The Hidden Symbolism Behind Better Call Saul's Alcoholic Drinks - Unveiling the Theory

Summary

Better Call Saul uses alcoholic drinks to symbolize the characters' journeys and transformations, revealing hidden meanings in their choices.

The Rusty Nail cocktail portrays Saul Goodman's grim new existence, starkly contrasting with his dynamic lawyer persona.

The Zafiro Añejo tequila embodies Jimmy's Saul Goodman alter ego, making appearances at pivotal moments in his metamorphosis and foretelling his impending demise.

Better Call Saul is packed with symbolism, allowing viewers to uncover hidden meanings in even the tiniest details of the Breaking Bad prequel, such as the alcoholic beverages consumed by the characters. This series delves into the background of Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad, tracing his transformation into the cunning lawyer serving under Heisenberg's empire. Better Call Saul not only explores the years leading up to Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul but also sheds light on his life after the events in Breaking Bad. Similar to its predecessor, the show effectively employs various elements like background music and props to intricately thread its narrative.

A significant method used by Better Call Saul to enrich the character arcs is through the portrayal of the beverages they consume. Throughout the show, the main characters can be seen sharing meals or indulging in drinks individually. By closely examining their orders, we can uncover the underlying significance attached to them. Through the characters' choice of beverages, viewers gain a deeper understanding of their respective journeys. Without uttering a single word, Better Call Saul cleverly develops the characters of Jimmy and Kim, showcasing the brilliance of this AMC series.

Gene's Rusty Nail Symbolizes Saul Goodman's Downfall

The Zafiro Añejo Represents Saul

"The Better Call Saul pilot sets the tone for the series with a symbolic opening song and a poignant alcoholic beverage. Enter the Rusty Nail, Gene Takovic's choice of drink after a grueling day at Cinnabon. Consisting of Scotch and Drambuie, this concoction holds a certain allure for disillusioned older individuals. It perfectly embodies Saul Goodman's new persona, much more subdued compared to his vibrant lawyer self. Saul did not willingly embrace this new lifestyle, as evident from the monochromatic glimpses into Better Call Saul's future. In stark contrast to the libations of his lawyer days, the Rusty Nail paints a desolate portrait of his transformed existence."

Zafiro Añejo, a fictional tequila brand within the Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul universe, serves as a representation of Saul Goodman during his career as a lawyer. This same liquor, which Gustavo Fring uses to poison the cartel in Breaking Bad season 4, appears multiple times throughout Saul's narrative. In Better Call Saul season 2, for instance, Jimmy and Kim manipulate a businessman into buying them shots of this expensive alcohol, marking the first instance where Zafiro Añejo becomes symbolic of Jimmy's transformation into Saul Goodman. With its ostentatious nature akin to Saul himself, the liquor reoccurs at pivotal moments in his character progression.

Jimmy establishes a connection between the Zafiro Añejo and triumph, prompting him to buy a bottle in Better Call Saul season 3. His intention is to share it with Kim after the Sandpiper settlement, but unexpectedly, he ends up consuming it with his secretary, Francesca. This proves to be unfavorable for Jimmy, as his overall prosperity is short-lived. It is not until after Charles' demise in Better Call Saul season 4 that he relishes the tequila once again with Kim. This marks a significant turning point for Jimmy, hinting at his impending downfall.

In Better Call Saul season 6, the Zafiro Añejo reappears when Jimmy nearly acquires a bottle to commemorate his and Kim's triumph over Harold Hamlin. However, this plan fails, following the pattern of Jimmy's near-victories transforming into defeats. Harold's death further deepens the divide between Jimmy and Kim, serving as the ultimate catalyst for Jimmy's transformation into Saul. Coincidentally, the discarded top of the tequila bottle is seen abandoned on the street after Saul Goodman goes into hiding. The presence of the tequila continuously serves as a warning throughout his journey, reminding him that his prosperity will not endure.

Kim Wexler's Moscow Mule Perfectly Describes Her Relationship With Jimmy

The Zafiro Añejo garners significant attention in the larger narrative of Jimmy and Kim's story in Better Call Saul. However, the show cleverly employs another alcoholic beverage, the Moscow Mule, to symbolize Kim's character development. In season 2, Kim is initially seen declining a Moscow Mule during a business meeting at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill as her dissatisfaction with her role grows. In a later scene, after yet another disheartening day at HHM, Kim returns to the restaurant and finally decides to order a Moscow Mule.

This choice marks a significant turning point in Kim's journey as she takes control of her own future. Despite the transformation in her appearance, Kim's core identity remains unchanged, mirroring the Moscow Mule's essence. As Eater points out, the cocktail is essentially a revamped vodka buck, designed to appear more enticing but fundamentally unchanged. This mirrors Kim's character trajectory, ultimately leading her back to where she began. Additionally, this analogy reflects Kim's complicated relationship with Saul.

Initially, Kim's romantic feelings for Jimmy are not apparent in the beginning of Better Call Saul. It is only when they start plotting together that she becomes interested in him. Their mischievous endeavors lend an exhilarating quality to their relationship, which ultimately leads Kim to develop feelings for her long-time companion. Nevertheless, similar to the Moscow Mule cocktail, their connection merely possesses an illusion of allure. In the upcoming sixth season of Better Call Saul, Kim comes to the realization that their partnership is detrimental to both of them, regardless of the excitement their schemes provide.