The pivotal moment when Kim Wexler and Jimmy McGill officially divorce occurs in “Waterworks,” episode 12 of the final season (season 6) of Better Call Saul. This episode marks a significant turning point, showcasing the raw emotional fallout of their intertwined lives and the consequences of their destructive choices.
The Final Fracture: Decoding “Waterworks”
“Waterworks” is not merely an episode about a legal separation; it’s a deeply poignant exploration of guilt, regret, and the shattered remnants of love. It provides crucial context for understanding the trajectory of both Kim and Jimmy, demonstrating how their actions lead them down drastically different paths. The episode is beautifully bleak, reflecting the crushing weight of their shared history.
The episode doesn’t depict a traditional courtroom divorce scene. Instead, it focuses on Kim’s visit to Albuquerque years after their separation, where she finally signs the divorce papers presented by Jimmy. This signing is the culminating act of their legal dissolution, a formality that underscores the emotional chasm that has grown between them.
Unpacking the Emotional Turmoil
The episode masterfully highlights the emotional undercurrents that fuel the divorce. Kim’s confession to the police about her involvement in Howard Hamlin’s death is a critical catalyst. This act of moral reckoning demonstrates her attempt to confront her past and atone for her sins. Meanwhile, Jimmy, now fully consumed by his Saul Goodman persona, witnesses Kim’s transformation from afar, deepening his own despair and fueling his self-destructive tendencies.
The scene where they briefly reconnect underscores the profound impact they had on each other. Even separated by years and circumstance, the connection remains palpable, a silent testament to the love and shared experiences that once bound them together. The simple act of sharing a cigarette is a poignant reminder of their former intimacy and the deep sense of loss that permeates their present.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kim and Jimmy’s Divorce
FAQ 1: Why did Kim and Jimmy get divorced?
Their divorce was a direct consequence of the events leading up to and following Howard Hamlin’s death. Kim’s overwhelming guilt and realization of the destructive path they were both on ultimately forced her to leave Jimmy. She recognized that their relationship was toxic and that they were enabling each other’s worst impulses. The divorce was, in essence, an act of self-preservation for Kim, and a difficult but necessary step for Jimmy to confront the consequences of his actions, though he initially resists doing so.
FAQ 2: What were the legal grounds for their divorce?
While never explicitly stated, the legal grounds for their divorce were likely irreconcilable differences. This is a common basis for divorce when a couple no longer wishes to remain married. Given the emotional strain, distance, and fundamental shifts in their characters, irreconcilable differences are a logical explanation.
FAQ 3: How long were Kim and Jimmy married before their divorce?
Kim and Jimmy’s marriage was relatively short-lived, only lasting for approximately one year. They married in a surprise, spur-of-the-moment ceremony in “Something Unforgivable” (Season 5, Episode 9) primarily to protect Kim from potential legal repercussions related to their scheme against Howard Hamlin.
FAQ 4: Did Kim and Jimmy have any children?
No, Kim and Jimmy did not have any children. This likely played a role in their decision to divorce, as the absence of children made it easier to disentangle their lives.
FAQ 5: Did either Kim or Jimmy remarry after their divorce?
While Jimmy does not remarry during the events depicted in Better Call Saul or Breaking Bad, his behavior suggests a commitment to the Saul Goodman persona rather than seeking a genuine connection. Kim’s marital status after her move to Florida remains ambiguous. The series finale implies a possible, albeit distant, reconnection with Jimmy.
FAQ 6: How did the divorce impact Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman?
The divorce significantly exacerbated Jimmy’s descent into his Saul Goodman persona. Kim’s departure removed the last vestige of morality and stability in his life. Her absence fueled his cynicism and reinforced his belief that rules were meant to be broken. The pain of the divorce drove him further into the Saul Goodman facade, as a way to cope with his grief and guilt.
FAQ 7: Was Kim present during Jimmy’s trial in “Saul Gone?”
No, Kim was not present during the initial part of Jimmy’s trial in “Saul Gone.” However, she later attended the courtroom when Jimmy made his shocking confession, revealing his involvement in Walter White’s empire and taking responsibility for his own actions, including his role in Chuck’s death.
FAQ 8: Did Kim and Jimmy ever reconcile after their divorce?
The ending of “Saul Gone” offers a glimmer of hope for a possible reconciliation, although it remains ambiguous. Kim visits Jimmy in prison, and they share a cigarette, a callback to their shared past. This scene suggests that there is still a connection between them, but the future of their relationship remains uncertain.
FAQ 9: What role did Howard Hamlin’s death play in their divorce?
Howard Hamlin’s death was a pivotal event that triggered Kim’s moral awakening and ultimately led to their divorce. Kim’s guilt over her involvement in the scheme that led to Howard’s demise became unbearable, forcing her to confront the consequences of her actions. The weight of Howard’s death proved to be the breaking point in their relationship.
FAQ 10: Where was Kim living after she divorced Jimmy?
After leaving Jimmy and Albuquerque, Kim relocated to Titusville, Florida. She lived a seemingly ordinary life, working at a Palm Coast Sprinklers, demonstrating a stark contrast to her previous life as a high-powered lawyer. This mundane existence was a deliberate attempt to atone for her past transgressions.
FAQ 11: How did Jimmy react to Kim’s confession to the authorities?
Jimmy’s reaction to Kim’s confession is complex. He is initially furious, seeing it as a betrayal of their shared secrets and a potential threat to his own safety. However, he eventually realizes that Kim’s confession is an act of redemption, and it ultimately inspires him to take responsibility for his own actions in the series finale.
FAQ 12: What does the divorce reveal about the overall themes of Better Call Saul?
The divorce between Kim and Jimmy underscores the central themes of Better Call Saul: consequences, moral compromise, and the destructive nature of ambition. It highlights the idea that choices have far-reaching implications and that even well-intentioned actions can lead to devastating outcomes. The divorce serves as a stark reminder that the pursuit of success can come at a great cost, both personally and professionally. It ultimately serves as a tragic reflection on the flawed nature of humanity.