Better Call Saul is an American crime drama television series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. It is a prequel to Gilligan's previous series, Breaking Bad, and follows the story of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), a struggling lawyer who eventually becomes Walter White's (Bryan Cranston) crooked lawyer, Saul Goodman.
The series premiered on AMC on February 8, 2015, and ran for six seasons, ending on August 15, 2022. It received critical acclaim for its writing, acting, directing, and cinematography. It was nominated for numerous awards, including 39 Primetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and two Peabody Awards, among many others.
Better Call Saul Parents Guide
The following are 5 important points about the Better Call Saul Parents Guide:
- Mature Content: Language, violence, drug use.
- Complex Characters: Not always clear-cut good or bad.
- Moral Dilemmas: Characters face tough choices.
- Prequel to Breaking Bad: Some overlap in characters and events.
- Spin-Off: Can be enjoyed without watching Breaking Bad.
Overall, Better Call Saul is a well-made and entertaining drama that explores complex characters and moral dilemmas. However, it is important to be aware of the mature content before allowing younger viewers to watch the show.
Mature Content: Language, violence, drug use.
Better Call Saul is rated TV-MA, which means it is intended for mature audiences only. The show contains strong language, violence, and drug use, which may be inappropriate for younger viewers.
- Strong Language: The show features frequent use of strong language, including profanity and vulgarity. This language may be offensive to some viewers.
- Violence: Better Call Saul contains graphic scenes of violence, including shootings, beatings, and other forms of physical violence. This violence may be disturbing to some viewers.
- Drug Use: The show also depicts drug use, including the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. This depiction may be triggering for some viewers who have struggled with addiction.
It is important to note that the mature content in Better Call Saul is not gratuitous. It is used to create a realistic and immersive portrayal of the criminal underworld. However, parents should be aware of the content before allowing their children to watch the show.
Complex Characters: Not always clear-cut good or bad.
One of the things that makes Better Call Saul so compelling is its complex characters. The show does not shy away from exploring the moral ambiguities of its characters, and it often challenges viewers to question their own assumptions about right and wrong.
- Jimmy McGill: The protagonist of the show, Jimmy McGill is a complex and flawed character. He is a talented lawyer, but he is also capable of bending the rules to get what he wants. As the show progresses, Jimmy's moral compass becomes increasingly compromised, and he eventually transforms into the crooked lawyer, Saul Goodman.
- Mike Ehrmantraut: A former police officer turned fixer, Mike is a complex and enigmatic character. He is a skilled and resourceful man, but he is also capable of great violence. Mike is fiercely loyal to those he cares about, but he is also willing to do whatever it takes to protect his interests.
- Gustavo Fring: The owner of Los Pollos Hermanos and a major player in the drug trade, Gus is a ruthless and intelligent businessman. He is also a master manipulator, and he is always several steps ahead of his opponents. Gus is a complex character, and it is difficult to tell whether he is truly evil or simply a product of his circumstances.
These are just a few examples of the complex characters that populate Better Call Saul. The show does not offer easy answers, and it forces viewers to confront the complexities of human nature.
Moral Dilemmas: Characters face tough choices.
Better Call Saul is a show that is filled with moral dilemmas. The characters are constantly faced with difficult choices, and they often have to make decisions that compromise their values.
- Jimmy McGill: Jimmy is a lawyer, but he is also a con man. He is constantly tempted to use his skills for personal gain, even if it means breaking the law. Jimmy's moral compass is constantly being tested, and he often has to make difficult choices between right and wrong.
- Mike Ehrmantraut: Mike is a former police officer who is now working as a fixer for Gus Fring. Mike is a good man, but he is also willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family and his interests. Mike is often faced with moral dilemmas, and he has to decide how far he is willing to go to achieve his goals.
- Gustavo Fring: Gus is a ruthless businessman who is involved in the drug trade. Gus is intelligent and ambitious, but he is also capable of great violence. Gus often has to make difficult choices between his personal interests and the interests of his business. He is also willing to sacrifice others in order to achieve his goals.
These are just a few examples of the moral dilemmas that the characters in Better Call Saul face. The show does not offer easy answers, and it forces viewers to confront the complexities of human nature.
Prequel to Breaking Bad: Some overlap in characters and events.
Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, which means that it takes place before the events of that show. The two shows share some of the same characters, and there are also some overlapping events.
- Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman: The main character of Better Call Saul, Jimmy McGill is a struggling lawyer who eventually becomes the crooked lawyer, Saul Goodman. Saul Goodman is a major character in Breaking Bad, and he plays a key role in Walter White's criminal activities.
- Mike Ehrmantraut: A former police officer turned fixer, Mike Ehrmantraut is another major character in both Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. In Better Call Saul, Mike works for Gus Fring, and he is involved in the drug trade. In Breaking Bad, Mike works for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, and he helps them to cook and distribute meth.
- Gustavo Fring: The owner of Los Pollos Hermanos and a major player in the drug trade, Gus Fring is a recurring character in Better Call Saul, and he becomes a major antagonist in Breaking Bad. In Better Call Saul, Gus is a ruthless businessman who is always looking for ways to expand his empire. In Breaking Bad, Gus comes into conflict with Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, and he eventually becomes their mortal enemy.
