In Breaking Bad, it’s clearly established that Walt’s a deeply unfulfilled man who has to settle for mediocrity for much of life despite his extraordinary intelligence. In Better Call Saul, we see how Jimmy’s transformation into Saul is shaped by his older brother writing him off as incorrigible early on and undermining any step towards a positive transformation. Mike’s “why?“ arises from his past as a crooked cop with an unresolved sense of guilt over his son’s death, which he’s still atoning for by using his earnings to hopefully create a better future for his granddaughter and daughter-in-law

What isn’t explained particularly well is why Gus does what he does. Yes, the Salamancas killed his lover back in the day, but what exactly drives a man with Gus’s cunning and management acumen to work in a field that’s highly illegal and that makes him a prime target for violence in a way that being a corporate high-roller or politician doesn’t? Yes, we know he makes a considerable amount of money from this, but why does he need it? It’s not like we see him needing it to pursue particular passions or hobbies. If anything, Gus likely makes a comfortable living managing Los Pollos Hermanos. Why take on the additional risk of prosecution and violent death?