Season 6, Part 1 of Better Call Saul features two major character deaths,
both of which are powerful, hard-hitting moments for the same reason.
There are two massive Better Call Saul death scenes, which is one of the reasons they're
both great TV moments. Even though Better Call Saul is only halfway finished, Vince Gilligan and
Peter Gould aren't wasting any time. In episode 3, Michael Mando's Nacho was our first major victim.
Nacho struck a deal with Gustavo Fring, who was being pursued by both the cartel
and his secret co-conspirator Gustavo Fring over the presumed death of Lalo Salamanca. Nacho agreed
to take the blame in exchange for his father's safety. Nacho may have been able to get away with
a shard of broken glass, but he eventually chose to abandon the violent path and commit suicide.
Howard Hamlin's assassination four episodes later is perhaps even more shocking. Howard
was treated like a well-dressed fiddle by Jimmy McGill and Kim Wexler, who dealt a serious blow
to his professional reputation. As the couple enjoyed their time together in Kim's apartment,
Howard came knocking to confront those who had wronged him. Surprisingly, a wild Lalo
Salamanca appeared, took a dislike to Howard's hairstyle (possibly), and shot him in the head.
In some ways, these two Better Call Saul death scenes are diametrically opposed.
Howard's is a wrecking ball out of nowhere, whereas Nacho's is
a slow-burning pressure cooker where the audience wonders if death can be avoided.
Despite their superficial differences, these Better Call Saul season 6 deaths share
a common quality that explains why both scenes are so ruthlessly effective, garnering praise
from both viewers and critics. Nacho Varga's exit from Better Call Saul is preceded by an incredibly
visceral final speech - an Emmy-nominated monologue that easily ranks among the most
powerful in either Better Call Saul or Breaking Bad. Following a bold opening with strong phrases.
Mando is visibly enraged as he vengefully confesses to causing Hector Salamanca's
heart attack, admits he'd do it all over again, and concludes with a demonic growl,
"you think of me, you twisted BEEP."
It's soul-stirring material, and Nacho lays it all out there - years of pain and frustration
spilling out in a cathartic outpouring of rage.
The speech adds a sense of fulfillment to what would otherwise be a tragic death.
Of course, such a young life cut short after being caught in the crossfire between rival gangs (when
all Nacho wanted to do was quit and protect his father) is harrowing and heartbreaking. However,
his fiery final speech ensures that his final moments are also powerful and meaningful,
allowing Michael Mando's character to say everything he needs to say before leaving.
In Better Call Saul season 6's "Plan & Execution," the same trick is used to kill Howard Hamlin.
Howard's zingers are just as hot as Nacho's when he shows up drunk at Kim's apartment.
He deconstructs Jimmy and Kim's entire personas, getting to the core of their motivations better
than any other character. The HHM boss calls them both "soulless," laments Kim's wasted potential,
and invokes Jimmy's late brother's name. Howard saves the best for last
(like Nacho), concluding, "You have a piece missing."
The pre-death monologue of Howard Hamlin has the same effect as Nacho's.
Patrick Fabian's character's execution is unquestionably tragic. Not only was the
lawyer a civilian in cartel terms, but he was already dealing with a shattered
career and personal issues, so a bullet to the head was the last thing he needed.
But, in the same way that Nacho's parting shot in "Rock & Hard Place" made a sad death satisfying,
Howard receives some retribution from those who wronged him.
As previously stated, laying everything on the metaphorical table is a cathartic experience
for both viewers and Howard, so when that shot arrives (and the audience's shock wears off),
Howard's Better Call Saul journey feels complete in a melancholic way.