Howard Asks Chuck to Retire | Better Call Saul (Michael McKean)

[@adameanglin]

I love how Howard was introduced as a spoiled kid, but over time we realized he was the steady hand of the firm. He wasn't the best lawyer, but a good leader.

[@matthewriley7826]

Meanwhile Chuck was born with very little, worked for everything he had, and turned into a great lawyer, but over time, became a terrible leader.

[@bridgecross]

Right? At the beginning I thought he would just be another slick "LA Law" character in a finnicky suit. By the time he meets his fate it's heartbreaking because he's one of the only decent guys in the whole BB universe.

[@edoardomedina6000]

Great storytelling by Vince, Real good misdirection

[@_ArsNova]

Him and Chuck were always my favorite characters. Also the best morally of anyone from the show.

[@Buggolious]

@@_ArsNova chuck is not on the list of best moral characters

[@HookedOnSonics518]

On a rewatch of the whole series you realize just how much Howard had to put up with while trying to keep HHM running.

[@mitchellknight]

It's so wild how Vince Gillian is able to play with these characters. Jesse Pinkman was never meant to make it past season 1. Howard was originally written to be the villain and Chuck to be a sympathetic character. But immediately he was able to see these characters and and actors and how they play off each other and completely rewrite the script.

[@EJD339]

lol. I’m rewatching it now. I just finished season 5. I feel so bad for Howard. Also, I always knew Jimmy was selfish but on the rewatch it opened my eyes to what a scumbag he mostly. I tend to now think Jimmy would have always turned to Saul no matter if chuck gave him the job at hhm or not. Jimmy was basically addict and could be sober for a while but always relapsed.

[@refeals]

@@EJD339 I mean, probably, but it was his mistake to make, not Chuck's. Chuck denied Jimmy that chance not because of the firm, but because he never believed Jimmy could change, which actually made him go even more to the "dark side". In the end, Chuck is the one who couldn't change and Jimmy did (granted, after many many mistakes).

[@RTU130]

Right

[@NormAppleton]

Howard is a gent.

[@Jurgan6]

“I can’t be partners with someone whose judgment I don’t trust.” Almost exactly what Gus said to Walt on their first meeting.

[@Lamporre]

Chuck and Walt are very similar. Two egotistical narcissists.

[@darth_hideous-l9q]

​@@Lamporre Its funny to think that Chuck bitches about a fake disease made up by his own pettines towards his brother, while Walt took down 2 meth kinpins with fucking lung cancer.

[@shade08538]

This is the moment Howard because Gus Fring

[@betaorionis2164]

And changing his mind and hiring Walt cost Gus his life.

[@listrahtes]

@@Lamporre Thats absurd nonsense. Walter gives up his entire career for his family. He later protects Jesse several times at the cost of risking his life. In the end his empathy for Jesse results in killing the two dealers. That destroys his relationship with Gus. If anyone its Jesse who is the reason for all the abd stuff happening but never takes accountability for his actions with constant whining and blaming others.

[@DaScorpionSting]

This wasn't about the firm. It was all about Chuck not wanting to get babysat. Howard made the right call for him to retire.

[@liljackypaper]

IDK. I hate Chuck as much as anyone, but was what they were doing legal?

[@matthewriley7826]

@@liljackypaperIt’s a grey area, but yes. Chuck has become a huge liability because he’s mentally ill and making mistakes on client work (untrue but still). The fact that they hid his condition from the insurance company for a long time also works against them thus the raised premiums, however they also added a compromise where Chuck’s premiums are raised but he needs supervision.

[@NormAppleton]

@@liljackypaper It was a result of Jimmy pointing out Chuck's insanity. Yes Jimmy was a shit for pointing it out but Chuck is still insane.

[@TheOther19]

I've seen people like Chuck... they're ego's get in the way of company profits and growth.

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

@@NormAppleton Jimmy wasn't shit for pointing it out. Chuck let that mental instability project off on Jimmy for years instead of simply acknowledging that he had a problem. There's super subtle moments in the flashback scenes (such as Jimmy passing the bar) where Chuck displays the exact same discomfort as his electromagnetic sensitivity whenever Jimmy does well. It was pure fucking envy from Chuck to Jimmy that caused his condition. The better Jimmy does in life, the worse Chuck's condition got. They are directly linked. To finally point that out to the public after decades of covering for him to save his own ass after Chuck literally tried ruining his life is fair game. Jimmy wasn't in the wrong for that at all.

[@ZeusandHades]

He had a good thing going! He had friends, a good career, the respect of his peers. He had everything he could ever want, and it all ran like clockwork. He could've just kept quiet and retire gracefully. It was perfect. But, no, Chuck just had to blow it up. Him and his pride and his ego! He just had to be the man. If he'd kept quiet and knew his place, he'd probably be all fine right now!

[@grizz_fan3243]

Just let him retire in peace

[@MassEffectGER]

Chuckenberg

[@Soulful_Sorrow]

This does apply to Chuck much better than it did Walt

[@youeimran]

did you just copy Mike's script little bro?

[@vonbraunwerner9067]

Excellent ! I see, what you did there. Mike final, damning speech to Walter - "say my name". Well done.

[@Madking12357]

Howards face at 3:38 says so much about him as a character. You can see he isn't doing this out of spite. He genuinely cares for Chuck and knows the firm is safest when it isn't in his power. But Chucks pride and ego has blinded him in seeing how far he has fallen and ironically because never changes, he loses the firm, Howard as his friend, his remaining sanity, and ultimately his life.

[@defragsbin]

Howard is straight shooting here -- he doesn't shy away from making difficult decisions in a respectful way. Chuck was too erratic & proud by this point to listen to reason :(

[@matthewriley7826]

And that deep down he knows Chuck shouldn’t be practicing law when he’s mentally ill. He’s been uncomfortable with his condition for a long time but he kept his mouth shut out of respect, and for the firms reputation, but now that it’s out in the open…

[@fayevalentina77]

"he never changes," chuck believed jimmy would never change because it is in fact chuck who could not change, which only further pressured jimmy to remain on the path he was on

[@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102]

In the end, Chuck really only has himself to blame for his demise.

[@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102]

@@matthewriley7826 Howard knows the firm is leaving themselves open to class action malpractice suits given that it's now knowledge that they've been covering up that one of their name partners is unfit to practice law. And the transcripts of Jimmy's disciplinary hearing only really reflect poorly on _Chuck_ because thanks to Jimmy's chicanery, everyone now also sees him as an incredibly petty and vindictive man.

