Even those of us suffering from terrible Breaking Bad withdrawls have been a bit hesitant to fully embrace the show’s upcoming spin-off, Better Call Saul. Sure, the show features fan favorite character Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk), but it’s more comedic tone and prequel setting have made us a bit nervous about it tarnishing the incredible legacy that Breaking Bad managed to build over the course of its five fantastic seasons.
Fear not, Heisenberg fans, because according to executive producer Peter Gould, the series won’t just be a prequel. Apparently, the series will also take place both during and after the original series, allowing for some cameos from Breaking Bad alums like Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.
In an interview with NY Daily News, Gould said:
One of the great things about having a timeline which is flexible is that perhaps some of it takes place before Breaking Bad, during Breaking Bad, and after Breaking Bad. That gives us the ability to bring back characters that were killed on Breaking Bad.
We already know that Jonathan Banks, who played Mike Ehrmantraut, has joined Better Call Saul as a series regular, and heard rumors in the past of other camoes and returns. Luckily, Gould is very aware of the dangers of bringing back characters, and promises that it won’t be done as a crutch:
We want to make a show that stands on its own, is its own story and is a brand extension. We think we have a story that is worth making… We could never dream of the kind of success that Breaking Bad had and the love we got from the fans. But [with Saul], at a certain point you have to do the best job you can and tell the best story that entertains you, get a good response and hope people like it.
Part of making the best show they can is plotting out the larger story arcs, which has become easier to do now that they’ve already been renewed for a second season:
It’s tremendous for us because we get to plot out two seasons. And the way we work is similar to Breaking Bad as it is very serialized and each episode builds on the last. And that gives us a much bigger canvas to play with.
What do you think of his comments? Do they help ease your woes about Better Call Saul, or would you still prefer that they leave Breaking Bad alone? Let us know in the comments below.
Originally published July 1, 2014. Updated April 12, 2018.
