'Better Call Saul' season 3 cast news, updates: Bob Odenkirk on what he wants to happen next season

Bob Odenkirk, who used to write sketch comedy before his "Better Call Saul" days as small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill, admits he takes a hands-off approach when it comes to writing episodes for the series, leaving the show creators Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan to do with it as they will. He does have a close working relationship with them though, and so he gets to bounce off a few of his "crazy" ideas for the show's third run.

In an interview with Variety, he talked about playing his role as Saul Goodman on "Breaking Bad," the original show for the prequel "Better Call Saul." Goodman is McGill's future persona.

"I was a character actor, a part-timer really, in 'Breaking Bad,' and I would fly in, do my part, and leave, and many months would go by between seasons," Odenkirk shared. "So we're still getting to know each other a little bit, even after these two whole seasons."

And as to just how tight he is with Gould and Gilligan, he said: "I'm approaching it as an actor and not trying to manipulate the story. I'm not trying to affect their choices. I just trust them that this will all work out, and I focus on what I'm doing. That's why when people ask me would I ever write [an episode] or even direct one, the answer is no. No, no, no. I've got enough on my plate trying to deliver it, honestly and in the moment."

With regard to the upcoming season, the Emmy-Award nominee talked about wanting to do more scenes with Jonathan Banks, his co-star on the show who holds the role of Mike Ehrmantraut. The two go back a long way, with Banks being another "Breaking Bad" alum.

"Mike and Jimmy sitting in a tree. Or in a parking attendant's booth. More me and Mike together, squaring off."

In a salute to his co-star, Odenkirk pointed out that he found working with Banks constant "fun" and laughter. He confessed to gaining "a great burst of energy" whenever he and the latter got together at work.

The actor also mentioned he wants to get to know Goodman more in the next season run, the Goodman in his "Breaking Bad" days, but the one he is when he is not out defending all manner of criminals.

Odenkirk said, "I'm curious what that person is."

AMC's "Better Call Saul" season 3 may release early in 2017 with a more definite date still forthcoming.