Kim Wexler quotes from Better Call Saul

Kim

I could've killed someone, Jimmy.

Jimmy

Yeah, yourself.

Kim

I worked most of last week on maybe six hours of sleep, and then I... I crossed three lanes of traffic and I don't remember any of it.

Jimmy

Look, you were just doing what you thought you had to do... because of me.

Kim

You didn't make me get in that car. That was all me. I'm an adult, I made a choice.

Jimmy

[pause] Hey. All I can say is... I am gonna fix things.

Jimmy

So...?

Kim

[holding back emotion] He says it started in the living room. Somehow one of the lanterns was knocked over, and then... [beat] The inspector says it was over fast. Smoke inhalation. So he didn't suffer.

Jimmy

Yeah, they're gonna say that. Did you see the backyard? [Kim shakes her head] His microwave, his stereo, uh, the lights, dishwasher, all—all the kitchen stuff—everything electric is back there. The firemen didn't do that. He did that. [sighs] I saw him five days ago. He was listening to jazz, all the lights worked. He was himself. Something must have happened. Something made him relapse.

Howard

I-I think I owe you the truth about Chuck. Those lanterns. He was living in that house without electricity for the better part of two years. He knew how to use those lanterns. He was careful, I saw it, I know you did too. There was never a problem. I know it's a terrible thing to... [pause] I don't think what happened was an accident.

Howard

You probably heard Chuck was retiring from HHM. But that's not the truth. The truth is that we had a disagreement, and I pushed him out. I made him go.

Kim

Chuck was sick for years. And after the bar hearing—

Howard

The bar hearing had nothing to do with it.

Kim

Okay.

Howard

The fact is, he started getting better after that. He took more of an interest in the firm, he came to work, we could leave the lights on. He was improving until the thing with the insurance, so i-it wasn't the bar hearing.

Jimmy

The insurance?

Howard

It was a ridiculous thing. I should have just let it go. I mean, God knows he's done enough for me. But he kept pushing, and I, um, I got my back up.

Jimmy

What about the insurance?

Howard

It was, uh, our malpractice insurance. They found out about Chuck's condition, raised our rates. Chuck went ballistic. He wanted to go to war. I drew a line. He wouldn't back down, so I forced him out. Never occurred to me that I could hurt him. He always seemed so strong. But he wasn't. I think he did what he did because of me.

Jimmy

[pause] Well, Howard, I guess that's your cross to bear.

Kim

I just, uh... I just had to know—What were you thinking?

Howard

About?

Kim

What were you thinking when you came to Jimmy on the day of his brother's funeral and laid that shit on him? That Chuck killed himself? What's wrong with you?

Howard

I-I thought... I thought I owed it to Jimmy, to tell him.

Kim

"Owed it to him?" Did you owe it to Rebecca? You tell her your theory? That Chuck intentionally set himself on fire? [pause; Howard doesn't answer] Well, I guess not. I guess you just saved that one for Jimmy.

Howard

Kim, I didn't do it to hurt Jimmy—

Kim

No, you did it to make yourself feel better.

Howard

That—That's not what I was trying to do—

Kim

To make yourself feel better by unloading your guilt. Who cares what it does to Jimmy, right? As long as Howard Hamlin is okay.

Howard

Kim, I don't think that's fair—

Kim

FAIR?! Let's talk about fair! "Hey, let's let Jimmy dig around the fire-damaged wreck where his brother died SCREAMING! And then, let's let him pick up a keepsake or two!" That is so, so fair! And did I hear you right? You want him to serve on the board of a scholarship committee?! A scholarship that Chuck never in a million years would've given to Jimmy! Never! It is just, I mean— [picks up an envelope containing a personal letter from Chuck to Jimmy] Oh, what's this too, Howard? What's in this? One last "screw you, little brother" from beyond the grave? Am I really supposed to do this to him?!

Howard

Alright, Kim. What can I do to make it better?

Kim

Nothing. There is nothing you can do. Just stay away.

Kim

Um, this is... It's from Chuck. Nobody knows for sure what's in it. You don't have to open it right now, but...

Jimmy

Let's see what the old boy has to say.

Kim

O-Okay. I'll give you minute, um...

Jimmy

No, no. Stay. It's fine. And, uh, you want to hear this, right?

Kim

Yeah. If it's okay.

