JimmySee, now I would help Huell myself if I could, but I don't think he's going to wait around a month for me to be reinstated.
You've been selling drop phones? On the street?
Jimmy
Kim, I... I just–if we could... Look, Kim. Here's what I'm thinking. I did a little recon, and the arresting officer, he has a DUI. Eight years ago. And he's been put on desk duty twice. I know he has anger issues, I can attest to it, right? So... We get him... smelling like a distillery and we piss him off in court. Now, he won't take the bait. He will lose his cool in front of the judge. A little stumble in there just for dramatic effect, and I have some thoughts on how to engineer that. But, you get the gist. Next thing you know, case dismissed.
[beat; walks back to her desk and dials a number on her phone] Viola, can you get me case material for Penal Code 34.22, sections 22-27? Yeah, battery on a P.O. Thanks. [hangs up phone]
Jimmy
Great. What's our first move?
I'm not tearing down a cop.
Jimmy
That's okay! You tell me.
I will look into this. I'm not making any promises, but if it is as bad as you say it is... I don't know. Maybe there's something I can do. Maybe.
Jimmy
Thanks, Kim. Listen, I really appreciate it.
Jimmy
[pause] And tell me if there's anything I can do.
[Jimmy spends the night in his nail salon office stressing about his relationship with Kim when Mrs. Nguyen finds him]
NMrs. Nguyen
Leaving now. You stick around?
Jimmy
Oh, yeah. I have—I'll be here a little longer. I'll lock up when I go. Is that alright?
NMrs. Nguyen
[pause] Wife mad at you?
Jimmy
She's not my wife... I don't know.
NMrs. Nguyen
Yeah, she's mad at you. [pours wine into a glass and offers it to Jimmy] Go on. [Jimmy reluctantly takes a sip] You take her to dinner. Nice place with a waiter. Cloth napkin. You bring flowers. You say sorry. Then, say sorry again. Whatever she says, you say sorry.
Jimmy
I think we might be past that.
NMrs. Nguyen
[pause] I'll leave the bottle.
Jimmy
So, what's up?
Nothing... just driving around, thinking about things.
Jimmy
[pause] Listen, Kim. I—I know what's on your mind. The thing that we did: I mean, it was nuts, and I dumped it in your lap. Ex parte communication, contempt of court... I mean what, talking about a couple hundred counts of mail fraud? I could've wrecked you at Schweikart; I could've boned me, too. I mean, I'm this close to being reinstated. I mean, come on. [Kim stares off vacantly] Kim... don't worry. No one's gonna know about it, it'll be like it never happened. And, also, I agree—We are totally done with all that, over and out, no more.
[At Jimmy's reinstatement hearing]
LPLead Panelist
Well, Mr. McGill, is there anything you'd like to tell us about the... reasons you were suspended in the first place?
Jimmy
This past year, that's pretty much been the only thing on my mind, and I'm humbled... by the sheer stupidity of my actions. Remorse doesn't begin to cover it. I'm not gonna make excuses, because there's no excuse for what I did, but as I sit here I can assure you: nothing like that will ever happen again. Never.
LPLead Panelist
Well, alright. That would seem to be satisfactory. [a panelist raises her finger] Oh, Meg? You have something?
MMeg
Mr. McGill, what does the law mean to you?
Jimmy
...The law? [pause] Uh, yeah. Okay, um... Listen, growing up? Becoming a lawyer was the last thing on my mind. Even if I wanted to, I didn't have the smarts or the skills or the... "stick-to-it-iveness." But, I happened to get a job with some attorneys, and I couldn't help but think, "maybe I could do that?" Something inside me made me wanna try. Now, listen: My diploma says the University of American Samoa Law School, and that's exactly what it sounds like–that's a correspondence school. I wish it said Georgetown, heh, or Northwestern... but UAS was the only one that would take me. 'Cause let me tell ya, I wasn't a natural. I mean, the classes, the studying, trying to pass the bar—practically killed me. I must have quit ten or twelve times, but I kept coming back to it, and I'm—I'm really glad I did, because when I got to work with actual clients... there was nothing else like it. Our legal system is complicated, and sometimes it could feel capricious, but it's the closest thing to real justice that we've got! And for it to work, it needs vigorous, passionate advocates. Helping my clients, arguing on their behalf—that's the best thing I've ever done, and this past year... I've missed the hell out of it.
MMeg
...That was very eloquent. Was there any particular influence... on your views?
