You have meddled with the primal forces of nature, Mr. Hamlin, AND I WON’T HAVE IT!
BBrenda
[over the speaker phone] Do you want me to call security?
KimIt’s okay, Brenda. We got it.
[to the other HHM partners] Hey, Jack. Hey, Nate. Hey, Aaron.
What can we do for you, Jimmy?
I'm sorry. It’s... It’s this table. [walks to where Howard is sitting and shows him a ripped-up check] You can tell me what this $26,000 is supposed to be for.
That’s money for Chuck. Isn’t that what you wanted?
A measly 26 grand? [scoffs] Jesus, you’re like Peter Minuit with the Indians. Throw in some beads and shells while you’re at it.
It's just a start, there'll be more. [pause] Unless you’re just gonna tear them all up.
And why was it made out to me? Why not Chuck?
Can he make his way to the bank? [pause] I just assumed it was best to have the money go through you. We can do it any way you want.
This isn’t going away, Howard. What Chuck did for this firm–and damn near single-handedly, one-third of this place–belongs to him. What do you got, twelve chairs here? Four of these chairs are Chuck's. [points at table lamps] You got five of these light thingamajigs? One and two-thirds are Chuck's! Yeah, six... How many danishes, six danishes?
You can have all the danishes you want, Jimmy.
No, no! They’re Chuck’s danishes! And he isn’t greedy, so he’ll just take two... plus $17 million. In that ballpark. I mean, we’ll know once we get the accountants poking around here. Until then, no penny ante checks trying to make it look like Chuck still works here. He doesn’t. He never will again. It’s time to do right by him and cash him out.
So these are Chuck’s own wishes that you’re conveying?
This is what's best for him.
So he personally told you that it’s his wish to withdraw from the firm? [beat] See, that would surprise me.
It's been nearly a year since he stepped foot in here. I’m just doing what’s in his best interest.
So am I. And I, for one, believe he’s gonna lick this thing. Until then, his office is just how he left it. His secretary’s still on payroll. If Chuck can call this an extended sabbatical, then so can we. He’s that important to us.
You know what? Let’s let a jury figure it out. [sighs; sarcastically] They’re gonna love you, Howard. You’re so down to earth! And relatable!
[Jimmy turns to leave the conference room, but turns around]
AND YOU... WILL... ATONE! [pause; everyone stares at Jimmy] It’s Ned Beatty from Network. For Christ’s sake, guys. [walks out]
I called the Kettlemans after I hung up with you, I gave them a warning call.
Kim
A warning call?
Yeah, I was worried that my guy Varga was going after their money. And he was. He was gonna rip them off. I deduced it from a conversation that we had. It was lawyer to client, so there was, you know, confidentiality issues. But I called the Kettlemans anonymously to warm them.
Kim
Anonymously? You didn’t – Oh, god, you didn’t–you didn’t do the sex-robot voice, did you?
I did, with the tube and whole thing, which probably scared the living shit out of them, and they took off, which, you know, file that under “unintended consequence,” but you–you believe me now?
Kim
Um...
Great. Now we have to find them. I mean—Or better yet, get the cops to let Varga go because right now my ass is on the highway to the danger zone.
Kim
Well, why are you in danger?
Nacho Varga, he didn’t kidnap the family. But he’s a bad guy. He’s a very bad guy. And if the cops keep pushing him, they’re gonna find something. And when that happens, Nacho blames me, and then his guys turn me into a meat piñata.
Kim
Jimmy, tell the police.
No, there’s–there’s no way I’m gonna rat on this guy. I will never be safe. No, I have to convince the cops that I’m right, get them to stop looking at Nacho, and catch the Kettlemans on the run.
Kim
And if they never catch them?
The Kettlemans? Well, you have met these people, right? They’re–They’re not exactly masterminds, right? They will be caught if the cops are looking for them. So tell them to, would you? The FBI, too. I heard they’re getting in on this.
Kim
Why would the FBI listen to me?
Well, Hamlin—They’ll listen to him, right? APD, at least. You–You talk to Howard. You explain things to him. He has clout with these people. [Kim sighs] What? Is–Is that a no or...
Kim
Hamlin will never agree to it. The Kettlemans are our clients. This would mean incriminating them.
Oh, you–you see? That’s why people hate lawyers.
Kim
It’s Hamlin’s call, and Hamlin will never agree. And even if it were up to me, you know I couldn’t. I’m sorry. I just...
I get it. [turns and leaves]
Kim
Where are you going?
I’m gonna go talk to Nacho. I’ll try to make him see reason. To beg!
[During a salon visit, Kim hands Jimmy a cease-and-desist from HHM due to his billboard]
Kim
Well, his head didn't actually explode, but y'know, pretty damn pissed. Like, "this won't end well for you" pissed.
