Better Call Saul’s Howard Twist Is Gutting, But This Overshadowed Scene Deserves Just As Much Praise

Better Call Saulseason 6’s big Howard twist is often cited as one of the Breaking Bad prequel’s greatest moments, but there’s another major death that’s just as gutting and well-crafted. After six seasons spent on the sidelines of Better Call Saul‘s more dangerous and deadly storylines, Howard perishes at the hands of Lalo Salamanca in the sixth outing’s mid-season finale.

Unlike many other characters in Breaking Bad and its spinoff, Howard doesn’t die because he’s caught up in the inner workings of the cartel and can’t get out. Instead, his demise is a matter of poor timing and luck. One can trace Howard’s death back to Saul and Kim’s plan to ruin his reputation — a scheme that decidedly does not involve killing him.

However, when Howard shows up to confront the pair at their apartment, it’s just moments before Lalo arrives with his own intentions. Not wanting a potential witness, he shoots Howard, resulting in one of Better Call Saul‘s most shocking and gutting deaths. However, there’s another Better Call Saul death that doesn’t get nearly enough praise, even though it’s just as masterfully done.

Better Call Saul’s Howard Scene Is Often Cited As One Of The Series’ Best

It Changes The Trajectory Of The Entire Show

“Plan and Execution,” the Better Call Saul season 6 episode where Howard dies, is considered a masterpiece by fans of the Breaking Bad prequel. Indeed, it’s the highest-rated installment of the series on IMDb, boasting a 9.9 out of 10 rating. Howard’s death is one that clearly left an impact on the fan base, proving just as memorable as Hank’s in Breaking Bad.

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And this isn’t necessarily because Howard is a beloved character, though he’s arguably the least deserving of such a fate. But after following the story from Saul and Kim’s perspective, it’s difficult to care much about Howard, much less actively like him. Even so, the brutality of his demise — which feels so senseless compared to many deaths — drives home how ruthless this world can be.

It also completely alters the trajectory of Saul and Kim’s relationship and futures, proving that it’s not just emotionally powerful; it’s also critical to the narrative. It’s one of the clearest indications that Saul and Kim’s schemes have consequences, and while it pushes Kim to seek redemption, it sets Saul on a path there’s no coming back from.

With all that in mind, it’s no wonder Howard’s final moments are cited as some of the greatest in Better Call Saul. But the first major death of Better Call Saul season 6 is just as powerful, and it deserves the same level of attention, years after the series concluded.

Nacho’s Death In Better Call Saul Season 6 Is Just As Devastating & Well Done

It’s Tragically Overshadowed By What Comes Later

While Howard’s death is often mentioned in conversations about Better Call Saul, Nacho Varga’s tends to get overlooked by comparison. Nacho dies in season 6’s “Rock and Hard Place,” marking the final outing’s first major casualty. And although this installment is also highly rated on IMDb, discussions of this scene are much fewer. It’s a shame, as it’s another one of the series’ best moments.

Nacho’s demise is a reminder of how unforgiving the cartel can be, confirming that there’s rarely any escaping from that life once you’re in it. After being dragged before Juan Bolsa, Hector Salamanca, the Salamanca twins, and Gus Fring to answer for his betrayal of the cartel, Nacho is questioned about who put him up to his actions in Mexico.

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Gus, of course, is the one truly behind Nacho’s choices. But recognizing he’s trapped in an impossible situation, Nacho agrees to take the fall — as long as Mike and Gus ensure his family’s safety. He does get some verbal jabs (and even a physical one) in before taking his own life. Indeed, he gives one of the series’ best speeches.

To the best of his ability, Nacho attempts to go out on his own terms, and it’s every bit as gripping and tragic as Howard’s death. Sadly, it’s also frequently overshadowed by everything else that happens in Better Call Saul season 6.

Nacho’s Better Call Saul Death Deserved As Much Acclaim As Howard’s

It’s Another Perfect Scene From The Breaking Bad Prequel

Nacho’s Better Call Saul death deserves just as much acclaim as the series’ gutting Howard twist, as it’s suspenseful, powerful, and brought to life incredibly well. Nacho’s final moments initially seem like they’ll be straightforward, but that scene ends up keeping viewers on their feet the entire time.

After all, Nacho getting the upper hand is unexpected, as are his final words to Hector Salamanca. It almost looks as though he’ll walk away from this encounter — if temporarily — and upend the power structure of the cartel. Instead, Nacho’s choice in Better Call Saul season 6 confirms his fate ahead of Breaking Bad. But while it’s as many expected, it still manages to feel surprising.

Additionally, the writing in this scene is incredibly crafted, and the cast of Better Call Saul brings it to life masterfully. Michael Mando deserved far more recognition during awards season after giving his character such a powerful send-off. And even Jonathan Banks and Giancarlo Esposito add layers to their characters by their minor interactions to this moment.

It’s a wonder that Better Call Saul fans don’t reference this scene more often, especially when Howard’s demise receives so much praise. Both are incredible additions to the Breaking Bad prequel, and they both alter the course of the story forever. I certainly believe they’re on equal footing.

Better Call Saul

10/10

Release Date

2015 – 2022-00-00

Showrunner

Peter Gould

Directors

Vince Gilligan, Thomas Schnauz, Peter Gould, Michael Morris, Adam Bernstein, Colin Bucksey, John Shiban, Michelle MacLaren, Melissa Bernstein, Larysa Kondracki, Terry McDonough, Gordon Smith, Minkie Spiro, Jim McKay, Daniel Sackheim, Andrew Stanton, Norberto Barba, Rhea Seehorn, Scott Winant, Michael Slovis, Keith Gordon, Deborah Chow, Giancarlo Esposito, Bronwen Hughes

Writers

Ann Cherkis, Marion Dayre, Ariel Levine, Jonathan Glatzer