Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into one of the most gripping subplots of Better Call Saul: the tragic entanglement of Howard Hamlin and Cheryl, and their unfortunate destiny within the Better Call Saul narrative. Howard Hamlin, a name synonymous with prestige and professional integrity, found himself in the crosshairs of Jimmy McGill’s schemes, leading to devastating consequences not only for him but also impacting his wife, Cheryl.

Howard Hamlin: The Unintentional Target

Howard Hamlin, portrayed with compelling nuance, was more than just a name partner at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill (HHM). He embodied the established legal world that Jimmy McGill, later Saul Goodman, so desperately wanted to infiltrate yet resented. Initially, Howard appears as an antagonist, particularly due to his complex relationship with Chuck McGill, Jimmy's brother. However, as the series progresses, we see Howard's layers, revealing a man struggling with his own demons, including professional pressures and personal insecurities. He undergoes therapy, attempts to make amends for past actions, and strives to maintain the reputation of HHM.

The tragedy of Howard lies in his unintentional status as a target. Jimmy and Kim Wexler, driven by a mix of boredom, resentment, and a twisted sense of justice, concoct an elaborate scheme to tarnish Howard's reputation. This plan, initially conceived as a prank, escalates into a full-blown assault on Howard’s career and mental well-being. They plant false evidence suggesting drug use, manipulate legal cases, and publicly humiliate him, all with the goal of forcing a settlement in the Sandpiper Crossing lawsuit. The brilliance of Better Call Saul is how it portrays the slow burn of this destruction, making Howard's ultimate fate all the more heart-wrenching.

The consequences of Jimmy and Kim's actions are far-reaching and devastating. Howard's mental state deteriorates, his professional standing crumbles, and he becomes increasingly desperate to understand who is behind the smear campaign. His attempts to clear his name are continuously thwarted by Jimmy and Kim's meticulous planning, pushing him further to the edge. The irony is that Howard, despite his flaws, was ultimately a decent man trying to navigate a cutthroat world. His downfall serves as a stark reminder of the collateral damage caused by unchecked ambition and the dangers of playing with people's lives. The narrative deftly illustrates how even seemingly harmless pranks can spiral out of control, leading to irreversible and tragic outcomes for everyone involved. His journey is a cautionary tale about the fragility of reputation and the devastating impact of targeted harassment.

Cheryl Hamlin: A Widow's Grief

Cheryl Hamlin, Howard's wife, is introduced as a supportive and composed figure. She represents the stability and normalcy that Howard craves amidst the chaos of his professional life. However, Cheryl's world is shattered when Howard confronts Jimmy and Kim in their apartment, only to be unexpectedly shot and killed by Lalo Salamanca. This shocking event marks a pivotal moment in the series, highlighting the irreversible consequences of Jimmy and Kim's actions. Cheryl is left to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of her husband, her grief compounded by the bizarre circumstances surrounding his death.

Following Howard’s death, Cheryl seeks answers and closure. She attends Howard's memorial service, where Jimmy and Kim put on a false display of mourning, further fueling her suspicions. Determined to uncover the truth, Cheryl hires a private investigator to look into Howard's activities leading up to his death. She is convinced that there is more to the story than what she has been told and suspects foul play. Her pursuit of justice is driven by a deep sense of grief and a desire to understand the events that led to Howard's tragic end. Cheryl's investigation brings her closer to the truth about Jimmy and Kim's involvement, though she never fully grasps the extent of their manipulations. Her character becomes a symbol of the innocent victims caught in the crossfire of Jimmy and Kim's destructive choices. The writers use Cheryl's perspective to underscore the human cost of their schemes, emphasizing the real-world impact of their morally ambiguous actions.

The final scenes involving Cheryl are particularly poignant. She confronts Jimmy and Kim, seeking answers and demanding accountability. Her raw emotion and unwavering determination highlight the devastating impact of Howard's death on her life. While she may not achieve complete resolution, her persistence in seeking the truth underscores her strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. Cheryl's character serves as a powerful reminder that the consequences of one's actions extend far beyond the immediate players, leaving lasting scars on the lives of those connected to them. Her journey is a testament to the enduring power of love and the human need for justice, even in the face of overwhelming tragedy. The narrative poignantly captures the complexities of grief and the search for meaning in the aftermath of senseless violence.

The Tragic Climax

The climax of Howard and Cheryl's story arrives with Lalo Salamanca's intrusion. Howard, confronting Jimmy and Kim about their scheme, is caught completely off guard when Lalo appears, seeking to use Jimmy for his own purposes. In a shocking and abrupt moment, Lalo shoots Howard, silencing him permanently. This act of violence underscores the dark and dangerous world that Jimmy and Kim have willingly entered, a world where consequences are swift and irreversible.

Howard's death is a turning point for both Jimmy and Kim. It forces them to confront the real-world implications of their actions and the devastating impact they have had on innocent lives. The guilt and trauma of witnessing Howard's murder weigh heavily on them, driving a wedge between them and ultimately leading to their separation. The scene is masterfully crafted, using stark visuals and intense dialogue to create a sense of impending doom and irreversible consequence. The suddenness of Howard's death amplifies the shock value, leaving both the characters and the audience reeling from the brutality of the moment. This event serves as a catalyst for the unraveling of Jimmy and Kim's relationship, as they struggle to cope with the weight of their actions and the knowledge that they are responsible for Howard's demise.

The aftermath of Howard's death is equally devastating. Jimmy and Kim attempt to cover up their involvement, but the guilt and paranoia begin to consume them. They become increasingly isolated and detached from reality, haunted by the memory of Howard's final moments. The weight of their secret creates a palpable tension in their relationship, eroding the foundation of trust and love that once held them together. The narrative explores the psychological toll of their actions, depicting the slow and agonizing descent into moral decay. The consequences of their choices are inescapable, as they are forced to confront the darkness within themselves and the irreversible damage they have inflicted on others. Howard's death becomes a constant reminder of the price of their ambition and the devastating impact of their morally ambiguous choices.

The Aftermath and Lasting Impact

The fallout from Howard's death extends far beyond Jimmy and Kim. Cheryl is left to navigate a world without her husband, grappling with grief, confusion, and a burning desire for justice. The legal community is shaken by the sudden and violent death of one of its most respected members, and the reputation of HHM is forever tarnished. The events surrounding Howard's demise serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the fragility of reputation, and the devastating consequences of playing with people's lives.

In the end, Howard Hamlin becomes a symbol of the innocent victims caught in the crossfire of Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman. His story serves as a poignant reminder that actions have consequences, and that even seemingly harmless pranks can spiral out of control, leading to irreversible and tragic outcomes. The narrative of Howard and Cheryl underscores the dark underbelly of Better Call Saul, highlighting the human cost of ambition, deception, and moral compromise. Their fate serves as a haunting reminder of the devastating impact of choices made in the pursuit of power and personal gain. The series masterfully explores the complexities of human nature, portraying the characters as flawed and vulnerable, capable of both great kindness and profound cruelty. The story of Howard and Cheryl is a testament to the enduring power of tragedy and the lasting impact of choices made in the shadows.

So, there you have it – the tragic story of Howard and Cheryl in Better Call Saul. It’s a grim reminder of how even the best intentions can lead to devastating consequences. What do you guys think about their fate? Let's discuss!