Better Call Saul Season 6: Bob Odenkirk’s Triumphant Return, Premiere Details, and the Grand Finale
Few spin-off series achieve the iconic status of their predecessors, but Better Call Saul stands as a testament to exceptional storytelling, having not only met but often surpassed the high bar set by its legendary parent show, Breaking Bad. Both acclaimed series captivated audiences on AMC, and now, after an eagerly anticipated break and a significant health scare for its lead star, the sixth and final season of Better Call Saul is officially back in production, marching towards its dramatic conclusion.
The journey to the final season has been particularly poignant, marked by the remarkable return of its beloved star, Bob Odenkirk. The actor, who embodies the complex character of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, is back on set in New Mexico, resuming filming after a serious medical emergency. Odenkirk had collapsed on set earlier this year, leading to his hospitalization. His return, confirmed by a heartfelt social media post on September 8th where he expressed his “excitement” to be back, has been met with immense relief and enthusiasm from fans and colleagues worldwide. HollywoodLife brings you the most comprehensive overview of what to expect from the highly anticipated final season, including the latest updates on its premiere date, the returning cast, pivotal plot points, and more.
The Evolution of Jimmy McGill: A Journey to Saul Goodman
Better Call Saul meticulously charts the intricate and often morally ambiguous transformation of Jimmy McGill from a struggling, albeit charming, former con artist into the notorious, ethically challenged criminal defense attorney, Saul Goodman, whom audiences first encountered in Breaking Bad. The series masterfully delves into the six years preceding the events of Breaking Bad, providing a rich backstory that explains the motivations and decisions of its central anti-hero.
Season 5 was a significant turning point, showcasing Jimmy’s official embrace of the “Saul Goodman” moniker in his legal practice. This shift was more than just a name change; it represented a deeper capitulation to his darker impulses and a formal step away from the legitimate legal world he once aspired to join. While the ultimate fate of Jimmy/Saul, particularly his post-Breaking Bad identity as Gene Takavic, has always been a known endgame, the precise path and the critical events that lead him to this point have remained tantalizingly unclear, building immense anticipation for the final chapter.
The fifth season finale left viewers on a precipice, particularly concerning the burgeoning darkness within Kim Wexler, Jimmy’s wife and fellow attorney. A heated confrontation with Howard Hamlin, who directly questioned Kim’s moral compass and linked her professional downfall to Jimmy’s influence, provoked a startling reaction. Kim, usually the voice of reason and integrity, proposed an audacious con to destroy Howard’s career, settle the long-standing Sandpiper case, and secure a substantial financial windfall. This plan was so extreme that even Jimmy, no stranger to elaborate schemes, questioned her resolve, asking if she would truly be “okay with this, not in the cold light of day.” Her chilling response, “Wouldn’t I?”, underscored a profound shift in her character, leaving audiences to ponder the extent of her moral descent. The scene was further punctuated by Kim’s symbolic “finger guns” gesture to Jimmy, echoing his own transformation into Saul Goodman with the phrase, “It’s all good, man!” from the season 4 finale, signaling her potential embrace of his world.
Concurrently, the finale saw the formidable cartel enforcer Lalo Salamanca miraculously escape an assassination attempt orchestrated by Gus Fring. His survival sets the stage for a brutal quest for vengeance in season 6. Lalo’s continued presence and his future actions are particularly significant, as his name is famously uttered by Saul Goodman to Walt and Jesse during their first encounter in Breaking Bad: “Who sent you? Was it Lalo?” This iconic line has fueled years of speculation and will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the final season’s narrative, bridging the two series.
Better Call Saul Season 6: Production, Delays, and Release Expectations
The anticipation for Better Call Saul’s final season has been building since AMC officially renewed the series for its sixth and last installment back in January 2020. This news, revealed during the Television Critics Association winter press tour, remarkably came before season 5 had even premiered in February 2020. The network greenlit a 13-episode final season, initially slated for production in 2020 with a premiere target of 2021. For fans eager to revisit Jimmy’s journey, the first five seasons are readily available for streaming on Netflix.
