Better Call Saul: Can People Change? 

saul used to be a real piece of shit. slicked back hair, sloppy steaks with the boys. people can change

To answer the title of the video after the last episode, yes. Absolutely.

I think one of the lessons to be taken from BCS is: don't let people tell you who you are (introspection being the key to this.) Jimmy was trying to do what his brother asked of him, he slipped (pun unintended) a few times but what Jimmy wanted/needed from Chuck was guidance and acceptance but all he (Chuck) did was tell him he could never change until Jimmy himself believed that. It became a self fulfilling prophecy as he literally became "Slipping Jimmy with a law degree." It’s hard to accept but you’re just not always going to get what you need from someone and if you try and push it you may get a gut punch like “I never really cared about you.” Whether or not Chuck meant that was immaterial, it was just cruel and showed a deep level of emotional immaturity within him.

Kim is a realist, its hard not to be when you are holding a law degree. And she knows everyone has good and bad in them. She is as bad for Jimmy as he is for her. Whether he is doing bad and she is letting it happen or vice versa. Everyone is a sinner and she knows that. I love her character and whoever invented it is brilliant. Their antics might be a tad hollywood but the characters are very real to life.

Dude, I thought I'm watching a video with milion+ views and now I see it's under 1000? How? This is quality material right here! I wish for you and your video to blow up! Please keep this great work up :)

In one of the post show recaps from season 3 I think Patrick Fabian said one of my favorite perspectives about the show, “it’s a show where every one is a victim of their own nature” that quote really stuck to how I think about the show at least the first half of the series.

8:20 the ironic part is that "Chicago" in Italian sounds just like "I shit in there". Gilligan is pure genius

About Jimmy's father... I thought the point later on in the show was that his dad was always giving money to people who claimed to be in need. It wasn't Jimmy who was stealing money, that's why he didn't believe it.

After "Saul Gone" . . . yes.

I can totally subscribe to that statement that if someone lacks respect for their authority figure they seek another one to impress and make proud instead. I had a very similar relationship with my mom as Kim has with hers, and I always was very emotionally dependent on my teachers' approval. I even called a few of them "mom" on accident sometimes, even in high school.

People are a little too loose with the term 'prison'. Jimmy was in county jail awaiting possible court dates. If he was found guilty of sex offender crimes in court, then he would be sent to state prison.

15:37 The trick about this "profoundly unethical behavior of Jimmy's" is that most if not all of that cash was the result of his father giving out hand-outs while Jimmy just happened to be present. The only thing Jimmy stole from his own perspective were the collector's coins that he ended up hiding in the gas station's ceiling tiles. By his own admission, that's all he ever stole from his father. Chuck's perception of Jimmy is fundamentally skewed and exaggerated by his own envy of his brother's social grace.

0:33 It’s not just Odenkirk too, there’s a lot of dry comedy, at least to me. Characters like Gus, Mike and Nacho interacting with more comedic characters like Pryce or even Lalo. Also Hector never fails to crack me up. One of my favorite comedic scenes is the one where Hector starts being a public nuisance at Los Pollos Hermanos, like him smoking inside, patting Lyle on the back or pouring himself Doctor Pepper without paying. Another funny scene is where he reacts to hearing that Tuco stabbed someone in prison. “Agh *kicks over table* all he had to do was six months *signs* he’s going to be in there forever!”. Not sure what it is, but Mark Margolis’s delivery always cracks me up.

I totally got into Bob Odenkirk. I’m even reading his memoir now because of BB and BCS. 🤣 He’s a great writer, comedian and actor rolled into one. He really deserves more awards and attention.

the scene where Jimmy & Kim talk on the roof, and Jimmy throws all of the remarks & sneers he’s received over the course of the show back at Kim is just great. I never realised it till you placed them all back to back. Great video keep it up.

Loved the video. One more side fact. Jimmys previous marriages is mentioned in season 5 when he gets married to Kim and in breaking bad when he mentions one of his ex wives slept with his step father or something along them lines

After the finale it’s clear people can change.

