I just wish that I'd bought the 2 season box set instead of season 1 alone. I know there's more to come from them plus others that reappear from 'the mother ship'. When actors fit their written characters 'like a glove' you know something special is happening on screen and here Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks and Michael McKean have conjured up three oddball personas that are a pleasure to watch as they unravel in each episode. A cross between a British series ( average 6 episodes) and the usual American formula (20+ episodes) - a healthy length in my honest opinion. I've yet to enjoy the complete 'Breaking Bad' collection which was spread over 5 years and will return to it joyfully after watching its offspring emulate the parent. On balance this is one of the best, most tightly written series I have ever seen with not a single word of dialogue wasted throughout its 10 episodes. Modest other bonuses but they are worth a look.Ībsolutely magnificent, but I suspect that the later seasons are going to be the real pleasure.īob Odenkirk, the eponymous star of the series, said that the show was 85% drama and 15% comedy - I'm not sure that he has got the proportions right but certainly there are some dark and spellbinding moments that probably confused watchers as to how to treat this dish - sweet or savoury?Įpisode 6 particularly played out like a police thriller with corrupt cops, drugs, murders and revenge.

Not everything works, but a lot does - enough to raise hopes for a fine second season. Much that surprises is to be learned about him, an episode in which he mainly features one of the season's best. How great to see Jonathan Banks again as Mike! Here is an actor who believes less is more - so much conveyed with barely a word or gesture - his Mike an ideal unsmiling counterpoint to Jimmy's exuberance. Result? A mixture of dark quirky humour, highs, lows and moments that prove genuinely moving.īob Oldenkirk delivers a tour de force as Jimmy. Mixed fortunes follow, not to mention a shock (both for him and viewers) that changes everything. Then comes determination to make good - he secretly studying for a law degree whilst working in the mail room of a prestigious law company. How came Saul to be? We follow here his earlier life as Jimmy McGill - main asset the gift of the gab, this exploited to the full when hustling. Set mainly six years before 'Breaking Bad', this spin-off focuses on that show's flamboyant dodgy lawyer Saul.

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