Kim
Jimmy. This is serious.
Kim
Do you? I mean, what the hell is with that billboard? I know you have a problem with Hamlin, but I–I just don't get your angle here. Aren't you trying to build your own law practice? Instead, you're spending God knows how much money turning yourself into a little Hamlin clone. I mean, why are you making this personal?
Kim
It is so personal. It is completely and totally personal.
No, no, no, it's not, nope.
Kim
Yes! Yes, it—Stop trying to pretend.
I can advertise, can't I? What, do I have to clear everything past the great Howard?
Kim
Yes, you can advertise, Jimmy. All you want. That billboard is not advertising, that is a declaration of war.
Kim
It's right at Hamlin's exit! You know he drives by it everyday!
It's business. I'm building a brand.
Kim
You're ripping off a brand. There is nothing original in that ad. It certainly doesn't represent Jimmy McGill.
Hey. Alright, now he fired the first shot. Okay? Trying to keep me from using my name? My own name, Kim?
Kim
I get that... but this? You're better that this.
Kim
Yes.
I'm better than this?! I'M BE—?
Kim
You are!
Well, you're better than that schmuck, Hamlin!
Kim
Oh, come on, Jimmy...
You could work anywhere! You could be somewhere they appreciate you. You know? Where they see how valuable you are. Where, I dunno, maybe they care about you?! [pause] Forget it, okay? If Hamlin wants to come after me, he knows where I am. I'll be ready, guns blazing.
The partners have made a decision and the why is not your concern.
Kim
I think it is my concern.
Kim
Because he's my friend. And the way I see it, you're not treating him fairly.
Kim
I don't know what image you have of him, past or present, or whatever he did or said, but Jimmy is a good lawyer. And he works very hard.
Did your friend send you in here to say that?
Kim
No. I'm saying it because I believe it.
Well, duly noted. Want to know what I believe? I believe that you're way out of your depth in this matter. So the next time that you want to come in here and tell me what I'm doing wrong, you are welcome to keep it to yourself. Because I don't care.
KKen
My name's Ken, by the way.
KKen
Cool, Viktor with a K. [gestures to Kim] And this lovely lady is?
Kim
[hesitantly] It's Giselle. Giselle Saint Claire.
KKen
Ah, lovely. Please, sit, I won't bite. [Kim sits down] So, Viktor with a K and Giselle, exotic names.
?"Giselle"
Well, Boer, to be precise. Our father's side of the family is from South Africa... which is where Uncle Humphrey passed away.
KKen
South Africa, they grow them beautiful down there, right? Charlize Theron... and you.
?"Giselle"
Oh, well... I've never actually been, but hope to go someday.
KKen
Tell you what: By the time I'm done with you two, you might be taking your own private jet.
KKen
[to waiter] Excuse me, hi. We're sitting here now, so we could use a wine list, if you get a chance—
?"Viktor"
Hey, uh, are you a tequila fan?
KKen
Yes. [to Kim] You down for that?
?"Giselle"
...You ever try Zafiro Añejo?
KKen
No, I have not, but I'm down for whatever. Three of whatever she just said.
[Later that night, they've finished the entire bottle of Zafiro Añejo. The waiter hands them the bottle's cork]
WWaiter
Compliments of the bartender. She thought you might want a souvenir.
?"Giselle"
Oh, my God. Did we drink the entire bottle?
KKen
Not yet we haven't. Hey, cheers! [downs a shot]
?"Giselle"
I think we're ready for the check.
KKen
No, really, it's a smart way to go.
?"Giselle"
Okay, but...so to be clear, you take the money directly from our account and invest it—
?"Giselle"
Diversify it, and then all the dividends and all the profits and the what-have-you comes back directly into our account.
KKen
Boom. Absolutely. And you'll get a detailed statement showing how much your money is growing, biggest bulls of the month, etcetera.
?"Viktor"
Ken, buddy... let's do this.
[They sign the contract when the bill comes. Ken snatches it out of Jimmy's hand]
KKen
Whoops, I got that! Can't let you do it, son.
?"Viktor"
Wait, what—Ken. You are the greatest. Thank you.
KKen
No problemo. Hey, this'll be the best decision you'll ever make.
?"Viktor"
Oh, I believe it. Alright, well, we should get out of your hair.
?"Giselle"
Yeah. [Jimmy and Kim get out of the booth]
KKen
Wait! [tears out a piece of paper] This is for you. Now, that's got all my contact info. Call me anytime with questions, or anything at all.
?"Viktor"
Try and stop us!
[Kim and Jimmy throw it away as they leave the bar]
[Jimmy watches Kim get ready for work the morning after their scam]
Hey, wouldn't it be great if we could do that every night?
Kim
Yes, it would... but we can't.