It is unbelievable just HOW great this show is! I still get some new things out of it, after 5-6 times watchning. Every detail of every scene is brillantly woven into the greater picture. Just peak of the peak of television

Yes they can

They actually did reference Jimmy being divorced again once he marries Kim. At the courthouse while they’re filling out the paperwork and handing over documents, the clerk asks Jimmy to hand over documentation of the prior divorce.

This was such a well paced, interesting video. Very well done.

the answer was yes

This channel is amazing. I have been having Saul-Withdrawal since the finale- so this helps me a lot. I feel like I am watching the entire series anew. Great perceptions!

damn Better call saul!

This is incredibly well done. It reminds me how great the earlier seasons were, especially Chuck and the actor that played him. The whole thing about allergies to EM was a twist on a character I've never seen before. I have never liked Michael McKean, but damn was he good as Jimmy's brother. Slightly better than BB overall?

I’m happy more people are watching Better call Saul. Show needs all the support it deserves. You earned my sub.

just something small i wanted to note (after watching all your better call saul related videos). I really like how you present your insights on psychology in a light way by including phrases like "let me know what you guys think about x". I think it shows that you respect the fact this is a fluid topic that's open to interpretation pretty significantly. to me it makes your thoughts on these character way that much more. thanks for the content i've been loving it!

One of my favorite little things about Jimmy is how he’d react to situations where a victim of one of his schemes would finally confront him after they fell for his trap and would try to call out his bullshit. Jimmy always tries to slither his way out of it by coming up with all sorts of excuses but he can also slowly admit to all those schemes after the victim manages to peel away all the layers to Jimmy’s scheme and motivations behind it one after the other. It has happened a lot from the Chuck era all the way to Howard’s final moments and I’ve loved every single one of it

The name Chicago Sunroof is probably supposed to be evocative of the phrases Chicago Typewriter and Chicago Overcoat, prohibition-era mobster euphemism for tommygun and coffin, respectively.

A big reason Kim tells Jimmy she doesn't want him to tell her about his illegal behavior like fabricating evidence is because as an attorney / Officer of the Court she is technically obligated to report his behavior. Failure to do so could implicate her if he got caught and it was discovered that she knew.

Great analysis and from an angle on Jimmys personality that I hadn't clocked before. Really looking forward to your next videos and can't wait for Season 6 of the best show on TV.

Very nice analysis, never noticed Mike and Nacho have the same reaction to Jimmy question his own capacity for being dirty... Like his fellow criminals can see who he is on the surface.

I am loving this! I can't wait for the other parts. I'll likely watch the show again because of this.

"He was born without the gene" . Interesting line when Chuck is talking about his and Jimmy's father.

Finale said yes.

So glad I found this channel! Better Call Saul is one of the best shows ever aired, and I love seeing people delve deep into its themes.

The first two seasons are about all I've actually seen so far of Saul but honestly this video was fantastic and is so spot on about pretty much everything. Seriously great work man.

Gues jimmy could in the end

About “the lack of change”, I think it’s not only applied to Jimmy but also applied to Chuck as well, especially if compared with Walter White. Two of them are very prideful individuals who are the best in their business but they met their demise thanks to their own pride. But the difference between Walt and Chuck is that Walt is capable of change while Chuck failed to do so. In the end of their life, Chuck never once considered that his actions to Jimmy were wrong. He always thought that he’s right and he told Jimmy that Jimmy didn’t matter that much to him as a final revenge. Meanwhile, Walter might did the same thing as Chuck to Jesse (saying “I watched Jane die”) and manipulating and torturing Jesse all the time but in his last moment, he had a self-realization that what he did to Jesse were wrong and Jesse deserves to have a chance to kill him. Walt is willing to change, that’s why even though he’s way worse than Chuck about legality and murder, he’s better than Chuck at conscience. To think about it, both of these prideful characters committed suicide thanks to Jimmy. Jimmy messing with the insurance sent Chuck into a downward spiral. Jimmy’s lack of action about finding the mercenaries causing Walt to changed his plan in to a suicide mission. This makes me really scare for Kim because not only she is very egotistical like these two, she’s also the closest to Jimmy and there are many hints in Breaking Bad that she committed suicide.

Wow! About to binge watch your series on one of my fav shows. Excellent analysis!