In addition to these major characters, there are also a number of other characters who appear in both Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. There are also some events that are depicted in both shows, such as the construction of the meth lab in the desert.
Spin-Off: Can be enjoyed without watching Breaking Bad.
Better Call Saul is a spin-off of Breaking Bad, but it can be enjoyed without having seen the original show. The two shows are set in the same universe, but they have different storylines and characters.
- Standalone Story: Better Call Saul tells a complete and standalone story. It is not necessary to have seen Breaking Bad in order to understand and appreciate the story of Better Call Saul.
- Different Characters: While there are some overlapping characters between Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, the main characters of the two shows are different. Better Call Saul focuses on the story of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, while Breaking Bad focuses on the story of Walter White.
- Different Setting: Better Call Saul is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, while Breaking Bad is set in Albuquerque and its surrounding areas. While the two shows share some locations, they also have their own unique settings.
- Different Tone: Better Call Saul has a different tone than Breaking Bad. Better Call Saul is more of a character-driven drama, while Breaking Bad is more of a thriller. However, both shows are very well-written and engaging.
Overall, Better Call Saul is a great show that can be enjoyed by fans of Breaking Bad and newcomers to the franchise alike.
FAQ
The following are some frequently asked questions about Better Call Saul from parents:
Question 1: Is Better Call Saul appropriate for my child?
Better Call Saul is rated TV-MA, which means it is intended for mature audiences only. The show contains strong language, violence, and drug use, which may be inappropriate for younger viewers. Parents should carefully consider the content of the show before allowing their children to watch it.
Question 2: What are some of the mature themes in Better Call Saul?
Better Call Saul explores a number of mature themes, including moral ambiguity, the consequences of one's actions, and the nature of good and evil. The show also deals with some heavy topics, such as drug addiction, violence, and prostitution.
Question 3: Are there any positive role models in Better Call Saul?
While Better Call Saul is primarily a character-driven drama, there are a few positive role models to be found. For example, Mike Ehrmantraut is a former police officer who is fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He is also a skilled and resourceful man who is always willing to help those in need.
Question 4: What can I do to help my child understand the mature themes in Better Call Saul?
If you decide to allow your child to watch Better Call Saul, it is important to talk to them about the mature themes in the show. You can help your child to understand these themes by discussing them with them and by providing them with additional resources, such as books or articles.
Question 5: Is Better Call Saul too violent for my child?
Better Call Saul does contain some violence, but it is not gratuitous. The violence is used to create a realistic and immersive portrayal of the criminal underworld. However, parents should be aware that the violence in Better Call Saul may be disturbing to some viewers.
Question 6: Is there anything else I should know about Better Call Saul before letting my child watch it?
Better Call Saul is a spin-off of Breaking Bad, which means that it takes place in the same universe. However, Better Call Saul can be enjoyed without having seen Breaking Bad. The two shows have different storylines and characters.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow your child to watch Better Call Saul is a personal one. Parents should carefully consider the content of the show and their child's maturity level before making a decision.
In addition to the FAQ above, here are a few tips for parents who are considering allowing their children to watch Better Call Saul:
Tips
In addition to the FAQ above, here are a few tips for parents who are considering allowing their children to watch Better Call Saul:
Tip 1: Watch the show yourself first.
Before you decide whether or not to allow your child to watch Better Call Saul, it is a good idea to watch the show yourself first. This will help you to understand the content of the show and to make an informed decision about whether or not it is appropriate for your child.
Tip 2: Talk to your child about the show.
If you decide to allow your child to watch Better Call Saul, it is important to talk to them about the show. Explain to them that the show is a work of fiction and that the characters and events depicted in the show are not real. You can also talk to your child about the mature themes in the show and help them to understand these themes.
Tip 3: Set limits.
If you are concerned about your child watching Better Call Saul, you can set limits on how much of the show they can watch. For example, you could limit them to watching one episode per week or you could only allow them to watch the show during certain times of the day.
Tip 4: Be aware of your child's reaction to the show.
It is important to be aware of your child's reaction to Better Call Saul. If you notice that your child is disturbed or upset by the show, you should talk to them about it and consider limiting their exposure to the show.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow your child to watch Better Call Saul is a personal one. Parents should carefully consider the content of the show and their child's maturity level before making a decision.
Overall, Better Call Saul is a well-made and entertaining drama that explores complex characters and moral dilemmas. However, it is important to be aware of the mature content before allowing younger viewers to watch the show.
Conclusion
Better Call Saul is a well-made and entertaining drama that explores complex characters and moral dilemmas. However, it is important to be aware of the mature content before allowing younger viewers to watch the show.
Summary of Main Points:
- Better Call Saul contains strong language, violence, and drug use.
- The show explores complex characters and moral dilemmas.
- Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, but it can be enjoyed without having seen the original show.
- Parents should carefully consider the content of the show and their child's maturity level before allowing them to watch Better Call Saul.
Closing Message:
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow a child to watch Better Call Saul is a personal one. Parents should use their own judgment and consider all of the factors involved before making a decision.
If you do decide to allow your child to watch Better Call Saul, it is important to talk to them about the show and to set limits on their exposure to it. You can also use the show as an opportunity to teach your child about important life lessons, such as the consequences of one's actions and the importance of making good choices.