Saul Goodman, portrayed by Bob Odenkirk, is one of the iconic characters from the television show "Breaking Bad." He is known for his colorful personality, flashy style, and questionable ethical standards. The character was inspired by a combination of influences and creative efforts. 1. Name Origin: The name "Saul Goodman" itself is a play on words, meant to sound like "It's all good, man," reflecting his can-do attitude and his oftentimes not-quite-legal solutions to problems. 2. Real-life Influence: The creators of "Breaking Bad," particularly Vince Gilligan, have said that Saul Goodman's character was inspired in part by a variety of television and real-life lawyers. These are the types of attorneys who run late-night TV commercials promising easy legal victories in a flashy and over-the-top manner. Saul embodies the stereotype of the lawyer as a hustler, someone who knows how to work within and around the law to his clients' advantage. 3. Vince Gilligan’s Vision: Although there isn't one specific individual identified as the sole inspiration for Saul Goodman, Vince Gilligan, the show's creator, imagined Saul as a character who would bring a lightness and sense of humor to the otherwise dark and intense narrative of "Breaking Bad." 4. Bob Odenkirk's Contribution: Once Bob Odenkirk was cast, he also contributed his own interpretation and nuances to the character. Odenkirk's background in comedy, including his work on "Mr. Show," played a role in shaping Saul's quick wit and humorous delivery. 5. Legal Stereotypes: Saul Goodman also draws from the wider archetype of a "shyster" lawyer—a legal representative who is more interested in making money than in upholding the law or ethical standards. He’s the kind of character who offers a satirical take on lawyers who exploit every loophole and angle for any advantage. Overall, Saul Goodman stands out as a composite of fictional creativity and very real elements seen in the legal profession, particularly in the United States, where the high volume of legal advertising and the pursuit of personal injury claims have created a unique niche of law practice. Saul's character remains memorable for balancing humor with the series' dramatic elements, and his popularity even led to the prequel spin-off series "Better Call Saul," exploring the character's backstory and development.