Jimmy
...Um. Credit where credit is due... the University of American Samoa! Go Land-Crabs!
Jimmy
Kristy! Miss Esposito, hold up. Hey, Jimmy McGill, hi. We met inside.
Jimmy
Hi. You didn't get it. You were never going to get it. They— they dangle these things in front of you, they tell ya you got a chance, but... I'm sorry, it's a lie, because they had already made up their minds, and they knew what they were gonna do before you walked in the door. You made a mistake, and... they are never forgetting it. As far as they're concerned, your mistake is just—it's who you are, and it's all you are. And I'm not just talking about the scholarship here, I'm talking about everything; I mean they'll smile at you, they'll pat you on the head but they are never, ever letting you in. But listen, listen—it doesn't matter. It doesn't, because you don't need them. I mean, they're not going to give it to you? So what? You're gonna take it. You're going to do whatever it takes, do you hear me? You are not going to play by the rules. You're gonna go your own way, you're going to do what they won't do, you're gonna be smart, you are gonna cut corners... and you are gonna win. They're on the 35th floor? You're gonna be on the 50th floor. You're gonna be looking down on 'em, and the higher you rise, the more they're gonna hate you. Good. Good. You rub their noses in it. You make them suffer. Because you don't matter all that much to them... so what? So what?! Screw them! Remember, the winner takes it all.
KKristy
...I've gotta go get my bus.
Jimmy
L-Look, you understand what I'm trying to tell you, right?
KKristy
[pause] Yes. I think I do.
Jimmy
Alright. Alright, go get 'em.
I knew you could do it! I knew you had it in you!
Jimmy
That was so great!
I mean, yes! They–they have to reinstate you now! They just have to!
Jimmy
Uh, yeah! Did you see those suckers? [Kim is stunned] That one asshole was crying, he had actual tears! Jesus, Kim! Listen, I started reading the letter, and I just knew it wasn't... I could tell by their faces it wasn't gonna be enough, right? So I just went off on this flow, you know? I had this energy going through me, it was like improv, or jazz, and then boom! Sunk the hook in! [acts pensive] "I'm so lucky I have this letter." God! I could see the Matrix, you know! I was invincible! I could dodge bullets, baby! And you were right, you were right – it was all about Chuck! The whole time!
CClerk
Oh, Mr. McGill, you're still here. There's some good news.
Jimmy
Believe me, I already know.
CClerk
Oh, good. Then if you want to come with me to the office, there's some paperwork for you to sign.
Jimmy
Absolutely! Let's do this thing! Oh, and sweetheart, I'm gonna need one more form: a DBA. Y'see, I'm not gonna be practicing under the name "McGill", so...
CClerk
Shouldn't be a problem. Just down the hall. We have all the forms.
Jimmy
Great! Great!
W-Wait, Jimmy, Jimmy—What?!
Jimmy
[makes finger guns] S'all good, man!
Jimmy
Listen, I know this seems fast. It is fast, I can see it!
You're changing your name?
Jimmy
No! I–well, yes. For my clients.
You're gonna call yourself, Saul Goodman?
Jimmy
I'm already calling myself Saul Goodman! We've talked about this, that scammers would buy my phones. Sure as shooting, sooner or later, every last one of them is gonna find themselves in the back of a squad car. How do I get them to call Jimmy McGill? I don't! I stay Saul Goodman, they call the guy they already know. I thought I was wasting a year of my life! It wasn't a waste, it was for this! This is it!
Jimmy
Just now! Just back there, just... BOOM! It just hit me! This is the way. Kim, it's gonna work!
Jimmy
I know. All of a sudden, I got it all figured out, but I–I do! This is right! So, I'll get this done, and then we can talk about it, okay? [pause] I mean... unless... Is–Is there something that I'm not seeing here? If you want me to slow my roll, I can come back, and do this another day.
[pause] If this is how you're really feeling...
Jimmy
It is.
Jimmy
Great! Five minutes max!
[Kim talks Jimmy out of offering a discount for Saul Goodman's services]
Jimmy
What I’m thinking is… See, I got almost a full pallet of cell phones left, so why not run a promotion? I’ll make a real event out of it. I’ll give it away, okay? And for added sweetener, limited time only… non-violent felonies, fifty percent off. It’s like, uh… commit four felonies, you get the fifth one free. And there will be friends and family, too, so you can share ‘em around.