[@wallstwolves8276]

My Grandma is the female lawyer in the beginning, she said Patrick Fabian (Howard) was the nicest and most charming man she’s worked with.

[@pcmob8057]

Your grandma played in BCS? That's cool

[@Steezington]

He seems like it

[@exodiatheforbiddenone186]

she definitely nailed the corporate politeness down to a T! She sure deserves more roles as an attorney in more shows

[@CatieCass]

Wait, what? Seriously?! That's so cool! Yes I've heard that too, that Patrick Fabian is a sweetheart.

[@atharvabarwe987]

That's a lie because it was actually my aunt in the scene. Stop with the bs

[@MechMK1]

"Chuck, there's more to life than this". But for Chuck, there wasn't. He had no hobbies, no friends, no family, nothing. There was no Chuck outside of his work.

[@deathchronicles6960]

He never allowed jimmy even to try at all.. He is scared for real

[@cptwoody7103]

Holy man . I never thought about this aspect.

[@WiGgYof09]

Except he did have a family. In the end, when Chuck was forced out of HHM he was still doing ok. He had no relapsed. What makes Chuck relapse is when he is a dick to someone he cares about. His hand hurt after he threatened Howard in his kitchen. He totally relapsed when he told Jimmy he never really liked him. He hated how he acted. Even if he meant it, he didn't enjoy it.

[@xCorvus7x]

But he would have kept his work to an extent. Howard had proposed not a complete retirement but only taking a step towards that. Chuck wouldn't have stood in court anymore but he would have had plenty of time and opportunity to continue diving into legal matters in the context of lecturing. He certainly would have found a lot to teach. This would have also given him enough time to develop a life besides his profession.

[@TheRamblingBean]

He could have found something outside of work at HHM. Teaching would have been a perfect fit for someone like Chuck and he would have had plenty of time to focus on his health, building new relationships and repairing old relationships (like his marriage). The tragedy for Chuck is that he couldn’t see anything else for himself and he didn’t think the problems in his life could be fixed, which ultimately drove him to suicide.

[@ilkka9385]

It shows a lot about the character of Howard when he turns off the lights after the guests leave, to make it more easy for Chuck, his condition being imaginary or not.

[@matthewriley7826]

And also brings out the booze cuz he knows he has bad news for Chuck…

[@weirdshibainu]

@@matthewriley7826 Right? I wish more bosses would do that.

[@ford-wp1yq]

​@@weirdshibainudifference is they not really boss and employee but co-owners if you

[@alimahh1]

3:57 "I don't think we're alike at all mr. Mcgill"

[@ninjaguyYT]

Surprised Breaking Bad didn't sue them considering this show is an obvious ripoff of it. The main character is obviously based on the lawyer from Break and Bad.

[@gawbeil]

@@ninjaguyYT They can't keep getting away with it!

[@footballyzvid2780]

@@ninjaguyYToh boy do I have some news for you..

[@dormin2749]

​​@@ninjaguyYTi heard the original title of this series was Finger Bad

[@DoomKid]

@@ninjaguyYT Break and Bad cracked me up! Bravo Ninjaguy!

[@jensskarp1375]

"It's in the transcripts😢😢😢" -Saul Goodman

[@JohnnyPza]

“👁👄👁” -insurance agent

[@CameronsCars]

Ironically Jimmy was a practicing lawyer during a brief time when chuck had retired and before his suicide. Chuck wanted to keep jimmy from practicing law, yet in doing so he prevented himself from practicing the law.

[@FedJimSmith]

he killed his brother, indirectly, through some kind of Chicanery

[@Resterminador]

Michael Mckean is just an excellent actor, I mean look at 3:32, he is saying " IM BETTER" but his facial expressions are the contrary, it's very difficult to acting something like physical pain like chuck was feeling.

[@juicetimer]

I'M SMARTER I'M STRONGER I'M BETTER

[@ginyutiki]

@@juicetimer SLOWER WEAKER MIDDER

[@gman987]

@@juicetimer”you’re not the real lawyers….I’m the real lawyer.”

[@holdmyawm7478]

​@@gman987I am the lawyer and I can exploit whatever loophole I want

[@LightLegion]

I love Mckean's one time portrayal of a psycho clown in Star Trek Voyager.

[@thutakyawwin7507]

We all thought Howard would be a villain but he was the most pragmatic one of all main characters. Also a good leader taking care of the firm while having to put up much with Jimmy and Chuck. We may all root for Jimmy but in real life we would probably want Howard as our leader

[@nikitakudyk9384]

@devanov3103 whatever the reason for Jimmy to pursue the law was, he did his best to fit in. And got constantly rejected on the basis of his past not his current capabilities. The whole monologue to Kristy was exactly about that. When someone is treated unfairly it evokes sympathy. I don't think people approve Jimmy's reactions to all of it, but the whole situation is a reason for sympathy. Denying it on the basis of 'world sucks, deal with it' is really weird because in his on way he deals with it and you still disapprove.

[@micglou]

Pragmatic... well yes, to protect his image and the firm. He wasn't upstanding or honest, he let Chuck manipulate him for years and hurt and mistreated Jimmy and Kim. He wasn't a bad guy, but he was slimey and also didn't shy away from some manipulation of his own... actually a very stereotypical lawyer.

[@Supperdude9]

@@nikitakudyk9384 And most of the time, Jimmy was held back by Chuck because of Chuck's inability to have anyone like Jimmy more than him. Chuck could never let things go, could never stand to see Jimmy do better than him even for one single better step. He had to be better than Jimmy in every way, everything else be damned. He just couldn't stand his little brother be liked more than him. That pettiness of someone who wants to keep you under... a lot of people can relate to that.

[@Supperdude9]

@@RoachDoggGranny wtf am I reading.

[@CasualObserver9493]

Exactly! Quite the opposite! Spoiler alert for those who haven't finished the series. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... OK, you've been warned. Spoilers ahead. He ended up being the innocent person who Jimmy/Saul got killed! He ended up being the character death that made us hate the main character! All the terrible things Howard had to go through thanks to the McGill brothers is bonkers! Sure, he was very privileged, but he didn't deserve to *die* because if it. May he rest in peace!

