Better Call Saul Finale: Is This Really the End of the Breaking Bad Universe?

Okay, picture this: you've spent years glued to your screen, watching meth empires rise and morally questionable lawyers fall. You've invested serious emotional energy into Walter White's descent into darkness and Saul Goodman's slippery climb (and even slipperier fall). Then, BAM! The final episode of Better Call Saul hits, and you're left staring at the credits, wondering, "Is that it? Is this the end of the Albuquerque saga?" The answer, like everything in Vince Gilligan's world, is complicated. In the end, Saul, or rather, Jimmy McGill, finally accepts responsibility for his actions, choosing a longer prison sentence over a reduced one with a chance to regain his fortune. He does this, partially, to win back Kim Wexler's respect. It's a surprisingly poignant ending for a show filled with so many morally grey characters. Fun fact: Bob Odenkirk actually suffered a heart attack on set during filming. Talk about commitment to the craft! But is it REALLY the end? Let's dive into the evidence, shall we?

Saul's Swan Song

So, we've witnessed Saul's journey from a well-meaning (albeit flawed) lawyer to the flamboyant criminal advocate we all kinda love to hate. But how did we get here? It wasn’t an overnight transformation, more like a slow, agonizing tumble down a hill made of bad decisions.

The Slippery Slope

Remember when Jimmy was just trying to make a name for himself, hustling for clients and battling his brother Chuck's disapproval? That initial desire for success, recognition, and maybe a little bit of revenge against a system he felt was rigged against him… well, that's where it all started. This hunger, combined with a natural talent for bending the rules, gradually led him down a path of increasingly questionable ethical choices. It was like watching a car slowly accelerate towards a cliff; you knew it was going to crash, but you couldn’t look away.

Consider the case of Sandpiper Crossing. Jimmy's discovery of potential fraud at the retirement home, while initially driven by genuine concern for the residents, quickly became a tool for personal gain and professional advancement. The settlement, while ultimately benefiting the victims, also provided Jimmy with a substantial payout and a taste of the high life. This early success, achieved through somewhat shady means, emboldened him to take even greater risks later on. You could argue that without Sandpiper, there's no Saul Goodman. It was the foundational crack in Jimmy McGill's moral compass.

Then came Chuck's death. It was a turning point. The complicated, fraught relationship between the McGill brothers had always been a defining factor in Jimmy's life. Chuck's skepticism and disapproval fueled Jimmy's desire to prove himself, but also contributed to his feelings of inadequacy and resentment. When Chuck ultimately took his own life, Jimmy was left with a profound sense of guilt and a gaping void in his life. Instead of confronting these emotions, he chose to bury them under a mountain of cynicism and self-destructive behavior. Chuck's death essentially unleashed Saul Goodman.

The Point of No Return

Kim Wexler’s influence. Ah, Kim. Saul's partner in crime (literally and figuratively). Their relationship was a complex blend of genuine affection, shared ambition, and a mutual love for the con. But Kim's involvement in Jimmy's schemes, while initially driven by a desire for excitement and a shared sense of rebellion, ultimately pushed him further down the path of corruption. Kim’s moral compass started pointing south when she enjoyed the scam that Jimmy runs. She enjoyed it because she got bored with her normal and monotonous life and she felt a rush of adrenalin from doing it, so she kept doing it with Jimmy. The problem with a moral compass that points south is it never gives back, so she involved in a bigger problem and she did not have the intention to do that. Their partnership, while electrifying, also became a toxic enabler, allowing Jimmy to justify his actions and push the boundaries of legality even further.

Think about the elaborate con they pulled on Howard Hamlin. While the plan was initially intended as a means of revenge for Hamlin's perceived mistreatment of Jimmy, it quickly spiraled out of control, resulting in Hamlin's tragic death. This event served as a major turning point in both Jimmy and Kim's lives. They both crossed a line from which there was no turning back. The death of Howard Hamlin, while unintentional, became the catalyst for Kim's departure and Jimmy's full transformation into Saul Goodman. It was the moment when the consequences of their actions became undeniable, and the weight of their choices finally crashed down upon them.

From Saul to Gene and Back

After leaving Kim and fully embracing the Saul Goodman persona, Jimmy lived in a world of quick cash and questionable clients until Walter White came to him. Saul became more than just a lawyer; he became an integral part of the meth empire. But when everything went south, he became "Gene Takavic," a Cinnabon manager in Omaha, Nebraska, desperately trying to escape his past. But even in this new, mundane life, Saul's true nature couldn't stay hidden. His past catches up to him, forcing him to confront his actions and their consequences.

