Today in TV History: Walter White First Called Saul on ‘Breaking Bad’

Of all the great things about television, the greatest is that it’s on every single day. TV history is being made, day in and day out, in ways big and small. In an effort to better appreciate this history, we’re taking a look back, every day, at one particular TV milestone. 

IMPORTANT DATE IN TV HISTORY: April 26, 2009

PROGRAM ORIGINALLY AIRED ON THIS DATE: Breaking Bad, “Better Call Saul” (Season 2, Episode 8) [Watch on Netflix.]

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: At this point in Breaking Bad‘s run, we didn’t know it was going to end up being the all-consuming sensation that it turned into. Season 2 was when the show evolved from being an edgy show about drugs and crime on that network Mad Men was on to a must-see cable drama for all discerning TV watchers.

At the time, we certainly had no idea that this mid-season episode, “Better Call Saul,” was going to introduce a character so beloved that he’d land a spinoff series in order to keep the universe of the show alive. At the time, it was just that Jesse’s pal Badger got busted by the cops, and Walt and Jesse sought out the services of the titular attorney, Saul Goodman, played by cult fave comedic actor Bob Odenkirk.

Just watching these scenes it’s easy to see why Saul became such a hit character. Odenkirk’s comedic background gave the show a nice absurd undercurrent, particularly when contrasted with the increasing intensity of Walt and Jesse.

[You can watch “Better Call Saul” on Netflix.]

Joe Reid (@joereid) is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn. You can find him leaving flowers for Mrs. Landingham at the corner of 18th and Potomac.

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