Fall (Better Call Saul)

"Fall" in the context of Better Call Saul carries multiple layers of meaning, representing the moral, ethical, and societal descent of various characters, most notably Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman, and the erosion of the legitimacy of other characters like Chuck McGill and Howard Hamlin. The "fall" is not merely a downward trajectory in fortune, but a deliberate choice by the characters, often driven by ego, resentment, or a desire for control.

The concept of a "fall" is present in several key narrative arcs:

• Jimmy McGill's Fall: This is the central narrative. Jimmy's initial attempts to be a legitimate lawyer are repeatedly thwarted by external factors (Chuck's sabotage, discrimination) and his own internal flaws (impatience, a penchant for shortcuts). These setbacks contribute to his gradual transformation into Saul Goodman, a persona he adopts to embrace the less scrupulous aspects of the legal profession. This transformation is not a singular event, but a series of smaller "falls" leading to a larger, more profound one. He "falls" from grace, from respectability, and ultimately, from the possibility of a truly fulfilling life.

• Chuck McGill's Fall: Chuck's fall is more subtle but equally significant. He begins as a highly respected and accomplished lawyer, but his obsession with discrediting Jimmy and his mental illness lead to his isolation and eventual self-destruction. His "fall" represents the dangers of pride, intellectual arrogance, and an inability to confront one's own vulnerabilities.

• Howard Hamlin's Fall: Howard experiences a professional "fall" orchestrated by Jimmy and Kim. Though he is arguably the most ethical lawyer in the series, he becomes a target of their schemes, ultimately losing his reputation, his firm's stability, and eventually, his life. Howard's fall is tragic, representing the collateral damage inflicted by Jimmy and Kim's actions.

The use of the word "fall" can also be interpreted metaphorically in relation to the overarching narrative of the Breaking Bad universe. The series explores the consequences of choices, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the corruption that can seep into seemingly ordinary lives. In this sense, "fall" encapsulates the entire trajectory of characters like Walter White and Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, and their influence that contributes to the "fall" of characters in Better Call Saul.