Jimmy

It's undated. Okay, here it goes: "Dear Jimmy, I have left many things unsaid in our relationship through the years. Rather than allow—allow these unspoken thoughts to die with me, I've chosen to record them here for you. I hope you will take my words in the spirit in which they are intended." New paragraph. "I remember quite clearly the day you came home from the hospital. You can't imagine the joy on Mom's face. I can honestly say I never saw her happier than she was on that day. You brought a shine to her life that nothing else ever did, and I'm glad of that." New paragraph. "We have not always seen eye to eye. I expect it will continue to be so in the future. However, nothing will ever change the fact that we are brothers, flesh and blood. Although we are very different people, I want you to know how much I respect what you have made of yourself in these last few years. You have taken the opportunity I gave you in the mailroom and you have run with it, becoming a valued member of the HHM family. For all the problems in your past, I'm proud we share the name McGill. I sincerely admire your energy and resilience. I used to worry about you finding a place in the world, but I'm not worried about that anymore. I'm certain now that no matter what the future may bring you'll land on your feet, and I hope when you read this, you remember me not only as your brother, but a person you knew was always in your corner." Signed just "Chuck." Well, say what you want, the man could write a letter.

Kim

S-Sorry...

Jimmy

Hey.

Kim

No, I did–I didn't mean to make it–

Jimmy

No, it's okay, it's okay. It's a nice letter. Hey...

Kim

No, just... just... just give me... just give me a minute...

Are you researching something?

Kim

No, Your Honor.

Then you—you're working on your procedure?

Kim

Just... observing.

Hmm... uh, so Howard Hamlin's fine with one of his associates just sitting around my court all day, whiling away the billable hours?

Kim

Actually, I left HHM. I'm a solo practitioner now.

No kidding? Field?

Kim

Mainly, banking.

How's business?

Kim

Pretty good. I'm outside counsel for Mesa Verde.

Mesa Verde. [stares at Kim] You know, I heard about a case. I think you might be the right person for it... Interested?

Kim

Oh, of course!

I can't share all the details just yet, but I can give you broad strokes. There's a young woman—into her early twenties, pregnant with her first child, nearing the end of term—healthy as a horse. She develops a complication. She goes to the hospital for delivery, and there's a mistake with the anesthesia. She aspirates vomitus into her oxygen mask, stops breathing. The baby's delivered fine, but the young mother suffers serious brain damage; she's left comatose on a respirator. The family is, naturally, devastated... and they're broke, so they have no way to pay for the young lady's care. And to make matters worse, the hospital refuses to take responsibility, and they've hired one of the most expensive firms in the state.

Kim

This is the plot of The Verdict.

Yes, of course it is! Because movies are the only places where those once-in-a-lifetime cases exist! You know what I got coming up next? I got a janitor who threw his pee on his boss. The one after that, [checks papers] she stabbed her boyfriend over a grilled cheese sandwich. This is the real world, Ms. Wexler, and you won't find any save-the-broken-lawyer cases in it. Don't think that you are the first to try to rediscover their love of the law by trolling my court—You're not. The best thing you can do is stick to Mesa Verde: Make lots of money, give some to charity. [pause] Having said that, we've got perpetual PD overload. So beware: Next time I see you lurking in my court, I'm gonna put you to work.

Kim

Understood.

Good luck to you.

Kim

Thank you, Your Honor.

Kim

Hey, there.

Jimmy

Heeeeey... Giselle.

Kim

[chuckles] I was thinking we could just be Kim and Jimmy today.

Jimmy

Uh, okay. Those two aren't all bad.

Kim

Rumors and hearsay. How's work?

Jimmy

It is a job... and how about you? Work's good?

Kim

Yeah! Actually, I have news. Good news—Great news, really. It could change things for Wexler-McGill, but... I met with Rich Schweikart today.

Jimmy

Really?

Kim

Yeah... Well, y'know, they took on Gatwood, so I've been meaning to follow up, and... anyway, we were talking and he offered me a job.

Jimmy

Again? What, he can't take no for an answer?

Kim

They want me to run their banking division. Build it, really.

Jimmy

...You're not seriously considering it?

Kim

I'd be coming in as a partner.

Jimmy

But I thought things were going okay with Mesa Verde since, uh—

Kim

Yeah, they are! They were... my workload has gotten a lot more complicated lately. I've been taking on some pro bono work: Overflow from the public defender's office.

Jimmy

PD overflow? When did you-? Why?

Kim

...I like it. I'm good at it. And...I'm helping people, Jimmy. And I know that sounds cheesy, it's-it's whatever, but it's the truth.

Jimmy

No! It, uh, makes a lot of sense. [pause] I have been thinking about criminal law myself, lately. Y'know, for when I get my license back.