Jimmy
Yeah. I mean, it’s just to get people in the door. Once they’re hooked, I will upsell them.
Doesn’t that sound like you’re encouraging these people to commit crimes?
Jimmy
They don’t need encouragement. Believe me. One scoop or two?
Jimmy
[starts serving ice cream bowls] Kim, you don’t know these assholes like I do. Rain or shine, these morons will be out there doing stupid shit and getting arrested for it. Little discount won’t make a bit of difference. You want sprinkles? ‘Cause I’m having sprinkles.
Uh, sure. I’m just wondering how this reflects on you.
Jimmy
[sighs] You know what? When you’re right, you’re right. What am I doing cutting prices? Discount is a desperation move. [pause] See? This is why this works; I go too far, and you pull me back.
Don't you think you're selling yourself short? You worked...so hard to get your license back.
Jimmy
We worked.
"We worked?" So why be...W–Why this?
Jimmy
Heh, it's perfect! They already know me, I know them, what's not to love? [pause] Kim, I can't go back to being Jimmy McGill. [sighs] Jimmy McGill the lawyer is always going to be Chuck McGill's loser brother. I'm done with that. That name is burned. This is a fresh start! This is how I move forward, and... I like it!
[pause] Sorry, I–I just can't see it.
Jimmy
It's okay. You will.
[Jimmy confesses to Kim about his cell phone promotions during an open house]
Jimmy
Hey, you know that "fifty percent off" thing I said I wouldn’t do? Well, I did it. I told a few potential clients. It just kinda slipped out. And don't worry, I know these people. They're not gonna do anything because of some stupid discount, but... it was a bonehead move, and I shouldn’t have done it.
[Jimmy follows Kim upstairs into an empty master bedroom]
Jimmy, I know you were trying to help, but... I don’t want to lie to my clients.
Jimmy
You're talking about the fridge guy? That was a dumb idea.
I mean, all of my clients.
Jimmy
Of course. Absolutely, never again.
[Nacho takes Jimmy to Lalo Salamanca after Krazy-8 is arrested by the DEA. Jimmy watches uncomfortably as Lalo whistles while fixing a car engine and washing his hands.]
Jimmy
Can I talk? I–I'll talk. I have a feeling I know what this is about. Just to get the ball rolling, please keep in mind whatever happened between Mr. Varga and myself... I'm hoping that's just water under the bridge. [to Nacho] 'Cause after all was said and done, you did walk out a free man. I mean, you weren't even in custody for a full day. And I admit, it was a tad bumpy getting there, but the path to justice is rarely smooth. So, I'm hoping that in the end, you know, the final result speaks for itself.
You had business with my cousin, Tuco.
Jimmy
Tuco? [pause] Oh, sure, sure! Yeah, I see the family resemblance. Your cousin makes quite an impression. He has a huge heart, and... a serious passion for justice.
Jimmy
I hadn't noticed. Uh... How is your lovely abuelita?
[pause] You know, Tuco told me about you. You're the guy with a mouth.
Jimmy
Yeah.
[to Nacho] Those guys at the house... what'd they call her?
Biznatch. Yeah, right. [grabs a chair and sits down] You know, the Tuco I know... He would've skinned them alive and let the buzzards eat their eyeballs. But there you were. You go, "Blah-blah-blah," and they walk out of there! [to Nacho] I mean, it's amazing! Really!
Jimmy
They wheeled out actually.
So, Ignacio and I... We got something you can do for us.
Jimmy
Really?
Yeah, we got a legal problem.
Jimmy
Oh! [chuckles] A–A legal problem? Fantastic! I'm sorry, it's just for a minute there, I thought I was gonna be... swallowing condoms filled with heroin.
[laughs] No. But, maybe later.
We have a guy sitting in MDC, picked up two days ago.
Jimmy
Picked up for what?
Yeah, we'll get to that. We need our friend to tell the cops things. Some important things.
Jimmy
Important things, gotcha.
We want him to say exactly what we tell him. No more, no less. But the cops can't know it's coming from us. So, we send you in there... you tell him how to do it, and they can't listen.
Attorney-client confidentiality.
Jimmy
[pause] Uh... that's flattering. Uh... Can I offer... [takes out disposable cell phone] this? I guarantee there are five of these in MDC right now. You know, drop phones in, say, someone's "prison wallet", if you know what I'm talking about. Anyway, you talk directly to your guy. Cut out the middle man.
