The Astonishing Trick That Takes Kim's Mom Flashbacks in Better Call Saul to Uncharted Heights

Better Call Saul season 6's Kim Wexler flashback took on a new meaning with its perfect casting. Rhea Seehorn's portrayal of Kim has made her just as integral to the show as Saul Goodman himself. While the prequel has slowly unraveled Kim's past, it only scratched the surface in Better Call Saul season 5, episode 6, "Wexler vs. Goodman," where her mother was revealed to be neglectful and indifferent. In Better Call Saul season 6's "Axe & Grind," Kim's past is revisited, focusing on a time when a young Kim is caught shoplifting by a store detective.

After her mother scolds her using common parental phrases like "disappointed" and "should know better," Kim is let off with a warning. However, once they leave the store, their relationship takes a surprising turn. Kim's mother actually shows pride in her daughter's audacious theft and confesses to stealing the earrings that got her caught in the first place. The flashback, brilliantly written and directed by Giancarlo Esposito, who portrays Gustavo Fring, adds depth to the scene, but what truly makes it stand out is the exceptional performance by the actress playing Kim's mother.

Who Plays Kim's Mom In Better Call Saul

Why Better Call Saul's Kim's Mom Casting Is So Perfect

Playing the role of Kim's mom in Better Call Saul season 6 is Beth Hoyt. Beth Hoyt is known for her appearances in Inside Amy Schumer, Dead To Me, and her work with the YouTube channel The Key of Awesome. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character Pepper Potts in Marvel's What If...? animated TV show. In the initial flashback of Better Call Saul season 5, Beth Hoyt portrayed Kim's unnamed mother, who shouted lines from the driver's seat of her car at night. However, the new "Axe & Grind" flashback provides Beth Hoyt with a more substantial role, allowing her to emerge from the shadows of the car seat and showcase her talent in full view. This creative shift has certainly paid off.

As Beth Hoyt steps into the spotlight, her striking resemblance to Kim from Better Call Saul becomes immediately apparent. Clearly chosen for her facial similarities, Hoyt's hair and makeup are skillfully done to enhance the likeness. However, the brilliance of the casting extends beyond the physical resemblance between Beth Hoyt and Rhea Seehorn; it encompasses even the nuances of Kim's character. Kim's mother's gestures and vocal intonations subtly embody echoes of Kim's future self. When Kim's mother skeptically asks, "Is that really what's happening with you?", her delivery echoes the way Kim might respond to Jimmy. Similarly, when Hoyt delivers the line, "I'm not just disappointed, it doesn't even come close to describing how I feel," her execution eerily resembles one of Kim's signature rebuffs.

This Episode Includes Something Important For Kim's Character

Kim's criminal streak in Better Call Saul season 6 shocks viewers with a reveal that she started scamming long before meeting Jimmy McGill. Surprisingly, her present-day scams are actually inspired by her mother's behavior. In season 5, it seemed like Kim and her mother were completely different, but season 6's flashback sequence in the 1980s turns the tables and shows that Kim followed in her mother's footsteps. This groundbreaking twist is amplified by the uncanny resemblance between the characters, as Beth Hoyt's ability to pass as Rhea Seehorn visually demonstrates just how alike they truly are.

The sixth season of Better Call Saul reveals an often overlooked detail about Kim's character. In a flashback, Kim's mother steals the earrings that Kim had attempted to steal herself. Interestingly, these earrings become a constant accessory for Kim throughout the entire series. By consistently choosing to wear these stolen earrings, Kim subtly signals her inclination to bend the rules. This flashback holds significant meaning for Kim, as she is reminded of it every day. It becomes evident that Jimmy was not the primary influence on Kim's tendency to break the law; instead, it was her mother who played the more significant role.