[@michaelfelsinger-k2i]

You have to feel sorry for Howard. He has to put up with not one, but two McGills. And, ultimately, it is the death of him. I love both these actors. Great voices.

[@Agent-cz9rj]

Howard is right that there is more to life then just being Lawyer if only Chuck could see that but no he cared to much about being great Lawyer then just enjoying life like everyone else does. Chuck was complete workaholic.

[@lukekiely2450]

Tbf, being a lawyer is all that Chuck had LEFT. Late 50’s, divorced, no kids, hates his only family member left. Chuck had nothing to live for🔥🔥🔥💀💀

[@nanyabiznus4738]

​@@lukekiely2450 he was narrow minded. Sad.. sadd.......... SADDD

[@MisterDutch93]

The thing is, there wasn't more to life than lawyering for Chuck. It was the only perspective he had left. That's why his forced retirement made him relapse again, especially after cutting ties with Jimmy with his famous "You never mattered all that much to me" line. He had NOTHING left to live for.

[@nandaiser]

​@@lukekiely2450he had Jimmy aside from his demeanor he's a really good brother and friend, Chuck's superiority destroy all he has left

[@DzaMiQ]

@@lukekiely2450why did he divorced i wonder

[@MisterSmith00]

Ah, I had forgotten how this discussion ended. So later, Howard gets a letter from Chuck…and Howard assumes it’s because Chuck had time to consider it that retirement was probably for the best. …and it’s the complete opposite; a declaration of war that will destroy the firm in the process. Howard wanted to talk this through peaceably; and Chuck behaved like a self-entitled tyrant…storming out & going to the most extreme option immediately.

[@liljackypaper]

I'm actually Chuck's biggest critic. I hated him the entire show and the way he treated his brother. But I'm actually with him on this one. He was within his right to separate from the firm if they were going to force him to retire.

[@MisterSmith00]

@@liljackypaper Maybe. See, I’d be more willing to understand Chuck’s apprehension for retirement if he’d stuck around to hash it out with Howard. Howard had been going along with Chuck’s campaign at every step of the process…from the time he developed his medical condition…from his willingness to block Jimmy…to his obsessive need to sabotage Jimmy…going so far as to hire a private investigator after staging a meltdown…when they should have just cut ties with Jimmy and moved on. But the ensuing circus kept looping Howard and the firm back into the McGill feud; and it was starting to become too much. The Mesa Verde debacle was also pretty bad for their brand. Howard was giving Chuck an “option”…and also venting, in his own way: he wanted Chuck to know that things had gone too far. Howard could not know just how much Chuck NEEDED to be able to practice law…essentially, the only thing that kept him functional (and was a tool for him to justify his superiority complex; but that’s another issue). Retirement was a suggestion on the table; but there were other options…though Chuck was ready to get into another legal tussle. Howard was getting exhausted just trying to keep up.

[@Mediados]

Howard tried to work out the best for everyone, and what Chuck did was treason of the highest order. You don't legally blackmail your partner who you've known for decades.

[@FranciumBoron]

"...The first instinct you have is to sue me? To _sue_ the firm?"

[@matthewriley7826]

And it also reveals that Chuck doesn’t respect Howard as a partner and probably never has.

[@gamma-ray9996]

Do you know what’s more bloodsucking than a lawyer? An insurance company for lawyers.

[@alexhoffman5885]

😂

[@nathanmcdonald610]

You people are sent down here to defend me against these characters and the only one I've got on my side is the blood sucking lawyer! - John Hammond.

[@matthewriley7826]

I mean, they do have legitimate grievances here. HHM concealed Chuck’s mental illness from the insurance company for a while, and it’s on the public record that he had a breakdown and is screwing up on important documents (untrue but still). He’s become a huge liability.

[@gamma-ray9996]

@@matthewriley7826 Yeah, but they are doubling on "all" of their practicing attorney's, not just Chuck. And it didn't matter to them how good they were for 25 years straight, they'll look for any excuse to increase rates whether they're at fault or not. They didn't even bother canceling Jimmy's insurance even when he's not an active lawyer and requested them to cancel.

[@burgundian-peanuts]

@@gamma-ray9996 They weren't looking to raise the rates. They were looking to drop HHM. They knew that with Charles at the helm, it was only a matter of time before HHM got hit with a massive liability lawsuit.

[@pianoman9421]

Howard is just consistently such a good guy. One of the biggest victims in the entire Breaking Bad universe.

[@cdavidlake2]

Other than the possible drug problem, yeah, I'm inclined to agree.

[@DaScorpionSting]

​@cdavidlake2 Don't forget the prostitute problem including one Jimmy threw out of Howard's car.

[@MrAwesomeHero1]

Lmao you mean the drugs that saul planted??​ didnt know taking a drug turns anyone automatically into a bad person😂 @@cdavidlake2

[@manifestgtr]

@@cdavidlake2 Having a drug problem doesn’t make you a bad guy. Plenty of good (even responsible, believe it or not) people have drug problems.

[@Supperdude9]

He didn't deserve everything that ended up happening to him. He did not. He was just trying to run things.

[@dideoluwaadebayo923]

Patrick Fabian did a great job making his voice slightly crack when he told Chuck he didn’t trust his judgment. Great subtle detail

[@gavinvalle5653]

Patrick Fabian's portrayal of Howard is incredible. Howard is always stuck in the middle, trying to please everyone while the world crumbles around him...All because of the reappearance of "Slippin' Jimmy"...

[@Mr.Nin10do.]

Unfortunately being a lawyer is all that Chuck had to live for, he’s got no family nor friends

[@Wasserkaktus]

And I'll never understand why people in this position can't just find other things to do or enjoy: Jimmy decided to open his own Cinnabon Franchise (I know he was hiding: I am not talking about that.): Chuck could have just as easily just done something that was busy, fun and low pressure, like open an ice cream shop or something.

[@debrachambers1304]

​@@WasserkaktusHave you ever really been that passionate about something?

[@matthewriley7826]

@@debrachambers1304Still he had options, he was a well respected attorney and Howard had a teaching position lined up for him for something he’s passionate about: the law. He would’ve had a vastly more active life and still had friends and colleagues rather than burning his bridges.

[@mrminkman952]

@@matthewriley7826because he was mentally Ill.

[@debrachambers1304]

@@matthewriley7826Teaching is a FAR cry from doing. For Chuck, quitting being a lawyer would be like abandoning your own child.

