The Unforgettable Destiny of Kim in Better Call Saul
Kim's fate in Better Call Saul is bittersweet, leaving viewers with a sense of hope This article explores the conclusion of her story and delves into the possibility of her return in future spin-offs
Kim Wexler, portrayed brilliantly by Rhea Seahorn, was an immensely popular character in the series Better Call Saul. As a prequel to Breaking Bad, fans eagerly speculated about her fate, especially since she never appeared in the parent show led by Walter White.
The ending of Better Call Saul is quite grim for most characters. Both Howard Hamlin and Lalo Salamanca meet their demise and are buried side by side. Meanwhile, Jimmy McGill, also known as Saul Goodman, receives his deserved punishment with a lengthy prison sentence. While Gus Fring and Mike Ehrmantraut manage to survive until the end of the prequel timeline, fans of Breaking Bad are aware of what eventually happens to their characters during Walter White's era. But what about Jimmy McGill's former wife?
How does Kim's story end on Better Call Saul?
Just like Jesse in Breaking Bad, Kim Wexler initially served as the moral compass in the earlier seasons of Better Call Saul. However, under Jimmy's influence, she found herself descending into a dark path and struggled to find her way back.
Better Call Saul unfolds through three significant timelines, exploring events before, during, and after Breaking Bad. In the primary prequel section, Kim's story reaches its climax with the unexpected twist of Lalo Salamanca taking the life of Howard Hamlin. Throughout the series, Jimmy and Kim's personal vendetta against Howard escalates from harmless pranks to a ruthless character assassination.
She harbors guilt for her treatment of the man who played a vital role in shaping her legal career, leading to the demise of her relationship with Jimmy. The series then jumps ahead significantly in time, showing the complete transformation of Jimmy McGill into the persona of Saul Goodman during the events of Breaking Bad. Kim pays a visit to his renowned law office to finalize their divorce, resulting in an uncomfortable encounter between the two. Saul feigns indifference towards his soon-to-be ex-wife, while Kim departs the office only to unexpectedly come face to face with Jesse Pinkman. Curious about Saul Goodman's legal prowess, Jesse questions Kim, who simply replies, "Back when I knew him, he was."
In the final episodes of Better Call Saul, the series fully transitions into the post-Breaking Bad era, with the prominent black and white segments that open each season now assuming a pivotal role in Saul Goodman's concluding story. After a brief absence, Kim reemerges, revealing that she has relocated to Florida and now works for a sprinkler sales company, trapped in a monotonous new relationship. She is deeply unhappy with her mundane existence, visibly transformed from the vibrant lawyer she once was in the prequel timeline.
Leading up to this point in the series, Kim has made numerous regrettable choices. Unfortunately, the man responsible for influencing those decisions resurfaces in her life. Now going by the name Gene Takovic, Saul Goodman reconnects with Kim, but she refuses to listen to him. Given Jimmy's delicate situation, Kim's past comes back to haunt her. She provides a sworn statement exposing Lalo as Howard's killer and the subsequent cover-up.
During Jimmy's trial, Kim attentively observes as he retracts his initial statement and takes full responsibility, ensuring that she is not held accountable for anything. Interestingly, Kim has begun volunteering at a pro bono legal organization, offering her story a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges faced by other characters in the show. This development suggests that Kim may have the chance to rebuild her life, akin to Jesse's eventual outcome in El Camino.
Will Kim return in any future spin-offs?
: After being convicted, Jimmy/Saul received a lengthy prison sentence of 87 years. The series concludes with a poignant scene where Kim pays him a visit behind bars, and together they share a final cigarette. As the show draws to a close, Jimmy and Kim lock eyes through the prison fence one last time, before she departs.
When Breaking Bad concluded in 2013, it left devoted viewers yearning for more of the captivating crime series. However, their hopes were soon reignited when news of a prequel show, named Better Call Saul, emerged. This enthralling spin-off delves into the early life of Saul Goodman, before he stepped into the role of Walter White's lawyer. It is during this time that the extraordinary character of Kim Wexler was introduced, instantly capturing the hearts of fans within the expansive Breaking Bad universe.
Kim has managed to survive numerous close calls in the midst of a tumultuous journey, allowing her to share her experiences with others. However, it remains uncertain if she will have her own spin-off in the future. Although Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould implied that the conclusion of Better Call Saul marked the end of the Bad-verse for viewers, there is still a possibility of future stories set in this world. This prospect, however, may not come to fruition in the near future as both creators are currently focused on exploring new projects. Notably, Vince Gilligan will be collaborating with Rhea Seahorn once again for an upcoming show on Apple TV+.
