Bob Odenkirk stole the limelight as the eponymous Saul from ‘Better Call Saul’ but Rhea Seehorn as “Kim Wexler” no doubt held the show up in an Atlantean fashion – in addition to Chuck, Jimmy McGill’s sibling, her character (as an on-again-off-again romantic interest) provided emotional foundation in amongst turbulent plot twists and shared universe callbacks.
The character of Kim Wexler began as almost, semi-tertiary, but took a more center stage position as the series progressed. If a lesser actor was given such an onscreen niche to inhabit it might’ve amounted to a recasting or lackluster performance. But Seehorn delivered the goods – providing a deep reservoir of intentionality and affinity for the role. Not to mention, managing to stand out despite being a Hollywood proselyte when compared to some of the show’s more established cast members. Not an easy task!
At least, that’s my take.
Better Call Saul (AMC)
Afterword:
Rhea Seehorn is beyond magnificent in the new Apple TV+ premiere – a sci-fi/drama enigmatically titled in Latin, ‘Pluribus’. The show’s only at episode four in its release schedule and my anticipation for next week’s installment is nearly unquenchable. Much, much more heavy emoting in this role than the (expertly) reserved acting she did in ‘Better Call Saul’.
Both characters Carol (from Pluribus) & Kim Wexler are impeccable portrayals. Invigorating for the viewer, and clear examples of television acting done right.
Realism sought; realism attained.
Who created these series?
Vince Gilligan is the creator and showrunner behind Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and Pluribus.
(Ardent fans of 1990s era TV may know Gilligan as one of the creative minds behind a globally renowned science fiction series. Disguised as a run-of-the-mill procedural crime drama, which ran for 9 consecutive seasons on the FOX Network, ‘The X-Files’ is so well known it barely requires an introduction. Later, Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul’s mainstream success combined with glowing critical acclaim forever solidified Gilligan as a creative force in his own right. Somewhat surprisingly, the X-Files was rebooted for another three seasons in the mid-2010s. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson reprised their roles as the show’s universally recognizable leads, Mulder & Scully.)