[@Night5225]

1:10 is when Howard realized that Chuck’s ego has become the problem.

[@Wraithfighter]

Aye. Before that point, he was firmly on Howard's side, but Chuck was throwing haymakers at the wrong time, and destroyed any chance of negotiation or compromise. It was Chuck's Way or the Highway at that point, and that's not a good place for a lawyer to be.

[@buhklao]

i was looking for a comment on this expression howard had He looked baffled that Chuck took control and ended negotiation like it was only his decision to make

[@matthewriley7826]

And that Chuck threatening the insurance company was done out of anger, not calculation. Howard was already doing damage control with all of their clients due to Chuck’s breakdown, and if they get the news that they’re suing their own insurance company it’ll make them look worse.

[@coldshakey]

everyone talks about Chicanery, but this scene to me encapsulates Chuck's character and demonstrates why McKean was the perfect choice for this role. Every line is delivered flawlessly, particularly "Meaning?" and "Howard, I'm fine!" hit with such impact that you'd think you were witnessing an actual argument between two people who've conducted business together for decades. I need to rewatch this show pronto

[@lenawagenfuehr53]

It is a crime that no one got an Emmy for BCS! Lalo, Gus, Nacho, Chuck, Jimmy nor Kim....a crime!!

[@FatAlbert1020]

3:57 rewatching this, I’m just realizing he doesn’t trust Chuck’s judgement because of how he treated Jimmy while caring for him through his condition. Taking in Jimmy after he brought them Sandpiper was a slam dunk but Chuck said no. Chuck had lost his humanity somewhere along the way, and Howard could see it

[@joliemadigan4244]

I love this observation

[@lllool8404]

3:32 "I'm better!" - Chucklander

[@Luciano-yu7pu]

That is the moment when chuck became homelander

[@Luciano-yu7pu]

Chucklander: i don't make mistakes im not just like Jimmy, im stronger, im smarter i... im better I AM BETTER!

[@Erowax]

3:57 This is the moment when Howard became Gus Fring.

[@memestealer6348]

"You can never trust a chicanery addict."

[@Delta_Aves_Mashups]

"Perhaps in the future he'll consider working for hi.....oh right."

[@justinguyos5476]

Chuck McGill later sets up an old guy to blow up Howard, causing him to walk out of a room with half his face missing.

[@Gamer2002]

​@@memestealer6348😂😂

[@SamsarasArt]

Nah. Gus was being sinister. Howard was being caring.

[@SimBol1216]

"Oh, you can't do this to me... I started this company. YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I SACRIFICED!?"

[@Conrad9659]

The thumbnail looks like Chuck is a medieval lord writing with an old-timey plumed quill just as his as his vizier bursts in with news of affairs.

[@JustinCage56]

I needed that laugh!

[@TopSkek811x]

Priceless!!

[@justinguyos5476]

Jimmy may have started it but Chuck just keeps making things worse for himself. He is just as dangerous as a chimp with a machine gun like he called Jimmy. Whatever damages Jimmy could cause, they could have been minimized or even prevented if Chuck showed the slightest ounce of tact and understanding towards anyone. But no, he just had to be the big man in everything no matter what.

[@drysoup3017]

*"YOU, AND YOUR PRIDE AND EGO! YOU JUST HAD TO BE THE MAN."*

[@fayevalentina77]

​@@drysoup3017 I've noticed there's a lot of similarities between chuck and walter, and I'm sure the writers knew this and is why jimmy was so bitter during the last few episodes, almost assaulting the man with cancer, possibly even fatally. To him the man with cancer represented walter, and in some ways walter represented chuck. Jimmy just couldn't NOT scam him.

[@joeminier1736]

@@fayevalentina77that’s probably why Saul sought out Walter. He probably unconsciously reminded him of Chuck.

[@asdf0747]

chuck did everything to himself, especially by denying Jimmy purely because of his jealously and vindictive pettiness. He entrapped Jimmy and called himself moral and ethical, all the while saying he's doing it for Jimmy. He never wanted Jimmy to get beter. He wanted Jimmy to be a mail clerk failure, because that's how he saw him.

[@fayevalentina77]

@@asdf0747 "and I was very proud!" he was proud that jimmy was "in his place" in the mailroom like a monkey in shackles (instead of with a machine gun). He didn't want him to grow, he wanted him on a leash because he didn't trust him to roam free without biting someone. But the leash is exactly what pushed him further on that path.

[@TheRealWalterClements]

"This is not what fine looks like." Mental illness is scary. It can't be ignored, and actions must be taken sooner rather than later. Chuck didn't fully realize he needed help. His family and his friends didn't take action as they should have. Let these problems fester in one's mind for too long and it surely won't end well.

[@kousik8042]

Nearby people will help if one lets them help... Jimmy was taking care of chuck day in day out... But chuck ego blocked Jimmy in letting Jimmy help chuck

[@lukeraymond6927]

Dude all his close confidants said to get help a long time ago. Chuck’s pride was keeping him sick, not anybody else.

[@cjhedberg735]

Patrick Fabian's delivery of that line and the expression on his face is so damn good. You can tell that yes, while he wants Chuck out due to the stability and reputation of the firm being put more and more at risk the longer he stays on, he also legitimately wants to help Chuck. He's not just worried about the decision-making skills of his business partner, he's fearing for the health and sanity of his friend, probably more so than how Chuck's mental state is affecting the firm and it's clients.

[@Logan912]

@@lukeraymond6927Mike - “ *YOU* and your *pride* and your ego!”

[@matthewriley7826]

He also mistakenly believed he could overcome it through sheer force of will. But mental illness is more complicated than that, and you need to seek help.

[@BlueLightningSky]

Insurance did not cover Walt's treatment. Insurance raised Chuck's professional liability premiums. The true villains are not the Salamancas, Gus, Chuck or Walt, it's the damn insurance industry.

[@GrandeDubstep]

Fr

[@aclown36]

Did you forget the part where Walt's *PRIDE AND EGO* (the entire point of BB) makes him turn down the Gretchen's offer to cover his treatments

[@montecristo1845]

@@aclown36yes, but what we’re saying is that the majority of us in a similar situation shouldn’t have to rely on the generosity of billionaires or our friends to survive. It’s like when the news reports a “feel good” story about a local individual receiving a ton of monetary support for medical treatment or denied retirement through a GoFundMe. We are supposed to think “Aw, isn’t that sweet” instead of asking “why is this necessary in one of the richest countries in the world?”

