Written by Chris Milz
The demands for more of AMC’s recently concluded hit drama series “Breaking Bad” have, to an extent, been answered. A spinoff of the series, titled “Better Call Saul,” has been given a premiere date in November 2014 after being given the green light in September 2013.
The new series, with Vince Gilligan once again serving as creator, will be a prequel, set before the events of it’s predecessor, with the character focus shifting to the character of Saul Goodman, the loveable yet sketchy lawyer. Bob Odenkirk is set to reprise his role as the titular character, along with Jonathan Banks, who portrayed the hitman Mike Ehrmantraut in the original series. “Bad” stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul have also expressed their interests in making cameo appearances in the new series.
In stark contrast to its predecessor, Better Call Saul will be more on the comedic side, according to Gilligan, with the general plan being to reverse the 75 to 25 drama/comedy ratio for the new series. But Gilligan is also aware of the problem of finding a dark undercurrent to the show, as Odenkirk’s character was the comic relief in the generally dark “Breaking Bad.”
“We’ve had to find the ongoing itch that Saul needs to scratch,” said Gilligan in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, “or we wouldn’t have much of a show.”
Gilligan and Odenkirk are both fully aware of the risk in doing the spinoff series, with Odenkirk stating that the series will not in any way be a “Breaking Bad 2.0.”
“There’s obviously a danger inherent in doing a spinoff, but I just love the character of Saul Goodman so much, and part of me doesn’t want to say no to this world,” Gilligan told The Hollywood Reporter.
The series will air on AMC and, though originally envisioned as a half-hour sitcom, will follow the same one-hour drama format as “Breaking Bad.” A November release date has been set with a specific date to come at a later time.
