Peter Gould
The writer who introduced Saul Goodman to the Breaking Bad universe.
Peter Gould is a writer for the American television drama series Breaking Bad. He wrote the episode "Better Call Saul", the eighth episode of the second season. The episode aired on AMC on April 26, 2009. Gould's writing in this episode introduced the character Saul Goodman, whose dialogue and interactions became essential elements in setting up characters and plotlines for the spinoff prequel series Better Call Saul.
- Role
- Writer
- First Appearance Credit
- Breaking Bad (Writer)
- Key Creation
- Better Call Saul Series
Lore & Background
Peter Gould wrote the episode "Better Call Saul", which marks Bob Odenkirk's first appearance as the fast-talking criminal lawyer Saul Goodman in the series. In this episode, Saul's dialogue includes references to a man named "Lalo" and a man named "Ignacio", and he refers to himself as an "amigo del cartel". These elements were later revealed in the prequel series Better Call Saul to be Nacho Varga and Lalo Salamanca. The episode also features Saul mentioning a man named Jimmy "In-'N-Out" Kilkelly. Gould's writing established foundational plot points that the prequel series would expand upon.
In Their Own Story
In the episode "Better Call Saul", written by Peter Gould, Walter White and Jesse Pinkman seek out a shady lawyer named Saul Goodman after Badger is arrested. Walt poses as Badger's uncle and offers Saul a bribe, which Saul refuses. Walt and Jesse then kidnap Saul, threatening to kill him. Saul initially pleads for mercy, believing they were sent by a man named "Lalo" and blaming a man named "Ignacio". Upon realizing they are associates of Badger, Saul offers to legally represent them. He tells them about Jimmy "In-'N-Out" Kilkelly, who makes a living being paid by criminals to go to jail. Later, Saul visits Walt at his school and offers to be his full-time legal counsel and adviser.
Reader's Guide
The episode "Better Call Saul" was directed by Terry McDonough and written by Peter Gould. It aired on AMC in the United States and Canada on April 26, 2009. Events of this episode are referenced in the sixth season Better Call Saul episode "Breaking Bad". Saul's dialogue when mistaken for cartel enforcers—trying to lay blame on "Ignacio" and asking if "Lalo" sent them—became key elements. In Better Call Saul, these were revealed to be Nacho Varga and Lalo Salamanca. The phrase "friends of the cartel" is shown to be something Saul learned from Lalo while being forced to defend him in court. The origins of Saul's fear of Lalo and what he was blaming Nacho for are revealed in Better Call Saul's "Point and Shoot".
Did You Know?
- Peter Gould wrote the episode "Better Call Saul", which is the eighth episode of the second season of Breaking Bad.
- The episode aired on AMC on April 26, 2009.
- Gould's episode introduced Saul Goodman, whose dialogue about 'Lalo' and 'Ignacio' later became central to the prequel series Better Call Saul.
- Events from this episode are referenced in the sixth season Better Call Saul episode titled 'Breaking Bad'.
- The origins of Saul's fear of Lalo and what he was blaming Nacho for are revealed in the Better Call Saul episode 'Point and Shoot'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Peter Gould in relation to Better Call Saul?
He is the co-creator of the series who originally joined the franchise as a writer on Breaking Bad. Gould worked alongside Vince Gilligan to develop Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman while guiding the narrative arc.
What role does Peter Gould hold during production?
Peter Gould serves as a key showrunner with significant executive production duties throughout the run of the show. He is responsible for overseeing creative decisions and maintaining the quality of the legal crime epic.
How does Peter Gould's involvement conclude or continue?
Following the series conclusion, he remains an active creator affiliated with Sony Pictures Television and AMC. His work has solidified his legacy as a pivotal creative force behind the universe without leaving the industry.
Why is Peter Gould considered important to fans?
He is widely recognized as the co-architect who successfully turned a side character into the heart of a massive television story. His vision ensured that Jimmy McGill's journey remained faithful to canon while exploring new emotional depths.
What was Peter Gould's first credit in this universe?
His first official contribution was credited as a writer during the original run of Breaking Bad before he developed the prequel series. This early involvement gave him deep insight into the existing world and characters.
More in Production & Themes
Elsewhere in the Better Call Saul universe
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