Better Call Saul — Season 1

10 episodes ★ 8.5/10 our take

Season 1 Review

Before Saul Goodman met Walter White, he was struggling attorney Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk). In this prequel to the Emmy-winning series Breaking Bad, Jimmy teams up with “fixer” Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) and begins his transformation from optimistic underdog into Albuquerque’s most notorious legal legend. Michael McKean stars as Jimmy’s brilliant, uncompromising brother, Chuck.

Season Review

Season 1 establishes the tragedy’s physics: Jimmy McGill, elder-law hustler, doing wills for seniors and billboard stunts for attention; Chuck, the brilliant brother whose electromagnetic “allergy” may be the show’s cruelest metaphor for genius in decline; Kim, the friend-in-law who sees what Jimmy could be. The finale — Chuck’s revelation that he’s been sabotaging Jimmy all along, delivered with quiet devastation — sets the whole series in motion.

Episodes

Uno

SummaryJimmy works his magic in the courtroom. Unexpected inspiration leads him to an unconventional pursuit of potential clients.Our TakeServiceable television — it advances the story without ever surprising you.

2015-02-08 ★ 7.4

Mijo

SummaryAs his troubles escalate to a boiling point, Jimmy finds himself in dire straits. An act of carelessness puts Chuck at risk.Our TakeA well-built episode with more hits than misses.…

2015-02-09 ★ 7.8

Nacho

SummaryJimmy pulls out all the stops to prove that a dangerous client is innocent, even though it causes some friction with Kim.Our TakeVery good — not the series' peak, but…

2015-02-16 ★ 7.7

Hero

SummaryJimmy conjures up a bold plan to solicit new clients, but has to face the consequences when the scheme strains his relationship with a rival firm.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The…

2015-02-23 ★ 7.6

Alpine Shepherd Boy

SummaryWhen his efforts to drum up new business are interrupted by alarming news, Jimmy is pressured to make a difficult choice.Our TakeA mixed bag: some good moves, some filler. Better…

2015-03-02 ★ 7.2

Five-O

SummaryMike's tragic past comes back to haunt him, and he's forced to seek help from an unusual source. Meanwhile, Jimmy's moral compass is put to the test.Our TakeA strong episode…

2015-03-09 ★ 8.2

Bingo

SummaryJimmy meets with potential new clients. Then, when given the opportunity to do the right thing, he cashes in a favor from an unlikely ally.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's…

2015-03-16 ★ 7.8

Rico

SummaryJimmy shows Chuck that he's willing to do almost anything to win a case, even if it means getting his hands dirty.Our TakeA strong episode with a couple of wobbles,…

2015-03-23 ★ 7.7

Pimento

SummaryChuck urges Jimmy to accept a harsh truth. Meanwhile, a deal threatens to go off the rails when Mike's ability to complete a job is called into question.Our TakeAn all-timer.…

2015-03-30 ★ 8.7

Marco

SummaryIn the aftermath of recent events, Jimmy seizes the opportunity to reconnect with an old friend. Meanwhile, Chuck adjusts to a new way of life.Our TakeServiceable television — it advances…

2015-04-06 ★ 7.4