Wow this was an amazing video. I can't wait for the other parts. I'm happy to see that someone else is so passionate about this show, it is really amazing television.

This is a A-Class video! I really hope you'll make a video on Kim and discuss why she breaks bad in Season 6. Really seemed off for her especially after you reminded me at 25:52 how she was like.

I’ve been waiting for a video like this about the greatest show in TV. Thank you for making it.

so excited for the jimmy kim analysis wowza Also what you said about the bad for me line is so true

Man have you watched the Soprano yet? I can truly relate to over analyzing everything. The sopranos has endless philosophical paradoxes scattered all throughout the show. Another great character study. Same thing with The Wire. BCS, Sopranos, and The Wire are probably my top 3

It actually“he might haveowed me some money, he might have slept with my wife, before she Became my Ex wife.” Meaning she cheated on him with Chet, while owing him money. Yet Chuck didn’t care about that context, all he knew was that he got Jimmy right where he wanted him and took him away from his best Friend Marco. Wouldn’t even let Jimmy invite Marco to their mothers funeral, or even tell his brother their mothers last words.

Brilliant commentary & recapping! I’m looking forward to the upcoming segments. I’ve rewatched all 5 seasons of BCS & even did a deep dive into Breaking Bad & El Camino. If we time it right, the rest of your segments will carry me right up to the April 18th Season Six debut. I hear AMC will air the first two episodes on the S-6 premiere night, which is good.

You my sir, are doing real quality content. Easily one of the best analysis of BCS in youtube

The quality is a chefs kiss. Love lengthy videos. Great job!

Great work can not wait to see the rest

I just saw you for the first time after listening to a few of your videos, and I gotta say the university of American Samoa hoodie is just a great touch.

oh man just checked your channel and this is just the starter to a 5 and a half hour analysis on better call saul? i am strapped in for the ride

Jimmy uses the word "Belize" and that is a nice place. I think this stands for diyng, because in BrBa he use "send him (Jesse) to belize", as euphemism for killing.

Dude this video is super good, talk about underrated. I am so hyped for season 6

Fantastic video. Thanks for your insight

Could the “Belize” part in the bingo be a foreshadowing of Jimmy/Saul/Gene’s fate? In BB, we all know he uses Belize as a code for dying/getting whacked. In this, he says “I’ve always wanted to go there (Belize). But let’s face it, it’s never gonna happen”. Is that them telling us that at some point, Jimmy wishes he would die, but is not able to? (Too afraid of suicide, whatever it may be). Or a clue to him actually dying?

25:45 Kim and Jimmy are both attorneys in the same state's bar, with a professional responsibility and a responsibility to report misconduct of other attorneys to the disciplinary board. Kim learns that Jimmy has fabricated evidence. Presenting fabricated evidence to investigators or a court violates the attorney's duty of candor to the tribunal. Kim's command to Jimmy that she not hear anything like this ever again is good lawyering for herself and for Jimmy, because her professional responsibility is implicated in her failure to report Jimmy's misconduct to the disciplinary board. But, she can't be obligated to report what she doesn't know, if Jimmy doesn't tell her what he does.

watching these videos out of order and man, they have been insanely good. incredible videos!

Like your perspective. Thanks looking forward to seeing more.

One great thing about Odenkirk's performance is the small references to Mr. Show bits. Hobboken squat cobbler reminds me of his great line in the "Watch us Have Sex" skit: "I like to masturbate in a closed room while people are waiting for pie to cool". The writers clearly love his previous work and try to work the ideas into the show.

I had a rough childhood and I’ve never really fit in and so I acted out a lot as a kid. I was really mean to some really great people and I struggled to understand if I could even be a good person after all that I had done. After all the years of thinking and acting like a manipulative asshole. I watched this series as it was coming out and absolutely loved it. Loved to so much I ended up watching the show as well and loved that too. Idrk what I’m trying to say here but thank you. This series helped me understand a lot. I’m not entirely sure what it helped me understand but I know I’ve been a better person since watching it and I really appreciate that. You seem like a very nice person. Thank you

good quality analysis. keep up the good work. I am excited to see the 6th season of Better Call Saul.

