Better Call Saul
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed American neo-noir legal crime drama series, serving as a prequel and sequel to 'Breaking Bad'. It chronicles the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer and con artist, into the morally ambiguous and flamboyant criminal attorney Saul Goodman. The series delves into the intricate legal world of Albuquerque, New Mexico, intertwining with the city's dangerous drug cartel underworld through characters like Mike Ehrmantraut and Gus Fring. Known for its slow-burn narrative, deep character exploration, and high-quality writing, the show explores themes of ambition, corruption, loyalty, and the consequences of moral compromises. Its target audience is mature adults, drawn to complex storytelling and character-driven drama. The content includes mature themes, violence, drug use, and strong language.
Things to Consider
Violence
Better Call Saul contains significant violence that escalates over its run, featuring various forms of brutal physical harm and death, often with some visual detail. While some early violence is implied or less graphic than its predecessor 'Breaking Bad', later seasons involve explicit cartel-related violence, shootouts, and murders.
The series depicts numerous instances of violence, including violent deaths. For example, in Season 6, Episode 7 ('Plan and Execution'), Howard Hamlin is brutally murdered by Lalo Salamanca via a single gunshot to the head. Earlier in the series, characters are subjected to severe beatings, such as when Jimmy McGill is ambushed and threatened by Nacho's associates in Season 1, Episode 8 ('RICO'), or when Mike Ehrmantraut is involved in multiple intense confrontations, including being targeted by the cartel and engaging in shootouts in later seasons.
Profanity
The series utilizes strong language frequently, including many common expletives. The use of profanity is present throughout all seasons, becoming more prevalent and intense as characters descend further into the criminal underworld. The show is noted for instances of the Lord's name being taken in vain.
Substance Use
Substance use is rampant and a significant element of the series, reflecting the criminal activities depicted. This includes frequent alcohol consumption, smoking, and extensive illegal drug use (primarily methamphetamine), often with consequences shown.
Scary & Intense Content
The series contains consistently intense and suspenseful content, stemming from its neo-noir crime drama genre. This includes psychological distress, thematic depictions of suicide, and constant threats from dangerous criminal elements. The tension often builds through anticipation and character-driven conflict rather than jump scares.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are central themes, as the protagonist Jimmy McGill consistently defies legal and ethical norms, societal expectations, and authority figures. His transformation into Saul Goodman is a prolonged act of rebellion against his brother's moral code and the established legal system, often with significant negative repercussions for those around him.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-MA. The series is officially rated TV-MA, equivalent to an R-rating, and is advised for individuals aged 17 and older. This recommendation is due to the pervasive presence of illegal drug use, graphic violence, suggestive sexual content, and strong language that intensifies throughout the seasons. While some early discussions suggested TV-14 for initial seasons, the overall mature themes and explicit content necessitate a TV-MA rating for the series as a whole.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that 'Better Call Saul' is a mature drama that features a gradual but significant increase in dark themes, violence, and moral ambiguity as the series progresses, particularly in later seasons. The show's slow pacing in earlier seasons might deter younger viewers, but the mature content throughout necessitates parental guidance for older teens and is best suited for adults.
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