The review of the season 2 of Better Call Saul

 In Depth Analysis of Better Call Saul Season 2

Better Call Saul season 2 further develops Jimmy McGill's evolution into Saul Goodman, offering a more introspective story than the first. While the first season established the characters and their relationships, this one really begins to delve into the moral decisions of its leads, setting the stage for the future we already know from Breaking Bad.

Story and Structure

The season picks up where we last left off: Jimmy has just turned down a major job opportunity at Davis & Main and is at a crossroads. On the one hand, he desires to be a good lawyer, perhaps with Kim Wexler, but on the other, he is attracted to being his more slimy, manipulative self.

Throughout the season, we see Jimmy start working at Davis & Main, but his aversion to rules and bureaucracy leads him to quietly undermine himself. His relationship with Kim deepens but is tested by his unconventional ways. His fight with his brother Chuck reaches even higher stakes, climaxing in a season finale shock twist.

In the meantime, the show is very focused on Mike Ehrmantraut and his criminal underground ventures, which put him in direct opposition to Hector Salamanca.

Characters and Development

Jimmy McGill / Saul Goodman
This season is formative for Jimmy because he struggles between his true self and wishing to be respected. His manipulative ability is more evident, but the reason it is interesting is that he does so with good intentions. His undermining of Davis & Main's advertising campaign, the Mesa Verde scam to help Kim, and his ongoing lying increasingly alienate him from professional ethics that Chuck struggles so hard to uphold.

Chuck McGill
Whereas Chuck appeared to be a more undefined character in season one, he now stands as a definite antagonist. His bitterness towards Jimmy grows more apparent, and his fixation on verifying his brother's deceitfulness pushes him to extremities. The point that he secretly tapes Jimmy's confession in the season finale is a definite indication that their feud is going to blow at any moment.

Kim Wexler
Kim is the emotional center of the series. Her relationship with Jimmy is complex: she loves him but knows his sense of morality is questionable. Her breakdown and departure from HHM to build something of her own demonstrate her independence but vulnerability. Her relationship with Jimmy is genuine but constantly undermined by his dishonesty.

Mike Ehrmantraut
Mike continues with his initiation into the world of crime, with an ongoing storyline which further introduces him to Gustavo Fring. His battle with Hector Salamanca is handled magnificently, with a couple of scenes of stark tension (the instance when he almost shoots Hector using a sniper rifle is pure genius).

Direction and Visual Style
One of the greatest strengths of the show is its visual design. Every shot is meticulously planned, with the use of contrasting criminal and judicial worlds. Direction often uses stationary shots, deep lighting, and minimalist yet evocative scores.

The color here is especially important: blue and gray dominate the worlds with HHM and Davis & Main, and Jimmy and Mike's life being filled with warm colors. That helps to convey the gap visually between the characters and destiny.

Strengths
Character Development – There is natural, credible development in all the characters.
Brilliant Writing – All the dialogue is always witty and full of subtext and doublespeaks.
 Exceptional Cinematography – The visual allure is virtually cinematic.
 Flawlessly Conducted Tension – Especially in Mike and Salamanca's scenes.

Weaknesses
Slower Pace Compared to Breaking Bad, the narrative is more reflective, something that might not appeal to viewers who crave more action.
 Some Episodes Feel Static There could be a few episodes that feel less relevant compared to the rest.

Final Thoughts: A Masterpiece of Storytelling and Tension

Season two of Better Call Saul is a great example of storytelling. It balances drama, tension, and even some dark humor to perfection. Its only "flaw" is the slow pace, but it's one that is needed to build Jimmy's transformation.

The season finale, with Chuck secretly recording Jimmy's confession and Mike prepared to shoot Hector before receiving a mysterious warning, leaves the viewer wanting more.

If season one was the rollout, this is the actual beginning of Jimmy McGill's breakdown.

Rating: 9/10