Better Call Saul finale vs. Breaking Bad: Which ending hit harder?

If you are a TV series enthusiast, you must know that two of the best series in the world of television are Breaking Bad and its prequel, Better Call Saul. The endings of these two have been a long-standing debate among audiences. In this article, we will compare the endings of both to see which one had a greater impact on the audience.

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Breaking Bad vs Better Call Saul: Which ending is better?

Breaking Bad: 'Felina' – An Action and Revenge Finale

Felina, the Breaking Bad finale aired in 2013, leaves us wondering how it is possible. Bryan Cranston as Walter White dies as a result of his criminal activities. He leaves his money to his family and frees Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman.

This moment of his self-sacrifice and revenge has caused mixed reactions among the viewers. Some critics found the ending to be unrealistic, but it was satisfying for viewers who enjoyed the series' suspense and action with thrill.

Better Call Saul: 'Saul Gone' – An Ending of Introspection and Surrender

Saul Gone, The Better Call Saul finale aired in 2022, where Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill pleads guilty to his crimes and accepts a lengthy 86-year prison sentence. Jimmy takes responsibility for his crimes in the courtroom, expresses his love and remorse for Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler leaves viewers emotional. The ending shows the series' characters' emotional depth.

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Walter White vs. Jimmy McGill – Different Paths, Different Atonement

The story of Walter White is a terrifying example of an ordinary person going down the path of crime. A chemistry teacher, whose life was limited and cold, once started making meth to earn money for his family. Gradually, he became Heisenberg – a terrifying drug lord. His journey was destructive, and in his final episode, he ended everything with his own hands.

On the other hand, the journey of Jimmy McGill or Saul Goodman was a story of a gradual loss of values. He gradually went from the path of law to crime and finally accepted the truth and accepted the punishment for his wrongdoing. There is a fundamental difference between these two endings – while Walter ended his life with his own hands, Jimmy wants to admit his mistakes and start anew.

Moral Message and Audience Sensitivity

The ending of Better Call Saul carries a deep moral message – “Accept, Repent and Accept”. This message is very relevant today, where self-criticism and surrender are considered rare qualities. Jimmy's acceptance of his own crimes transforms him from a tragic hero into a real man.

On the other hand, Breaking Bad's ending was the story of a man who, despite facing death, remains in control. The emotion in this story is of a completely different kind – it is a kind of satisfaction, where a person determines his own end.

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Character Empathy – Who touched the heart more?

The character of Jimmy McGill becomes much more human and touching towards the end. Many viewers were moved by Jimmy's struggle in life, his love, and his attempts to change himself. His relationship with Kim Wexler was real, complex, and sad. When he admitted to Kim that he was only doing it for himself, it brought tears to the eyes of the audience.

On the other hand, Walter White was a wonderful, tragic character – the audience was simultaneously fascinated and horrified by his intelligence, confidence, and constant moral decline. But he ends much stronger, which, while inspiring to many, creates some emotional distance.

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Cinematography vs. Sound Design – Which was more profound?

Breaking Bad was visually stunning – the desert, the meth lab, the violence inside the car, the use of music – all combine to create a thriller-like feel.

Better Call Saul, on the other hand, is much more subtle, calm, and psychologically structured. The final scene in the courtroom, the black and white train scene, Jimmy’s light laugh, and their depth make the viewer feel much more emotional. For those who seek sensitivity through cinematography, the final episode of Better Call Saul is a unique experience.

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Social Impact of the Finale – Level of Discussion

After the final episode of Breaking Bad aired, it became a milestone in television history. Social media was filled with a lot of discussion, memes, and fan theories. It had such an impact on pop culture that the name ‘Heisenberg’ took on a different power for the next decade.

But the finale of Better Call Saul may not have made quite as much of a splash, but it did delve into a deeper subject – the inner transformation of people, regret, and forgiveness. Many have said that it has slowly become their favorite finale.

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The ‘inner transformation’ at the end of both series

Walter White’s death was his way of ending everything, where he suffers the consequences of his sins, yes, but with a kind of triumphant attitude. On the other hand, when Jimmy McGill finally gave up his identity as ‘Soul’ to Kim and became just ‘Jimmy’, it was a symbol of his becoming the real man.

It was not just a legal sentence, but also the recovery of his soul. Seen from this perspective, the finale of Better Call Saul is a story of complete transformation.

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Final Thoughts – Which ending ‘hit’ more?

It depends on what you are more impressed with. For those who like dramatic endings and fast-paced stories, Breaking Bad was undoubtedly a thrilling ending. However, for those who pay more attention to human emotions, character consequences, and psychological understanding, the final episode of Better Call Saul was much deeper and more heartbreaking. Both series are unique in the history of television and have delivered extraordinary finales in their own styles.

While both series' endings were appropriate for their respective stories, Better Call Saul's ending left a more emotional impact on the audience. It is a story of character introspection and change, which left a lasting impression on the audience. On the other hand, Breaking Bad's ending satisfied the audience with action and excitement, but it also faced some criticism.

Therefore, if you like character depth and emotional endings, Better Call Saul's ending may be more impactful for you.