One of the best lawyers and original characters from Better Call Saul, Howard Hamlin had one of his best moments in season 5 that left fans in awe. Patrick Fabian essays the role of Howard Hamlin. The credit goes as much to the actor as well as the writers, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould who wrote such a fantastic character.

Hamlin and Jimmy’s relationship

To viewers, Hamlin was an antagonist at the beginning of the show. He was at loggerheads with Jimmy McGill (Bob  Odenkirk) and Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn) over the treatment of Jimmy’s older brother, Chuck (Michael McKean) when he was on leave. They don’t start on a good note. But throughout the show’s run viewers witnessed Howard helping the young lawyers’ pair to establish themselves in the cutthroat legal world. Even offered him a job at the Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill. As the series unfolds, it is revealed that Howard isn’t the foe Jimmy thought was. In fact, it turned out to be his brother, Chuck who would frequently get vindictive towards him. Chuck, also his law partner, thought Jimmy was undeserving of his position in the firm. On the other hand, Howard considered Jimmy capable. While Chuck failed to be an older brother to him, Howard repeatedly proved that he could have been one if only Jimmy gave him a chance. However, by Better Call Saul season 5, Jimmy only wants to avenge his brother’s death and pushes Howard further away.

Howard forgives a grieving Jimmy in Better Call Saul season 5

Chuck’s death in season 4 caused a rift between Howard and Jimmy. A year later, Jimmy is still grieving the loss of his brother and blames it on Howard. Howard on the other hand has made peace with it, and has moved on. Jimmy unable to bear the pain vandalizes Howard’s car, hires prostitutes to soil his reputation in public. It is only in the episode titled ‘JMM’ when Howard encounters Jimmy at the courthouse. He confronts him about his malevolent acts, and Jimmy outright denies the allegations. Instead of grilling him, Hamlin says, “Jimmy, I’m sorry you’re in pain.” This dialogue has a profound impact on Jimmy, who has a meltdown.