[@shinyagumon7015]

Tbf While I agree I don't think Walt would've stopped cooking if he had insurance. He would've found another justification like how he later got obsessed with making money to leave in his will.

[@stormcloudsabound]

It is really American gothic, right up there with Tennessee Williams.

[@Mediados]

The line "This is not what fine looks like" with Howard near tears. He isn't doing this because he wants Chuck out. He knows this is for the good of HHM, and it breaks him to be forced to do this to his old friend.

[@ppmv4285]

"You want me to retire over this? INSURANCE?!" Michael McKean absolutely nails that delivery.

[@BillyBones-ui9ck]

Chuck's greatest sin, Pride. Jimmy's greatest sin, greed. Kim's greatest sin, wrath. Howard's greatest sin?....just trying to make everyone happy

[@inviinviinvi]

Chuck also had envy

[@unusualusername8847]

That'd make Howards sin Lust. Lust as a sin was defined as a extreme want for something in a social relationship that it consumed them. In this case, his lust to appease everyone

[@pencil6965]

Howard had pride too when he treated Kim like crap in the beginning

[@BillyBones-ui9ck]

@@pencil6965 I'm not saying Howard didn't have his faults and flaw's. But the way he tried to give Jimmy back his own place at HHM after he knows what Chuck put him through. Only to have Jimmy sabotage and destroy Howard, All because Jimmy couldn't "accept" his share of responsibility for his brother's brutal death. Jesse wasn't the rabid dog, Jimmy was...

[@pencil6965]

agreed, howard at least showed clear effort that he was trying to be and do better, but kim and jimmy became worse@@BillyBones-ui9ck

[@CommentPoster10]

I actually felt bad for Howard Dude was just trying to be a normal lawyer, but had both McGill brothers making his life hell

[@EldestBoy]

"If enough people tell you that you're drunk..." Ouch for Howard in hindsight.

[@thebiggestcauldron]

"If enough people tell you that you're high, maybe it's time to drive away."

[@nameynamename3758]

the real villain of the middle of this show is insurance companies

[@trialconesiaur1638]

Same for Breaking Bad

[@Mkmcco]

Same for real life

[@sentientmango3259]

They're real life villains.

[@ayyybob]

Same for me

[@Logan912]

(In Jesse Pinkman’s voice) They can’t keep getting away with it!!!

[@Lechosus]

It's interesting to see how chuck really doesn't feel anything when touching the lamp, turning the lights and all, he really didn't feel anything. Then, as he was not getting the response he wanted, the pain came back.

[@skakee10]

he was probably putting up a front and it hurt the whole time. maybe the pain got worse seeing his reaction tho, its very much influenced by the way other ppl act

[@andrewwertz3335]

This was so sad, Chuck seemed like he could have transitioned to being a professor or writer, almost seems like a better fit for his skills. Definitely had the brain for it but his ego wouldn’t let him

[@matthewriley7826]

Or even teaching law, he could’ve become a respected professor, and continued in a field he loved while having a more active life than what he has been living.

[@dakotap7272]

1:36 notice how he turns off all the lights for him. Howard really was his best friend

[@codybuckner9325]

Howard was the true victim of the show. He literally lost everything as a result of Saul, and Chuck's behavior. Crazy to think that Jimmy kept up the Saul charade after what happened to Howard, and was a willing participant in the events that unfolded.

[@Eowyn187]

Omg this is hysterical

[@acidmana6141]

Which makes the ending actually a redemption for Jimmy. Don't really know why some people hate it. Just because it's less cool? If Jimmy did continue his bargaining hustle at the end he'll just be miserable again after getting out of prison. The only way forward for him is to pay for his crimes.

[@Saddam_Husaiyan]

he kept up the charade because it was a coping mechanism. Constantly berate himself with work to give him no down time to reflect about the past (he even falls asleep banging hookers). He surrounds himself with low lives as clients because they are the opposite in character as Howard so they remind him of Howard as little as possible

[@MikeCobweb]

@@acidmana6141I didn’t hate the ending, I hated how it was forced or how he was caught in the first place. Sure Saul couldn’t keep his hands to himself and ego played a factor in his downfall, but how the hell did an elderly woman who barely could walk and doesn’t know a thing about computers, was able to uncover that he was Saul and moreover gain Superman sight to read the car number plate perfectly mind you? I told myself it was utter bullshit and that Vince was forced/bored of the series so he had to half ass the way that Saul gets caught. Because throughout the series we saw characters like Saul get outsmarted or outdone by formidable characters not some random very old woman.

[@CinnPai]

⁠@@MikeCobwebI think that the random old woman catching him is symbolic, that Saul is a mind who outsmarted brilliant ones, yet this innocent old woman is his downfall. Those at the top have to come down sometime, and it can happen at any point. His downfall was the innocent, something he was no longer, something he had history of in the past (the entire Sandpiper case). In any case, it was a downfall that was - in a way - inevitable. Jimmy could not live forever in this miserable state, and Saul cannot become an invincible martyr forever.

[@shade01977]

One of the best delivered lines of the whole series... "this is not what 'fine' looks like."

[@jrreedve2825]

To be honest, I feel like Howard *KNEW* this toxic back and forth between Chuck and Jimmy was going to bring down the firm.

[@DaScorpionSting]

Well, he knew letting Chuck practice again was a risk to the firm even at the Mesa Verde hearing after it fell apart, thanks to Jimmy, Howard watched Chuck have some sort of electricity reaction.

Then why didn’t he retire chuck when jimmy asked? Oh yeah because he’s greedy

[@Dman1235_]

Wild how Howard is to Chuck how Saul is to Walt. This is their version of the “it’s over” scene.

[@santiagocarreno5881]

Howard is 100% right here; dude is like 'Bro all of we have had to do for you, and is not enough, you are simply no longer worth all the effort" and he gives him very dignified departure

[@matthewriley7826]

As he said, it’s the straw that broke the camels back. He’s been uncomfortable with Chuck’s illness for a long time now, but kept silent out of respect. But now that it’s out in the open he’s mentally ill, there’s no way he can justify keeping him on without tearing down everything they built.

[@dogdillon2]

3:32 this was when chuck's condition healed and Better Call Saul concluded

[@zitherzon2121]

1:05 Chuck threatening that their little Mom and Pop law firm is "going to compel" a giant insurance company. This scene is when Howard fully realizes the extent of Chuck's insanity. The two insurance agents are probably also attorneys.

