Better Call Saul Proved How Lucky Walter White Was (& Made Gus Even Scarier)

Better Call Saul succeeds as a prequel because it offers a new perspective on Breaking Bad, and the spinoff series shows just how lucky Walter White (Bryan Cranston) is in the original show — and makes Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) an even more terrifying villain. Saul Goodman’s (Bob Odenkirk) spinoff takes place in two timelines: before and after Breaking Bad. It provides a framework that adds depth to the initial story, shining a new light on it using Breaking Bad‘s supporting cast.

The Breaking Bad prequel expands on the backstories of these side characters, with Better Call Saul offering opportunities to learn more about Gus, Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks), and even the Salamanca family. This gives viewers insight into what makes these characters tick, enriching their roles in Breaking Bad. However, the exploration of such players doesn’t just enhance their own individual character arcs; it also further informs Walter’s. Better Call Saul reveals why his transformation into Heisenberg is able to happen when it does, and luck factors into the timing.

Better Call Saul Shows Walter Was Lucky Lalo Salamanca Wasn’t Around

Apart from setting the stage for Walter White to emerge as the meth kingpin Heisenberg, the past timeline of Better Call Saul doesn’t focus on Breaking Bad‘s main character. Its primary goal is establishing how Jimmy McGill becomes the infamous Saul Goodman, leading to everything that follows. However, through Jimmy’s story, Better Call Saul reveals just how lucky Walter White is to join the meth game when he does. Walter makes many enemies because of his criminal enterprise, from Gus Fring to Tuco Salamanca (Raymond Cruz). However, he’s fortunate that another Salamanca isn’t around during the events of Breaking Bad: Lalo (Tony Dalton).

Lalo is probably the biggest villain of Better Call Saul‘s past timeline, and he’s a terrifying force. He’s unpredictable, as seen with Howard Hamlin’s (Patrick Fabian) tragic demise. Lalo acts on his instincts, making him hard to read, but he’s also capable of getting things done. Lalo combines the most powerful qualities of multiple Breaking Bad villains, and one gets the sense that the Salamancas would hold way more influence if he didn’t perish. If Lalo was around during Breaking Bad, he likely wouldn’t have given Walt the chance to become Heisenberg. Walt’s operations would have been cut short as soon as he crossed the Salamancas.

How Lalo Salamanca Made Gus Fring An Even Better Villain

It’s fortunate for Walter that he never has to face Lalo, but Lalo’s Better Call Saul journey makes Gus Fring a better villain. Although Gus is calculating and clever in both shows, he holds less sway in Better Call Saul. He also feels less seasoned in the spinoff, though Lalo forces him to get one step ahead of his enemies. This culminates in their final showdown in Better Call Saul season 6, and Gus comes out on top. The fact that he’s able to get the jump on Lalo highlights that he’s better at playing the game. If he hadn’t underestimated Walt in Breaking Bad, Gus probably would have won.