Peter Gould Reveals AMC Nearly Cut Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad

The character Saul Goodman, portrayed by Bob Odenkirk, nearly didn't make it onto the screen in the acclaimed series 'Breaking Bad,' as revealed by co-creator Peter Gould in Alan Sepinwall's upcoming book, 'Saul Goodman V. Jimmy McGill.' Gould expressed his initial concerns that Saul's comedic nature could disrupt the show's grounded tone, especially after an unnamed AMC executive suggested scrapping the character during a notes call. However, series creator Vince Gilligan defended Saul's inclusion, which ultimately led to the character becoming integral to both 'Breaking Bad' and its spin-off, 'Better Call Saul.' Gould recalled that the writing team initially struggled with the character's direction, leading to wild ideas, but Gilligan's vision helped shape Saul into a beloved figure. As the story progressed, Saul's role became crucial for the narrative of novice drug dealers navigating legal troubles. The revelation underscores the challenges faced in developing characters that resonate with audiences while maintaining the integrity of the show.