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Better Call Saul’s Howard Hamlin: The Hank Schrader Equivalent?

BBG News

The similarities between characters like Kim and Jesse from ‘Breaking Bad’ are highlighted, but ‘Better Call Saul‘ also introduced a new character to fill the role previously held by Hank Schrader. ‘Breaking Bad’, often acclaimed as one of the top TV series in recent years, is renowned for its exceptional writing, compelling plotlines, and well-crafted characters. Over five captivating seasons, it delivered an unforgettable experience that culminated in a thrilling finale.

Although Breaking Bad concluded its storyline, it introduced intriguing side characters with potential for a spin-off, such as Saul Goodman, originally known as Jimmy McGill. Jimmy is an idealistic lawyer with grand aspirations, yet he often finds himself in trouble due to unfortunate events and questionable choices. The show cleverly links this character to Walter White, as well as other characters who serve as antagonists, allies, accomplices, and rivals around him.

Howard Is Better Call Saul’s Hank Because His Death Is The Tipping Point

Both Characters Pass Away In The Final Season Of Their Respective Shows

To clarify, BCS is not simply a rehash of Breaking Bad. While there are parallels, the characters in this series possess distinct personalities and imperfections that differentiate them. The spin-off avoids being a direct replica due to these unique traits.

For instance, Kim Wexler evolves into Jimmy’s confidante, even when he exhibits unpredictable or risky behavior, mirroring certain aspects of the character Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad. Similarly, Howard Hamlin, one of the partners at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill, can be seen as having a role somewhat akin to Hank Schrader from Breaking Bad.

These two men, Howard and Hank, were initially optimistic about Jimmy McGill and Walter White respectively, but as their behavior grew questionable, the men’s suspicions arose. Although they were both intelligent, they couldn’t help but suffer tragic outcomes in the final seasons of their shows. Their fates, marked by misfortune, set off the significant events that ultimately concluded the series.

How Else Howard Hamlin Represents Breaking Bad & BCS Parallels

Hank Schrader Plays A Vital Role Opposite Walter White In Breaking Bad

Amidst a crowd of unsavory characters like dishonest people and criminals, Hank and Howard emerge as two of the most honorable and virtuous individuals in the series. Hank is a dedicated police officer who tirelessly works to maintain law and order and safeguard the public. Unfortunately, he frequently encounters unfriendly treatment while on duty. In contrast, Howard is a lawyer, a profession often met with contempt and irritation. Yet, he is a compassionate, thoughtful, and empathetic man. He strives for the best outcomes for his clients and the people he collaborates with.

To clarify, neither man was flawless, but in comparison to the swindlers and ne’er-do-wells around them, they appeared almost angelic. Now, Jimmy harbors contempt towards Howard, thinking he intentionally hindered Jimmy’s advancement, yet Howard was merely executing instructions from his business partner, Jimmy’s elder brother, Chuck. Similarly, Hank doesn’t dislike Walter. He is affable and benevolent, but as doubts surface, Hank strives to unravel the truth without unfairly accusing Walter of actions that might or might not be his doing.

Why Chuck Wasn’t Able To Be Jimmy’s Hank

Chuck Was Similar To A Different Character From Breaking Bad

Initially, Chuck might seem to fit the antagonist role more overtly in “Better Call Saul,” but he is not a replica of Hank from other series. Though they may have displayed conflicting traits as main characters, neither Howard nor Hank were truly villains. Instead, they found themselves ensnared in bigger problems and met untimely deaths after attempting to aid those struggling with their predicaments.

The primary reason for this situation was the excessive intimacy, intricacy, and difficulty of Chuck and Jimmy’s bond. While Jesse might have been replaced by Kim in “BCS,” Chuck appears to be more like Skyler from the series. Skyler was Walter’s wife, initially full of love for him, but that affection transformed into disgust and animosity over time. Similarly, Jimmy adored and respected his brother, dedicating significant parts of his life to earning Chuck’s approval and caring for him. However, Chuck’s arrogance and disapproval of his law-breaking sibling created a rift in their relationship. As such, Howard seems to fit the role that Hank plays in “Better Call Saul” more appropriately.

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2025-04-20 04:17

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