In the final episode of “Better Call Saul,” titled “Saul Gone,” Saul Goodman chooses redemption over self-preservation, confessing to his extensive crimes and accepting a significantly longer prison sentence to ensure Kim Wexler remains protected and to finally face the consequences of his actions. This act of genuine remorse and self-sacrifice marks a poignant culmination of his transformation from Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman and back again, ultimately suggesting that even within the depths of moral compromise, the possibility of finding a path to ethical clarity and acknowledging accountability remains.
The Confession and the Consequences
The episode hinges on a pivotal moment: Saul’s final courtroom appearance. Offered a sweet plea deal that would minimize his time in prison and keep his assets, he initially attempts to leverage his manipulative skills one last time. However, the presence of Kim, and the devastating impact his actions have had on her, forces a reckoning. In a shocking move, Saul rejects the deal, embarking on a cathartic confession that details his involvement in Walter White’s empire, and, crucially, his own agency in Howard Hamlin’s death.
This confession is not simply about admitting guilt; it’s about accepting responsibility. Saul acknowledges his role in enabling Walter White, recognizing that he wasn’t merely a pawn but a willing participant, even a catalyst, in the unfolding tragedy. He also confronts the gravity of his actions leading to Howard’s death, finally admitting that he deliberately set in motion the events that ultimately led to the lawyer’s demise.
The immediate consequence of this confession is a staggering increase in his prison sentence, from a projected seven years to a whopping eighty-six. Despite the dire personal implications, Saul seems strangely at peace. He’s traded freedom for truth, a superficial life of wealth for a potential future where atonement and genuine connection might be possible.
The Final Encounter
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant scene is the brief reunion between Saul and Kim in prison. The two share a cigarette, a quiet moment reminiscent of their shared past, but now colored by the weight of their choices and the years that separate them. No words are needed to convey the depth of their feelings – remorse, affection, and a sense of shared fate. The scene underlines the enduring connection between them, suggesting that even after all that has transpired, a glimmer of hope remains for their individual healing. While not explicitly stated, it leaves the audience with the impression that Kim might continue to visit Saul, a silent act of forgiveness and acceptance.
The final shots of the episode show Saul in prison, seemingly adapting to his new reality. He is recognized, even admired, by some of his fellow inmates, suggesting that the legend of Saul Goodman persists even within the confines of incarceration. However, there is a profound shift. This is not the Saul Goodman of brightly colored suits and flashy slogans. This is James McGill, stripped bare, facing the consequences of his choices, and, perhaps, finding a measure of peace in acceptance.
Thematic Resonance
“Saul Gone” masterfully completes the arc of Jimmy McGill’s transformation, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition, the allure of easy money, and the devastating consequences of moral compromise. The ending serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of accountability, the possibility of redemption, and the enduring power of human connection, even in the face of overwhelming guilt and regret. The show ultimately argues that while the path to redemption may be long and arduous, the pursuit of truth and accountability is essential for genuine personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the “Better Call Saul” Finale
1. Why did Saul confess after securing such a favorable plea deal?
Saul’s confession wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the culmination of his inner turmoil. Witnessing Kim’s presence at the hearing and understanding the profound damage he had inflicted upon her triggered a realization that the wealth and freedom offered by the plea deal were meaningless in the face of his guilt. The desire to finally be honest with himself, and to protect Kim, ultimately outweighed his self-preservation instincts.
2. What does the 86-year prison sentence actually mean for Saul?
Realistically, an 86-year sentence is a life sentence. Given Saul’s age, there’s little chance he will ever be released from prison. The sentence symbolizes the full weight of his crimes and the severity of his moral transgressions. It also reinforces the idea that justice, however delayed, can ultimately be served.
3. What’s the significance of the cigarette scene with Kim in prison?
The cigarette scene mirrors a similar scene from earlier in the series, highlighting the evolution of their relationship. The cigarette represents a shared history, a connection that transcends the years of deception and betrayal. It suggests that despite everything, a residue of love and understanding remains between them. It’s a moment of quiet intimacy in the midst of a harsh reality.
4. Did Saul confess solely to protect Kim?
While protecting Kim was undoubtedly a significant factor, Saul’s confession also served a deeper, more personal purpose. He was finally confronting his own demons and acknowledging his culpability in the tragedies that had unfolded. The confession was as much about seeking redemption as it was about protecting Kim.
5. What does the ending imply about Kim Wexler’s future?
The finale leaves Kim’s future ambiguous but hints at a potential path towards healing and redemption. Her admission of guilt regarding Howard Hamlin’s death, coupled with her visit to Saul in prison, suggests a willingness to confront her own complicity and seek atonement. While her legal career is likely over, the ending implies a possible return to pro bono work, or some other form of service, utilizing her legal skills for good. She faces a difficult road, but one that offers a chance for meaningful change.
6. Does Walter White appear in the final episode?
Yes, Walter White appears in a flashback scene where he and Saul are waiting in the vacuum cleaner repair shop for Ed Galbraith to relocate them. The scene provides a brief glimpse into their tumultuous relationship and highlights their contrasting perspectives on regret and morality. It acts as a counterpoint to Saul’s eventual confession, emphasizing the gulf between his path and Walter’s.
7. Why did Saul’s fellow inmates show him respect in prison?
Even behind bars, the legend of Saul Goodman persists. His notoriety as a criminal lawyer, coupled with his resourcefulness and charisma, garners him a certain degree of respect from his fellow inmates. It underscores the enduring power of his “Saul Goodman” persona, even in a drastically altered environment. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is a distorted form of admiration, based on illicit activities.
8. What is the significance of Saul’s “ice cream” con in prison?
The brief scene where Saul is making ice cream in the prison kitchen serves to highlight the persistence of his scheming nature. Even in incarceration, the “Saul Goodman” instinct to find an angle and manipulate situations remains. However, it’s a much smaller scale con than anything he pulled off before. It demonstrates that some aspects of his personality, both good and bad, are intrinsic to who he is.
9. Is there any indication that Saul regrets becoming Saul Goodman?
The finale strongly suggests that Saul ultimately regrets the consequences of his actions as Saul Goodman. His confession and acceptance of a harsher sentence signify a rejection of the persona he created and a desire to return to a more authentic version of himself. While there might be moments of nostalgia for the excitement and wealth, the overall message is that the cost of being Saul Goodman was too high.
10. What parallels can be drawn between the ending of Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad?
Both shows ultimately explore the consequences of choices and the paths people take. While Walter White doubles down on his criminal enterprise until his demise, Saul chooses to accept responsibility for his actions, signifying a contrasting path toward potential redemption. Both endings are bittersweet, acknowledging the irreversible damage caused by their respective protagonists but offering a glimmer of hope for those left behind.
11. Did the finale provide closure for all the major characters?
While the finale focuses primarily on Saul and Kim, it provides a sense of closure for most of the major characters. We know Saul’s fate, and we have a sense of Kim’s potential future. Mike Ehrmantraut’s fate was already sealed in Breaking Bad. Characters like Nacho Varga and Howard Hamlin have passed, their stories sadly concluded. While loose ends may exist, the core narrative threads are resolved.
12. What is the ultimate message of Better Call Saul’s finale?
“Better Call Saul” offers a nuanced exploration of morality, redemption, and the consequences of choices. The finale suggests that even after years of deception and moral compromise, the possibility of finding a path to ethical clarity and accepting accountability remains. It’s a powerful reminder that redemption is not about erasing the past but about confronting it and choosing a different path forward. The show leaves us with a sense of hope, albeit a fragile one, that even the most flawed individuals can strive for a better version of themselves.