The Uncanny Parallel: Kim Wexler's Journey in Better Call Saul Echoes Jesse Pinkman's in Breaking Bad (& a Jaw-Dropping Scene Reinforces It)

Summary

Kim Wexler and Jesse Pinkman in face similar struggles in Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, as they're both pulled into deeper trouble by their partners.

Kim's life, like Jesse's, is shattered by Saul Goodman, leading to unhealthy relationships for both individuals. In a powerful moment from Better Call Saul, Kim and Jesse bear witness to the downfall of their respective partners, ultimately finding themselves in desperate need of legal representation.

Since its debut in 2015, Better Call Saul has been consistently compared to its predecessor, Breaking Bad. This is primarily due to the similar paths of destruction followed by Saul Goodman and Walter White. However, it is not only these two characters whose stories mirror each other. Kim Wexler, Saul's love interest and former business partner, also faces a struggle similar to that of Jesse Pinkman, Walter's partner in meth production.

Despite being set in the years before Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul seamlessly connects with the original series. Vince Gilligan skillfully weaves together the narratives of Walter and Saul. Both shows highlight the significant influence these characters have on one another, as well as on supporting players like Skyler White, Hank Schrader, and Mike Ehrmantraut. Ultimately, it is Kim and Jesse who are most profoundly impacted by Walter and Saul, and their journeys surprisingly parallel each other.

Kim's Downfall In Better Call Saul Mirrors Jesse's In Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul place Jesse and Kim in similar positions, where they both commit terrible acts but strive for redemption. However, instead of being able to escape their troubled circumstances, they are pulled deeper into trouble by demanding individuals who also spiral downward. As secondary main characters, Kim and Jesse often serve as the moral voice of reason for the main protagonists. Nevertheless, they are both unsuccessful in persuading their counterparts to abandon a life of crime.

Like Jesse's life derails due to Walter, Saul Goodman ruins Kim's life. Their reconciliation in Better Call Saul only occurs after Kim's career has been destroyed and she is burdened with guilt over Howard Hamlin's death. While their stories have different focal points, Kim and Saul have a romantic relationship, while Jesse and Walter share a father-son bond. Nevertheless, both Kim and Jesse become entangled in toxic relationships that cause them immense harm. A scene in Better Call Saul hints at their similar destinies.

The Better Call Saul Scene Where Kim Meets Jesse Foreshadows Their Fates

In one of the most emotional moments in the sixth season of Better Call Saul, Kim departs from Saul's office and encounters Jesse waiting outside. This scene takes place before the events of Breaking Bad, yet Jesse has a companion who requires legal representation. Curious about Saul's abilities, he asks Kim for her opinion on his skills. Having witnessed Saul's impressive rise to becoming a lawyer, only to face setbacks due to unfortunate circumstances, Kim can only respond in a single way. She informs Jesse, "When I knew him, he was." Similar to Kim, Jesse also regarded Walter as a good person but observed his decline.

Furthermore, Kim advises Jesse to seek legal counsel, which ultimately leads to Jesse hiring Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. Saul's adeptness at manipulating Walter is one of the factors that propels Heisenberg to such prominence, with Jesse becoming entangled in the repercussions. Towards the conclusion of Better Call Saul, Kim finds herself in need of a lawyer after confessing to Howard's widow. This development brings the story full circle for both characters. They traverse similar paths, albeit at different times, and become ensnared by the arrogance and self-deception of their partners.