It works better if you're in there with him.
[gets up from chair] You're the guy for this.
Jimmy
That's just... That's... terrific, that's the only word for it. By good conscience, I think I have to warn you that my rates have gone up. So going this way could be expensive.
Jimmy
Expensive. I–I mean...
Jimmy
Yeah, um... Well, it's a full day of my time, and prep work, transportation, rush fees. Uh... do the math, it's like seven thousand... eight–nine–hundred, and twenty-five dollars? Yeah.
Seven thousand, nine hundred and twenty-five?
Jimmy
It's the going rate, so...
Sure. [takes out cash from back pocket] For your trouble, let's make it eight.
[Jimmy and Nacho watch Lalo do several victory laps after Jimmy gets Krazy-8 out of trouble with the DEA. Eventually, Lalo gets out of his car.]
WOO-HOO! You hear that?! I replaced the carburetor. She's running like a race horse, man!
Jimmy
It's a fine vehicle. That's a thing of beauty.
Jimmy
An Esteem.
Jimmy
A Suzuki Esteem. It's an import.
Jimmy
So, just like you wanted. Assuming the dead drops are a real thing, the feds are gonna be on him.
Jimmy
Yeah. DEA. There's a matched pair of them, and they're into this with a vengeance. I mean, think feeding time in the lion cage. And, um... they're gunning for arrests.
Jimmy
[pause] Oh, and... your guy is now a confidential informant.
What do you mean? Like a rat?
Jimmy
No! He's not a rat, no! I mean–well, if he's a rat, he's your rat. So... Uh, put it this way. You now have a hotline to the DEA. And not just now–any time, so that's a good thing. Right? But the deal is, at some point, you might hear that Domingo is a snitch. You gotta know... he's not.
Jimmy
Well, all due respect, you're paying me, but he's my client. I'd like to keep him alive.
[laughs; in Spanish] This dude. Good idea.
Jimmy
[as Lalo walks away] Oh, one more thing. You're gonna have to find a different attorney for future endeavors, 'cause my schedule is just very, very tight.
[pause] You'll make time.
[Lalo gets in his car and drives off]
Jimmy
[to Nacho] Who exactly did I just set up?!
Jimmy
I mean, if there's gonna be blowback, I don't wanna be in the middle of it!
It's not about what you want. When you're in... you're in.
So... Saul Goodman. Am I allowed to call you Jimmy?
Jimmy
Uh, Saul Goodman is my professional name, but my friends still call me Jimmy. You can, too.
Well, tell me about Saul Goodman.
Jimmy
What do you mean?
Well, what I mean is... If he's not Jimmy McGill, who is he? What's he about?
Jimmy
Hmm, well... [pause] Saul Goodman is, uh, he's the last line of defense for the little guy. You're getting sold down the river, he's a life raft. You're getting stepped on, he's a sharp stick. You got Goliath on your back, Saul's the guy with the slingshot. He's a righter of wrongs, he's a friend to the friendless. That's Saul Goodman.
Wow. [pause] Couldn't Jimmy McGill do all that?
Jimmy
Maybe he could, but Saul Goodman is.
Jimmy
You do?
Yeah. I understand why you changed your name.
Jimmy
Is that right?
Hamlin Hamlin McGill did you wrong. Your name is a part of that firm, now it's tainted. We took your legacy away from you.
Jimmy
If you say so, Howard.
No, I've been thinking about this a lot. And you know what? We should've hired you.
Jimmy
Don't worry about it. That's ancient history.
You deserved a shot. And I could've given it to you... when you got barred, or when you brought us Sandpiper. Both times, I should've shown some backbone. It would've been the right thing to do.
Jimmy
Well, I am glad you had this cleansing moment of clarity, Howard. Good for you.
Let me be clear: I'm not interested in yesterday. I missed an opportunity with you, and I think it’s time to correct that. [pause] I'd like you to come work at HHM.
Jimmy
[clears his throat and sips his drink] You want me to work with you after all the shit that’s happened between us?
Well, as far as I’m concerned, that's between you and Chuck.
Jimmy
...Hey, look. Before you offer me a job, you might wanna call your buddy, Cliff Main. He’d have a unique perspective on employing me.
This isn’t a "spur of the moment" decision, Jimmy. I have been considering this for a while. [pause] At the scholarship committee, you spoke about that young woman.
Jimmy
Kristy Esposito?
