The final episode of Better Call Saul, titled “Saul Gone,” sees Jimmy McGill, a.k.a. Saul Goodman, finally accept responsibility for his actions, choosing a longer prison sentence to protect Kim Wexler and finding a measure of peace in facing the consequences of his choices. His self-serving manipulations ultimately give way to a semblance of redemption, albeit within the confines of a penitentiary.
The Confession and the Consequences
The episode opens with a flashback to post-Breaking Bad, showing Saul hiding out as Gene Takavic in Omaha. He’s caught after being recognized by Marion, Jeff’s mother. Rather than continuing to run, Saul sees a potential legal strategy. He’s arrested and brought back to Albuquerque, where he faces a significantly reduced sentence due to his cooperation in the apprehension of Walter White. However, when he learns that Kim Wexler has confessed her involvement in the Howard Hamlin scheme, jeopardizing her own future, Saul orchestrates a courtroom showdown.
He confesses to his crimes, admitting to not just being an accomplice to Walter White’s empire but also to his own role in Kim’s descent and, crucially, his direct contribution to Howard Hamlin’s death. This act of genuine contrition negates the original plea deal, resulting in an 86-year sentence in federal prison. The episode culminates with Kim visiting Jimmy in prison. A brief but charged moment of shared cigarette smoke transcends the bars, suggesting a connection and a glimmer of hope amidst the bleakness.
Key Themes and Interpretations
“Saul Gone” is a powerful exploration of themes central to both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul: consequence, redemption, and the elusive nature of justice. The episode underscores the idea that actions, even those driven by seemingly good intentions (as Jimmy initially perceived his partnership with Walt), have far-reaching and often devastating consequences.
The self-sacrifice that defines Jimmy’s final act is arguably the most debated aspect of the ending. Is it genuine redemption, or is it simply another elaborate performance? While ambiguity remains, the genuine emotion displayed by Bob Odenkirk in the courtroom scene, coupled with Kim’s subsequent visit, suggests a level of genuine change. He finally understands the weight of his choices and accepts the repercussions, even if it means sacrificing his freedom.
The ending is intentionally bittersweet. While Jimmy finds a form of peace in acknowledging his guilt, he remains confined, paying the price for his past. This reinforces the show’s overarching message that escaping the consequences of one’s actions is ultimately impossible, no matter how cleverly one tries to maneuver around them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Better Call Saul Finale
Q1: Why did Saul confess in court after securing a deal?
The primary motivation for Saul’s confession stems from his desire to protect Kim Wexler. Learning that she had confessed her role in the Howard Hamlin scheme and was facing potential legal repercussions, Saul realized that continuing with his calculated manipulation would only further damage her life. The confession, though resulting in a significantly harsher sentence for himself, absolved Kim of significant blame and allowed her to begin rebuilding her life. It was an act of genuine altruism, a stark contrast to his prior self-serving behavior.
Q2: What was the significance of the cigarette shared between Jimmy and Kim in prison?
The shared cigarette is arguably the most powerful visual symbol in the episode. It’s a direct callback to their early days in Albuquerque, working together in the mailroom. The shared cigarette represents a connection that has endured despite everything, a reminder of a shared past and a shared understanding. It suggests that despite the damage and separation, a spark remains between them. It’s not necessarily romantic, but it’s a profound and complex form of connection.
Q3: Did Jimmy actually redeem himself in the end?
The question of redemption is deliberately left ambiguous. While Jimmy accepts responsibility and protects Kim, his actions still don’t erase the harm he caused. He’s still going to prison for a very long time. Whether his confession is a truly sincere act of remorse or just another performance aimed at winning Kim’s approval is open to interpretation. However, the sincerity in his courtroom confession and his willingness to face the consequences suggest a genuine desire for amends, even if complete redemption is unattainable. He achieves, at the very least, a measure of self-acceptance.
Q4: What happened to Kim Wexler after the events of the finale?
The episode hints at Kim’s future but doesn’t explicitly detail it. We see her confessing her role in Howard’s death and working at a volunteer law firm in Florida. It’s implied that she’s attempting to atone for her past actions by using her legal skills to help those in need. Whether she finds true peace and happiness remains uncertain, but she is actively working towards a more ethical and fulfilling life. The finale suggests she’s on a path of self-imposed penance and potential recovery.
Q5: How does the Better Call Saul finale connect to Breaking Bad?
The finale directly addresses the aftermath of Breaking Bad and the consequences of Saul’s involvement in Walter White’s empire. While Walt’s actions are referenced, the focus shifts to Saul’s culpability. The finale reinforces the idea that everyone involved in the Breaking Bad world suffered consequences, regardless of their intentions. Saul’s confession serves as a final reckoning for the choices he made during that period.
Q6: What was the significance of the flashback scenes in the finale?
The flashbacks, particularly the one with Mike Ehrmantraut asking Saul what he would do with a time machine, provide crucial insight into Jimmy’s character and his regret. Mike’s pragmatic response and Jimmy’s initial answer highlight the fundamental differences in their worldview. These scenes underscore the idea that Jimmy was always driven by self-interest and the desire for quick fixes, a trait that ultimately led to his downfall.
Q7: Why did Saul choose to go by Jimmy McGill in prison?
Choosing to go by Jimmy McGill in prison is a symbolic act. It represents a return to his identity before Saul Goodman, a reclaiming of the person he once was before succumbing to greed and ambition. It’s a statement that he’s no longer running, no longer performing, and that he’s ready to face the consequences as the man he was born to be.
Q8: Was there a “happy ending” for any of the characters?
While the ending is bittersweet, it’s arguably the most realistic outcome for the characters involved. A traditional “happy ending” would have felt disingenuous given the dark and morally complex nature of the show. Instead, the finale offers glimpses of potential healing and acceptance. Kim is taking steps to atone, and Jimmy finds a measure of peace in accepting his fate. These are not traditionally “happy” endings, but they are endings that suggest the possibility of a future beyond the consequences of the past.
Q9: What is the message of the Better Call Saul finale?
The Better Call Saul finale conveys several profound messages. It highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions, the enduring power of human connection, and the challenges of achieving genuine redemption. Ultimately, the message is that actions have consequences, and escaping those consequences is impossible. However, even in the face of immense guilt and regret, there is still the possibility of finding meaning and purpose, even within the confines of a prison cell.
Q10: What will Jimmy’s life be like in prison?
The episode suggests that Jimmy will likely adapt to prison life, perhaps even finding a degree of respect among the other inmates due to his notoriety as Saul Goodman. The final scene, where he’s recognized and greeted with cheers, hints at this possibility. While his life will undoubtedly be difficult, he possesses the resilience and cunning to navigate the challenges. The most significant change is that he seems to have found a measure of inner peace and acceptance, which will be crucial to surviving his long sentence.
Q11: What are the lasting effects of Howard Hamlin’s death?
Howard Hamlin’s death serves as a pivotal turning point in the series and a constant source of guilt for both Jimmy and Kim. His death represents the ultimate consequence of their actions, a reminder of the irreversible damage they caused. It’s the catalyst for their respective paths of self-reflection and attempted atonement. The memory of Howard haunts them both, driving their decisions in the aftermath.
Q12: Is there any hope for Jimmy and Kim’s future relationship?
While the future of Jimmy and Kim’s relationship remains uncertain, the shared cigarette suggests a lingering connection and a potential for reconciliation. The episode implies that they understand each other in a way that no one else can. Whether they can ever fully rebuild their relationship is unclear, but the final scene offers a glimmer of hope that they can find a way to support each other, even from a distance, amidst the wreckage of their past. The possibility, however slim, remains.