As fans of the critically acclaimed series "Breaking Bad" know, its spinoff, "Better Call Saul," has done a remarkable job of expanding the universe and deepening our understanding of characters like Jimmy McGill, aka Saul Goodman. However, despite the show's impressive storytelling and character development, there is one glaring problem that "Better Call Saul" needs to address to fully align with the world of "Breaking Bad": the seamless integration of its timeline and narrative elements with the original series.

One of the most pressing issues lies in the character arcs and their alignment with "Breaking Bad." In "Better Call Saul," we witness Jimmy McGill’s transformation into the unscrupulous lawyer Saul Goodman. However, some elements of his transformation feel rushed or inadequately explained. For instance, the drastic shift in Jimmy's moral compass and professional ethics needs more exploration to convincingly connect the dots to the Saul Goodman we know from "Breaking Bad."

Moreover, there are several characters whose journeys feel incomplete or inconsistent. For example, Kim Wexler, a central character in "Better Call Saul," does not appear in "Breaking Bad." Her absence leaves fans questioning what happens to her and how her story concludes. The final season of "Better Call Saul" has a significant task: to provide a satisfying resolution to her arc while maintaining coherence with the established "Breaking Bad" universe.

Another challenge is the portrayal of Mike Ehrmantraut. While his character is well-loved and brilliantly depicted in both series, there are discrepancies in his backstory and motivations that need reconciliation. "Better Call Saul" has an opportunity to delve deeper into Mike’s transition from a former cop with a moral code to Gus Fring's ruthless enforcer, ensuring a more consistent character evolution.

In addition to character arcs, the timeline itself presents complications. "Better Call Saul" and "Breaking Bad" are set in overlapping periods, and maintaining continuity is crucial. Small inconsistencies in the timeline can disrupt the immersive experience for fans who are meticulously piecing together the chronological events of both series. The creators need to ensure that every plot point in "Better Call Saul" logically fits into the "Breaking Bad" timeline, avoiding anachronisms that could break the continuity.

One way to address these issues is through strategic storytelling and careful scriptwriting in the upcoming episodes. By providing flashbacks, detailed explanations, or even new plot twists, the creators can fill the gaps and smooth out any inconsistencies. Ensuring that character motivations and actions are thoroughly justified will help bridge the narrative divide between the two series.

Interestingly, the marketing and merchandise strategy for "Better Call Saul" can also play a role in addressing these issues. By releasing targeted merchandise that highlights key plot points or character developments, the creators can reinforce important elements of the storyline. For example, a Better Call Saul merchandise line that includes items representing significant moments in the show can serve as reminders or teasers for fans, keeping them engaged and invested in the storyline.

In conclusion, while "Better Call Saul" has done a fantastic job of standing on its own while paying homage to "Breaking Bad," there are crucial narrative and character issues that need to be addressed. By focusing on seamless character arcs, consistent timelines, and strategic merchandise, the creators can ensure that "Better Call Saul" not only resolves its own storylines but also perfectly aligns with the "Breaking Bad" universe. Fans deserve a cohesive and satisfying conclusion, and with careful attention to detail, "Better Call Saul" can deliver just that.