Bob Odenkirk Finally Has The Chance To Fix The Biggest Better Call Saul Injustice

Better Call Saul has a strong case for being one of the best TV shows ever made, and while Bob Odenkirk was rightfully praised for his leading performance, he suffered one major injustice that he may finally fix. Although audiences were initially skeptical about the Breaking Bad spinoff and deemed it unnecessary, it quickly won viewers over with its compelling drama and fantastic performances. Bob Odenkirk was at the heart of Better Call Saul‘s show-defining scenes and reminded everyone of how good he was as Saul Goodman by adding even more depth to the corrupt lawyer.

While Breaking Bad popularized the charismatic and hilarious character, BCS highlighted his more human side. The series focused on Jimmy McGill’s dramatic life before the events of Breaking Bad, showing how he became Saul Goodman and where things started to go wrong. Despite being the lead character, the show never shied away from Jimmy’s flaws or justified any of his immoral antics. Instead, it added context around them and Better Call Saul‘s ending gave the protagonist the perfect sendoff; however, Odenkirk never quite got the accolades he deserved for his performance, which may finally be about to change.

Bob Odenkirk Could Finally Win An Acting Emmy For Best Guest Star In The Bear

Odenkirk Was Nominated For His Performance As Uncle Lee In The Bear Season 2

Despite his illustrious career, Bob Odenkirk has never won an acting Emmy, but he could end this unfortunate run thanks to his guest role in The Bear. The actor appeared as Uncle Lee in The Bear‘s phenomenal Christmas episode, “Fishes”, with the character’s confrontational behavior leading to chaos in the Berzatto house. Odenkirk’s performance was perfect, as despite “Fishes” being filled with big names, he managed to stand out and play a key role in the episode’s most pivotal moment. He had great chemistry with Jon Bernthal, and his one-off appearance rightfully earned him another Emmy nomination.

While The Bear offers a golden chance to end his troubling award run, Bernthal is ironically one of his biggest competitors. Both Bernthal and Will Poulter are running alongside Odenkirk in the Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for their performances in The Bear, meaning he could be pipped by his own costars. Given how good the show’s award history is, Odenkirk’s portrayal of Uncle Lee in The Bear may be one of his best opportunities yet to claim the coveted prize, but Bernthal and Luca had more prominent roles, meaning an Emmy win still isn’t guaranteed.

Odenkirk Winning An Emmy Would Be Cruel Yet Deserved After 13 Years Of Playing Saul Goodman

Odenkirk Never Won An Emmy For His Most Iconic Character

Although Odenkirk would undoubtedly be a worthy Emmy winner, winning the prize for a different role after 13 years as Saul Goodman would be slightly cruel. His Uncle Lee performance was spectacular and would be a fitting way to win his first acting Emmy, but it still doesn’t surpass his Better Call Saul stint. Odenkirk not winning an award during his time on Breaking Bad is surprising yet understandable, but being snubbed for Better Call Saul is unforgivable. Despite being nominated six times for Best Lead Actor, he never won, which is baffling given how captivating his character was.

It wasn’t just Odenkirk that was snubbed, as Better Call Saul set an Emmy record for most losses, failing to claim a single award despite receiving 53 nominations. Given how much work Odenkirk put into the franchise, it would be satisfying to finally see his acting work rewarded, albeit in a different role. The fact he never won anything as Saul Goodman is still a bitter pill to swallow, but being acknowledged for his involvement in another critically acclaimed series in The Bear would offer some slight redemption if the actor were to claim his long overdue prize.

Bob Odenkirk’s Award Snubs Won’t Define His TV Legacy

The Actor Still Has An Incredible Legacy In TV Despite His Lack Of Acting Accolades

It’s hard to ignore Odenkirk’s snubs given how frequent they have been throughout his career, but his award struggles won’t define his TV legacy. Breaking Bad is often considered one of the best TV shows of all time, and Odenkirk has played a pivotal role in the series ever since he joined in season 2. Likewise, Better Call Saul is also in that conversation and is arguably the best-televised spinoff ever made. The actor not only played the leading role, but he also helped produce the show, indicating how crucial he was to its overall success.

Odenkirk’s captivating performance and genius contributions to Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are what people will remember, not his lack of awards. With shows like The Bear and Lucky Hank adding to his legacy, it is clear the actor has influenced the TV industry massively. While an Emmy win for his guest appearance in The Bear would be a pivotal moment in his career, it is still less significant than creating some of the best televised moments of all time, and Odenkirk deserves to be appreciated, regardless of his Emmy history.

Better Call Saul

Set in times before, during, and after Breaking Bad, the AMC crime drama spinoff follows the trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer Saul Goodman (Odenkirk) as he looks to make a name for himself at his firm located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The show digs deeper into the events that crafted Saul and the repercussions of his actions.

Cast

Bob Odenkirk , Rhea Seehorn , Jonathan Banks , Patrick Fabian , Michael Mando , Giancarlo Esposito

Release Date

February 8, 2015

Seasons

6

Directors

Vince Gilligan , John Shiban , Keith Gordon