18 Breaking Bad References Hidden in Better Call Saul
Subtle Nods to the Original Series
"Breaking Bad" captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and complex characters. Its prequel series, "Better Call Saul," continues this legacy while weaving intricate connections to its predecessor.
"Better Call Saul" is filled with subtle nods and Easter eggs that reference "Breaking Bad," rewarding attentive viewers with hidden gems throughout its run. These callbacks range from familiar locations and objects to more nuanced character interactions and plot developments. Spotting these references adds an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of both series, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail in the shared universe.
1) The Crossroads Motel
The Crossroads Motel serves as a significant location in both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. This establishment, nicknamed "The Crystal Palace" by Hank Schrader, is primarily known for its association with drug users and criminal activity.
In Breaking Bad, the motel is frequently visited by Wendy, a prostitute who resides there and solicits customers in the parking lot. The Crossroads Motel becomes a recurring backdrop for various illegal activities throughout the series.
Better Call Saul cleverly incorporates this infamous location into its narrative. In a notable scene, Jimmy McGill visits the Crossroads Motel as part of a scheme to discredit Howard Hamlin. This reference not only connects the two series but also highlights Jimmy's progression towards becoming Saul Goodman.
The inclusion of the Crossroads Motel in Better Call Saul serves as a subtle nod to Breaking Bad fans. It demonstrates the show's attention to detail and commitment to maintaining continuity within the shared universe of both series.
2) Saul's Desk Phone
The distinctive desk phone in Saul Goodman's office serves as a subtle yet meaningful connection between Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. This iconic piece of office equipment first appears in the prequel series, foreshadowing Saul's future persona.
The phone's design features a bright gold color and a unique shape, making it instantly recognizable to fans of both shows. Its presence in Better Call Saul acts as a visual cue, hinting at Jimmy McGill's eventual transformation into the flamboyant lawyer audiences know from Breaking Bad.
As Jimmy's character evolves throughout Better Call Saul, the phone becomes more prominent in his office setup. This gradual integration mirrors his journey towards becoming Saul Goodman, the colorful and morally flexible attorney seen in Breaking Bad.
The desk phone's continued appearance across both series demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail in creating a cohesive universe. It serves as a tangible link between Jimmy McGill's past and Saul Goodman's future, bridging the gap between the two shows.
3) 'Better Call Saul' Business Card
In Breaking Bad, Saul Goodman's memorable business card features the tagline "Better Call Saul!" This iconic phrase becomes the title of the prequel series, solidifying its significance in the shared universe.
The business card makes its first appearance in Better Call Saul during Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman. It serves as a visual representation of his evolving identity and marks a pivotal moment in his character arc.
The card's design mirrors the flashy and ostentatious nature of Saul's persona. Its bold colors and eye-catching graphics reflect his larger-than-life personality and unconventional approach to law practice.
Keen-eyed viewers may notice subtle differences between the business cards shown in Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. These variations hint at the ongoing development of Saul's brand and legal practice over time.
The 'Better Call Saul' business card becomes a symbol of Jimmy's journey from struggling lawyer to the morally ambiguous attorney known as Saul Goodman. Its presence in both series creates a tangible link between the two narratives.
4) Los Pollos Hermanos Logo
The iconic Los Pollos Hermanos logo appears prominently in both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. This distinctive emblem features a stylized chicken head with red and yellow coloring.
In Better Call Saul, the logo is first introduced when Gus Fring expands his restaurant chain. The design cleverly incorporates elements that reflect the dual nature of Fring's business.
The chicken's eye resembles a flame, subtly hinting at the illegal activities hidden behind the legitimate restaurant front. The circular shape of the logo also evokes the idea of a never-ending cycle, mirroring the continuous flow of Fring's drug operation.
Fans have noted that the logo's color scheme of red, yellow, and black mirrors the New Mexico state flag. This detail underscores the regional importance of Los Pollos Hermanos within the show's universe.
The logo's presence in both series serves as a visual link between the two narratives. It acts as a constant reminder of Fring's growing influence and the interconnectedness of the Breaking Bad world.
5) Walter White's Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek, Walter White's iconic vehicle in Breaking Bad, makes several subtle appearances in Better Call Saul. This distinctive SUV serves as a clever nod to the original series and foreshadows Walter's future.
In one scene, an Aztek can be spotted in the background of a parking lot while Jimmy conducts business. The vehicle's presence is brief but unmistakable to eagle-eyed fans.
Another instance shows the Aztek passing by on the street as Kim walks to her office. These fleeting glimpses create a sense of continuity between the two shows.
The Aztek's appearances in Better Call Saul are carefully timed to avoid disrupting the prequel's narrative. They function as Easter eggs for dedicated viewers without drawing too much attention.