[@usul573]

It does seem like "We are increasing our rates" is completely legal and something they are allowed to do but it really gets under Chuck's skin.

[@kingstarscream320]

Why would the insurance agents also be attorneys?

[@zitherzon2121]

@@kingstarscream320 To guarantee that nothing stupid is said by the agents that will jeopardize the insurance company's position when they deliver really bad news to the owners of a respected law firm. Oh and also because big insurance companies have plenty of lawyers on-staff to spare. (How's that?)

[@kingstarscream320]

@@zitherzon2121 Naturally any huge business has lawyers on staff, but it would have to be a special circumstance for them to be sent merely to inform some clients of increased rates.

[@zitherzon2121]

@@kingstarscream320 They are there to politely explain the reasons for the increase (probably previously sent by mail) and the options available to mitigate it. Not just to "inform some clients."

[@Nemenis]

It’s ok chuck, lalo will avenge you

[@durpanda123]

not funny :(

[@nate7603]

💀😂

[@salembeats1875]

@@durpanda123it’s halarious

[@Delta_Aves_Mashups]

Chuck: "Lalo? Sounds like a nobody."

[@Je_QzcY3mN0]

@@durpanda123didn't laugh:(

[@KitariItsSomethingRottenHere]

*So sad that Chuck was doing ok after retirement but it was after he said to Jimmy "I never loved you" that he totally broke, it was a lie, he loved his brother but he led anger to take over and in the end he found himself all alone and helpless, with no family and no career, that killed him.*

[@sannah1916]

Chuck did care about Jimmy but saying he loved him isnt true. He was always envious of Jimmy throughout his life. Jimmy had a charisma and charm that Chuck wished he had too. He hated that Jimmy was his parents favorite eventhough he was the "ideal" son. And this is pretty much solidified with that scene in s2 i think where they have dinner with rebecca and jimmy ends up impressing her with his charm. And then later at night chuck tries to do the same but fails. Chuck always liked to feel a semse of control over jimmy and always wamted him to be his subordinate. So when he does find out that Jimmy passed the bar, there was nothing left for chuck to be good at, jimmy too was now a lawyer. Instead of being proud of his brother's hardwork he brings him down, instead of being happy for him he denies him a job at HHM. And i dont think amy loving brother would do shit like this. Sure he cared abt jimmy and his future and he did want him to get his life straight but not out of love

[@BillyButcher90]

​@@sannah1916 You also don't secretly undermine someone's career and exclaim that you're in the right when confeonted about it. That's is the total opposite of unconditional love.

[@oscarmejiavera]

He didnt take the words in the spirit in which they were intended

[@TheBroligarch]

“You will do right by us or we will compel you to do so.” Damn that’s smooth.

[@matthewriley7826]

lol not really, don’t make threats if you can’t back it up.

[@kingstarscream320]

@@matthewriley7826They could back it up. Howard sabotaged him.

[@snowarmth]

he so naughty >//

[@MiketheratguyMultimedia]

Howard wound up being one of the show's most tragic heroes.

[@justinguyos5476]

For someone as brilliant as Chuck, he seems oblivious to the consequences of his actions. HHM has already taken a huge hit to their reputation because of the Mesa Verde scandal. If people found out that HHM was willing to litigate its own insurance provider, no one would ever hire HHM for a case ever again. Howard was right to let go of his partner who is acting like a big baby lashing out at everyone.

[@DaScorpionSting]

Ya like he believes in the law, but when the law catches up to him, well, look how he responds

[@matthewriley7826]

Not to mention the insurance company has firms on retainer in case someone wants to try their luck and take them to court, it would promise a long difficult legal battle. And your firm gets a reputation where other insurance companies will avoid doing business with you.

[@justinguyos5476]

@@matthewriley7826Chuck nearly destroyed HHM way before Saul and Kim would do the same.

[@Rootiga]

I only just now noticed Howard turning all the lights off before giving chuck the bad news

[@matthewriley7826]

Don’t forget bringing out the booze😂

[@leopoldopensaiii8366]

I like to listen to this video with my headphones pretending that I’m part of the HHM team

[@carlosthedarkness]

The face Patrick Fabian makes at 3:38 . My god! You can know exactly what he's thinking! This is what acting is about! Amazing!

[@notramesses4790]

When howard explained the nepotism part in court. Did he not realize that was also how he got *his* position at HHM?

[@snowarmth]

He knew that part was bullshit. He was just following the lie he was told to tell. He's impressed with Kim when she calls him out. He's not surprised, worried, concerned or self-reflective. He's accountable, and upfront about how right she is. It's important to note that he cites "the partners", not he and his team.

[@notramesses4790]

@@snowarmth Exactly!

[@B_B463]

Chuck is very similar to Walter White. With both of their health conditions and egos.

[@saparapatepete]

Wonder if to some degree, Walt reminded Saul of his brother

[@МихайлоЛитвиненко-б9х]

3:38 This is not what 'fine' looks like. You're mentally ill. You've... you've holed up in a house with no electricity. You're working by the light of gas lanterns. You're making mistakes with your clients, you're mixing up numbers on important documents, you... you... you had a complete mental breakdown at the bar hearing. It's in the transcripts... I... I'm really worried. I just... If you screw up with one more big client, I... It's just gonna destroy you.

[@DJ_Music_Man2]

I know Chuck isn’t a nice person but when I rewatched these scenes it made me really feel for him.

[@UndeadPasta]

Howard picked the wrong time to suggest this to Chuck. He was clearly already defensive and upset about the meeting, trying to talk him into retiring as a lawyer seconds later is just the wrong move

[@Delta_Aves_Mashups]

When would've been the "right" time?

[@SteveBluescemi]

His hand was forced. Howard simply couldn't indulge Chuck's plan for swift and vengeful litigation against the insurance company. Since Chuck wanted to work on it right away, Howard drew the line and put his foot down.

[@JaceTimes]

@@Delta_Aves_Mashups Its all part of theatrics for the show's sake, I am sure any normal person would've waited until Chuck was a little bit more calm.

