Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 16, 2024 6:04 pm GMT
Did you know that Saul Goodman, the beloved lawyer from “Breaking Bad,” almost took a very different career path after his life went upside down? Instead of managing a Cinnabon in Omaha, Saul could have been running a Hot Topic store, according to an early draft of the show’s script.
Saul Goodman’s Choice of Workplaces
In “Better Call Saul,” viewers meet Saul Goodman, who now lives under the name Gene Takavic. The character finds work at a Cinnabon after going into hiding to escape his past. In the penultimate episode of “Breaking Bad,” Saul (played by Bob Odenkirk) famously mentions, “If I’m lucky, a month from now, best case scenario, I’m managing a Cinnabon in Omaha.”
However, early drafts of the script reveal a different scenario. Instead of Cinnabon, Saul considered working at Hot Topic, a popular retail store known for its trendy clothes and pop culture merchandise.
- Saul’s original line: “From here on out, I’m Mr. Low Profile — just another douchebag with a job and three pairs of Dockers. I mean, a month from now, best case scenario, I’m managing a Hot Topic in Omaha.”
This twist was shared by Peter Gould, the co-creator of both “Breaking Bad” and its spinoff, “Better Call Saul.” He posted the early draft on Bluesky, drawing attention to the change.
Why Cinnabon Was Chosen
Peter Gould explained why the production team decided to go with Cinnabon instead of Hot Topic. He noted that they found out Hot Topic was selling “Breaking Bad” merchandise, and they wanted to avoid any appearance of a cheap promotional tie-in. This careful consideration led them to choose Cinnabon as a fitting place for Saul’s new identity.
- Gould’s remarks: “In fact, we found out that Hot Topic was carrying #BreakingBad stuff and we didn’t want to make it look like a cheap promo. So Cinnabon it was! (And they had no idea about it until the episode aired).”
This decision not only gave the character a relatable job but also added a sense of humor to his situation.
The Impact of Cinnabon in Better Call Saul
Cinnabon became more than just a backdrop for Saul’s character in “Better Call Saul.” Throughout the series, it served as a reminder of his struggles and the life he left behind. Fans of the series enjoyed seeing the Cinnabon set piece, and the bakery even ran promotions tied to the show.
- Promotions included:
– Free cinnamon rolls for fans
– Cinnabon-themed events
The connection between Cinnabon and “Better Call Saul” helped solidify the character’s place in popular culture.
Humor and Character Development
Gould also acknowledged the humor in choosing Cinnabon over Hot Topic. Responding to a fan remarking that “Cinnabon is definitely a funnier word,” Gould agreed wholeheartedly.
- Gould’s comment: “Couldn’t agree more! And the Cinnabon folks were super-generous to us.”
This lightheartedness added depth to the character and allowed the series to showcase multiple layers of Saul Goodman’s personality—from bright, flashy moments to the darker reality of his new life.
The Legacy of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul
Both “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” have left a lasting impact on television. The character of Saul Goodman, portrayed by Bob Odenkirk, resonates with audiences due to his humorous yet tragic journey.
After the success of “Breaking Bad,” which aired from 2008 to 2013, “Better Call Saul” delved into Saul’s origins, exploring six years prior to his involvement with Walter White (Bryan Cranston). The spinoff was nominated for numerous awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys, confirming its quality and the audience’s appreciation.
Ultimately, while Saul Goodman ended up managing a Cinnabon, fans can only imagine the unique charm he would have brought to a Hot Topic store. This peek into the script drafts gives us a look into the creative process and the decisions that shape our favorite characters.
You can learn more about the series and its characters by looking at websites that talk about “Breaking Bad” and its spin-offs.
