Contrary to the perception of an abrupt finish, Better Call Saul concluded with a meticulously planned and thematically resonant ending that was envisioned by the creators years in advance. The show's ending was a deliberate narrative choice, designed to provide a fitting and impactful resolution to the complex saga of Jimmy McGill and his transformation into Saul Goodman.
A Deliberate and Fitting Conclusion
The creative team behind Better Call Saul, led by co-creator and showrunner Peter Gould, had a clear vision for the series' conclusion long before the final episodes aired. By the time the fifth season finale was released, the writing staff had already cemented the exact nature of the ending.
Thematic Justification for the Ending
The decision to conclude Better Call Saul with Saul Goodman as a prisoner was deeply rooted in the character's journey and the overarching themes of the series. The showrunners considered it the most appropriate and satisfying culmination for a character who had spent his entire career manipulating and making a mockery of the justice system.
Key Reasons for the Planned Ending:
- Character Arc Completion: The ending brings full circle the journey of Jimmy McGill from a hopeful, albeit flawed, lawyer to the notorious criminal defense attorney Saul Goodman, and finally to the humbled Gene Takavic. It was essential for his story to conclude with accountability.
- Poetic Justice: Saul's professional life was defined by his ability to exploit legal loopholes and subvert the law for his clients' benefit, and often his own. The irony of him ending up behind bars, becoming a part of the very system he consistently ridiculed, served as a powerful form of poetic justice.
- Consequences of Actions: Throughout both Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, characters faced severe consequences for their choices. Saul Goodman's elaborate schemes and moral compromises demanded a significant reckoning, and incarceration provided that ultimate consequence.
- Contrast to His Past: The stark contrast between his previous life of freedom, wealth, and influence as "Saul Goodman" and his final state as an incarcerated individual highlights the true cost of his actions and identity.
Saul's Journey to Accountability
The transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman and ultimately his fate as a prisoner can be summarized as a progression towards an inevitable consequence, illustrating the showrunners' long-term vision for the series' ending:
| Phase of Saul's Journey | Description | Outcome for Saul |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy McGill | An earnest but flawed public defender, constantly seeking respect and struggling with his moral compass. | Often resorts to bending rules, leading to ethical compromises. |
| Saul Goodman | Embraces his persona as a "criminal" lawyer, expertly navigating legal loopholes and ethical boundaries. | Becomes wealthy and influential but lives with increasing paranoia and fear of consequences. |
| Gene Takavic | Lives in hiding as a Cinnabon manager, attempting to escape his past and evade justice. | Remains haunted by his identity and past actions, eventually leading to a conscious decision to face the music. |
| Prisoner | Accepts responsibility for his role in a vast criminal enterprise. | Ends up incarcerated, finally becoming a permanent part of the justice system he once held in contempt. |
The ending was not abrupt but rather a meticulously crafted and purposeful conclusion designed to provide a powerful, thematically consistent, and satisfying closure to one of television's most compelling character arcs.
