Better Call Saul (AMC)

If they aren't, they're missing out.

Completely agree. What I love about this show and Breaking Bad is how they try out these truly cinematic techniques that other television shows don't even attempt. Like that awesome opening tracking shot of the truck going through customs a couple episodes ago, that was fantastic. And it never seems gimmicky or out of place, it all blends with the other aesthetic choices. Gilligan really is showing the rest of the television world that it's more than okay to be bold. I can't stand run-of-the-mill shit on television, which is why I'm far more invested in film and don't watch nearly as much television. But Gilligan, especially when you consider these shows aren't on HBO or others with less censorship and flexibility, is really standing above the rest with these aesthetic choices. The guy just simply gets it, and the results have been stellar.

Yeah, whether it's time lapses or mounting the camera to something and letting the scene ride, the show just seems to tap into more interesting ways to develop. Even something simple like in the finale when the camera is vertical over Chuck but flipped gave the scene an unique quality. Where most shows would show shots of doctors pushing him along or standard shots over him, the idea to flip the vertical shot and keep the take solely on him was so much more effective. It demonstrated Chuck's fear and kept us tight on the action that actually mattered. Little things like that might not seem to be much, but it's yet another example of Gilligan going the extra mile. And all of it is so subtle in its execution; the camera gliding through these actions seamlessly without reliance on smashing zooms or cuts. It's really refreshing to see a TV show outdoing most films in terms of technical prestige. I almost feel like these elements of Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad aren't celebrated enough.

Because Saul Goodman isn't interesting enough to lead a TV series - or at least that was the case in season one.

Critics and audiences would disagree with you. Also, it's been this good and we haven't even gotten into the actual character and wild associations of Saul Goodman yet. This show has been very strong and only seems to be getting better.

Mike moves with as much force and grace as my dead grandfather. People need to stop praising his acting too, anyone can play the brooding smug angle.

That final episode was kind of shitty, but I still like the show a lot. Odenkirk can do no wrong anymore seems like.

Gave up after ep 5. I've tried to like it but it's so dam boring

I actually caught up just a couple hours ago by watching the last 4 episodes. Man this show is great, like I said last year Michael McKean deserves an Emmy.

Best episodes are the ones not focusing on Jimmy. You can see why people don't give a shit about this show. It's more Joey than Frasier.

I'm also curious if there is a Biblical reference in transforming him into Saul. In the Bible, Saul becomes Paul when he becomes a Christian. Here, Jimmy gets away with breaking the law, and then becomes Saul....

I'm also curious if Saul is dead in present-day. He had that collapse in the store on the first episode, and we haven't seen him in present day again since.

Hell of a season finale with a heartbreaking ending.

Just finished the season, and geez...this is definitely one of if not the best show on television right now as far as I'm concerned.  This is how you do a deliberately-paced show, because it actually feels it gets to something by the time you're done *coughTheAmericanscough*.  I for one still think Jimmy's an interesting character and am as invested in his arc as I am those of all the other main players.  And I agree with you guys -- Michael McKean NEEDS an Emmy for this show.  The last scene of the season was so powerful -- and without any dialogue.