Picture this: a beloved comedian, once the master of wild sketches, morphing into a slick, morally ambiguous lawyer on television's most gripping crime saga. It's a tale that captures the heart of career reinvention, and Bob Odenkirk's story is proof that sometimes, your quirky past opens doors to unexpected stardom. But here's where it gets intriguing – how did a show known for its outrageous humor pave the way for such a dramatic shift? Stick around, because the connections are deeper than you might think.
Breaking Bad stands out as a prime example of how comedians can seamlessly transition into intense dramatic roles, captivating audiences with their versatility. Take Bryan Cranston, for instance, who was famously recognized as the bumbling father Hal on the family sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. In Breaking Bad, he defied expectations by portraying Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher battling cancer who spirals into the ruthless drug lord Heisenberg. Supporting this powerhouse performance was Bob Odenkirk, delivering a standout turn as the cunning and ethically flexible attorney Jimmy 'Saul Goodman' McGill. What began as a brief guest appearance – intended for just three or four episodes – evolved into a full-time role that extended through the series and even birthed the spin-off Better Call Saul, spanning over a decade of storytelling.
Before diving into the world of meth empires and legal loopholes, Odenkirk's career was firmly rooted in comedy. He made his mark in the late 1980s and early 1990s by crafting hilarious sketches for Saturday Night Live and The Ben Stiller Show. This led to a major breakthrough when he teamed up with fellow comedian David Cross to launch their own sketch comedy series, Mr. Show with Bob and David. Airing on HBO from 1995 to 1998, the show ran for four seasons and 30 episodes, showcasing their knack for absurd, boundary-pushing humor.
Since Mr. Show aired on cable television, it enjoyed the liberty to explore edgier territory compared to network shows like SNL. For beginners wondering what makes sketch comedy special, think of it as short, self-contained comedic scenes – often satirical or surreal – that poke fun at society, much like the British troupe Monty Python, which Odenkirk adored since childhood. Mr. Show took this to bold extremes, including a notorious sketch where descendants of Holocaust survivors receive cloned Hitlers as servants for reparations. It's the kind of outrageous premise that could spark debate: Is this dark humor crossing into insensitive territory, or is it a clever way to confront history's horrors? And this is the part most people miss – how such provocative content influenced a generation of writers and creators.
Reflecting on his career in a recent video interview with People Magazine, Odenkirk shared heartfelt memories of Mr. Show, calling it 'the greatest gift I ever had.' He explained how, from a young age, he dreamed of creating sketch comedy inspired by Monty Python, and Mr. Show allowed him to realize that vision fully. While it felt like the pinnacle of his achievements at the time, his journey was far from over. Interestingly, Odenkirk didn't actively seek the Saul Goodman role to pivot his career; instead, the Breaking Bad writing team, who were avid fans of Mr. Show, approached him directly. In the interview, he humorously identified the show's biggest admirers as touring rock musicians, curious 12-year-olds, and sharp-witted writers who appreciated its cleverness.
As Odenkirk recounted, the Breaking Bad writers often turned to Mr. Show sketches for a lighthearted break from the show's intense drama. This familiarity with his work made him the perfect fit for Saul Goodman. When offered the part, Odenkirk admitted he wasn't familiar with Breaking Bad – a surprising twist for such a cultural phenomenon. He consulted a friend and writing partner, who raved that it was 'the best show on TV,' convincing him to accept. At the time, Breaking Bad wasn't an overnight sensation; it gained massive traction thanks to Netflix's streaming boost, transforming it from a niche hit into a global obsession by its fifth season.
Odenkirk described his time on Breaking Bad as an invaluable 'acting school,' complete with a paycheck. He was astonished that the creators trusted him with a character far removed from broad comedy, and he cherished learning the craft by performing alongside Bryan Cranston. These skills shone brightly in Better Call Saul, where Odenkirk proved he could anchor a dramatic series on his own, without Cranston's guidance. For those new to the franchise, Better Call Saul explores Jimmy McGill's backstory, showing his evolution from a struggling lawyer to the morally compromised Saul – a character arc that adds layers to the Breaking Bad universe.
The year 2015 was particularly busy for Odenkirk. Alongside the launch of Better Call Saul, he reunited with David Cross for W/ Bob & David, a new sketch comedy series on Netflix that he dubbed a 'secret fifth season' of Mr. Show. As for a potential comeback as Saul, Odenkirk is skeptical, noting that Better Call Saul concluded with Jimmy imprisoned, providing a fitting end. He praised the writers for allowing Jimmy to confront his true self honestly, culminating in an ending reminiscent of Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, where the protagonist acknowledges his flaws and accepts punishment.
Odenkirk's path is remarkable: starting with fleeting two-to-five-minute roles in comedy sketches, he achieved the feat of embodying a single character across 13 years of television, narrating a man's life story – albeit non-chronologically – with a satisfying resolution. It's a testament to his talent and the power of unexpected opportunities.
But let's stir the pot a bit – do you think edgy comedy like Mr. Show's Holocaust sketch pushes boundaries too far, or does it serve as a necessary commentary on sensitive topics? And here's a controversial take: Was Jimmy McGill's prison sentence truly 'just recompense,' or could it be argued that his charisma and wit made him more redeemable than the show lets on? We'd love to hear your thoughts – agree, disagree, or share your own interpretations in the comments! For more laughs, check out Mr. Show with Bob and David streaming on HBO Max.
