The critically acclaimed series Better Call Saul has captivated audiences, prompting extensive speculation surrounding a significant twist involving Kim Wexler, a fan-favorite character. Many had anticipated her connection to the events of Breaking Bad, especially given the intricate backstories developed through the spinoff’s six-season run. Characters like Nacho Varga and Lalo Salamanca were pivotal, yet their absence in the original series left fans wondering about Kim’s fate.
Throughout the seven years following the show’s premiere, the mystery of Kim’s disappearance became a focal point for fans. As Better Call Saul reached its conclusion, it effectively tied up numerous plot threads, although season 6 employed a series of red herrings to keep viewers guessing. A particularly tantalizing moment hinted at Kim potentially working for Gus Fring during the events of Breaking Bad but ultimately revealed itself as clever misdirection.
Unpacking the “Kim Works for Gus Fring”Theory in Better Call Saul
A Genuine Possibility of Kim Embracing the Dark Side
Speculations about Kim’s fate after the events of Better Call Saul typically revolved around two possibilities: her demise or a split from Jimmy McGill. However, more astute viewers posited that she might have been working in the shadows during Breaking Bad.
As the series progressed, particularly in its final two seasons, Kim’s growing affinity for illicit activities shifted her character dynamics with Jimmy. This evolution made it feasible for her to abandon her legal career for a position under a drug lord like Gus Fring. Her substantial legal expertise could have proven invaluable to someone like Fring, who expertly concealed his drug operations under a facade of legitimacy.
While many cartel leaders would likely hesitate to employ a lawyer like Kim, who seemed more inclined to bring them to justice, Gus Fring was a pragmatic individual. His appreciation for competent professionals, as showcased by his trust in Walter White, makes it plausible he would engage a highly respected attorney from HHM as a vital player in his empire.
Throughout Breaking Bad, small clues hinted at Kim’s presence, such as the moment when Jimmy requested a check made out to “Ice Station Zebra Associates,”referencing a film he and Kim enjoyed. Furthermore, Kim’s absence was compellingly explained by Jimmy’s silence regarding her, as any association with him could jeopardize her safety while operating under Fring’s radar.
Season 6 Created Suspense Around Kim’s Alleged Alliance with Gus
Tension Builds in Episode 8: “Point and Shoot”
As season 6 unfolded, the theory that Kim would become an employee of Gus Fring gained traction, particularly by episode 8, “Point and Shoot.”With both Kim and Jimmy having experienced the fallout from Howard Hamlin’s tragic death, their lives changed irrevocably. The escalating tension made Kim’s potential collaboration with Gus Fring a seemingly reasonable next step.
Under Lalo Salamanca’s command, Kim was ordered to assassinate Gus, setting the stage for a crucial interaction between her and Fring. Given the timeline established in Breaking Bad, viewers anticipated her failure to execute the plan. In a tense moment, Kim found herself disarmed and trapped in Gus’s house as he monitored her actions, hinting at the complexity of her situation.
This scenario presented Gus with an opportunity to manipulate Kim into a subordinate role within his empire. He could leverage her predicament to ensure her compliance, possibly threatening her life or implicating her in Howard’s death, thereby forcing her into a legal pawnship that would secure his drug empire’s secrecy.
A Simpler Explanation for Kim’s Absence During Breaking Bad
Kim’s Life Away from the Spotlight: A Grim Yet Realistic Outcome
In a surprising turn of events, Kim was not employed by Gus Fring but instead returned home with Mike Ehrmantraut. After reuniting with Jimmy, her presence seemed to fade from Gus’s interests as he became fixated on eliminating Lalo Salamanca. The narrative suggested that Gus never considered exploiting Kim, illustrating his focus on other threats.
Ultimately, Better Call Saul opted for a more emotionally resonant conclusion regarding Kim’s character arc. Instead of revealing her as an employee of Gus Fring, the show chose to depict her living under an alias in Florida following a significant split with Jimmy. The harrowing experiences they faced culminated in Kim recognizing that their mutual descent into crime was unsustainable, leading her to leave both him and Albuquerque behind.
This outcome, while less shocking, adhered to the series’ greater commitment to coherent storytelling over mere plot twists. Both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul flourished by focusing on meaningful character development rather than relying on unexpected twists, cementing their legacies in television history.