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Saul Goodman's Charm Saved Him from Cancellation

1/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Saul Goodman, brought to life by Bob Odenkirk, faced the chopping block in "Breaking Bad" over worries about his comedic flair. Producer Peter Gould shared that AMC executives were initially skeptical, sparking a heated script review. Thankfully, Saul's charm won them over, paving the way for the beloved spin-off "Better Call Saul" in 2013.

History

Historical Context

Saul Goodman's character, portrayed by Bob Odenkirk, emerged amidst AMC's shift towards original programming in the late 2000s, paralleling the rise of critically acclaimed dramas like "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad." Initially met with skepticism, Goodman’s charm ultimately contributed to the success of "Better Call Saul," reflecting AMC's strategy to expand its storytelling universe, a trend seen in earlier franchises like "The X-Files."

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Story summary

Saul Goodman, brought to life by Bob Odenkirk, faced the chopping block in "Breaking Bad" over worries about his comedic flair. Producer Peter Gould shared that AMC executives were initially skeptical, sparking a heated script review. Thankfully, Saul's charm won them over, paving the way for the beloved spin-off "Better Call Saul" in 2013.

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