A Bit of a Stretch

On a recent episode of Better Call Saul there was a plot element that caused some discussion/criticism.

Mild spoilers for Better Call Saul ahead.

There's a character on this show, Lalo, who was set up to be almost - almost - more than human. This is not a superhero show or anything, but this guy is…just a bit extraordinary. It's almost superhuman, but not quite. From commentary by the creators, this is intentional. That doesn't mean it's not a risk.

The risk, of course, is losing believability I love the fact that the writers of these series will swing for the fences with stuff like that. This is a heightened reality. It's not the Marvel Universe, but it's not going for a completely realistic world.

Anyway, spoiler alert - there is a plot element where Lalo uses a body double as part of a strategy to fake his own death. Lalo's "almost-superhuman" qualities only show up here and there, once in awhile, but those qualities did make it believable to me that he would have cultivated this guy to serve as his body double if he ever needed people to believe he was dead.

There was a discussion about this, from some fans, and some found it unbelievable. It got under the skin of these fans, and seemed impossible to them. I disagreed -

When it comes to coincidence, and stretching the truth, getting a bit flexible with reality in these ways, I think there is a saving grace that writers can hold on to, and it's this:

The coincidence, or the stretch, cannot solve problems for the Protagonist (or main character).

The thing that made the body double plot okay with me was that in the end, it didn't work. It didn't fool everyone (though it fooled most).

If the entire plot hinged on something kind of unbelievable (which happens in some stories), then you're in trouble.

But if the coincidence, or stretch, makes things WORSE for the Protagonists, it's fair game. I mean, in my opinion, it can still feel a bit artificial. Even the best shows I've ever seen can stretch things and feel unbelievable when trying to put the characters in the kind of crisis the writers want.

Sometimes you have to go with it.

In short, coincidence and some artistic license, and some exaggeration are perfectly fine - but they should not be used to solve problems for the characters. They should be used to CREATE problems. And also to create fun color and nuances to your stories and worlds.

See you next time!

-Banes