The interesting thing is that the ending, though poignant, is almost circular. He became who he was supposed to be. He was who his brother always thought he was. And ultimately, perhaps, he finds a measure of peace by accepting that fact and attempting to atone for his sins, even if it means sacrificing his freedom.

Loose Ends and Lingering Questions

Okay, so Saul's story is done. But what about the wider Breaking Bad universe? Are there any threads left dangling?

Mike Ehrmantraut's Backstory

We got glimpses of Mike's past as a cop in Philadelphia, but there's definitely more story to tell. How did he become so jaded? What were the specific events that led him to become a fixer for Gus Fring? A prequel focusing solely on Mike's journey from police officer to criminal enforcer could be incredibly compelling. A mini-series about Mike's origin story, exploring his past as a cop and the events that led him down a darker path, would definitely be something fans would watch. It could explore themes of corruption, morality, and the challenges of maintaining integrity in a corrupt system.

Imagine a series where we see Mike's early days on the force, his struggles with the moral compromises inherent in law enforcement, and the gradual erosion of his idealism. We could witness the event that shattered his faith in the system, forcing him to make a life-altering decision that set him on the path to becoming the Mike Ehrmantraut we know and love (or fear). It could also provide insight into his relationship with his son and the motivations behind his fierce loyalty and protectiveness.

Gus Fring's Rise to Power

We know Gus was involved in some serious business in Chile before coming to Albuquerque. What exactly was he up to? Who were his enemies? How did he build his empire from scratch? There's a whole world of potential stories hidden in Gus's mysterious past. Consider Gus's Chilean backstory, which is shrouded in mystery. Exploring his early life, his involvement in the military dictatorship, and his rise to prominence in the drug trade could be fascinating. We could see how he built his network of contacts, his ruthless business strategies, and the events that shaped him into the calculating and meticulous kingpin we see in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

What About Jesse Pinkman?

After the events of "El Camino," Jesse Pinkman drove off into the Alaskan wilderness. But what happened next? Did he find peace and a new life? Or did his past continue to haunt him? A sequel series or movie following Jesse's journey could be a great way to revisit the Breaking Bad universe. Remember Jesse's fate after "El Camino." Did he find the peace he desperately sought in Alaska? Exploring Jesse's attempts to build a new life, while grappling with the trauma of his past, could be a powerful and emotional story. We could see him forming new relationships, facing new challenges, and ultimately finding a measure of redemption. It could also explore the challenges of reintegrating into society after experiencing such intense trauma and the lasting impact of his relationship with Walter White.

One popular theory is that Jesse may have continued to use drugs or became involved in another criminal enterprise, despite his best intentions. This would be a tragic but realistic outcome, given the challenges he faced. Another theory is that Jesse eventually found happiness and a family, leaving his past behind him for good. This would be a more optimistic ending, but it might not be as compelling from a storytelling perspective.

Another idea is that Jesse could have used his skills and knowledge gained from his past experiences to help others, perhaps by working as a counselor or advocate for drug addicts. This would be a way for him to atone for his past sins and make a positive impact on the world.

So, Is It REALLY Over?

The official answer? Probably. Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould have stated that they have no immediate plans to revisit the Breaking Bad universe. But, never say never! The world is so rich, the characters so complex, and the fanbase so dedicated that the possibility of a future spin-off or sequel always exists. The biggest problem is that it should be really great content, as good as Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul, so it is not going to be easy to create a new spin-off that doesn't suck.

Look, this universe has given us some of the most compelling television of all time. We've laughed, we've cried, we've cringed at Saul's questionable fashion choices. The characters are so real and multifaceted that we relate to them. So, maybe, just maybe, we'll get one more peek into the world of Albuquerque's morally flexible residents.

The Verdict: A Fond Farewell (For Now)

So, to summarize: Better Call Saul delivered a satisfying, if bittersweet, ending to Saul Goodman's story. While the creators have no current plans to continue the Breaking Bad universe, the possibility remains open for future projects. In the meantime, we can always rewatch the entire series (again and again) and debate the merits of Saul's questionable legal tactics. The bottom line is that we have to learn to appreciate the greatness of both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul and the perfection of the ending, even if we have the temptation to see more of it. Sometimes, it is better to end something when it is great to avoid the risk of ruining it. So, be grateful for what you have.

So, go forth and conquer! (Or, you know, just rewatch Breaking Bad for the tenth time). But remember, even when life hands you lemons, you can always... I don't know... turn them into a elaborate con scheme? (Just kidding! Don't do that.) Now, tell me, who was your favorite character from the Breaking Bad universe, and why was it obviously Nacho Varga?