These cameos remind audiences of Walter White's impending arrival in the Breaking Bad universe. They also highlight the attention to detail that the creators put into connecting the two series.
6) Pink Teddy Bear
The pink teddy bear serves as a significant visual connection between "Better Call Saul" and "Breaking Bad." In "Better Call Saul," viewers witness Mike spending quality time with his granddaughter Kaylee, often giving her gifts.
One of these gifts is a cute pink pig teddy bear, which becomes a memorable item for fans of both shows. This seemingly innocent toy reappears in a crucial moment during "Breaking Bad."
In a tense scene from "Breaking Bad," Mike cleverly uses the same pink teddy bear to distract a hitman. The hitman is lying in wait on the other side of a door, and Mike employs the stuffed animal as a decoy.
This clever callback demonstrates the intricate connections between the two series. It showcases how seemingly minor details in "Better Call Saul" can have unexpected significance in "Breaking Bad."
The pink teddy bear also serves as a symbol of innocence amidst the darker themes explored in both shows. Its appearance in both series highlights the attention to detail and thoughtful planning by the creators.
7) 'I am the one who knocks' - Walter White
Walter White's iconic line "I am the one who knocks" from Breaking Bad has become deeply embedded in popular culture. This powerful statement encapsulates Walt's transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a formidable drug kingpin.
In Better Call Saul, this phrase receives a subtle nod. During a scene where Jimmy McGill is trying to intimidate a potential client, he uses similar phrasing. Though not an exact quote, Jimmy's words echo Walt's assertive tone.
The reference serves as a clever Easter egg for Breaking Bad fans. It also highlights the interconnected nature of the two shows' universes. Jimmy's attempt to project power foreshadows his eventual transformation into the morally ambiguous Saul Goodman.
This callback demonstrates the writers' attention to detail and their commitment to rewarding loyal viewers. It creates a sense of continuity between the two series while allowing Better Call Saul to maintain its own identity.
The inclusion of this subtle reference adds depth to the viewing experience. It invites audiences to draw connections between characters and their evolving personas across both shows.
8) Lydia's Stevia Packets
Lydia Rodarte-Quayle's obsession with Stevia sweetener in Breaking Bad makes a subtle appearance in Better Call Saul. This clever callback showcases the attention to detail in both series.
In Breaking Bad, Lydia consistently uses Stevia in her tea during meetings. This habit becomes a crucial plot point in the series finale when Walt uses it to poison her.
Better Call Saul nods to this character trait long before Lydia's introduction. In a scene at a cafe, viewers can spot Stevia packets on the table, foreshadowing Lydia's future presence in the Breaking Bad universe.
This small detail serves as an Easter egg for attentive fans. It demonstrates how Better Call Saul's creators carefully craft connections between the two shows, rewarding observant viewers with these hidden gems.
The Stevia reference not only links the two series but also provides insight into Lydia's meticulous nature. It highlights her preference for control and routine, traits that become significant in her Breaking Bad storyline.
9) Jimmy's Custody Billboard
In Better Call Saul, Jimmy McGill employs a clever marketing tactic that echoes a memorable scene from Breaking Bad. He creates a billboard mimicking Howard Hamlin's likeness, which leads to a publicity stunt where Jimmy "rescues" the worker removing it.
This billboard incident bears a striking resemblance to the "Better Call Saul" ads seen in Breaking Bad. In the original series, Saul Goodman uses eye-catching billboards to promote his legal services.
The billboard ploy in Better Call Saul serves as a precursor to Saul's future marketing strategies. It demonstrates Jimmy's knack for attention-grabbing publicity, a trait that becomes central to his Saul Goodman persona.
This reference subtly connects the two shows, hinting at Jimmy's eventual transformation into the flamboyant lawyer viewers know from Breaking Bad. It showcases the origins of Saul's bold advertising methods and his willingness to bend rules for personal gain.
10) Mike's Mysterious Parking Structure
Mike Ehrmantraut's first appearance in Better Call Saul takes place in a parking structure. This location serves as a subtle nod to Breaking Bad fans, recalling Mike's role as a parking attendant.
The garage becomes a recurring setting throughout Better Call Saul. It symbolizes Mike's transition from law enforcement to the criminal underworld, mirroring his journey in Breaking Bad.
In this parking structure, Mike and Jimmy McGill (Saul Goodman) have their initial encounter. Their interaction over parking validation foreshadows the complex relationship they will develop in both series.
The parking garage also represents Mike's attention to detail and methodical nature. These traits are crucial to his character in Breaking Bad, where he serves as a skilled fixer and enforcer.