I know. Yeah. But I'm just saying, if we could, it would be great. But I know we can't.
Kim
Oh, crap, I can't be late today. Howard is doling out assignments and the last one through the door could get stuck in doc review. [beat] You got somewhere to go?
Yeah. Uh, yeah, I got somewhere.
Kim
...You good?
Kim
Look, I need you to understand something very critical here.
Kim
I put myself on the line to get you this job.
Okay, I thought it was because I'm sensational with old people.
Kim
Yeah, and who do you think told them that?
So what, you threw me a bone?
Kim
No. Asshole. You know I believe in you... but then I made my beliefs known to them, and now everything you do reflects back on me with Howard, 'cause ultimately I talked him into going out on a limb for you too. Do you understand? It's- it's my word, it's my judgement.
Kim
You and I both know you can do this job... [Jimmy frowns] but please, you just have to do it right.
[Jimmy takes a phone call from Cliff after the broadcast of the commercial.]
Kim
At this hour?
It's never too late for a congratulations. [picks up phone] Cliff! Jesus, you're still at the office.
Yeah. And oh my God, let me tell you, the response has been–
You ran a commercial without ever showing it to me, without first consulting me and my partners! Did you actually think that was going to fly?!
I was planning on telling you in the morning.
I only ran it once, just in one small market. It was kind of an experiment, all right? Kind of under the radar. And in all fairness, you did tell me client outreach was my department.
Don't be disingenuous. This commercial, I take it my firm's name is mentioned?
Jesus. Howard said you were a little eccentric. He didn't tell me you were a goddamn arsonist!
Cliff, to be fair, I don't think... I apologize if there was any misreading of the situation on my part, but there's a very positive headline here. We got 103 phone calls today, off a measly $700 ad buy. Now, that kind of return on investment you can't get–
Tomorrow morning. Eight o'clock, my office, with the partners, and we want to see this thing!
Cliff, when you see this, I know you–
[Cliff hangs up on Jimmy. Jimmy pretends he's still on the phone with Cliff as he walks back into the living room.]
Yeah, Cliff. Thank you... Yeah, you too... Okay, see ya.
Kim
Golden boy.
[Kim has been called to a meeting with Howard and Chuck over Jimmy's unapproved TV commercial]
It's a simple question, Kim: Did you or did you not know about this commercial?
Kim
I—Yes. He showed it to—
Kim
Yes. A few days ago.
And you didn't say anything, to anyone?
Kim
No. I didn't.
You didn't think I deserved a heads-up?
Kim
I didn't realize—At the time, I didn't think it was necessary.
Well, you were wrong about that. We were caught flat-footed in front of our co-counsel, which I don't need to tell you does not reflect well on HHM. Or on you. [long pause] That will be all. You can go.
[Kim leaves the conference room]
[Jimmy visits Kim in the basement of HHM, where she has been demoted to document review again.]
Kim
Wexler v. Hamlin Hamlin McGill. You want me to sue my own firm?
Filing's all typed up, it's ready to go. This is not my area of expertise, alright? So, first order of business: we get a great employment law attorney, show 'em we mean business. [Kim rubs her face in frustration] Come on! Hey, look at you, okay? You're here at midnight in this glorified cellblock, busting your ass, for what? It has nothing to do with your performance. You're being mistreated. Chuck is punishing you to get to me! This is extortion, pure and simple.
Kim
No, that's Howard, who has an image to uphold. He did the same thing after the Kettleman fiasco, and Chuck was nowhere in sight.
...I'm telling you, Chuck is behind this.
Kim
No, you are behind this. I told you this would happen, and now I'm paying the price. I should have known better. So now, I'm keeping my head down and I'm getting through this, and I'm most certainly not suing HHM.
Kim
Even if I won, who would hire me? That would be career suicide.
All right. Then I quit Davis & Main.
Kim
What does that accomplish?
It's the only way to get you out of dutch. Because this is about Chuck, whether you want to believe it or not. I give him what he wants, he lets up on you.
Kim
Wow, my knight in shining armor. That is some sacrifice, quitting a job that you've been trying to tank since day one.
Kim
I dig myself out of this hole. You do your job, Jimmy. Prove you can go one week— hell, one day without breaking the rules of the New Mexico Bar Association or pissing off your boss, and don't insult my intelligence by saying you are doing any of this for me. You don't save me. I save me.
Kim
Do I have a future at this firm?
We have a lot in common, you and I. My brother left you holding the bag. If it makes you feel any better, you're not the first person to go out on a limb for him. I made the same mistake, over and over again... and now Howard has, and he blames you. A damn mess. Jimmy ever tell you anything about our father?
Kim
Not much, no.
