Hey there, fellow Better Call Saul enthusiasts! Ever found yourself glued to the screen, captivated by the mesmerizing performance of the lead character? Well, you're definitely not alone! The actor who portrays Saul Goodman, the morally ambiguous lawyer we all love to watch, deserves all the accolades he gets. So, let's dive right in and unmask the main actor behind this iconic role.

Bob Odenkirk: The Man Behind Saul Goodman

When you think of Better Call Saul, the first name that pops into most people's minds is none other than Bob Odenkirk. This incredibly talented actor has breathed life into the character of Saul Goodman, making him one of the most memorable figures in television history. But Odenkirk's journey to becoming Saul is a fascinating story in itself.

Before landing the role of Saul Goodman, Bob Odenkirk was already a well-established name in the comedy world. He started his career as a writer for Saturday Night Live in the late 1980s, where he honed his comedic skills and worked alongside some of the biggest names in comedy. He then went on to co-create and star in the cult comedy sketch show Mr. Show with Bob and David, alongside David Cross. This show gained a dedicated following for its quirky humor and satirical take on American culture. Odenkirk's work on Mr. Show showcased his talent for creating memorable characters and writing sharp, witty dialogue.

Despite his success in comedy, Odenkirk was relatively unknown to mainstream audiences before Breaking Bad. He had made appearances in various TV shows and movies, but he hadn't yet had that breakout role that would catapult him to stardom. That all changed when he was cast as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. Initially, Saul was intended to be a minor character, but Odenkirk's performance was so captivating that the writers decided to expand his role. Saul quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his sleazy charm, quick wit, and knack for getting himself (and others) out of trouble. Odenkirk brought a level of depth and complexity to the character that made him much more than just a comedic sidekick. He showed that Saul was a flawed and often desperate man, but also capable of moments of genuine empathy and loyalty.

The success of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad led to the creation of Better Call Saul, a prequel series that explores the character's backstory. Better Call Saul delves into the life of Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer trying to make a name for himself while also caring for his mentally ill brother, Chuck. Over the course of the series, we see Jimmy transform from a well-meaning but somewhat misguided lawyer into the morally compromised Saul Goodman we know from Breaking Bad. Odenkirk's performance in Better Call Saul has been widely praised by critics and fans alike. He has received numerous award nominations, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Many critics have hailed his portrayal of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman as one of the greatest performances in television history. Odenkirk has said that he enjoys playing Saul Goodman because the character is so complex and unpredictable. He has also said that he appreciates the opportunity to explore the character's motivations and to show the human side of a man who is often seen as a con artist.

Why Bob Odenkirk is Perfect as Saul Goodman

So, what makes Bob Odenkirk the perfect fit for the role of Saul Goodman? It's a combination of his comedic timing, dramatic range, and ability to connect with the audience. He brings a unique blend of humor and pathos to the character, making him both entertaining and relatable. It's hard to imagine anyone else embodying the spirit of Saul Goodman quite like Odenkirk does.

Odenkirk's comedic timing is impeccable. He delivers Saul's witty one-liners and sarcastic remarks with perfect precision, often eliciting laughs from the audience even in the most tense situations. He also knows how to use physical comedy to enhance the character's humor. Whether he's awkwardly scrambling to hide evidence or comically flailing his arms in frustration, Odenkirk's physical comedy adds another layer of depth to the character.

But Odenkirk is not just a comedian. He is also a skilled dramatic actor who is able to convey a wide range of emotions. In Better Call Saul, he has shown us the character's vulnerability, his desperation, and his anger. He has also shown us his love for his brother, Chuck, and his complex relationship with Kim Wexler. Odenkirk's ability to tap into these emotions makes Saul Goodman a much more complex and relatable character. He is not just a one-dimensional con artist. He is a human being with hopes, dreams, and fears.

