Three is the magic number.
That’s how many Critics’ Choice Awards “Better Call Saul” took home on Sunday.
The New Mexico-filmed series went into the show with four nominations — one for Bob Odenkirk, one for Giancarlo Esposito, one for Best Drama and one for Rhea Seehorn.
After six seasons, AMC’s “Better Call Saul” finally picked up the award for Best Drama.
The win shocked co-creator Peter Gould.
“I can’t believe we won,” he said during his acceptance speech. “We never win. … Thank you so much critics. You indulged this very unlikely spin-off and lightning struck twice because of you guys and our brilliant, brilliant audience.”
The final season consisted of 13 episodes that rolled out in two parts.
The “Breaking Bad” prequel concluded the complicated journey and transformation of its compromised hero, Jimmy McGill, played by Odenkirk, into criminal lawyer Saul Goodman.
From the cartel to the courthouse, from Albuquerque to Omaha, the final season tracked Jimmy, Saul and Gene as well as Jimmy’s complex relationship with Kim, played by Seehorn, who is in the midst of her own existential crisis.
Meanwhile, Mike, played by Jonathan Banks, Gus, played by Giancarlo Esposito, Nacho, played by Michael Mando and Lalo, played by Tony Dalton, are locked into a game of cat and mouse with mortal stakes.
During filming of the final season, Odenkirk suffered a heart attack and spent some time away from set before wrapping the series.
As he won his award for Best Actor in a Drama Series, he was overcome with joy as he gave much of the credit to his cast members.
“When you see me acting, OK, you’re not watching talent, you’re watching only elbow grease. That’s all your watching is sweat and elbow grease. Standing around me is talent and that makes you look good,” Odenkirk said. “… Rhea Seehorn, it’s ridiculous that this award isn’t with you. … You led the way and you were amazing.”
Meanwhile, Esposito picked up the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Gus Fring in “Better Call Saul.”
Esposito also picked up the same award in 2012 for playing the same character in “Breaking Bad.”
