If It Wasn’t Clear During Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul Confirmed Who The Show’s Real Criminal Mastermind Was

By Kyle McLeod

Published Feb 22, 2025

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Breaking Bad conveyed Heisenberg as the franchise's most ambitious criminal. His ability to manipulate and use people - even those close to him - was a central part of becoming so successful, showing Walt had all the traits necessary to excel.

However, despite all the qualities that made him a renowned drug manufacturer, Heisenberg's empire wasn't built alone, and Better Call Saul confirms it. Although Walt only appears briefly in the spinoff, the events of Better Call Saul have a big impact on his legacy. Breaking Bad had already made it clear that Walter White's impact on the drug trade wasn't a solo act, but Better Call Saul season 6's ending provided a firm reminder that other characters were critical in assisting Walt's rise to the top, with Jimmy McGill - aka Saul Goodman - being the show's true evil genius.

Better Call Saul’s Series Finale Confirmed Walter Couldn’t Have Done It Without Saul

Saul's Confession Confirmed He Was An Irreplaceable Part Of Walt's Drug Empire

Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) in Better Call Saul and Walter White (Bryan Cranston) in Breaking Bad

During Better Call Saul's finale, Jimmy confessed to his role in Walter's criminal schemes and claimed, "The fact is, Walter White couldn't have done it without me." Although this is simply Jimmy's perspective on things, there is no doubt Saul Goodman played a massive part in keeping Walter out of jail, something the lawyer himself stated. Without Saul's legal advice, manipulation of the law, and money laundering, it's hard to imagine Walt maintaining his freedom for so long without slipping up at least once, especially as he had little expertise when it came to evading law enforcement.

Walt may have had the skills to craft the best drugs on the market alongside the social qualities necessary to manipulate the right people, but Saul was the one with the business mind. Additionally, Walter White's worst Breaking Bad lies helped him stay out of trouble at times, but they also added to his delusion, as he essentially believed he was an action hero who was too good to be caught. Saul, on the other hand, knew what it took to keep the operation running at a business level, and without his participation, Heisenberg wouldn't have made it very far.

Collage of Jimmy in Better Call Saul and Walt and Jesse in Breaking Bad

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There is no doubt Walter was still the most important part of creating such a powerful drug empire, but despite his often goofy nature, Saul Goodman was the brains behind it all and ensured every essential party stayed out of jail. Better Call Saul opting to give Jimmy this line proves there is some truth to his statement, as his grand confession was all about itting to his sins, suggesting he really was a significant part of Heisenberg's criminal success.

Walter White Was A Genius, But He Was Not A Criminal Mastermind

While Breaking Bad's Protagonist Had A Gift For Making Drugs, He Made Plenty Of Criminal Mistakes

Considering his knowledge of chemistry allowed him to make the purest meth on the market, it's fair to say Walter White was a genius, but he still wasn't a criminal mastermind. The longer the show went on, the more willing he was to commit crimes and participate in immoral acts, but even by season 5, he was still far from a flawless outlaw. His ego and overconfidence often got in the way of him making the right choice, as Walter made some careless mistakes throughout Breaking Bad that cost him and his loved ones dearly.

Those around him often questioned his actions, with Mike, Gus, and even Jesse being left baffled by Walt's stubborn and reckless nature that created more problems than solutions.

The protagonist's decision to kill Mike and trust Todd cemented his downfall, while he could've avoided getting into the drug industry entirely had he swallowed his pride earlier in the series. Those around him often questioned his actions, with Mike, Gus, and even Jesse being left baffled by Walt's stubborn and reckless nature that created more problems than solutions. Ultimately, Walter's wit and cunning nature combined with his unmatched knowledge of how to make methamphetamine helped him conquer the criminal underworld, but his own naivety and inability to compromise proved he never really belonged there, which led to his demise.

Heisenberg Being An Amateur Among Professionals Made Breaking Bad Even Better

Walt Didn't Really Belong In The Drug Trade, Making His Rise To The Top More Compelling

Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring and Bryan Cranston as Walter White from Breaking Bad — Custom Image by Ana Nieves

Although Walt was fairly amateur compared to many of the criminals he was dealing with, his lack of experience is what made Breaking Bad so good. Following some expert crime lord easily dealing with his enemies and cruising through his rise to the top would have been nowhere near as engaging as Walt trying to force his way into a world he didn't belong in. Professionals like Gus, Tuco, and Jack gave the protagonist some formidable foes to try and coexist with, and watching him simultaneously attempt to take them down made for some top-tier drama.

Breaking Bad Project	Rotten Tomatoes (Critics)	Rotten Tomatoes (Audience)
Breaking Bad (2008)	96%	97%
Better Call Saul (2015)	98%	96%
El Camino (2019)	92%	81%

The fact that Walt made it as far as he did is a testament to his own unorthodox qualities while finding equally flawed individuals to help him, like Mike and Saul. Knowing Walt was once a family man and a hard-working teacher made his transformation into Heisenberg fascinating to witness, as he essentially embraced his darkest desires and descended into a world of chaos. Breaking Bad has so many strengths, but Walter White's characterization is easily among the show's best attributes, and his raw inexperience within the criminal world is key to making him stand out.