Perhaps most importantly, Odenkirk has the ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. He makes Saul Goodman a character that we can root for, even when he's doing bad things. We understand his motivations, and we sympathize with his struggles. This connection is essential for the success of Better Call Saul. The show is not just about watching a lawyer navigate the criminal underworld. It's about watching a man try to find his place in the world and to make something of himself.

The Evolution of Saul Goodman

One of the most fascinating aspects of Better Call Saul is watching the evolution of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman. Bob Odenkirk masterfully portrays this transformation, showing us the subtle changes in Jimmy's personality, his appearance, and his moral compass. It's a gradual process, but by the time we reach the events of Breaking Bad, Jimmy has fully embraced his persona as Saul Goodman.

In the early seasons of Better Call Saul, Jimmy is a relatively honest lawyer who is trying to do the right thing. He is committed to helping his clients, even if it means working long hours and taking on difficult cases. He is also devoted to his brother, Chuck, and he goes to great lengths to care for him. However, as the series progresses, we see Jimmy becoming increasingly frustrated with the legal system and with the way he is treated by his colleagues. He feels like he is constantly being overlooked and undervalued, and he begins to cut corners and to engage in unethical behavior.

One of the key turning points in Jimmy's transformation is his experience working as a public defender. He is assigned to represent a series of low-level criminals, and he quickly becomes disillusioned with the justice system. He sees how the system is stacked against the poor and the marginalized, and he begins to question whether it is possible to achieve justice through legal means. This experience leads him to start bending the rules and to use his charm and wit to get his clients out of trouble. He also starts using the name "Saul Goodman" as a way to attract clients and to distance himself from his past.

As Jimmy becomes more and more like Saul Goodman, he also starts to change his appearance. He begins wearing flashy suits and ties, and he gets a new haircut. He also starts adopting Saul's signature catchphrases and mannerisms. These changes are not just superficial. They reflect a deeper transformation in Jimmy's personality. He is no longer the well-meaning but somewhat naive lawyer he once was. He is now a confident and cunning con artist who is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.

Odenkirk's Other Notable Roles

While Bob Odenkirk is best known for his role as Saul Goodman, he has also had a successful career in comedy and acting outside of the Breaking Bad universe. From his early days as a writer on Saturday Night Live to his more recent roles in films like Nobody, Odenkirk has proven himself to be a versatile and talented performer.

As mentioned earlier, Odenkirk got his start in comedy as a writer for Saturday Night Live. He worked on the show from 1987 to 1991 and was responsible for writing some of the show's most memorable sketches. He also co-created and starred in the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David from 1995 to 1998. Mr. Show was a critical success and helped to launch the careers of several other comedians, including David Cross, Sarah Silverman, and Brian Posehn.

In addition to his work in comedy, Odenkirk has also appeared in a number of films. He had supporting roles in movies like Wayne's World 2, The Cable Guy, and Melvin Goes to Dinner. He also co-wrote and starred in the 2006 film Let's Go to Prison. In recent years, Odenkirk has taken on more dramatic roles. He starred in the 2015 film Me Him Her and had a supporting role in the 2017 film The Post. In 2021, he starred in the action thriller Nobody, which was a surprise box office hit. In Nobody, Odenkirk plays Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary suburban dad who turns out to be a highly skilled assassin. The film was praised for its action sequences, its humor, and Odenkirk's performance.

Odenkirk has also continued to work in television outside of the Breaking Bad universe. He had a recurring role on the HBO comedy series The Larry Sanders Show and has made guest appearances on shows like Seinfeld, Entourage, and How I Met Your Mother. He also co-created and starred in the IFC comedy series Comedy Bang! Bang!.

Conclusion: A Masterful Performance

In conclusion, Bob Odenkirk is undoubtedly the heart and soul of Better Call Saul. His portrayal of Saul Goodman is nothing short of masterful, and he has cemented his place as one of the greatest actors of our time. So, the next time you're watching Better Call Saul, take a moment to appreciate the incredible talent of the man who brings this iconic character to life. You won't be disappointed!