Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed American television series that follows the story of Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer who later becomes the infamous Saul Goodman in the hit series Breaking Bad. While the show is set in the United States and primarily features American English, it’s fascinating to explore how the show could have turned out if it was set in the United Kingdom and featured British English.
The differences between British English and American English are numerous and can be found in everything from spelling and pronunciation to grammar and vocabulary. One of the most noticeable differences is the accent, and it’s safe to say that if Better Call Saul was set in the UK, the characters would have British accents. Jimmy McGill would likely have a Northern English accent, which is often associated with the working-class and can be heard in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle. This accent would fit well with Jimmy’s character, as he comes from a humble background and works hard to make a name for himself in the legal world.
Another difference between British English and American English is the vocabulary used. British English has many unique words and phrases that aren’t used in American English, and incorporating these into Better Call Saul could add a unique flavor to the show. For example, instead of using the word “lawyer,” British characters might refer to themselves as “solicitors” or “barristers.” Similarly, British English has many slang terms that could be used in the show, such as “bloke” (man), “mate” (friend), and “chuffed” (pleased).
Grammar is another area where British English differs from American English. One of the most noticeable differences is the use of the present perfect tense. In British English, this tense is used much more frequently than in American English, and it’s likely that characters in Better Call Saul would use it often. For example, instead of saying “I have never been to court,” a British character might say “I’ve never been to court.”
One of the challenges of setting Better Call Saul in the UK would be adapting the legal system to fit the British legal system. The American legal system is vastly different from the British legal system, with different laws, procedures, and court structures. However, this challenge could be an opportunity to explore the intricacies of the British legal system and how it differs from the American legal system. It could also provide an opportunity to introduce new characters and storylines that are unique to the British legal system.
Finally, it’s worth noting that while Better Call Saul is a fictional show, it does deal with some serious and complex issues related to the legal system. In the UK, these issues might include things like Brexit and its impact on British law, the ongoing debate over the use of juries in criminal trials, and the challenges facing the legal profession in the digital age. By setting the show in the UK, the writers could explore these issues in a new and interesting way, offering insights into the British legal system and the challenges it faces.
In conclusion, while Better Call Saul is an American show, there’s no denying that it would be fascinating to see the show set in the UK and featuring British English. The differences between British English and American English are numerous, and incorporating these differences into the show could add a unique flavor and depth to the series. From the accents and vocabulary to the grammar and legal system, there are many aspects of British English that could be explored in a UK version of Better Call Saul. While it’s unlikely that such a version of the show will ever be made, it’s fun to imagine what it might be like and how it could offer new insights into the legal world.