The Best Episodes Of Better Call Saul, Ranked

Episodes of Better Call Saul, like “Chicanery” and “Plan and Execution,” are truly exceptional and stand out as some of the best television ever made. While following the incredibly popular Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul not only met expectations but arguably surpassed its predecessor, ultimately becoming an even more impressive show.

Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould developed the character of Saul Goodman into a fully realized and complex antihero, much like Walter White in Breaking Bad. Throughout the six seasons of Better Call Saul, the show delivered some of the best television episodes ever made.

15. “Mijo”

Season 1, Episode 2

Tuco Salamanca wasn’t just Walt and Jesse’s initial major enemy; he was also one of the first villains Jimmy McGill faced. This intense introduction happens early in Better Call Saul, with Jimmy being kidnapped and taken to the desert by the drug kingpin – a situation fans of Breaking Bad will likely recognize.

This episode again showcases Jimmy’s impressive ability to talk his way out of anything, and we’re quickly introduced to Nacho, who immediately demonstrates a strong moral code even while involved in criminal activity. Despite some viewers finding Better Call Saul to be a slow burn, episode 2 proves the show is engaging from the very beginning, making “Mijo” a consistently overlooked gem.

14. “Nailed”

Season 2, Episode 9

The bond between Jimmy and Chuck is central to the show’s beginning, and the episode “Nailed” really highlights how damaging it becomes. Jimmy keeps manipulating his brother, while Chuck is equally focused on revealing Jimmy’s flaws and putting him down. This escalating conflict ultimately leads to Chuck leaving home, which triggers a serious health crisis due to his sensitivity to electromagnetic fields.

While Breaking Bad laid the groundwork for many of the conflicts in Better Call Saul, the emotional conflict between Jimmy and Chuck came as a complete surprise. The episode “Nailed” particularly showcases the deep flaws of both characters, and how Kim Wexler is unfortunately caught between them.

The story arc involving Mike and Nacho adds significant tension, making the second-to-last episode of the season particularly outstanding.

13. “Pimento”

Season 1, Episode 9

Mike is a standout character in the Breaking Bad world, so it was fantastic to see him featured so prominently in Better Call Saul. The “Pimento” episode was particularly strong for his character. It was very satisfying to watch him quickly put Sobchak in his place, and his seamless assumption of Daniel’s task further demonstrated his expertise.

Jimmy faces increasing isolation at HHM, culminating in Chuck offering him a buyout. The episode further establishes Howard as an adversary while subtly laying groundwork for future plot points. With its strong drama, sharp dialogue, and consistent tension, “Pimento” remains a highly rewatchable standout episode.

12. “Point And Shoot”

Season 6, Episode 8

Season 6 of Better Call Saul was nearly perfect television, and many believe it was even better than the final season of Breaking Bad. The episode “Plan and Shoot” was a particular highlight. After Howard’s unexpected death, Lalo orders Jimmy to kill Gus, but Gus manages to convince him to send Kim instead.

Mike quickly stops her, and after she explains her mission, Gus realizes what Lalo is really up to. This sets the stage for a tense and dramatic confrontation between them. The entire episode, “Plan and Shoot,” is packed with suspense and a growing sense of unease that carries over into the next installment.

This moment also signals the beginning of the end for Kim and Jimmy’s relationship, as they both finally realize how much they’ve changed. Even though season six continues after this point, it feels like a resolution to many of their struggles and a true launchpad for the events of Breaking Bad.

11. “Rock And Hard Place”

Season 6. Episode 3

Although Better Call Saul expertly revisits beloved characters like Jimmy, Mike, and Gus, it also introduces a wealth of compelling new faces. Nacho, in particular, stood out, and the episode “Rock and Hard Place” powerfully depicts him trapped as his complex story reaches a surprising and impactful end.

It’s agonizing to watch him struggle to avoid capture, but Michael Mando delivers a truly compelling performance. Ultimately, he makes the heartbreaking decision to take his own life, preventing any harm from coming to his family – a selfless act that feels completely true to his character.

The third episode of Season 6 is truly captivating. Even the quiet moments are compelling, making it one of the best episodes of Better Call Saul so far.

10. “Wexler V. Goodman”

Season 5, Episode 6

In season 5 of “Better Call Saul,” during the “Wexler v. Goodman” episode, Kim and Jimmy were planning a con against Mesa Verde. However, Kim had second thoughts and wanted to stop, but Jimmy went ahead with the scam anyway, upsetting her greatly.

The scene with Jimmy showing his questionable commercials to Mesa Verde is brilliantly awkward and funny. Bob Odenkirk nails the performance, maintaining a smug look throughout. This scene is a highlight of the episode, but it’s even more impactful because it sets up a deeply emotional and honest conversation between Jimmy and Kim.

9. “Bad Choice Road”

Season 5, Episode 9

While the thrilling action scenes in Better Call Saul were captivating, some of the show’s most compelling moments explored the consequences of that violence. For example, in the episode “Bad Choice Road” from season 5, Jimmy is shown struggling with the emotional aftermath of his dangerous experience securing Lalo’s bail money in the desert.

What truly makes “Bad Choice Road” exceptional is the moment Jimmy reveals to Mike that he’s struggling with PTSD. Mike responds with a deeply moving speech about how these feelings will eventually fade, referencing something his daughter-in-law once shared in therapy. He explains that Jimmy will one day simply wake up and realize he’s no longer consumed by it.

8. “Fun And Games”

Season 6, Episode 9

As a huge fan of Better Call Saul, I was constantly on edge about Kim Wexler. Because she wasn’t in Breaking Bad, everyone figured something bad was going to happen to her, and honestly, it was worse than I imagined. It wasn’t some dramatic, violent exit; it was heartbreakingly subtle. In the episode “Fun and Games” in season six, after everything with Howard, Kim just… leaves Jimmy. It’s a quiet tragedy, and honestly, it stuck with me way more than anything else in either show.

The last scene between Jimmy and Kim is devastating. Jimmy pleads with her to stay, but she’s already decided to leave. This rejection is the final catalyst that makes Jimmy fully become Saul Goodman. The episode ends on a similarly heartbreaking note for Gus, who understands he’ll never be able to find love because he fears the same fate as Max.

7. “Waterworks”

Season 6, Episode 12

Rhea Seehorn delivered an incredible performance as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, culminating in the powerful episode “Waterworks.” The episode reveals that Kim has essentially started a new, unhappy life far away from everything she knew. She’s in a dissatisfying relationship and working a remarkably ordinary job.

Overwhelmed by guilt, Kim returns to Albuquerque to confess everything to Howard’s wife, hoping to offer her some comfort. On the bus to the airport afterward, she finally breaks down and cries. This moment represents the peak of Kim’s emotional journey, and actress Rhea Seehorn portrays it with incredible authenticity.

6. “Five-O”

Season 1, Episode 6

One of the best episodes of Better Call Saul aired midway through the first season. Titled “Five-O,” it shifts away from the show’s usual style to reveal Mike’s past. The episode shows that Mike’s son, Matt, was killed by corrupt police officers in Philadelphia, and that Mike carefully planned a complex revenge plot.

The episode “Five-O” offers a compelling look at the usually reserved character’s hidden emotions. Jonathan Banks delivers a standout performance, convincingly portraying both a deceptive, seemingly drunk man setting a trap and a grieving man honestly confronting his remorse over Matt’s death.

2025-12-08 21:36