As the series progresses, the parking structure continues to play a role in Mike's storyline. It becomes a reminder of his past and the choices that led him to become involved with Gus Fring's operation.
11) Gus Fring's Signature Glasses
Gus Fring's iconic glasses make a seamless transition from Breaking Bad to Better Call Saul. These distinctive frames are a crucial part of the character's carefully crafted image.
Giancarlo Esposito, the actor portraying Gus, had owned the glasses for a decade before the show. He recognized they were the perfect fit for his character's look.
The glasses contribute to Gus's polished, professional appearance. They help maintain his façade as a respectable businessman, concealing his true nature as a drug kingpin.
In Better Call Saul, viewers can spot these familiar glasses in scenes featuring Gus. Their presence serves as a subtle callback to Breaking Bad, reinforcing the connection between the two series.
The glasses have become so associated with Gus Fring that fans have sought to find similar pairs. Their distinctive style has made them a recognizable symbol of the character across both shows.
12) Tuco's Grill
Tuco Salamanca's distinctive dental grill makes a memorable appearance in Better Call Saul, serving as a subtle nod to Breaking Bad. In the prequel series, viewers catch a glimpse of the gold-plated teeth during Tuco's violent confrontation with Jimmy McGill.
This visual callback links directly to Breaking Bad, where Tuco's grill becomes a significant plot point. After a violent altercation with Jesse Pinkman, the grill ends up in Hank Schrader's possession as a trophy.
The inclusion of this iconic accessory in Better Call Saul provides fans with a tangible connection between the two series. It also offers insight into Tuco's character development and his consistent flair for flashy accessories.
By featuring the grill in both shows, the creators establish continuity and reinforce Tuco's enduring presence in the criminal underworld of Albuquerque. This small detail demonstrates the meticulous attention paid to maintaining consistency across the Breaking Bad universe.
13) Nail Salon from Breaking Bad Finale
The nail salon featured in Better Call Saul has a significant connection to Breaking Bad. This Vietnamese-owned establishment, Day Spa and Nail, serves as Jimmy McGill's makeshift office and living space in the early seasons of Better Call Saul.
The salon reappears in Breaking Bad's series finale, "Felina." In a brief but memorable scene, Saul Goodman's former secretary Francesca visits the salon. She retrieves a hidden package from behind a loose outlet cover in the back room.
This callback ties together Saul's humble beginnings as Jimmy McGill with his eventual fate as a fugitive. The nail salon represents a constant thread throughout his complex journey from struggling lawyer to criminal attorney.
The inclusion of this location in Breaking Bad's final episode demonstrates the thoughtful interconnectedness between the two series. It rewards attentive viewers who followed Jimmy/Saul's story from start to finish.
14) Hector Salamanca's Bell
Hector Salamanca's iconic bell appears in both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, serving as a crucial link between the two series. In Better Call Saul, viewers witness the origin of this communication device.
The bell's backstory is revealed in the episode "Wiedersehen." Prior to his stroke, Hector receives the bell as a gift from his nephew Lalo Salamanca. It's a simple souvenir from a hotel, but it becomes Hector's lifeline.
After Hector's health deteriorates, the bell transforms into his primary means of communication. This subtle detail adds depth to the character's tragic arc, bridging his roles in both shows.
The bell's presence in Better Call Saul provides context for its significance in Breaking Bad. It offers insight into Hector's character and his relationship with his family, particularly Lalo.
This small prop becomes a powerful symbol of Hector's resilience and the Salamanca family's influence. Its introduction in Better Call Saul enriches the viewing experience of Breaking Bad, demonstrating the prequel's attention to detail.
15) Saul's Inflatable Statue
The inflatable Statue of Liberty atop Saul Goodman's office is an iconic symbol in Breaking Bad. This gaudy decoration first appears in the Breaking Bad episode "Better Call Saul," introducing viewers to the lawyer's flamboyant style.
Better Call Saul cleverly incorporates this statue into its narrative. The inflatable Lady Liberty makes several appearances throughout the series, foreshadowing Saul's future persona.
In one notable scene, Jimmy McGill encounters a similar inflatable statue at the Kettlemans' business. This moment subtly hints at his eventual transformation into the ostentatious Saul Goodman.
The statue serves as a visual link between the two series, bridging Jimmy's journey from struggling lawyer to the colorful character Breaking Bad fans know. Its presence in Better Call Saul adds depth to Saul's backstory and provides a satisfying connection for observant viewers.
16) The Cousins' Silver Axe
The silver axe wielded by the Salamanca cousins in Better Call Saul serves as a chilling callback to Breaking Bad. This distinctive weapon first appeared in Breaking Bad during a memorable confrontation with Hank Schrader.
