive into the intricate layers of his character, revealing darker instincts that, on certain occasions, not only mirror but even surpass the menacing tendencies exhibited by Walter White in Breaking Bad. Let’s delve into six specific instances that clearly illustrate this transformation and comparison.
1. Familial Betrayals
Walt’s journey in the criminal underworld is marked by increasing bouts of aggressive behavior, particularly towards his wife, Skyler. His growing obsession with power and control caused significant rifts in his personal relationships. Furthermore, while Walt may not have directly caused Hank’s death, his decisions and affiliations indirectly led to the tragic end of his brother-in-law, further illustrating his moral deterioration. Despite these grim actions, Walt maintained a certain boundary: he never directly betrayed his family.
In contrast, Jimmy’s actions present a more complex moral quagmire. His deliberate acts of treachery against his own brother, Chuck, eventually led to dire consequences. The downward spiral that Chuck faced after these betrayals culminated in his tragic demise. While it’s essential to note that Chuck himself had his flaws and was not a paragon of virtue, this doesn’t absolve Jimmy of the guilt associated with his actions.
The fact that he could so profoundly betray someone so close paints Jimmy’s character in an even grimmer shade, hinting at a depth of moral compromise that is arguably greater than Walt’s. Both characters, in their ways, represent profound studies in moral decay, but where Walt maintained a boundary, albeit thin, Jimmy crossed a line that few can reconcile with.
2. Collateral Damage: The Case of Howard Hamlin
Jimmy’s involvement in the tragic demise of Howard Hamlin underscores yet another intriguing parallel that weaves through the complex narrative. Howard, throughout the story, consistently put forth genuine attempts to foster a cordial and professional relationship with Jimmy. He often reached out, even during moments of personal conflict, striving to bridge the gaps and miscommunications that stood between them. Yet, the intricate web of manipulations and schemes masterminded by both Jimmy and Kim eventually steered the narrative to a chilling climax, resulting in Howard’s assassination at the hands of the menacing Lalo Salamanca.
This shocking outcome casts a dark shadow over the choices made by these characters, especially Jimmy. Although in the aftermath of Howard’s death, glimpses of Jimmy’s conscience become evident through the remorse he briefly displays, it’s alarming how swiftly he manages to suppress these emotions. Instead of reflecting on the depth of his actions and the ripple effect they’ve created, Jimmy chooses to push these feelings to the background. This decision not only distances him further from the person he once was but also propels his transformation into a darker, more enigmatic character.
3. Kim Wexler’s Unfulfilled Potential
Walter White’s profound and often detrimental effect on the life of Jesse Pinkman is a significant theme in the world of Breaking Bad. This dynamic is similarly explored in the relationship between Jimmy McGill, later known as Saul Goodman, and Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul. Kim, a highly driven and accomplished lawyer, finds herself increasingly ensnared in Jimmy’s morally grey endeavors, leading her further away from the straight and narrow path she once meticulously followed.
As their stories intertwine, Kim’s career, which once held immense promise in the realm of corporate law, starts to unravel, a consequence of her immersion into Jimmy’s world of manipulation and dubious legality. This slow but sure decline of Kim’s professional trajectory bears a striking resemblance to Jesse Pinkman’s tragic descent as he becomes deeply embroiled in the meth business alongside Walter.
Both narratives effectively illustrate the dangerous pull that influential characters like Walter and Jimmy can exert on those who, despite their own strengths and ambitions, get caught in their orbit. The stories serve as a poignant commentary on how personal relationships can profoundly alter one’s life path, often with devastating consequences.
4. A Morality Check: The Old Woman Incident
Jimmy has never displayed the same ruthless tendencies as Walt, who has an undeniable record of violent acts to his name. However, the mere consideration of taking Marion’s life is a disturbing revelation of Jimmy’s character. This dark contemplation is a testament to the depths he might sink to when backed into a corner. The thought of eliminating Marion to preserve his concealed truths indicates the lengths he might go to in safeguarding what he holds dear.
The grim imagery of this suggests that beneath Jimmy’s exterior lies a potential danger, a willingness to transgress deeply ingrained moral boundaries when his secrets, and perhaps his very identity, are at stake. It serves as a stark reminder that people, regardless of their past, can sometimes surprise us with the drastic measures they might consider when under duress.
5. The Lowest of Lows: Scamming the Vulnerable
Walt, a central character known for his deep descent into the criminal underworld, primarily engages in illicit activities tied to his sprawling drug empire. This transformation from a meek high school chemistry teacher to a formidable drug kingpin is a testament to his adaptability and desperation. Conversely, Jimmy’s misdeeds take on a different shade. Although he doesn’t delve into the narcotics trade like Walt, he has a particular knack for scams and deceit.
Without hesitation, Jimmy frequently targets and exploits vulnerable individuals, a testimony to his own complex moral compass. One of the most glaring examples of his moral ambiguity is when he, under the guise of his Gene Takovic persona, meticulously orchestrates a theft from a cancer patient. Such an act not only highlights the depths to which he can stoop but also shines a light on his increasingly unscrupulous and questionable character.
6. The Enabler
When Jimmy chose to collaborate with Walt, their fates became deeply interconnected, blending their narratives into a complex tapestry of actions and decisions. This partnership is significant in that it does more than just tell a story of two individuals working together. It underscores Jimmy’s own decisions, making it clear that he was not a mere bystander in Walt’s dark endeavors. Rather than standing on the sidelines and merely watching events unfold, Jimmy takes on an active role, assisting and facilitating Walt at many turns.
His involvement is not superficial; it delves deep into the ethical quandaries presented by Walt’s activities. By willingly participating and being complicit, Jimmy underscores his alignment, mirroring Walt’s moral decay and increasingly blurred lines of right and wrong. In this partnership, we see not just Walt’s transformation, but also Jimmy’s immersion into a world where morals are compromised for ambition and gain.
Better Call Saul expertly paints a portrait of a man who, beneath his charm and humor, is as morally compromised as Walter White. These selected moments from the show, when viewed together, reveal the profound depths of Jimmy McGill’s moral decay. They serve as an illuminating testament to the complex storytelling and character development that make these series so captivating.
