Following the events of Better Call Saul, fans are faced with a tough truth about Gustavo Fring, played by Giancarlo Esposito. First introduced in the second season of Breaking Bad, Gus quickly established himself as one of the series’ most formidable and memorable antagonists. His dual role as the owner of Los Pollos Hermanos and the mastermind behind a vast drug empire showcased his professionalism and strategic prowess, often placing him several steps ahead of his adversaries.
His character arc was expanded in Better Call Saul, appearing in the show’s third season. This spinoff explored various facets of Gus’s operations, including his partnership with Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) and the rationale behind their loyalty to one another. While excitement remains for potential new spinoffs centered on the character, conversations among fans suggest that exploring Gus’s backstory further would likely undermine what made him compelling.
Why a Prequel Featuring Gus Fring Would Fall Short
Overexposure of Character Mystique
Throughout his appearances in Better Call Saul, Gus’s character presented a series of captivating scenes. However, the series also exposed certain operational secrets, such as a concealed tunnel under Gus’s residence connecting to a storehouse used for his illicit activities. In Breaking Bad, Hank Schrader (Dean Norris) tracked Gus’s movements, which seemed straightforward until the discovery of the tunnel illuminated how Gus maintained his operations while eluding capture.
Although this revelation aligned with Gus’s shrewd character, it diminished the enigma that surrounded him. A prequel could potentially unearth more complexities about his history, revealing details that are better left cloaked in ambiguity. The glimpses shared in both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul form a solid framework for understanding his motivations without needing exhaustive backstory.
Gus’s Impact in Better Call Saul vs. Breaking Bad
Memorable Moments Are Found in Breaking Bad
While Gus played a pivotal role in Better Call Saul, it is undeniably in Breaking Bad that his character reaches its zenith. His unforgettable scenes, such as the chilling execution of Victor (Jeremiah Bitsui) before Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), his tense dialogue with Walter in the desert, and his ultimate showdown with Don Eladio (Steven Bauer), encapsulate the essence of his character. Gus’s dramatic and gruesome demise in the season four finale, “Face Off,”is particularly iconic and remains unmatched by anything showcased in the prequel.
The Importance of Mystery in Gus Fring’s Persona
Enigma Boosts Narrative Engagement
Gus Fring’s effectiveness as a character in Breaking Bad derives largely from the air of mystery that enveloped him. Both the viewers and other characters were left largely in the dark about his true nature. Although Walter initially learned of Gus through Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk), Gus remained an enigma even to Saul. Hank’s investigations, bolstered by government resources, managed only to scratch the surface of Gus’s intricacies, enhancing his allure.
|
Show |
Tomatometer Score |
Popcornmeter Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Breaking Bad |
96% |
97% |
|
Better Call Saul |
98% |
96% |
The enigma surrounding Gus Fring should remain intact. Without the risk of revealing too much about his backstory, the character can continue to captivate audiences. Unlike Better Call Saul, which adeptly wove together a prequel and sequel narrative, a show focused solely on Gus could not sustain the same intrigue, given the awareness of his fate. In conclusion, allowing Gus Fring’s legacy to be encapsulated within the narratives of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul is preferable, preserving the intricate allure that defines him.