Better Call Saul: Season 6, Episode 12 - Waterworks (2022)

The episode "Waterworks" begins with a cold open featuring a montage of the aftermath of the events from the previous season. We see a series of shots showing the empty streets of Albuquerque, the remnants of the chaos that has unfolded, and the lingering impact on the characters. The camera focuses on a waterworks facility, symbolizing the episode's title, and we hear the sound of water flowing, setting a somber tone.

The scene shifts to Kim Wexler, who is now living in Florida under a new identity. She is seen working at a legal aid office, where she helps clients with various legal issues. Kim appears to be trying to move on from her past, but there is a palpable tension in her demeanor. She interacts with her colleagues, showing her dedication to her work, but there are moments where her past decisions weigh heavily on her.

In a parallel storyline, we see Jimmy McGill, now fully embracing his Saul Goodman persona. He is in Albuquerque, running his law practice and engaging in shady dealings. Saul is shown meeting with clients in a flashy office, showcasing his transformation into a morally ambiguous lawyer. He is charismatic and confident, but there are hints of his internal struggle as he reflects on his past with Kim.

The narrative then shifts back to Kim, who receives a call from a former colleague in Albuquerque. The conversation reveals that there is an ongoing investigation into the events surrounding Howard Hamlin's death. Kim's expression changes as she processes the information, and it becomes clear that she is still haunted by her involvement in the events that led to Howard's demise.

As the episode progresses, Kim decides to return to Albuquerque to confront her past. She arrives in the city and is immediately struck by the familiar sights and sounds, which evoke a mix of nostalgia and regret. Kim visits the courthouse, where she encounters familiar faces, and the tension in her interactions is palpable. She is clearly conflicted about her return, torn between her desire to make amends and the fear of facing the consequences of her actions.

Meanwhile, Saul is busy with his law practice, but he begins to sense that Kim's return may disrupt his carefully constructed life. He receives a call from Kim, and their conversation is filled with unspoken emotions. Kim expresses her desire to meet, and Saul's reaction is a mix of apprehension and curiosity. He agrees to meet her, but it is evident that he is wary of what this reunion might mean for both of them.

The climactic meeting between Kim and Saul takes place in a diner. The atmosphere is tense as they sit across from each other, both visibly affected by the weight of their shared history. Kim opens up about her feelings of guilt and regret, revealing how she has struggled to move on. Saul, on the other hand, tries to maintain his bravado, but there are cracks in his facade. The conversation delves into their past decisions, the impact of their actions on others, and the choices that led them to this moment.

As the conversation unfolds, Kim reveals her intention to take responsibility for her role in Howard's death. She expresses a desire to come clean and face the consequences, which shocks Saul. He tries to dissuade her, arguing that it would ruin everything they have built. The emotional stakes rise as they grapple with their feelings for each other and the reality of their choices.

The episode culminates in a powerful moment where Kim makes a decision to go through with her plan to confess. Saul's desperation to keep her from doing so is palpable, and he pleads with her to reconsider. However, Kim is resolute, and the tension between them reaches a breaking point. The scene ends with Kim leaving the diner, determined to confront her past, while Saul is left in turmoil, grappling with the potential loss of the person he still cares for deeply.

The final moments of the episode show Kim taking steps to turn herself in, while Saul watches her go, a mix of regret and helplessness etched on his face. The episode closes with a lingering shot of the waterworks facility, echoing the themes of consequence and the flow of time, leaving viewers with a sense of unresolved tension and emotional weight.

In the ending of "Waterworks," Kim Wexler is seen grappling with her past decisions and the consequences of her actions. She visits Saul Goodman, who is now living under the alias Gene Takavic, in Nebraska. Their conversation reveals the emotional weight of their shared history. Kim expresses her remorse and the impact of their choices, while Saul remains guarded. The episode concludes with Kim leaving, and Saul watching her go, reflecting on the life they once had.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with Kim Wexler, who is now living in a new city, trying to move on from her past. She is seen working at a legal aid office, helping clients in need, which highlights her desire to make amends for her previous actions. However, the weight of her past decisions looms over her, and she struggles with feelings of guilt and regret.

In a pivotal scene, Kim decides to reach out to Saul Goodman, who is now living under the alias Gene Takavic. She finds him in Nebraska, where he has been living a quiet life, far removed from the chaos of their former lives. The tension is palpable as they meet; both characters are visibly changed by their experiences. Kim's demeanor is earnest, filled with a mix of hope and sorrow, while Saul is more guarded, reflecting his fear of vulnerability and the consequences of their past.

During their conversation, Kim confronts Saul about their shared history, expressing her remorse for the choices they made together. She acknowledges the pain and destruction that resulted from their actions, particularly the fallout from their involvement in the criminal world. Saul, on the other hand, is reluctant to fully engage with the emotional weight of their past, showcasing his defensive nature and the walls he has built around himself.