Showrunner and executive producer, Peter Gould, expressed his deep gratitude and commitment to the series’ conclusion in a statement: “From day one of Better Call Saul my dream was to tell the complete story of our complicated and compromised hero, Jimmy McGill – now AMC and Sony are making that dream come true. We couldn’t be more grateful to the fans and critics who are making this journey possible. Next month we start work on the sixth and final season — we’re going to do our damnedest to stick the landing.” This promise of a meticulously crafted ending has only heightened expectations for the final episodes.
However, like countless productions globally, Better Call Saul faced significant hurdles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to unavoidable delays in its filming schedule and, consequently, its premiere. In February 2021, AMC Networks chief Josh Sapan indicated that it was “likely” the season 6 release date would “move into the first quarter of 2022,” as reported by TVLine. With the season 5 finale having aired in April 2020, this delay means fans will have waited two years or more for new episodes, a testament to their patience and the show’s enduring appeal.
As of August 2021, production for season 6 was well underway, having completed more than half of its filming. This period of intense work was abruptly interrupted in July 2021 when Bob Odenkirk suffered a heart attack on set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a harrowing event that temporarily halted production, as detailed by The Hollywood Reporter. The pause was crucial to allow Bob the necessary time for his recovery.
When it comes to the specific plot details of the final season, Bob Odenkirk himself prefers to remain largely in the dark, enjoying the narrative unfolding much like the audience. “I like being surprised just like a viewer of the story. I have my own theories, but they’re just basically fan theories,” he shared with The Guardian in June 2021. He even offered his personal theory regarding Kim Wexler’s fate, a character whose ambiguous future has captivated fans. “I don’t think she dies,” he speculated. “I think she’s in Albuquerque, and she’s still practicing law. He’s still crossing paths with her. To me, that would fuel his desire to be on billboards everywhere, because he wants her to see him.” This insight from the star hints at the emotional depth and unresolved connections that may define the series’ end.
Bob Odenkirk’s Health Journey and Inspiring Return to Set
The entertainment world held its breath on July 27, 2021, when Bob Odenkirk, the beloved actor behind Saul Goodman, was rushed to the hospital after collapsing on the set of Better Call Saul in Albuquerque. The incident sparked immediate widespread concern across Hollywood and among fans globally.
A day after his hospitalization, Odenkirk’s representatives provided a reassuring update on his condition. “We can confirm Bob is in stable condition after experiencing a heart-related incident,” they stated, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The statement continued, conveying heartfelt thanks from Odenkirk and his family: “He and his family would like to express gratitude for the incredible doctors and nurses looking after him, as well as his cast, crew and producers who have stayed by his side. The Odenkirks would also like to thank everyone for the outpouring of well wishes and ask for their privacy at this time as Bob works on his recovery.” This outpouring of support underscored the deep respect and affection held for Odenkirk within and beyond the industry.
AMC, the network behind the series, also issued a statement reflecting the sentiment: “Bob is someone we have known and been lucky enough to work with for a long time. The immediate outpouring of affection and concern from fans around the world is a clear reflection of his immense talents and ability to both move and entertain people. Like everyone else, we are so grateful to know he is in stable condition and receiving excellent care. We are holding him close in our thoughts and wishing for a fast and full recovery.” Sony Pictures Television echoed this sentiment, adding, “Bob has been a part of our Sony Pictures family for many years and we are fortunate to be able to work with such a uniquely talented, incredible human being. Along with the millions of fans and supporters around the world, we are keeping him and his family in our thoughts and wishing him all the best in his recovery.”
He’s going to be okay.
