Howard Hamlin’s tragic demise occurs in Season 6, Episode 7, titled “Plan and Execution” of Better Call Saul. His unexpected and brutal killing marks a pivotal turning point in the series, shattering the illusion of control that Jimmy McGill and Kim Wexler desperately clung to and setting in motion the irreversible chain of events that leads to the grim realities of Breaking Bad.
The Shocking End of Howard Hamlin
Howard’s death is perhaps the most genuinely shocking moment in the entire Breaking Bad universe. Unlike many other character deaths, which often feel foreshadowed or build towards a climatic confrontation, Howard’s is sudden, senseless, and utterly devastating. He arrives at Jimmy and Kim’s apartment, determined to confront them about their elaborate scheme to ruin his reputation, only to walk into the path of Lalo Salamanca, who is there seeking information about Gus Fring. With a single, cold-blooded gunshot, Lalo silences Howard, leaving Jimmy and Kim reeling from the unexpected consequences of their actions. The scene is masterfully directed, emphasizing the jarring contrast between Howard’s initial anger and the chilling finality of his death. The impact resonates far beyond the immediate moment, forcing Jimmy and Kim to grapple with the moral weight of their choices in a way they never fully anticipated. This event forever taints their relationship and arguably serves as a major catalyst for Kim’s eventual departure from Jimmy’s life. The death is not merely a plot point; it’s a brutal reckoning with the real-world consequences of their reckless behavior.
Why Howard’s Death Matters
Howard’s death serves multiple narrative purposes. Firstly, it highlights the escalation of violence in Jimmy and Kim’s world. What began as harmless cons and playful manipulation morphs into something truly dangerous and irreversible. The introduction of Lalo Salamanca brings a new level of ruthlessness and unpredictability, demonstrating that their actions have attracted the attention of individuals who operate outside the bounds of morality and the law. Secondly, Howard’s death acts as a moral compass, or rather, a stark reminder of the absence of one in Jimmy and Kim’s life. While they justify their actions as targeting someone who is already privileged and successful, Howard’s death throws into sharp relief the fact that their game has devastating consequences for innocent people. It challenges the audience to question whether their enjoyment of Jimmy and Kim’s schemes can coexist with the moral implications of their actions. Finally, it is a significant character development moment for both Jimmy and Kim. The shared trauma and guilt resulting from Howard’s death irrevocably alter their paths and their relationship. It’s a defining event that exposes the inherent flaws in their characters and sets them on trajectories that lead to their ultimate fates.
The Aftermath: Covering Up the Truth
Following Howard’s death, Jimmy and Kim are forced into a frantic cover-up, orchestrated by Lalo Salamanca and later Gus Fring. The cover-up, which involves burying Howard’s body along with Lalo’s in the meth lab, underscores the depths to which Jimmy and Kim are willing to sink to protect themselves. This act of desperation further solidifies their commitment to their chosen paths, even as it continues to chip away at their consciences. The cover-up becomes a constant source of stress and paranoia, further isolating them from the outside world and entrenching them deeper in the criminal underworld. This isn’t merely about avoiding legal repercussions; it’s about preserving the façade of their lives and justifying their actions in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Howard Hamlin’s Death
What led to Howard’s confrontation with Jimmy and Kim on that fateful night?
Howard confronted Jimmy and Kim because he had finally pieced together their elaborate scheme to sabotage his reputation and force a settlement in the Sandpiper case. He felt betrayed and humiliated, having previously respected Jimmy and seen him as a colleague. His intention was to call them out on their actions and demand an explanation.
How did Lalo Salamanca’s presence contribute to Howard’s death?
Lalo Salamanca was seeking information about Gus Fring’s operations. He believed Jimmy McGill was the key to uncovering Fring’s plans. Howard’s ill-timed arrival placed him in the crossfire, leading Lalo to kill him to prevent him from interfering or revealing Lalo’s presence.
Did Jimmy and Kim anticipate Howard’s death?
No, Jimmy and Kim did not anticipate Howard’s death. Their plan was to ruin his career, not to cause him physical harm. Lalo’s unexpected appearance and subsequent actions were completely outside the scope of their initial scheme.
How did Howard’s death affect Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman?
Howard’s death profoundly affected Jimmy. It served as a major turning point, pushing him further down the path to becoming Saul Goodman. The guilt and trauma associated with Howard’s death haunted him, although he attempted to suppress these feelings through increasingly reckless behavior.
How did Howard’s death affect Kim Wexler?
Howard’s death had an even more significant impact on Kim. She was deeply disturbed by the consequences of her actions and struggled to reconcile her ambition with the moral implications of her choices. This internal conflict ultimately led to her decision to leave Jimmy and abandon her legal career.
Was Howard Hamlin a truly “good” person?
Howard was a complex character. While he appeared arrogant and self-assured, he also possessed a strong sense of justice and a genuine concern for his colleagues. He was flawed, but ultimately well-intentioned, making his death even more tragic. He was not simply a villain to be overcome, but a victim of circumstance and the actions of others.
What was the significance of burying Howard under the meth lab?
Burying Howard’s body under the meth lab symbolized the complete corruption of Jimmy and Kim’s values and the inextricable link between their actions and the criminal underworld. It was a physical manifestation of the darkness that had consumed them.
Did Howard’s death have any legal ramifications for Jimmy and Kim?
Yes, indirectly. While they were not charged with murder due to Lalo’s involvement, the cover-up itself constituted multiple crimes, including obstruction of justice and conspiracy. The immense guilt, however, was a bigger consequence for Kim and, to a lesser extent, Jimmy.
How did Howard’s death change the overall tone of Better Call Saul?
Howard’s death marked a significant shift in the tone of Better Call Saul. It introduced a darker and more serious element, moving away from the lighter, more comedic aspects of the earlier seasons. It demonstrated that the stakes were much higher than previously perceived.
Why is “Plan and Execution” considered one of the best episodes of Better Call Saul?
“Plan and Execution” is widely regarded as one of the best episodes due to its masterful storytelling, shocking plot twists, and exceptional performances from the cast. It is a pivotal episode that fundamentally alters the trajectory of the series.
What are some of the thematic elements explored through Howard’s death?
Howard’s death explores themes of guilt, consequences, moral compromise, and the corruption of ambition. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical decision-making.
In retrospect, was Howard’s death avoidable?
While it’s impossible to say definitively, it’s arguable that Howard’s death could have been avoided if Jimmy and Kim had chosen a different path. Their relentless pursuit of personal gain and their willingness to cross ethical boundaries ultimately created the circumstances that led to Howard’s tragic end. The seeds of his demise were sown long before the events of “Plan and Execution.” The series effectively portrays how small decisions, compounded over time, can lead to catastrophic outcomes.