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Introduction
Growing up, The X-Files was hands down one of my all-time favorite shows. It not only fueled my love for eerie mysteries and aliens but also introduced me to Vince Gilligan, who would go on to create another iconic series: Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad is an intense, thought-provoking exploration of the darker corners of human nature, illustrating just how far someone can go when life backs them into a corner. Here’s something awesome: several actors from Breaking Bad, including Bryan Cranston (Walter White), Jonathan Banks (Mike Ehrmantraut), and Dean Norris (Hank Schrader), also appeared in The X-Files. It’s fascinating how these two incredible worlds are unexpectedly connected—not through the same characters, but simply by their shared cast. It’s clear that Vince Gilligan had been cooking up Breaking Bad since those days.
"I have spent my whole life scared, frightened of things that could happen, might happen, might not happen. Fifty years I spent like that. Finding myself awake at three in the morning. But you know what? I’m not scared anymore."
Breaking Bad exploded in popularity, and for good reason. With complex characters and razor-sharp storytelling, it’s a show that challenges you to question right and wrong with every twist and turn. After rewatching it recently, I dove right into Better Call Saul, the Breaking Bad prequel centered on the beloved “criminal” lawyer, Jimmy McGill. Between Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, I can confidently say that these are two of the best stories I’ve encountered.
But this post isn’t a review; it’s more of a reflection on what truly captivated me in these narratives: the transformation of seemingly good people into ruthless criminals. It’s fascinating to observe how these characters evolve (or devolve), drifting further from the moral centers they once held.
Walter White’s Descent into Darkness
Walter White, a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher, receives a brutal lung cancer diagnosis. Desperate to secure his family’s financial future, he partners with a former student, Jesse, to cook meth. Walt starts as a man with good intentions, hoping to help his family survive. However, as the series unfolds, his moral boundaries blur, and he spirals into a ruthless drug kingpin, willing to manipulate, intimidate, and even kill to maintain his empire.
Watch Breaking Bad
Watch Breaking Bad and experience one of the best shows on TV. It's a must-see journey filled with incredible storytelling and unforgettable characters
Jimmy McGill’s Slippery Slope
Then there’s Jimmy McGill from Better Call Saul. Jimmy is a struggling lawyer with big dreams and an even bigger heart, but he can’t seem to catch a break. We watch him transform into the flashy, ethically questionable Saul Goodman. His journey is shaped by his complex relationship with his brother, Chuck, his hunger for financial success, and his knack for bending the rules. Jimmy’s story serves as a reminder of how ambition and frustration can lead someone down a slippery slope.
Watch Better Call Saul
Dive into Better Call Saul and discover a masterclass in storytelling. This must-see series offers a captivating journey with complex characters.
Gus Fring: The Calculated Villain
And then there’s Gus Fring, who deserves a mention. Gus is the ultimate villain in the Breaking Bad universe, but in a way that’s entirely different from your typical criminal mastermind. He’s cool, collected, and incredibly calculating, running his drug empire with the finesse of a corporate CEO. Unlike the flashy villains who rely on brute force, Gus prefers to operate behind the scenes, allowing his strategic genius to speak for itself. He exemplifies the idea that sometimes, the quiet ones are the most dangerous.
What’s especially intriguing about Gus is that the show provides insight into his personal life and motivations—something many shows avoid with their villains. This approach adds depth, making him both compelling and formidable. When you compare him to Walter White, the contrast becomes even clearer: Walt is an amateur-turned-mastermind, while Gus is a seasoned criminal from day one. Watching their rivalry unfold is like witnessing two different shades of darkness.
The Craft of Storytelling and Character Depth
Both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul offer more than just thrills; they draw you in by making these characters feel intensely real and relatable. You understand their struggles, their choices, and the slippery paths they navigate. It’s rare to find storytelling this layered and thoughtful, where every character’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of ambition and the danger of losing sight of one’s values.
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure where I was going with this post, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts. Both shows are fantastic and set a high bar for storytelling and filmmaking. Here’s to hoping we see more shows like these that make us think, feel, and perhaps even question what we would do in their shoes.