Yes, Kristy. You stood up for her. And that got me thinking about judgment... and honesty. [chuckles] And when you kicked my ass last year. [shrugs] You weren't wrong. You say what you mean.
Jimmy
Listen, if you don't want to be surrounded by liars, Howard, you might be in the wrong profession.
Look, it’s simple for me. You’re smart, you’re scrappy. You’re a go-getter. You don’t wait for things to happen, you make them happen. HHM is growing again and could use someone like you. I could use you... Charlie Hustle.
Jimmy
...Howard, I–
You don’t have to answer right now. Let’s just enjoy lunch... but do me a favor. Live with it for a bit, okay?
JCJudge Chapak
Your witness, Mr. Goodman?
Jimmy
Thank you for coming in today, Mr. Harkness. I just wanna clarify a few things from your testimony if that's okay.
Jimmy
So, you were working at the Sandia Mart the night of the 30th. Is that correct?
HHarkness
Got in at noon, left at midnight.
Jimmy
That's a long day. Good for you. Nothing wrong with a hard day's work. So, you say a man came in, and he reached across the counter, and quote, "He grabbed up the money from my register, and run off."
Jimmy
And there was no one else in the store?
HHarkness
Not at that time, no.
Jimmy
And since the camera system wasn't working at the time, you're the only one who saw the perpetrator.
HHarkness
Yeah, I guess so.
Jimmy
[pause; looks at Kim briefly] Yeah. So, this person came in, and bought something.
HHarkness
I think it was an Almond Joy.
Jimmy
Bought an Almond Joy, and when you rang them up, that's when they snatched the cash from the register. Sounds like it happened pretty fast, but you say you got a good look at him. Correct?
Jimmy
You must drink stronger coffee than I do, 'cause after eleven hours on the job, I can barely see straight. [to the jury] And it was dark out!
HHarkness
Well, he's the only guy that came in that night. It wasn't made up like a... bat or a cat or whatever the hell those guys are. And he was right up in my face.
Jimmy
Right in your face. And according to your testimony, you feel confident that you can identify this person. That's what you're saying.
HHarkness
I can. Absolutely. [points at defendant offscreen] It's him. Your client.
Jimmy
Are you sure that's the person? There's no doubt in your mind? Take your time!
HHarkness
I don't need time. That's him!
Jimmy
Now would you be surprised to learn, Mr. Harkness, that the person you just pointed to is not the defendant?
Jimmy
My client is in the back of the courtroom. Mr. Sakey, would you please stand up?
[A bearded man resembling Jimmy's "defendant" stands up]
Jimmy
The person you ID'd is named Hollis Early. He's a bartender down in Belen. He has a very good alibi for the night in question.
LLawler
Your Honor, objection!
JCJudge Chapak
Oh, Mr. Goodman! Really?!
Jimmy
You didn't recognize him either, Your Honor.
[Jimmy visits Acker on Kim's behalf after she fails to convince Acker to leave his house]
AAcker
Who the hell are you?
Jimmy
[puts foot near door as Acker tries to close it] Mr. Acker, my name is Saul Goodman. I am an attorney...
AAcker
I've had up to here with you Mesa Verde scumbags! Get bent!
Jimmy
No, I'm not representing Mesa Verde! In fact, I'd like to represent you, sir!
AAcker
I don't need a lawyer! I don't want a lawyer, and nothing you can say is gonna change my mind! Now move your damn foot!
Jimmy
[takes out photo from pocket] Sir, if you would just... Please, just take a look at my proposal! Okay? Because I think you'll find it pretty persuasive!
Jimmy
Just look at it, sir! Just look at it. Look, what do you see?
AAcker
[pause] A man... fucking a horse.
Jimmy
Sir, I hate Mesa Verde. I hate them! Looking down at us from their glass tower, they think they can shit on whoever they want! And we just have to smile and say, "Thank you?!" Picture me as the man, and Mesa Verde as the horse. I'm the guy who'll do whatever it takes to stick it to them! [beat; Acker stares at Jimmy]
[Jimmy leaves Acker's house]
Jimmy
[to Kim on the phone] Guess who's got a new client in Tucumcari?
Jimmy
That's right. Put some beers on ice. We'll celebrate when I get back from the hinterlands.
Yes! That's the best news I've heard all day! How the hell did you convince him?
Jimmy
Uh... Visual aids. You'd be surprised what you can find on that internet.
Better Call Saul · 283 quotes