Kim

Really?

Jimmy

Yeah. You know, like you said, y'know, you're helping people. I'm thinking an office in one of these refurbished bungalows, downtown by the courts. Y'know, stick around where all the people who need help are... Boy, it has a nice ring to it now. Wexler-McGill, criminal law.

Kim

[hesitantly] That all sounds great. The thing is...if I go to Schweikart & Cokely, I have all those associates to help cover Mesa Verde. It’ll keep paying the bills and free me up to do the work I really care about.

Jimmy

...So, you'd kinda get to have your cake and eat it, too.

Kim

Kind of, yeah.

Jimmy

[sighs] I'll be right back.

Kim

No, Jimmy—

Jimmy

What? I-No, I just-I gotta hit the head!

Jimmy

I say do it. It's a great opportunity, and you should jump on it.

Kim

You mean that?

Jimmy

Yeah. Kim, you gotta do what's best for you.

Kim

You sure?

Jimmy

Yes. I can't ask you to wait around for me... and who knows? Ten months—a lot can happen.

Kim

Yeah. Yeah, who knows.

Jimmy

Yeah. So, to Schweikart and Cokely... and Wexler.

Jimmy

See, 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.

Kim

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.

Kim

[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?

Kim

I'm not tearing down a cop.

Jimmy

That's okay! You tell me.

Kim

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.

Kim

Okay.

Jimmy

[pause] And tell me if there's anything I can do.

Kim

Yep.

Jimmy

So, what's up?

Kim

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.

Kim

...Let's do it again.

Kim

I knew you could do it! I knew you had it in you!

Jimmy

That was so great!

Kim

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!

Oh, Mr. McGill, you're still here. There's some good news.

Jimmy

Believe me, I already know.

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...

Shouldn't be a problem. Just down the hall. We have all the forms.

Jimmy

Great! Great!

Kim

W-Wait, Jimmy, Jimmy—What?!

Jimmy

[makes finger guns] S'all good, man!

Kim

Jimmy...

Jimmy

Listen, I know this seems fast. It is fast, I can see it!

Kim

You're changing your name?

Jimmy

No! I–well, yes. For my clients.

Kim

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!

Kim

When did you decide...

Jimmy

Just now! Just back there, just... BOOM! It just hit me! This is the way. Kim, it's gonna work!

Kim

I...

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.

Kim

[pause] If this is how you're really feeling...

Jimmy

It is.

Kim

I say, "Sure."

Jimmy

Great! Five minutes max!

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.

Kim

Really?

Jimmy

Yeah. I mean, it’s just to get people in the door. Once they’re hooked, I will upsell them.

Kim

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?

Kim

One.

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.

Kim

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.

Kim

Don't you think you're selling yourself short? You worked...so hard to get your license back.

Jimmy

We worked.

Kim

"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!

Kim

[pause] Sorry, I–I just can't see it.

Jimmy

It's okay. You will.

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.

Kim

[beat] Okay.

Kim

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.

Kim

I mean, all of my clients.

Jimmy

Of course. Absolutely, never again.

Kim

Hi. Can we start over?

Say what you came to say.

Kim

I went to a real estate office. I found some houses I think you might like. There's some really nice options in your price range. [shows Acker pamphlet] This one's on half an acre. And, uh... This one is older, but it has a really good view... and the neighborhood's pretty. [pause] I know moving's a big deal. I'd like to help you out with that myself, if that's alright with you. I can take off any day this week. I'll pay for it out of my own pocket. Uh... Oh! This one has three bedrooms. [pause] I know you don't wanna move, but whatever house you choose will be yours. You'll own it–and the land–forever.

Kim

You're right. I can't pretend to understand what you're going through. I've never owned a house. My family never owned one either. We never owned anything. When I was little, my mother used to shake me awake in the middle of the night, yelling, "It was time to go." She was always one step ahead of the landlord. I'd thrown my things in a cardboard box, and run outside in my pajamas and bare feet. Sometimes... It was so cold... my–my toes turned blue. [beat; Acker is still staring at Kim] If we had found a house, I never would have wanted to leave.

[pause] You'll say anything to get anything you want, won't you?

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...

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!

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!

I don't want it.

Jimmy

Just look at it, sir! Just look at it. Look, what do you see?

[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

[to Kim on the phone] Guess who's got a new client in Tucumcari?

Kim

W–What?

Jimmy

That's right. Put some beers on ice. We'll celebrate when I get back from the hinterlands.

Kim

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.