— Nate Odenkirk (@birthdaynate) July 28, 2021
Further reassurance came from Nate Odenkirk, Bob’s son, who tweeted on July 28th, “He’s going to be okay.” This simple message brought immense relief to many. Two days later, Bob Odenkirk himself addressed his worried fans directly on Twitter, providing a personal update on his health and expressing his gratitude. “Hi. It’s Bob. Thank you. To my family and friends who have surrounded me this week. And for the outpouring of love from everyone who expressed concern and care for me. It’s overwhelming. But I feel the love and it means so much,” his first tweet read, conveying his profound appreciation for the global support.
I had a small heart attack. But I’m going to be ok thanks to Rosa Estrada and the doctors who knew how to fix the blockage without surgery.
Also, AMC and SONYs support and help throughout this has been next-level. I’m going to take a beat to recover but I’ll be back soon.— Mr. Bob Odenkirk (@mrbobodenkirk) July 30, 2021
He followed up with a more detailed explanation of his medical emergency and recovery: “I had a small heart attack. But I’m going to be ok thanks to Rosa Estrada and the doctors who knew how to fix the blockage without surgery. Also, AMC and SONYs support and help throughout this has been next-level. I’m going to take a beat to recover but I’ll be back soon.” This tweet not only clarified the nature of his heart attack but also highlighted the swift and effective medical intervention that saved his life, as well as the unwavering support from the production teams.
Remarkably, less than two months after this serious health event, Bob Odenkirk made a triumphant return to work on September 8th. He celebrated this milestone with a photo of himself in the hair and makeup chair, sharing his joy and appreciation: “Back to work on Better Call Saul! So happy to be here and living this specific life surrounded by such good people. BTW this is makeup pro Cheri Montesanto making me not ugly for shooting!” This inspiring return underscored his dedication to completing the final season and reassured fans of his recovery and readiness to bring Saul Goodman’s story to its epic conclusion.
Back to work on Better Call Saul! So happy to be here and living this specific life surrounded by such good people. BTW this is makeup pro Cheri Montesanto making me not ugly for shooting! pic.twitter.com/lTAfPg7dDp
— Mr. Bob Odenkirk (@mrbobodenkirk) September 8, 2021
The Ensemble: Season 6 Cast and Anticipated Cameos
The sixth and final season of Better Call Saul promises the return of its stellar core cast, with Bob Odenkirk leading the charge as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, navigating his increasingly fractured identities, including the post-Breaking Bad persona of Gene Takavic. He will be joined by the incredible Rhea Seehorn as the morally conflicted Kim Wexler, whose journey into darker territory remains one of the show’s most compelling arcs. Also returning are fan favorites Jonathan Banks as the stoic and pragmatic Mike Ehrmantraut, Giancarlo Esposito as the chillingly composed drug lord Gus Fring, Patrick Fabian as the perpetually exasperated Howard Hamlin, Michael Mando as the tragic Nacho Varga, and Tony Dalton as the charismatic and terrifying Lalo Salamanca, whose vendetta will be a central force in the final episodes.
While no new primary cast members have been announced for the final season, speculation abounds regarding the potential reappearance of more characters from the Breaking Bad universe. Characters like Dean Norris’ Hank Schrader and his partner Steve Gomez, played by Steven Michael Quezada, made memorable appearances in season 5, leaving the door open for their potential return in season 6, given the show’s converging timeline with Breaking Bad.
The most fervent fan discussions, however, revolve around the possibility of cameos from Breaking Bad’s iconic duo: Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Bryan Cranston has openly expressed his enthusiasm for reprising his role as Walter White. In an August 2020 interview with Collider, Cranston stated, “I would be in it if Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, who are co-executive producers on it, wanted me to be in it. I would do it in a second. But it hasn’t happened yet, I can tell you, and we’ll see. I don’t know. There’s one more season to go and we’ll see what happens!” His willingness offers a glimmer of hope for a highly anticipated crossover event.
