Movies News Talk
The actor that plays Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul, Patrick Fabian, does not see his character as a villain. He says he distinguishes Howard from the changing nature of Jimmy McGill and his brother Chuck by his consistency in his values and behavior. Howard is a sad person Fabian regards as having fallen from the influence of those close by. He underlines Howard's relentless dedication to his values even in face of Jimmy's manipulations and Chuck's accusations.
Although Patrick Fabian considers Howard Hamlin as a complicated character with tragic flaws, viewers usually view him as a villain. Howard's consistent hostility toward Jimmy Mcgill—especially in the legal sphere—helps to shape this impression. Jimmy's interactions with Howard get more divisive as he moves toward his "Saul Goodman" image. Constant power struggle results from Howard's strict adherence to legal ethics often running counter to Jimmy's more opportunistic attitude. Moreover, Howard's alleged conceit and self-righteousness feed the audience's negative impressions of him, which attracts Jimmy's schemes' target.
Better Call Saul's plot revolves mostly on the interaction between Howard Hamlin and Jimmy McGill. Jimmy's metamorphosis into Saul Goodman is spurred on by their rivalry; the conflict between their different legal philosophies drives Jimmy farther into unethical ground. Their relationship also emphasizes the corrupting power of ambition and the extent people will go to in order to achieve. Howard's presence also gives Jimmy chances to control and outsmart his opponent while simultaneously forcing him to face the results of his acts, so adding layers of complexity to the story of the show.
Howard Hamlin passes away tragically in Better Call Saul's Season 6 Episode 8. He falls victim to a scheme run by Jimmy Mcgill and Kim Wexler, who unintentionally cause Lalo Salamanca to believe Howard is a threat in an effort to defend himself. Lalo shooting Howard in the head under this false belief causes his death. Howard's death reminds us very sharply of the great stakes in the world of Better Call Saul and the terrible results of unbridled ambition.
Patrick Fabian highlights Howard Hamlin's character arc's tragic element. He thinks that the activities of people around Howard—especially Jimmy and Chuck—directly led to his death. Howard, to him, is a victim of circumstance—someone caught in the crossfire between Jimmy's aspirations and Chuck's manipulations. Although Howard's haughtiness and strict legal observance help to bring him down, Fabian stresses the sad aspect of his destiny and the inadvertent results of the deeds of others.