What does the Breaking Bad prequel spin-off mean for Saul Goodman now?

AMC and Sony Pictures Television confirmed today that they have reached a licensing agreement for a spinoff of Breaking Bad, with a working title that fits quite well (and is probably of little surprise to anyone): Better Call Saul. The press release states: “Plans call for Saul to be a one-hour prequel that will focus on the evolution of the popular Saul Goodman character before he ever became Walter White’s lawyer.”

The spin-off news isn’t really a surprise at all; it has been rumored for at least over a year. What wasn’t clear, though, was who the spin-off was going to be about. Saul was definitely a top choice thrown around (and confirmed as being highly considered), though I believe most of use following that news figured it was going to follow Saul’s future exploits, beyond whatever goes down in this final season of Breaking Bad. It pretty much meant Saul was safe from death this season. Now that we know it’s a prequel, though, all bets are off.

I honestly wish I had this news earlier in the season, especially before the confrontation Saul had with Jessie. When Jessie beat the shit out of Saul and pointed the gun at his head, I did not think Jessie would pull the trigger. Mostly that was because of the spin-off rumblings. Imagine if those rumors had been purposely spread earlier in the season, to throw people off like they did to me, only to have Jessie blow Saul Away in that scene? Holy crap, that would have been a twist most no one would have seen coming.

I know Saul isn’t what one would at all consider a “big time” lawyer, but what if … WHAT IF … we find out Saul was working as an attorney for Gray Matter Technologies, essentially being behind Walter’s reason for dumping his stake in the now multi-billion dollar business for $5,000. It’s yet to be explained what Walter’s “personal reasons” were for leaving Gray Matter so abruptly, and creator Vince Gilligan has stated that he would be wrapping up all the loose ends on the show before it’s all over. I’d call the Gray Matter debacle one hell of a big loose end that could use some tying up, seeing as it was pretty much the catalyst for what made Walter “break bad” in the first place. Had he not sold his stake in that company — for reasons we still don’t know — he would never have been in the position he is today. Could we see some of that in the prequel series?