Conversely, Aaron Paul, who portrayed Jesse Pinkman, holds a more cautious view. He expressed to Digital Spy that he believes a guest appearance for Jesse in Better Call Saul might not align with the character’s narrative, especially after the conclusive events of the Breaking Bad sequel movie, El Camino, which he viewed as Jesse’s definitive farewell. “I’m such a big fan of that show,” Paul admitted. “But in the recent seasons, in the flash-forwards, especially now knowing where Jesse is, there’s just no reason for him to be at that place and at that time. I can’t imagine him showing up in Better Call Saul.” His perspective highlights the delicate balance the creators must maintain to ensure any cameos feel organic and true to the established timelines and character developments.
The series also honored the late Robert Forster, who reprised his role as Ed the Disappearer on Better Call Saul before his passing in 2019. Co-creator Peter Gould reflected on the bittersweet nature of Forster’s appearance, telling EW, “I think if Vince and I had had our way, we would’ve done a lot more together. It’s a very special thing to have him on the show. And, of course, it’s completely organic because we had no idea it was going to be our last chance.” His performance served as a poignant final tribute to a beloved actor and character.
Cast & Crew Insights: Anticipation for the Grand Finale
The impending conclusion of Better Call Saul has naturally prompted deep reflection from its cast and crew, particularly about the fate of Jimmy McGill. In June 2021, Bob Odenkirk himself admitted to Digital Spy that he harbored “very mixed feelings” about where Saul Goodman would ultimately end up. “I don’t think you can watch the show, and I can’t play this guy, without growing to want him to succeed, and liking him, and wanting to be a better version of himself, is really what I want. I’m not sure that’s where he’ll end up, though,” he mused. This sentiment reflects the audience’s own hopes for Jimmy, even as his inevitable transformation into Saul Goodman looms large. Odenkirk also shared his readiness to move on, stating, “I do like him. I think he’s got some good skills. He just doesn’t know where to put them. But also, I’ll be happy to move onto other characters, because I have played him a long time,” acknowledging the immense personal and professional investment in the role.
In a separate interview with Collider in February 2021, Odenkirk offered a more vivid tease of the final season’s intensity. “I’m told that the wheels come off in season 6 and it explodes in a million directions,” he revealed, hinting at an unprecedented level of drama and perhaps violence. He then contrasted Jimmy’s potential ending with Walter White’s arc in Breaking Bad: “That sounds to me like there’s a fair amount of violence, but I don’t know for a fact. We have a discussion where my point of view is that Walter White became an angry, broken version of himself. I wonder if it would be possible to write — because I like the guy — I wonder if it would be possible to give Jimmy McGill a better ending, a better place to end in than he started in. I don’t know if they’re going to do that though.” This contemplation of Jimmy’s redemption or final fall adds a layer of complex emotional anticipation to the series’ conclusion.
Better Call Saul co-creator Peter Gould has made a bold promise about the show’s lasting impact. He told THR that the series is designed to fundamentally alter how viewers perceive Breaking Bad. “I think by the time you finish watching Better Call Saul, you’re going to see Breaking Bad in a very different light,” Gould asserted. “I think we’re going to learn things about the characters in Breaking Bad that we didn’t know. We’re going to learn things about the events of Breaking Bad that we didn’t know. And we’re going to learn things about the fates of a lot of these characters that may surprise people or certainly throw them into a different light.” This profound statement suggests that the prequel will not merely fill in gaps but will actively re-contextualize the original narrative, enriching the entire shared universe. Gould highlighted the immense undertaking of crafting a cohesive storyline spanning over a decade of work: “I think we started this 2007, so that’s 13 years of work that’s distilled, that all has to fit together. Hopefully like a perfect jigsaw puzzle. I don’t know if all the joints are going to be absolutely even. I’d sure hope so. We’re going to do our best to sand it down.” This dedication to narrative perfection ensures that the final season of Better Call Saul will be a meticulously crafted and unforgettable conclusion to one of television’s most acclaimed sagas.