7:26 no Jimmy you do not want to "go to Belize"

My mom was a horrible role model who drank herself stupid and used drugs to cope with life. So I tried so hard to get my dads approval and prove myself to other adults. I’m past it now, but it held me back a long time.

7:47 ‘i love this lady’s vibe’ That’s just such a nice touch right there, man you make sweet videos. Keep up the good work. Also, subscribed... 26:26 OH, NO FREAKING WAY! BEST HOODIE EVER! GO LAND CRABS!

Can’t wait for this channel to climb to the top. Amazing video essays

There is a famous quote in zen buddihsm, awareness proceeds change. Jimmy hid his emotions under the persona of saul goodman, he was never aware of his impulses, his resentments. The first step to change is to recognise that you need to change.

excellent video! excited for the next better call saul videos

Watched all your BCS videos - amazing channel, thank you for your Insights!

Amazing video bro! Thanks for the content! Great analysis 🤙

Thanks man, great analysis

Great video man I’m excited to watch more videos like this I loved it

I clicked your channel so fast to watch the next part! Cant wait for it

Anyone noticed his comment about going to Belize during the Bingo scene? Could it be a reference to death, considering that in Breaking Bad, "sending someone to Belize" is shorthand for killing?

Better Call Saul really is the best show so hyped to watch all of your essays!

only halfway in and this is great havent seen a good bcs analysis in too long. insta sub

Huge fan of the show, great video! Really enjoyed it :)

Enjoy you and your channel so much! Thank you!

what an underrated video! and the same goes for your other BCS videos

8:05 when Kim and Saul get married, the lady they hand their paperwork to mentions Saul's previous marriage

Been binging this series of yours, subbed ✅

Great video man

I’m so hyped for Season 6. Also, I hope David Cross makes an appearance or a cameo.

Dude, that was amazing.

This is great content. You should have so many more subs.

I love your analysis (& I've also watched the second video in this series), but I think you've glossed over 2 really crucial points: 1: We know that Jimmy is capable of profound change because he secretly put himself through law school while working in the HHM mailroom. The University of American Samoa Law School may not be much of a pedigree, but Jimmy did, in fact, pass the bar examination to become an accredited lawyer in the State of Illinois. Try to imagine what Jimmy's life trajectory would have been if Chuck had accepted Jimmy's self-transformation and recommended him for an entry-level job at HHM. True, it would have made for a much more boring TV show. But just imagine how Jimmy's live might have gone. 2. I've always been bothered by the notion that Jimmy stole from his parents' corner bodega to the tune of more than $10,000 while he was just a teenager. This is a truly damning indictment. But the only evidence we have that this ever happened is Chuck's inappropriate disquisition to Kim. On the other hand, we have Jimmy's assertion that his father was not capable of running a corner grocery store because he was an easy mark for con artists and anyone who was down on their luck. I assume that Chuck is telling the truth when he says that when he went over the accounts for the store he learned that $14k (or thereabouts) was missing. But where did it go? Chuck is convinced that Jimmy stole it. I am not convinced. I think that it's equally likely that his father pissed away that money by trusting people whom he never should have trusted. I really hope that Season 6 clears this up. But of course I suspect they won't. They'll leave this question open, up in the air, to torture use forever.

Your thoughts will never be fully out of your system 😊… I do really appreciate your insight and analysis as a show

You earned my subscription so don’t disappoint, get those other BCS videos out before season 6!

Thank you for sharing

Super good commentary dude!

"You're a two-bit, bus-bench lawyer - and you work for me." - some dude Jimmy works for

Man are you good! Great video and great series!!!

The squat cobbler had me in stitches

I've watched this whole series. Interesting stuff! Please keep it up. By the way, love that hoodie.

I really enjoy your videos. Thank you!!!

Thanks for showing the mr show nods in BCS.... not many people outside of mr showheads notice that stuff

This was awesome!

Excellent video

Fire video bro we need more content like this just subbed 🔥

Wow. Thank the Gods I had the luck of this popping up in my feed! What an amazing video, so much work went into it, it is clear, I just subbed and can't wait for the next parts, gonna look through the channel now. Loved the video!