The Hidden Meaning Behind Jimmy and Kim's Final Scene in Better Call Saul Revealed!

The stars of Better Call Saul have differing interpretations about the show's ending. The Breaking Bad spin-off portrays the journey of Jimmy McGill (played by Bob Odenkirk) and his various personas as he navigates a life of scheming. Along the way, he becomes romantically involved with Kim Wexler (played by Rhea Seehorn), who gets entangled in a life of crime due to Jimmy's influence. Towards the conclusion of the show, Jimmy willingly takes the blame for Kim's actions, resulting in an extended prison sentence for himself, but ensuring Kim's safety.

In the finale of Better Call Saul, Jimmy and Kim have a meaningful encounter in prison, sharing a cigarette as they bid farewell. Kim leaves the prison, stealing one last glance at Jimmy before departing. In an interview with Vulture, Odenkirk and Seehorn express their differing interpretations of this scene. See their quotes below:

Seehorn believes that the character will make a comeback, as Peter expressed his desire for the story to continue beyond the black screen. Seehorn, being a hopeless romantic, insists that the character will return, although not as the same person she was before. She will resume her legal practice, aiming to lawfully reduce the sentence without resorting to dishonest tactics. Seehorn strongly believes in her return.

Odenkirk disagrees.

Seehorn: You don't understand! Bob always jokes, 'They never see each other again and they both die in a fiery car crash.'

Odenkirk: [Laughs.] Obviously, it would be quite difficult for Saul to die in a fiery car crash since he's in prison. I believe it truly is a farewell. When I reflect on the journey of that last episode, the word that comes to mind is surrender. Jimmy has always faced a conflict between what he knows is true or what he should do, and his peculiar, innate instincts. These two characters possess exceptional understanding of others but struggle to truly know themselves at a profound level. However, in that final episode, they gained a profound self-awareness that was always within their capabilities. It was only when all other alternatives were taken away from them that Jimmy realized the only path forward was through surrender. I found it to be a beautiful conclusion.

Was Better Call Saul's Ending Kim's Goodbye?

Seehorn envisions a potential for Jimmy and Kim to revive their bond, whereas Odenkirk envisions a bleaker outcome. According to his perspective, Kim never returns, resulting in the eternal separation of the two. In this context, it would undeniably be a genuine sacrifice for Jimmy, albeit a bittersweet one.

In the last season of Better Call Saul, Kim embarks on the path of a righteous attorney, dedicating her time to pro bono work, providing legal aid to those in need. She endeavors to heal her tarnished reputation, but the journey is long and arduous. Meanwhile, Jimmy finds himself incarcerated, determined to demonstrate his genuine transformation through his exemplary conduct. No longer reliant on deceitful schemes, he emerges from prison as a truly liberated individual. This hard-earned freedom was only attainable behind bars.

If Better Call Saul follows Seehorn's suggestion, Kim would be permanently connected to Jimmy. Although he manages to rehabilitate himself, she would never truly be able to move on from the destructive path that led her astray. While a potential return visit may hold some romantic element, her final farewell to Jimmy appears to be definitive. She strains to catch one last glimpse of him before making her definitive escape. From this perspective, Odenkirk's interpretation appears to be the most well-grounded.

Nevertheless, Kim's tragic ending in Better Call Saul is partly shaped by her relationship with Jimmy. She eludes prosecution and maintains her freedom because Jimmy took the blame for her actions. Every moment she avoids legal consequences is a direct result of Jimmy's choice. From this viewpoint, she will always remain connected to him, rendering occasional visits a minor detail. Seehorn's version of events would not necessarily alter the situation significantly. Regardless of how Kim and Jimmy carry on after Better Call Saul, their tragic ending continues to loom over their lives.

Source: Vulture