How How I Met Your Mother contributed to Breaking Bad’s iconic character.
Regarded as one of the most beloved sitcoms, renowned for introducing Neil Patrick Harris into the role of the suit-loving Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother also played a pivotal role in influencing one of television’s greatest series, Breaking Bad. The Emmy-winning crime drama stood out for its exceptional characters that captivated a dedicated audience throughout its run.
A significant link between the legendary sitcom and the crime drama was actor Bob Odenkirk, widely recognized for his portrayal of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. In a later interview, the actor reflected on how his appearance in the sitcom catalyzed the creation of one of the most memorable characters in the crime drama.
Bob Odenkirk’s Role in How I Met Your Mother Prompted the Introduction of Mike Ehrmantraut
Season 2 of Breaking Bad introduced Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut, who steps in to handle the aftermath of Jane’s overdose and aid Jesse in covering up any traces of drug use. Bob Odenkirk later revealed that the whole sequence initially included his character, Saul Goodman.
In an interview with Wired, he shared that he was supposed to be in the final four episodes of Season 2, but he could only make it to three. “Because I had to do How I Met Your Mother,” he said. Odenkirk played the role of Arthur Hobbs in the sitcom, appearing in nine episodes from 2008 to 2012.
Odenkirk’s scheduling conflict led to the Breaking Bad showrunners creating a new character to replace Saul in the final episode. “And because I had to do How I Met Your Mother, they had to invent another character to pull that plot along,” he said.
The actor further shared,
And they invented Mike Ehrmantraut. So thank God I was on How I Met Your Mother because they could invent Mike, and then me and Jonathan Banks could do Better Call Saul.
Following his introduction in the Season 2 finale, Jonathan Banks’ portrayal of Mike Ehrmantraut resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying his place in the show’s legacy and later reprising the role alongside Bob Odenkirk in Better Call Saul.
Bob Odenkirk on Breaking Bad’s Legacy Amid Shifting Pop Culture Tides
Playing the iconic role of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Caul Saul, Bob Odenkirk expressed uncertainty about the lasting impact of these shows and their position in pop culture in an interview with The Guardian.
I’m aware of how fast pop culture moves these days. A lot of the things that I’ve done on a more cultish level will be forgotten in a very short amount of time.”
Reflecting on his previous shows such as Mr. Show with Bob and David and his work on Saturday Night Live, he said, “It’s just all very close to being completely forgotten.” He further suggested that even the Emmy-winning Breaking Bad might not be immune to this trend.
“The truth is even a show like Breaking Bad, in a few years,” he said, asserting that he might need reminders about the show’s plot and significance. Drawing parallels with other once-prominent shows like M*A*S*H, as he said, “Try to tell a 25-year-old about M*A*S*H. They won’t know what the f*ck you’re talking about.”
The actor’s remarks underscore the fleeting nature of cultural memory and the evolving landscape of popular entertainment. However, in the era of streaming platforms and social media, discussions and conversations about legendary shows like Breaking Bad are almost endless.
