Jimmy McGill, a.k.a. Saul Goodman, doesn’t get “sent” to Texas in either “Breaking Bad” or “Better Call Saul.” Instead, he chooses to flee to Omaha, Nebraska under the alias Gene Takavic after his Albuquerque life collapses.
The Myth of the Texas Exile and Why It Persists
The idea of Jimmy ending up in Texas is a persistent misconception among some “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” fans. While Texas certainly features geographically in the “Breaking Bad” universe (think of the meth distribution routes and some of the peripheral characters), it never serves as a destination for Jimmy in his post-Saul downfall. The narrative consistently points towards Omaha as his chosen refuge. The reasons for this misunderstanding are varied, possibly stemming from:
- Geographic Proximity: Texas, being relatively close to New Mexico, is a logical guess for a quick escape.
- Criminal Associations: Texas is sometimes associated with the same sort of criminal underbelly depicted in “Breaking Bad.”
- Fan Theories: The vastness of the internet allows for countless fan theories, some of which might have suggested a Texas hideout.
However, a careful review of the shows’ timelines, character motivations, and plot points solidifies that Omaha is indeed where Jimmy chooses to lie low. He seeks anonymity in a place far removed from the familiar faces and potential dangers of Albuquerque. Nebraska, with its less pronounced criminal associations and relative obscurity, proves a more suitable location for someone trying to disappear.
The Omaha Chapter: Gene Takavic and the Crumbling Facade
Jimmy’s transition to Gene Takavic is arguably one of the most poignant aspects of “Better Call Saul.” We see a man stripped of his charisma, forced to live a mundane life as a Cinnabon manager. This new identity, carefully constructed to avoid detection, is a stark contrast to the flamboyant Saul Goodman. The series explores the psychological toll this forced transformation takes on Jimmy, showing glimpses of his old self resurfacing despite his best efforts. The black-and-white cinematography further emphasizes the bleakness and isolation of his new existence.
The decision to locate Gene in Omaha highlights the creative team’s meticulous attention to detail. Omaha offers a sense of quiet desperation, reflecting Jimmy’s internal state. It’s a place where he can blend in, become invisible, and hopefully, avoid the consequences of his past actions. However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that Jimmy can’t completely escape his nature, and the facade of Gene Takavic begins to crack.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Jimmy’s Fate and Saul’s Legacy
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Jimmy’s journey and dispel any remaining doubts about his post-“Breaking Bad” whereabouts:
H3: Why Omaha and Not Texas?
Omaha offered a greater chance of anonymity. While Texas is a large state, it still carried a higher risk of encountering someone familiar with Saul Goodman’s exploits or attracting unwanted attention. Omaha, with its comparatively smaller media market and less sensationalized crime scene, provided a safer haven.
H3: How Did Jimmy Choose Omaha?
While the exact details aren’t explicitly shown, it’s implied that Ed Galbraith, the “disappearer,” arranged for Jimmy’s relocation to Omaha. Ed has a network of contacts and established escape routes, likely offering Jimmy several options based on his desired level of anonymity and risk tolerance.
H3: What is Jimmy’s Job as Gene Takavic?
Jimmy, as Gene Takavic, works as a manager at a Cinnabon in a shopping mall. This mundane job underscores the dramatic shift in his life, highlighting the vast difference between his former life of luxury and criminal enterprise and his new life of anonymity and obscurity.
H3: Does Kim Wexler Ever Visit Jimmy in Omaha?
No. There is no indication that Kim Wexler ever visits Jimmy in Omaha. Their relationship fractured irrevocably towards the end of “Better Call Saul,” and their paths diverged permanently.
H3: Is the Omaha Storyline Shown in “Breaking Bad” or “Better Call Saul”?
The Omaha storyline is primarily shown in “Better Call Saul.” We see flash-forwards at the beginning of each season, depicting Jimmy’s life as Gene Takavic. These scenes provide glimpses into his new reality and build suspense as the series progresses.
H3: Does Jimmy Ever Get Caught in Omaha?
Yes. Eventually, Jimmy’s past catches up with him in Omaha. He is recognized by a taxi driver and subsequently confronts the growing threat of exposure. This ultimately leads to his downfall and arrest.
H3: What are the Consequences of Jimmy Getting Caught?
After a complex series of legal maneuvers and manipulations reminiscent of his Saul Goodman days, Jimmy ultimately makes a confession to all of his crimes, accepting a significantly longer prison sentence in order to clear Kim’s name and atone for his actions.
H3: Why Does Jimmy Confess?
Jimmy confesses out of a mixture of guilt, remorse, and a lingering desire to prove himself to Kim. His confession is a rare moment of genuine honesty and self-awareness, showcasing his capacity for redemption, however limited.
H3: Is There a “Gene Takavic” Spin-Off?
Currently, there are no confirmed plans for a “Gene Takavic” spin-off. However, the character’s compelling story and the unresolved aspects of his post-Saul life leave room for potential future exploration.
H3: What is the Significance of Cinnabon in Jimmy’s Omaha Life?
The Cinnabon serves as a symbol of Jimmy’s forced conformity and the loss of his identity. The tedious and repetitive nature of the job mirrors the monotony of his new life, highlighting the contrast between his past life of excitement and his present existence of anonymity.
H3: What Happens to Jimmy in Prison?
While not explicitly shown, the series finale implies that Jimmy, despite being in prison, has regained a measure of his former self, using his legal skills to navigate the prison system and earning the respect of his fellow inmates. He remains, in his own way, “Saul Goodman,” even behind bars.
H3: Did Jimmy Ever Try to Reclaim His Money in Omaha?
It’s implied that Jimmy kept a portion of his ill-gotten gains, but he lives a relatively modest life as Gene Takavic. This suggests that his primary focus was on avoiding detection, not on lavish spending or attracting attention with his wealth. While there are hints he still has access to some resources, it’s not a central plot point in his Omaha narrative.