Better Call Saul Season 1
Overview
Better Call Saul Season 1 is the first season of the critically acclaimed Breaking Bad prequel, following Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), a small-time, struggling lawyer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, six years before he becomes the "criminal lawyer" Saul Goodman. Jimmy is a former con artist trying to go straight. He works out of a back room in a nail salon, takes court-appointed cases for low fees, and desperately wants the respect of his older brother Chuck (Michael McKean), a brilliant but mentally ill partner at a prestigious law firm. Chuck secretly sabotages Jimmy's career, believing his brother is incapable of being a real lawyer. The season also introduces Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks), a former corrupt cop who becomes a fixer and parking lot attendant, and whose backstory is explored in depth; and Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), a smart, ambitious lawyer who works at the same firm as Chuck and who becomes Jimmy's love interest and moral compass. The first season follows Jimmy as he takes on cases involving a senior citizen community, a skateboarding scam gone wrong, and the Kettleman family, who have embezzled millions of dollars. The season also explores the relationship between Jimmy and Chuck, which is the emotional core of the series. Chuck suffers from electromagnetic hypersensitivity, a condition that he believes makes him allergic to electricity, and he lives in a house with no power. Jimmy takes care of him, bringing him groceries and newspapers, while Chuck secretly works on cases from his home. The season ends with Jimmy discovering Chuck's betrayal — that Chuck has been secretly working against him — and confronting him. The first season was a critical success, praised for its writing, its performances, and its slow-burn, character-driven storytelling. It was nominated for several Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series.
