When Breaking Bad ends this Sunday, Aaron Paul will officially start trying to get out of Jesse Pinkman’s shadow. But can Breaking Bad or any other TV show give Paul another character like Jesse – whether he uses the b-word or not? Bryan Cranston used Walter White to get out of his Malcolm in the Middle typecasting, and Dean Norris and Betsy Brandt are already on new network shows, so Paul’s second act on TV should come soon enough – whether it’s on a Jesse level or not.
However, until a new series creates a starring role for Paul, there are at least five existing TV shows he can guest star on in the meantime.
Community
Paul used to be the comic relief of Breaking Bad before he was the show’s punching bag. If any show can tap into Paul’s crazy comedic side again, it is Community in its second stint under Dan Harmon. Since Giancarlo Esposito has appeared before, and Jonathan Banks is signed on for all but two episodes of this upcoming season, it’s obvious Community can find room for Paul too – unless it is holding out for Cranston in the long promised sixth season.
Revolution
Another NBC show with a Breaking Bad connection is Revolution, which has Esposito in his first regular villainous role since Gus Fring was blown up. Paul already has a big post Breaking Bad beard to help him fit into a post-apocalyptic, power free society as well.
The Good Wife
Every week, The Good Wife brings on some major star or recognizable name for a guest spot or ongoing arc. Unless their A-list guest star dance card is filled this season, they can probably get Paul at a moment’s notice, and maybe even have him play a part in Alicia and Cary’s new firm. At the least, it would be ironic to see Paul play someone on the other side of the law on TV.
Masters Of Sex
If Paul wants to show a sexier or at least more naked side to him, the new Showtime drama Masters of Sex – which premieres 15 minutes before the Breaking Bad finale ends – is likely the best candidate if it becomes a hit. In any case, his star power is too big for him to fit into Game of Thrones or any Starz shows, and True Blood is finally coming to an end next year, so this is the sexiest alternative.
The Big Bang Theory
Paul spent years on Breaking Bad being tortured, insulted and being made inferior to an arrogant, egotistical scientist who thinks he is too good for everyone around him. As such, after surviving Walter White – or not, depending on Sunday night — guest starring with Sheldon Cooper in some way should be child’s play by comparison.