My dad—our dad—he was... well, the personification of good. I'm not sure he could even see sin, in any form. Like he was born without the gene. He ran a little corner store in Cicero. Cigarettes behind the counter, penny candy. Nothing special, but it kept food on the table, and the neighborhood loved Dad. He knew everybody's name, what was going on in their lives. Just a little corner. He made it better. I was named after him. Before that, he worked for a lot of people over the years and his dream was to be his own boss. Put everything he had into that place. I was away at college when he put Jimmy to work there. Jimmy grew up in that store, watching our father... but Dad was not the world's greatest businessman, and eventually he ran into money troubles. I had a clerkship at the time, but I came home to help him get his books in order. Set the ship straight. Now, I'm no accountant, but I discovered $14,000 was just gone. Vanished over the years. Turns out Jimmy had pilfered it in dribs and drabs, just took it out of the till. My dad wouldn't hear it. Nope, not his Jimmy. He ended up having to sell. Six months later, he was dead. At the funeral, no one cried harder than Jimmy. My brother is not a bad person. He has a good heart. It's just he can't help himself... and everyone's left picking up the pieces.
[Rich Schweikart invites Kim for lunch after seeing her argue an unwinnable motion in court]
I have to say, watching you in court today. It sure did bring back some old memories for me. One in particular, anyway.
Kim
Yeah?
I was a year out of law school at this firm in Boston, and I was finally out on my first big case: this huge employment discrimination suit, that thing kept us in billing for a decade. Anyway, we landed this monster, and I find out I'm second chair to one of the partners on the preliminary hearing. And I think, "This is it. This is what will define the rest of my career." So, the hearing's getting closer and closer - I even get this new suit that I can't afford, I split it over three credit cards. I'm probably still paying it off to this day. So, I go in bright and early. I'm wearing my new suit, prepping my table, and in walks the opposing counsel. There's four of them: one senior partner and three high-level associates. These guys have been litigating longer than I've been alive, but I think: "Ehhh, I'm good. I got my boss coming, it'll be fine." So I'm sitting alone at my table, waiting for my boss to show, and I'm waiting... and I'm waiting... and then suddenly, they're calling us to order, and I realize that no one from my firm is coming—it's just me. So I think, "Alright then, this is the moment!", and I get up there and I argue like my life depended on it. I'm sweating, and I'm arguing statutes left and right, and I'm doing okay, respectable. But I'm just a BB gun to these four howitzers... and I lose, of course. It was inevitable... but later it hit me... that my boss never intended to show. And they laughed about it; they patted me on the back, said it was my trial by fire, and I laughed with them, but y'know, it never really sat well with me. You want them to have your back. Because at the end of the day, it wasn't about proving my mettle - my boss had a tee time he didn't want to miss. I wasn't there long.
Kim
...Could I ask why we are here?
You know, I've had my eye on you for a while. Since that Kettleman thing. It was an excellent deal you got for them, and I'm wondering... why someone who can put together a deal like that is arguing a losing position with no backup.
Kim
I have no complaints about HHM.
That's great. However, if on the off chance that you're pondering a change, Schweikart & Cokely would be more than happy to put your talents to good use.
Kim
Uh—
Of course, we'd have to have a more formal meeting, work out specifics, but we think you would be a great fit.
Kim
Well, I'm flattered, but there's clearly an ethical issue here.
Well, of course, we'd take you off Sandpiper, and rest assured - we wouldn't be expecting any information about HHM's strategy. Look, we're a large, diversified firm; just think what you could do with our resources, and the freedom to really spread your wings.
Kim
[beat] That's... I owe a lot to HHM.
Your tuition debt? We can take care of that.
Kim
That's very generous.
Well, give it some time to think about it. You give me a call and we'll set up a meeting with the rest of the senior partners, and to be clear... we're talking partner track.
Kim
I... I had a job offer.
Kim
Schweikart & Cokely.
Kim
Rich Schweikart said they would even pay off my law school loans.
That's great! Please let me be there when you tell Howard. Please? [Kim looks away] So why the sad puppy eyes? What, you don't want that job?
Kim
No, no, of course I do... I mean, who wouldn't, right?
It's a huge firm, you get out from under Howard's thumb...
Kim
Right. Exactly. Besides, HHM is looking more and more like a dead-end for me, anyway.
Exactly! So what's the problem?
Kim
I just... I don't know. I keep thinking of you floating in that pool. You knew what you wanted, but I got in the way.
What are you talking about?
Kim
You took the Davis & Main job because of me.
I took that job because it was the right decision. A steady paycheck? Done. A place to live that's more than oh, five square feet? Boom. A car that's all one color? Nailed it! I'm good, I got what I wanted. And you with the Schweikart thing, you could have everything you ever wanted! What's not to love about that?
Kim
Yeah... what's not to love?
Better Call Saul · 283 quotes
