the next protagonist should be a young Max Arciniega
Been thinking a lot about the Breaking Bad timeline, and, despite two highly acclaimed runs and endings, I think there's one more potential for a loose end to develop as an exciting story in the form of how Los Pollos Hermanos came into being.
Only the kicker is I don't think it should be a "rise of Gus" storyline. I don't think Gus should be a character to further develop at all. It'd be more interesting if they went with a young Max. a young, innocent south American small business owner with a breakthrough fried chicken recipe who has to navigate and ascend the ladder in Juarez Cartel occupied territory.
Tensions surround whether or not he willingly participates in the drug/smuggling business in the region under the attention of other underdeveloped characters involving a young Eladio, Bolsa, and (for star power) Lalo. Could also deal with the struggles of seeking love as a gay man in that time and place. Then, how we get his saving grace in the form of Peter Schuler and Madrigal associates overseas, and finally a loving new relationship with a young Gustavo Fring (played by a younger actor, sorry Giancarlo...).
Tied up loose ends that could make a good story could include
-Madrigal/Germany's involvement around the Pinochet dictatorship, if it got involved at all.
-Gus (or his family's) lack of any existing documentation in Chile despite being "the Chilean"
-why Gus's formative backstory involved a Coati if there are no Coatis in Chile.