[@Spanner249]

Chuck was demanding the firm start senseless litigation with their insurance provider that very day. Howard was backed into the corner and had no other choice. If that letter had gone out it would have started a chain reaction that would have seriously damaged the firm. Not only would they have likely lost that case, they would have had issues getting other insurance to cover them because they launched frivolous litigation against their previous provider. Furthermore Howard knows that once Chuck starts down a road he never stops. Looking at his treatment of Jimmy shows that. He spent years trying to destroy his brothers legal career, and he would have spent years trying to get absolution for this perceived grievance with the insurance company.

[@matthewriley7826]

Chuck was about to call in a multitude of associates and declare war on the insurance company. Howard needed to stop him dead in his tracks or risk embarrassing him in front of the firm and spreading rumors.

[@jasonm3871]

I love how Howard when from villain to victim. One of the best character developments I’ve ever seen.

[@GlassesAndCoffeeMugs]

"This is not what fine looks like" absolutely obliterated

[@jamesmicabalo7607]

"I cant be partners with someone whose judgment i dont trust." is the "I do not work with junkies." in BCS.

[@SorchaSublime]

he acts surprised but Chuck knew what was coming through this entire conversation. He didnt remark at the lights, or a drink being poured

[@saparapatepete]

Yes, he noticed the signs, one can tell it in his face

[@Zero_onelt]

'' chuck, there is more to life than this '' is probably the realest shit ive heard coming from Howard, he really cared for him and loved him, its just so sad.

[@SamsarasArt]

You can see the pain in Howard's eyes when he tells Chuck "this is not what fine looks like"

[@emperorreign6154]

Howard may have reached his position through nepotism, but he truly became the anchor that held HHM together when Chuck’s irrational decision making and personal vendettas were bringing it down. Making the hard decision to tell his mentor that he needs to step down was a classic example of his strong leadership qualities at the firm. He really didn’t deserve what happened to him.

[@sterlingsteve]

Patrick Fabian did such great work on this show. As did everybody.

[@YAARS16]

This is the moment when the greatest legal mind I ever knew became unpredictable

[@snowarmth]

Howie. You know.

[@DJ_Music_Man2]

I like how when the lights (what hurt Chuck) are on everyone in the room is angry at Chuck but when the lights are off everyone (Howard) feels sorry for him until the lights get turned on again and Howard gets angry at Chuck

[@memelotti]

What a heartbreaking scene. That conference table looks amazing though

[@ralphlozano9177]

...maybe, but it wasn't a cocobolo..

[@rydermccall3590]

3:02 Chuck used drinking as a euphemism to describe Jimmy: Saying Jimmy was an alcoholic and he’s not letting Jimmy drive a school bus. Now Howard is also using drinking as a euphemism: Saying Howard is “drunk” and needs to sit down. That must have really gotten under Chuck’s skin.

[@jonahweinshenker]

Actually Howard is one of the most tragic figures of the whole story. He’s a bit of a prick but actually a pretty good guy. Got a raw deal for sure.

[@flameguy3416]

You know a show is good if you can repeatedly watch small clips of it and actually care about the characters.

[@anthonycruciani939]

A book on SCOTUS during reconstruction does sound interesting.

[@wattsnottaken1]

What do you mean by “Compel” ? You know exactly what I mean One of my favorite Chuck quotes. I Love the actor who plays Chuck. He’s so good

[@anlexaify]

Michael McKean's acting is fucking stellar. He's such an underrated aspect of this show, and the fact that he can act out the part of a man who apparently has "EHS" (which has no basis on reality whatsoever) is mind boggling.

[@joeminier1736]

This was something that was bound to happen but probably because they hid Chucks illness for years the results were extensive to raise everyone’s premium. But they were also heavily implying if chuck was willing to have someone monitor him only his would be raised. Chuck in the end made it far worse for everyone especially himself.

[@DaScorpionSting]

Ya this is something Kim chews out Howard for in their argument at the restaurant. Howard knew she was right letting Chuck practice again puts a risk to the firm

[@joeminier1736]

@@DaScorpionSting his blind loyalty to Chuck was his undoing in the end. It all could have been prevented if Chuck was institutionalized.

[@matthewriley7826]

That was the compromise they suggested, however it’s not that simple and carry’s its own problems. Notwithstanding Chuck’s agitation at being babysat, Howard points out another partner would be busy supervising him rather than doing important work for the firm and they can’t charge the clients for it. This also makes them look bad in front of the clients when a senior partner needs supervision.

[@joeminier1736]

⁠@@matthewriley7826chuck already ruined the company’s reputation and those were the consequences to his actions. His hypocrisy on jimmy needing face to his actions but he wouldn’t face his. His career either way was over.

[@kingstarscream320]

Imagine being a partner at a firm and having someone babysit you. I’d rather kill myself. Chuck was right to be angry.

[@bridgecross]

Over the years Michael McKean was always there, but I never "saw" him. I watched him play Lenny on Laverne & Shirley in the 70's, the lead singer in This Is Spinal Tap, and a hundred other small roles in film and TV (Star Trek, Murphy Brown, Smallville, Saturday Night Live). He disappears into roles so well. Finally with this role I connected all the dots and realized who he is! Where are all his Emmys?!?!

[@andrewdunn5568]

Life of a character actor. They don't always get the accolades. Heck sometimes people don't even know their names. Their "awards" usually amount to being always employed, always in a role doing something.

[@HallidayASR]

Also known as the Margo Martindale effect

[@joeheadblues]

Don't Forget Little Nicky!

[@MagaraManV2-vp5he]

3:38 the pain inside howard seeing chuck is easily understandable just by looking at his eyes.

[@Headspr0uter]

I like the detail that Chuck starts yapping even before the door is closed. He's become entirely incautious at this point, his ego is so overinflated in compensation for what happened in court.

[@KhaldazRC]

What scares me the most is reaching a point in my life where my mind betrays me, convincing me I have an imaginary illness and ruining my life, affecting others around me. Chuck was a complete narcissistic jerk-I don’t feel any empathy for him, but I do feel afraid that my mind could betray me like that one day.

[@Kalmera6238]

Clearly you feel empathy, you just described how it would feel to be him. What you don't feel, is sympathy.