As the conversation progresses, Kim reveals her desire to take responsibility for her actions, indicating that she wants to make things right. This moment is crucial as it highlights her character's growth and her struggle to reconcile her past with her present. Saul listens, but his responses are measured, reflecting his internal conflict and the fear of reconnecting with the life he has tried to leave behind.

The episode culminates in a poignant moment as Kim prepares to leave. She stands at the door, looking back at Saul, who remains seated, a mixture of longing and regret in his eyes. This scene encapsulates the emotional distance that has grown between them, despite their shared history. Kim walks away, and Saul watches her go, a sense of loss hanging in the air. The final shot lingers on Saul's face, revealing the depth of his feelings and the unresolved nature of their relationship.

In the end, Kim Wexler is left to continue her journey of redemption, while Saul Goodman remains trapped in his self-imposed isolation, unable to fully confront the consequences of his past. The episode closes with a sense of ambiguity, leaving the fate of both characters open-ended, yet deeply resonant with the themes of regret, responsibility, and the enduring impact of their choices.

In "Waterworks," the twelfth episode of Better Call Saul's sixth season, there is indeed a post-credit scene. The scene takes place in a dimly lit, somewhat rundown office space. The camera focuses on a desk cluttered with papers and a phone that rings incessantly.

As the ringing continues, the camera pans to reveal a woman, Francesca Liddy, who is visibly anxious and distracted. She answers the phone, and the conversation reveals her current situation. Francesca is now living under a new identity, having distanced herself from the events surrounding Saul Goodman and the fallout from the criminal activities they were involved in.

During the call, she speaks to a client, trying to maintain a professional demeanor despite the tension in her voice. The conversation hints at her struggles to keep her life together while dealing with the consequences of her past. The scene captures her sense of paranoia and the weight of her choices, emphasizing the ongoing impact of the events that transpired in the series.

The post-credit scene serves as a poignant reminder of the characters' fates and the lingering shadows of their pasts, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and reflection on the choices made throughout the series.

In 'Waterworks', Kim Wexler's return to Albuquerque is a pivotal moment that showcases her internal conflict and unresolved feelings about her past with Jimmy McGill. As she navigates her emotions, the audience sees her grappling with guilt over her role in the events that transpired, particularly the fallout from the Howard Hamlin situation. Her visit to the city is not just a physical return but also a metaphorical confrontation with her choices and the life she left behind.

The episode delves deeply into the repercussions of Howard Hamlin's death, particularly through the lens of Kim Wexler. It highlights her emotional turmoil and the weight of her conscience as she reflects on the impact of her actions. The narrative shows how Howard's death reverberates through the lives of those who knew him, emphasizing the themes of guilt and responsibility that haunt Kim throughout her journey.

Saul Goodman, as Jimmy McGill's alter ego, represents the darker aspects of Kim's past choices. In 'Waterworks', Kim's memories of Saul evoke a mix of nostalgia and regret, illustrating her struggle with the allure of his morally ambiguous world. As she confronts her feelings about their relationship, Saul serves as a reminder of the person she once was and the ethical lines she crossed, intensifying her internal conflict.

In 'Waterworks', Kim's life in Florida is portrayed as a stark contrast to her past in Albuquerque. The episode shows her attempting to build a new identity, yet she remains haunted by her history. The mundane aspects of her life, such as her job at a legal aid clinic, highlight her desire for redemption, but they also underscore her dissatisfaction and the feeling of being unfulfilled. This juxtaposition emphasizes her struggle to escape her past while still being tethered to it.

The metaphor of 'waterworks' in the episode serves multiple purposes, symbolizing both emotional release and the flow of unresolved feelings. As Kim navigates her return to Albuquerque, the imagery of water reflects her internal struggle with grief, guilt, and the desire for closure. The waterworks also represent the idea of things coming to the surface, suggesting that Kim cannot fully escape her past, and that her emotions are ready to overflow, leading to a potential reckoning.

"Better Call Saul," particularly in Season 6, Episode 12 titled "Waterworks," contains several elements that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable aspects:

1. Mature Themes: The episode deals with heavy emotional themes, including loss, grief, and the consequences of past actions, which may be difficult for younger audiences to process.

2. Violence: While not excessively graphic, the series does include scenes that depict the aftermath of violence and its impact on characters, which can be unsettling.

3. Language: The dialogue includes strong language and adult conversations that may not be appropriate for younger viewers.

4. Emotional Distress: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, which can be intense and may resonate deeply with sensitive viewers.

5. Substance Use: There are references to alcohol and its effects on characters, which may not be suitable for all audiences.

These elements contribute to the overall mature tone of the series, making it more appropriate for adult viewers.