Jimmy McGill is officially reinstated as a lawyer in the penultimate episode of Better Call Saul, Season 6, Episode 12, titled “Waterworks.” This momentous event, shrouded in strategic maneuvering and unexpected consequences, marks a pivotal turning point in his complex journey from earnest lawyer to slippery attorney.
The Long Road Back: Jimmy’s Disbarment and Transformation
Jimmy McGill’s transformation into Saul Goodman is a central theme of Better Call Saul. His initial disbarment, driven by ethical compromises and ultimately exacerbated by his brother Chuck’s tragic death, seemingly closed the door on his legal career. He spends years navigating various morally ambiguous endeavors, ultimately embracing the “Saul Goodman” persona fully and becoming an integral part of Walter White’s criminal enterprise in Breaking Bad. However, even under the flamboyant facade of Saul Goodman, glimpses of the ethical lawyer Jimmy McGill remain.
The events following Walter White’s demise force Saul to go into hiding, reinventing himself as Gene Takavic, a Cinnabon manager in Omaha. But the past relentlessly pursues him, culminating in his capture and arrest. This is where the final chapter of his legal saga unfolds.
“Waterworks”: The Ultimate Legal Gambit
The episode “Waterworks” is named for the emotional response elicited by Kim Wexler’s confession regarding Chuck’s death. As Jimmy navigates the legal system post-capture, he utilizes his cunning and legal expertise to negotiate a surprisingly lenient deal. However, his actions are not without consequence.
His initial plea bargain secured him a relatively short prison sentence and placement in a comfortable, low-security facility. This agreement allows him to avoid extradition to New Mexico, where he would likely face life imprisonment for his involvement with Walt and Jesse. However, upon learning of Kim’s confession about Chuck and facing her directly in court, Jimmy’s conscience seemingly ignites.
He makes the ultimate gamble. He confesses to all of his crimes, accepting full responsibility for his actions and rejecting the initial deal. This dramatic courtroom scene sees Jimmy McGill, not Saul Goodman, pleading guilty and willingly accepting a much harsher sentence.
The Reinstatement: A Matter of Perspective
While he’s not technically reinstated to practice law outside of prison walls, Jimmy McGill becomes a lawyer again in the most significant way: he uses his legal skills, his knowledge of the system, and his persuasive abilities to control his fate and, ultimately, seek redemption.
His act of confessing and embracing responsibility, knowing full well the consequences, demonstrates a moral awakening. He chooses justice over self-preservation, showcasing the remnant of the ethical lawyer that was buried beneath layers of deception and manipulation. This, in a sense, is his reinstatement – not to a courtroom, but to a sense of self-respect and ethical grounding. He reclaims his identity as James M. McGill, esquire, even within the confines of prison.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Jimmy’s Legal Journey
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on Jimmy McGill’s legal standing and his relationship with the law:
H3. Why was Jimmy McGill disbarred in the first place?
Jimmy was disbarred for numerous ethical violations, including forging documents, bribing jurors, and harassing a witness. The tipping point was his actions surrounding Chuck McGill’s insurance fraud and the subsequent hearing where he emotionally manipulated Chuck into a breakdown, leading to his eventual suicide.
H3. Did Jimmy ever try to get his law license back before “Waterworks”?
Yes. He attempted to regain his law license earlier in the series. He meticulously prepared for his application, demonstrated remorse, and seemingly presented himself as a reformed individual. However, his inability to truly confront his past actions and acknowledge his role in Chuck’s death ultimately led to the denial of his reinstatement.
H3. What was the significance of Jimmy’s initial plea bargain?
The initial plea bargain was significant because it reflected Jimmy’s understanding of the legal system and his ability to manipulate it to his advantage. He leveraged his knowledge of the location of Howard Hamlin’s body to secure a favorable deal, demonstrating that even in captivity, he retained his “Saul Goodman” cunning.
H3. Why did Jimmy confess to his crimes in court?
Jimmy’s confession was driven by a complex mix of factors, including guilt, remorse, and a desire to reconnect with Kim Wexler. Seeing Kim confront her past actions seemed to catalyze his own self-reflection, leading him to take responsibility for the harm he had caused. He chose to abandon the self-serving deal and finally face the music.
H3. What crimes did Jimmy specifically confess to?
He confessed to a wide range of crimes, including conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, money laundering, aiding and abetting Walter White’s criminal enterprise, and various acts of fraud and deception. Most significantly, he confessed to his involvement in Chuck McGill’s death.
H3. How long was Jimmy’s prison sentence after his confession?
He received an 86-year prison sentence, a far cry from the initial deal he had negotiated. This reflects the severity of his crimes and the consequences of his decision to reject the plea bargain.
H3. Does Jimmy actually practice law in prison?
While he doesn’t practice law in the traditional sense (representing clients in court), he becomes a de facto “jailhouse lawyer”, offering legal advice and guidance to other inmates. His legal expertise, even in prison, remains a valuable asset.
H3. What does Kim think of Jimmy’s confession?
Kim’s reaction is complex. While initially shocked, there is a sense of relief and perhaps even a glimmer of hope. His confession provides her with a sense of closure and validates her own decision to confront her past actions. In the end, she visits him in prison, signifying a connection and a form of forgiveness.
H3. Is Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman a sympathetic character?
That’s up to the individual viewer. He is undeniably complex and flawed. While he makes morally questionable choices, his charisma and intelligence make him compelling. His journey is a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the importance of ethical decision-making.
H3. How does Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman relate to his legal skills?
His transformation reveals how easily legal knowledge can be twisted and used for personal gain rather than upholding justice. His legal acumen, initially used to help the underserved, becomes a tool for manipulation, deception, and ultimately, criminal activity.
H3. What’s the significance of the ending scene where Kim visits Jimmy in prison?
This scene signifies a reconnection between them, despite everything that has happened. It suggests that redemption and forgiveness are possible, even in the face of immense loss and wrongdoing. It provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise tragic narrative.
H3. Could Jimmy ever be fully redeemed?
That question remains open to interpretation. While he takes responsibility for his actions and seems to find a sense of inner peace in prison, the harm he has caused is undeniable. Whether he achieves full redemption is debatable, but his act of confessing and accepting punishment represents a significant step in that direction. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that even the most flawed individuals are capable of change.