The series finale of “Better Call Saul,” entitled “Saul Gone,” is a poignant exploration of redemption and accountability, showcasing Jimmy McGill’s final transformation from the morally flexible Saul Goodman back into the deeply flawed, but ultimately remorseful, James McGill. It centers around his acceptance of responsibility for his actions, a stark contrast to his previous attempts to evade justice, and ultimately offers a glimmer of hope amidst the wreckage of his past.
The Weight of Choice: A Synopsis of “Saul Gone”
The episode opens with fragmented flashbacks, offering glimpses into pivotal moments in Jimmy and Saul’s lives. These scenes reveal the core values each character held, values often sacrificed for self-preservation and fleeting gains. However, the central narrative revolves around Jimmy’s capture and prosecution following his flight from Albuquerque.
Captured in Omaha after being recognized, Jimmy faces an array of charges related to his involvement with Walter White. He initially negotiates a remarkably lenient plea deal – seven and a half years in a comfortable federal prison – leveraging his cunning legal skills and his extensive knowledge of the criminal world. He even secures a deal where he would be treated with respect. But the deal is not the heart of the episode.
The crux of “Saul Gone” lies in Jimmy’s unwavering desire to protect Kim Wexler. Learning that Kim confessed to her role in Howard Hamlin’s death and is facing potential civil charges, Jimmy realizes the true cost of his actions. Driven by a flicker of genuine love and guilt, he sabotages his expertly crafted plea deal during his sentencing hearing in Albuquerque.
In a powerful courtroom scene, Jimmy confesses to his own culpability in Howard’s death and admits his complicity in Walter White’s criminal enterprise. He sacrifices his freedom and comfortable future to ensure Kim’s exoneration. He takes on the full weight of his actions, embracing the identity of James McGill once more.
The finale concludes with Jimmy serving an 86-year sentence in a maximum-security prison. While imprisoned, he receives a visit from Kim, a moment of quiet connection amidst the harsh reality of his confinement. The final shot shows Jimmy watching Kim leave, a bittersweet image suggesting that, despite everything, a sliver of hope and perhaps even peace has been found. He’s respected by his fellow inmates, his abilities not forgotten. The episode, and the series as a whole, argues that true justice lies not in legal technicalities, but in accepting moral responsibility.
Unpacking the Finale: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: Why did Jimmy confess and destroy his plea deal?
Jimmy confessed primarily to protect Kim Wexler. He learned that her confession had put her at risk and was deeply impacted by the guilt and remorse she was experiencing. His carefully constructed plea deal, designed to minimize his sentence and maintain a comfortable life, became meaningless in the face of Kim’s potential suffering. This selfless act demonstrated a significant shift in his character, finally prioritizing someone else’s well-being over his own. This was a key moment in his redemption arc.
FAQ 2: What was the significance of the flashbacks in “Saul Gone”?
The flashbacks served to highlight the moral choices that shaped Jimmy’s journey. The scene with Mike Ehrmantraut underscored the importance of choosing a specific date to go back to – an acknowledgment that changing even a single event could dramatically alter one’s life. The interaction with Walter White emphasized the transactional nature of their relationship and the lack of genuine remorse from Walter. The scene with Chuck McGill showed Jimmy trying to connect with his brother, only to be rejected, furthering his downward spiral. These moments provided context for Jimmy’s present-day decisions and highlighted the consequences of his past actions. They reinforce the series’ themes of regret and accountability.
FAQ 3: Was there any hope of a romantic reconciliation between Jimmy and Kim?
The ending is deliberately ambiguous regarding a romantic reconciliation. While their final scene suggests a lingering connection and understanding, the circumstances of their lives make a traditional romantic relationship impossible. Kim’s presence is a sign of forgiveness and perhaps residual love, but their future remains uncertain. Their reunion is more a validation that their shared trauma and co-dependency may be ending, as both are changing.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of Jimmy’s choice to go by James McGill in the end?
Jimmy choosing to go by James McGill signifies his acceptance of his true identity and his responsibility for his actions. He is no longer hiding behind the Saul Goodman persona, a mask he used to evade accountability and manipulate others. Embracing his birth name symbolizes a rejection of the criminal lifestyle and a willingness to face the consequences of his choices as the person he truly is. This shows honesty and accepting his past.
FAQ 5: How does “Saul Gone” tie into the broader themes of “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad”?
“Saul Gone” reinforces the recurring themes of consequences, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. It demonstrates how seemingly small choices can lead to devastating outcomes, as seen in both “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad.” The finale also highlights the importance of personal responsibility and the potential for redemption, even in the darkest of circumstances. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of staying true to one’s values.
FAQ 6: Why was Howard Hamlin’s death so pivotal to the series’ ending?
Howard Hamlin’s death served as a catalyst for Kim and Jimmy’s moral descent and ultimately contributed to their downfall. It was a direct consequence of their actions and the point where they crossed a line from mischievous scheming to genuine harm. The guilt and remorse associated with Howard’s death haunted both Kim and Jimmy, driving them apart and ultimately leading to their respective confessions. It emphasized the gravity of their choices.
FAQ 7: What does Jimmy’s prison sentence represent?
Jimmy’s 86-year prison sentence represents the full weight of his accountability for his crimes. While some may argue that it’s excessive, it symbolizes the long-term consequences of his actions and the damage he inflicted on others. It is a physical manifestation of his imprisonment, not just in a literal sense, but also in the metaphorical sense of being trapped by his past.
FAQ 8: Did Jimmy truly redeem himself in the end?
The question of whether Jimmy fully redeemed himself is open to interpretation. While he took responsibility for his actions and sacrificed his own freedom to protect Kim, the damage he caused throughout his life cannot be undone. His final act of confession can be seen as a step towards redemption, but it doesn’t erase his past transgressions. It is a nuanced and complex depiction of redemption.
FAQ 9: How does the use of black and white cinematography in the finale contribute to the storytelling?
The continued use of black and white cinematography in the present-day scenes emphasizes the bleakness and emotional desolation of Jimmy’s post-Saul Goodman life. It visually represents the loss of color and vibrancy in his world, reflecting the absence of joy and fulfillment. This visual contrast highlights the contrast between the vibrant, manipulative Saul Goodman and the remorseful James McGill.
FAQ 10: What happens to Kim Wexler after visiting Jimmy in prison?
The finale leaves Kim’s future intentionally ambiguous. She is seen volunteering at a pro bono legal aid clinic, suggesting a desire to atone for her past actions by using her legal skills for good. While the episode doesn’t explicitly state her fate, it implies that she is on a path towards healing and rebuilding her life. Her future, unlike Jimmy’s, remains open and hopeful.
FAQ 11: What is the significance of Jimmy and Kim smoking a cigarette together in prison?
The shared cigarette is a callback to a recurring motif throughout the series, symbolizing their shared connection and history. It is a moment of quiet intimacy and understanding, a brief respite from the harsh realities of their situation. This simple act underscores the enduring bond between them, even in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
FAQ 12: Will there be any more spin-offs or sequels to the “Breaking Bad” universe?
While nothing has been officially announced, the creators of “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” have expressed an openness to exploring other stories within the same universe. However, they have also emphasized the importance of telling the right story and not simply milking the franchise for profit. Any future spin-offs or sequels would need to be carefully considered and thoughtfully crafted to maintain the high quality of the existing shows. As of now, it’s a “never say never” scenario, but no concrete plans are in place. The door is open, but the bar is high.