[@justinisorange]

Here’s the thing: Charles was wrong about “you’re hoping we’ll cut you an enormous check or find another carrier”. The insurance company offered a super reasonable compromise: the issue was chuck, so by simply assigning another partner to babysit him the insurance company would be satisfied and no costs would go up. It was 100 percent about chucks own pride and ego. If this was purely a shakedown they wouldn’t have offered it

[@ramblincapuchin9075]

You may be missing the perceived slight. If you're a practicing lawyer with several years of conquest in the colosseum, it's difficult to take regulatory actions lying down. I know it's ironic: I would call what they are doing inhuman considering we're talking about lawyers. At the off chance that Chuck is actually performing good and honest work, what he's going through on behalf of Jimmy is definitely chicanery. But I digress This is a structure that suggests that the house is them and you get to watch from the outside While I don't disagree that they are being generous, it's always the case with political structures that they need to control the narrative strictly and with strict upheaval. Asking a senior partner to sit in on cases is as good as hiring a replacement lawyer who doesn't have to do any of the work Apply this to any other career, not only does it water down your reputation, it's the same feel. Someone else gets to take their time instigating your life's work. It's like having a familiar spirit follow you around, reporting your habits. Again, the idea that as a free man, someone else, even if they are a part of your firm, gets an insider view on your process Oh and the point about billing. In this life, money is all about importance to the brand. Even the mice bear a cost to operations if they associate with your building. It's not just about fielding interests, it's also about time This is why corporate structure is so harsh on the bottom rung, everything that affects the bottom line is a cost that they will extract from somewhere. You'd think it would be new business or expressions of venture capitalism that make up the difference. Nope; daily expenditures are the roadmap toward future projections So imagine a private enterprise like a firm, which reinvents itself to be on the cutting edge of fiscal returns, is in bed with a regulatory body. The house always wins They are telling Chuck that having quirks to his character is a liability and don't have enough respect for him and his hallmarks to ease him into their proposition. Again, at cost to the firm Howard is in a tough position. Chuck is at risk of losing his life's work

[@justinisorange]

@@ramblincapuchin9075 This is not a “quirk ” this is a borderline psychotic breakdown waiting to happen (and it did). The insurance company no longer wanted to raise the prices after Chuck left. I think this had nothing to do with money and everything to do with liability. Yes Chuck would feel humiliated I’m not denying that but I am saying when he says “we” he no longer represents the best interests of the firm

[@matthewriley7826]

But as Howard points out, any work Chuck does will have to be supervised by a partner who could be doing other work for the firm and they can’t charge the client for both. It also looks bad for the firm when all of a sudden a senior partner needs to be supervised by another one for work they do and they lose confidence in their service.

[@stormlord7119]

Howard knew the truth. That the he couldn’t find the one piece with Chuck

[@amitkenan3878]

But to betray the one who told him the secret of the D's name?

[@snowarmth]

My devastated soul when I read up on 1127 and realize the One Piece isn't even hinted or referenced... My reaction when I try to interpret what is even going on in the chapter: 3:38

[@spectralflapjack]

Over time, we learned that Howard was actually the only one from HHM trying to do right by everyone the whole time. He was a good man with good leadership qualities. He was simply tied up by the pecking order of the firm. Vince and Gould did a great job convincing us otherwise at the beginning, then slowly revealed the truth. In many ways, he's almost a foil to Walter White.

[@IbnFergus]

Well I wouldn't call him a saint. He did stick Kim in doc review indefinitely despite her bringing a major client in, though it's unclear whether Chuck told him to or not.

[@spectralflapjack]

@IbnFergus I'm pretty sure Howard did so at the request of Chuck. He knew Kim was very close to Jimmy.

[@terracottapie]

Howard is probably the all-time #1 cinematic example of "Lawful Neutral"

[@Thee_Deputy]

Howard is so awesome.

[@zuxx00]

"I'm better! Howard, I'm fine!" He winces as he pick up the light. 😆

[@DaScorpionSting]

He might as well say that to the insurance since they have his records showing he is not fine

[@ZachariahHaller]

The acting in this show was phenomenal

[@hectorvaldes3582]

chuck really needed help. he was crazy and everyone just downplayed his condition.

[@DaScorpionSting]

Well, Chuck's ego also kept him from getting proper help

[@doraemon61377]

@@DaScorpionStingarrogance not ego

[@matthewriley7826]

True, but it’s also complicated in that Howard wanted to avoid a PR nightmare that a senior partner is mentally ill and seeking treatment. And Jimmy felt he owed Chuck so he couldn’t justify “betraying” him like that. But all it did was make the problem worse…

[@shinjinobrave]

"I can think of a dozen infractions right here off the top op my head." "I'm sorry I don't have the code sections at my fingertips just now."

[@limeymcfrog1]

One of the things I love is that we get to see Howard in these kind, caring moments, but Jimmy and Kim largely don’t. So - to us, Kim taking down Howard is monstrous, but from her perspective, he’s exactly the kind of jerk they would scam at the bar.

[@ReaverLordTonus]

The thing is, if Chuck's "condition" wasn't all in his head, it can't just go away. The fact he can suffer from it ine day and suddenly be fine the next depending on circumstances in his career or personal life and not physical parameters proves it's mental.

[@MrRiffMusic]

2:52 Denial 3:10 Anger 3:23 Bargaining 3:44 Depression 4:01 Acceptance (arguable)

[@alexhoffman5885]

😂🙌

[@8bit_paul]

4:03 wow that little head toss is gold.

[@hammeredandsauteed4644]

Insurance broker here. You’d have your broker present at that meeting ready to market their malpractice insurance to every insurance company under the sun. They’d find some carrier more than happy to write that policy.

[@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102]

Except Chuck's threatening litigation to this one carrier would likely poison the well and make them have a difficult time finding a new carrier in a city as small as Albuquerque.

[@justinguyos5476]

@@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102 Nah, that is going to reflect badly on HHM more than the insurance broker. Especially when HHM is suing them just because one of its co-partners detests having an assistant when it has been proven he is mentally ill. That is a huge violation of their contract on HHM's part.

[@amediumhorse]

I swear Howard is the Squidward or Benson of BCS. Everything is his fault even when it isn’t.

[@itsbreadbin]

It went from Jimmy being rejected by HHM to Chuck being forced to retire from HHM

[@DaScorpionSting]

And then Howard got taken out of HHM

[@amitkenan3878]

@@DaScorpionSting And hhm becomes a fraction of its former self. They didn't even keep the name

[@matthewriley7826]

And from Chuck refusing to “cash out” because of the damage it could do, to Chuck threatening to do that very thing when he no longer cares about the firms wellbeing.

[@bpkmm3048]

It's like telling your elderly parent they can't drive anymore and to give you the keys.