Better Call Saul - Season 2 (Feb 15th 2016)

[Don Tonberry]

Starts tonight in USA (on Netflix tomorrow over here) and has been getting good reviews.

Very much looking forward to it.

 

[SUTSS]

Looking forward to seeing this with interest.

 

[yellow]

Haven't some reviews claimed this is better than Breaking Bad?

 

[The Alex]

Can't imagine it being better but expect it'll be good with humour and excitement, loved Saul in BB.

 

[Sparrow]

Looking forward to this as well. Saul was a great character in Breaking Bad so it'll be good to see more of him.

Haven't some reviews claimed this is better than Breaking Bad?

Yes, think I read an article previewing it somewhere which said something similar.

 

[Saddlerrad]

Hope it's quality and not a let down, but we will see. I'll be definetely watching it tommorrow evening, so don't forget your spoilers anyone who downloads or gets there first!

 

[Jockney]

I'd like to see these reviews that say it's better than Breaking Bad, considering critics have only been given screeners for the first three episodes. That's without even getting into an argument about why a value comparison between the two shows is inherently useless.

 

[SALTIRE]

Will binge watch it once all eps are up.

 

[Master D]

Goes live on Netflix at 7am tomorrow I believe.

 

[Oaf]

Yeah, anybody saying it's better than BB is talking bollocks. Not necessarily because the show can't be better, but because they can't know because they'll have only seen a couple of episodes.

This being said, reviews I have seen for the first couple of episodes are sounding great. Enough of the old to feel like it belongs in the BB universe while also feeling fresh with its own voice.

 

[Jockney]

yes that...

...but also because comparing what is ostensibly an episodic black comedy to a dramatic character piece with a sweeping narrative is lazy and nonsensical...

 

[RavenBish]

Choux buns are better than Jockney

 

[Oaf]

I'd like to see these reviews that say it's better than Breaking Bad, considering critics have only been given screeners for the first three episodes. That's without even getting into an argument about why a value comparison between the two shows is inherently useless.

yes that...

...but also because comparing what is ostensibly an episodic black comedy to a dramatic character piece with a sweeping narrative is lazy and nonsensical...

You said you wouldn't do it, and then you did it. WHY JOCKNEY?

I'm starting to think RavenBish is right. Choux buns are better than you.

(but to be fair, they are awesome and probably better than most people, so I wouldn't feel too down hearted)

 

[Dave-Vale]

Just watched the 1st episode.

I think it's going to be pretty good.

 

[CFC91]

No spoilers please - looking forward to seeing it though!

 

[The Alex]

Not bad. I find Saul adorable.

 

[G.B]

No spoilers please - looking forward to seeing it though!

The best way to avoid spoilers is probably to steer clear of the thread dedicated to discussing the show imo. Veteran tip for you there.

 

[Dave-Vale]

Not much to spoil so far.

 

[Don Tonberry]

I really enjoyed the first episode. Looks like it's gonna be good!

 

[Dave-Vale]

Just prefer it if the entire season was released in at once rather than an episode a week. Need to binge!

 

[Saddlerrad]

Just prefer it if the entire season was released in at once rather than an episode a week. Need to binge!

I thought last night was a double ep?

 

[Dave-Vale]

I thought last night was a double ep?

Only 1 released on Netflix at the moment.

 

[Jockney]

Netflix only own the right to the UK license. AMC actually own the show. That's why it wasn't released in a single block.

 

[RavenBish]

Very good premiere I thought.

 

[pontoonlew]

I thought it was a bit slow to start off, lacked his charisma that he showed in BB (though I guess the point is that it's building up to that) and the whole thing just seemed slow.

But that ending has got me so excited for the series now, brilliant.

 

[Saddlerrad]

The 2nd episode is on this evening.

 

[The Cards]

Started off pretty slow, but then again so did Breaking Bad, still have high hopes for this.

 

[Jockney]

So do most TV shows. TV series aren't movies.

Sorry, I'll stop now.

 

[Jockney]

The pilot reminded me of that 'Seinfeld goes to Oz penitentiary' parody and not in a good way. I understand that there will be nods and references to BB, but to cram so much fan service into the opening episode of what promised to be a completely different show is a little ominous.

Although saying that, I'm not even sure it promises to be completely different. Similar themes and motifs (egomaniac down on his luck, can only get ahead by breaking bad; dented stainless steel motif) replete with a cold open (another commonly used BB device) that hints at the series

Spoiler

eventually becoming all-but a sequel to BB.

Putting all that to one side, though, what really turned me off the episode was the wildly inconsistent tone, which veered from wacky farce to brooding family drama and back again in the space of a few scenes. Either or both are fine, but they have to be united by theme or purpose. I came out of the episode not really understanding where James McGill ends and Saul Goodman begins, if they are even different people. The episode's strongest moments were when Odenkirk was able to have fun with the Saul Goodman persona. The dramatic stuff felt like it belonged on a different show, with different characters.

Still, early days.

 

[RavenBish]

Not sure I ever saw a brooding family drama...