The 5 Best Moments From Better Call Saul So Far

Corrupt politicians, Slippin' Jimmy, car park attendant with a difference Mike, nail salons, cucumber water and warring brothers: the first season of Better Call Saul has more than lived up to expectations.

It's moved at an enjoyably slow pace, with Vince Gilligan's trademark visual style carrying over from Breaking Bad, with moments of humour, drama and shock all featuring along the way. It's a different beast from its 'sequel' but we get the feeling that it's only just warming up.

Today, of course, is a special day for fans, as the final episode of the first series goes live on Netflix. To celebrate, we take a look at the five best moments so far. Naturally, spoilers abound - so if you haven't watched yet, head to Netflix now and then give it a read later. You'll thank us.

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1. Mike's Masterplan

After being eased in to the series over the first few episodes as the most deadpan, officious car park attendant of all-time, Mike really came into his own in episode 6 (Five-O), possibly the strongest of the whole series, when the full story of his son's death - and Mike's clever plan to lure the two police officers behind it to a deserted yard and gain revenge - is revealed. We already knew from Breaking Bad that Mike was a smart, experienced guy - this was the first moment in Better Call Saul that we saw the master at work.

2. Jimmy's Billboard Stunt

What we all loved about Saul in Breaking Bad was his quick wit, even quicker comebacks and fiendishly clever plans. As we saw him fail - badly - with the skateboard ruse in the opening episode, we witnessed a spectacular success in episode 4 (Hero), where an apparent act of extreme bravery turns out to be a cleverly executed stunt. Were we the only ones that thought it was a genuine accident and, as Jimmy selflessly clamboured up that dangerous-looking scaffolding, that he was demonstrating his fearless heroism? Erm, perhaps we were. We really should have known better.

3. Here's Johnny!

The Kettlemans are the undisputed comedy stars of Better Call Saul, with the utterly spineless Craig, the brilliantly deranged Betsy and their hilarious family providing many moments of fun. With Jimmy under extreme pressure from the wrongly-imprisoned Nacho after his well-intentioned warning to the Kettlemans, he has to think on his feet to work out what on earth has happened to the hapless family. Proving himself smarter than the cops, and earning Mike's respect - and his help - he works out their not-so-subtle plan. Hours of trekking later, a lone tent in the forest, and Jimmy makes his unforgettable, Shining-style entrance.

4. S'all good man!

One of the most entertaining parts of the show has been the regular flashbacks - the prequel to the prequel as it were - that keep hinting at future themes which will be explained later down the line. Why is Jimmy facing multiple sex offender charges in episode 3 (Nacho)? Why does Kim kiss Jimmy on the lips when he receives his bar-exam results in the mail room at the start of episode 8 (RICO)? And what about the flash-forward at the start of the very first episode? But in our favourite of the flashbacks, in episode 4 (Hero), we see scheming Jimmy at work, as himself and an apparently drunken man conspire to scam his friend out of $580. Along the way, the words 's'all good man' are spoken - and if you hadn't worked it out before, now you know where the famous character name came from.

5. Chuck's Betrayal

Chuck was always an intriguing character right from the off, with his electromagnetic hypersensitivity and bizarre behaviour. He was clearly troubled, but also a brilliantly intelligent character, with a gift for law. While seemingly supportive and appreciative of all his brother's efforts to help and protect him, there was always something a little fishy - beyond the reflective foil capes and hatred of mobile phones - about him. Unfortunately our fears were confirmed when Jimmy's smart work picking up apparent fraud at Sandpiper Crossing led to him gaining the chance to become a partner at Chuck's law firm. In painful viewing at the end of episode 9 (Pimento), we saw Jimmy discover that his own brother had betrayed him; Chuck asking Howard Hamlin not to employ him. With Jimmy far from committing to the dark side of the law just yet, could this be the final push over the edge? Either way, it was a hugely powerful moment.

Better Call Saul is on Netflix now

(Images: AllStar)