In Better Call Saul, the axe makes several appearances, reinforcing the cousins' menacing presence. The show provides backstory on how the cousins acquired their signature weapon and honed their skills with it.
The axe's recurrence in Better Call Saul adds depth to the cousins' characters. It highlights their ruthless efficiency and unwavering loyalty to the cartel. The weapon's gleaming surface contrasts sharply with the brutal acts it's used for.
By featuring the axe prominently, Better Call Saul creates a sense of foreboding for viewers familiar with Breaking Bad. It serves as a visual reminder of the violence that lies ahead in the Breaking Bad timeline.
17) Huel's Tax Returns Office
In "Better Call Saul," attentive viewers may spot a familiar face working at a tax preparation office. Huell Babineaux, Saul Goodman's bodyguard and pickpocket extraordinaire from "Breaking Bad," makes an appearance in this unexpected setting.
The scene shows Huell assisting clients with their tax returns, a stark contrast to his future role in Saul's criminal enterprises. This clever callback serves as a reminder of Huell's life before becoming entangled in Saul's schemes.
The tax office scene also highlights the interconnectedness of the two series. It demonstrates how characters from "Breaking Bad" had lives and careers before their involvement in the drug trade. This subtle reference adds depth to Huell's character and provides a glimpse into his past.
By including this detail, the creators of "Better Call Saul" reward observant fans with a satisfying connection to the original series. It's a testament to the show's attention to detail and commitment to building a rich, interconnected universe.
18) Francesca's Front Desk Plant
In Better Call Saul, Francesca Liddy's desk features a distinctive potted plant. This plant makes a subtle reappearance in Breaking Bad, serving as a visual link between the two series.
The plant's presence in both shows highlights the continuity between Saul Goodman's law practice in Better Call Saul and his later operations in Breaking Bad. It reflects Francesca's consistent role as Saul's receptionist across both timelines.
Eagle-eyed viewers may notice the plant's gradual growth and changes over time. This detail adds depth to the shared universe of the two shows, emphasizing the passage of time between them.
The plant also symbolizes Francesca's enduring presence in Saul's professional life. It represents a small piece of stability amidst the chaotic events that unfold in both series.
Understanding the Connections
Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad share a rich tapestry of interconnected characters, storylines, and subtle nods. The prequel series expertly weaves references to its predecessor throughout its narrative.
Many familiar faces from Breaking Bad make appearances in Better Call Saul, offering glimpses into their pasts. Characters like Tuco Salamanca, Hector Salamanca, and Gus Fring play significant roles in both series.
The transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman forms the core connection between the two shows. Viewers witness the gradual evolution of the earnest lawyer into the morally flexible "criminal" attorney seen in Breaking Bad.
Locations serve as important links between the series. The iconic Los Pollos Hermanos restaurant, Saul's office, and various Albuquerque landmarks feature prominently in both narratives.
Visual and thematic parallels abound. Camera angles, color schemes, and narrative techniques employed in Breaking Bad find their way into Better Call Saul, creating a cohesive visual language.
Easter eggs and subtle references reward attentive viewers. From familiar phrases to background details, the show is peppered with callbacks to Breaking Bad.
These connections enrich the viewing experience, offering deeper insights into the characters and world established in Breaking Bad while allowing Better Call Saul to stand as a compelling story in its own right.
Character Evolution Through References
Better Call Saul cleverly uses Breaking Bad references to highlight character growth and transformation. These callbacks provide insight into the characters' journeys and foreshadow future developments.
Symbolic Parallels
Visual and thematic parallels between the two shows emphasize character evolution. Jimmy McGill's gradual transformation into Saul Goodman is mirrored in his changing wardrobe and office decor. As Jimmy embraces his Saul persona, his clothing becomes more colorful and flamboyant.
The shows also use shared locations to demonstrate character changes. Saul's strip mall office in Breaking Bad appears in Better Call Saul, evolving from a nail salon to his infamous law practice. This progression symbolizes Jimmy's moral descent and professional ambitions.
Character Transformation
References to Breaking Bad characters in Better Call Saul reveal their origins and development. Mike Ehrmantraut's backstory as a corrupt cop in Philadelphia is explored, explaining his later role as a fixer for Gus Fring.
Gus Fring's appearance in Better Call Saul showcases his rise to power. The show depicts his early days managing Los Pollos Hermanos and building his drug empire. These scenes provide context for his ruthless persona in Breaking Bad.
Minor characters from Breaking Bad make cameo appearances, offering glimpses of their pre-Walter White lives. Hector Salamanca is shown as a feared cartel leader before his stroke, while Tuco Salamanca's violent tendencies are on full display.
