Badger

Lore & Background

Badger's arrest in a sting operation by the Albuquerque Police sets the events of the episode "Better Call Saul" in motion. After his arrest, Saul Goodman offers to be Badger's legal counsel. Walter White, posing as Badger's uncle, goes to Saul's office and offers a bribe to keep Badger from confessing, but Saul refuses. Walt and Jesse then resort to kidnapping Saul, threatening to kill him if he does not keep Badger from informing on them. Saul, realizing they are associates of Badger, asks for payment so he can legally represent them and keep their talks confidential. Saul then tells the duo about Jimmy "In-'N-Out" Kilkelly, who makes a living being paid by other criminals to go to jail, and offers to have him stand in for Heisenberg. The DEA busts Kilkelly when Badger gives them a fake deal, though Hank Schrader is not completely convinced.

Reader's Guide

In the episode "Better Call Saul" (Breaking Bad season 2, episode 8), Badger is arrested by the Albuquerque Police in a sting operation. This arrest prompts Walter White and Jesse Pinkman to seek legal representation, leading them to Saul Goodman. Saul has already offered to be Badger's counsel. Walt attempts to bribe Saul to keep Badger from confessing, but Saul refuses. Walt and Jesse then kidnap Saul, threatening him to ensure Badger does not inform on them. Saul, realizing they are connected to Badger, agrees to represent them for payment. He introduces the concept of using Jimmy "In-'N-Out" Kilkelly, a professional jail-goer, to take the fall for Heisenberg. Badger participates in the scheme by giving the DEA a fake deal, resulting in Kilkelly's arrest. Hank Schrader, however, is not fully convinced by the setup.

Did You Know?

• Walter White poses as Badger's uncle when visiting Saul Goodman's office.
• The episode "Better Call Saul" is the eighth episode of the second season of Breaking Bad, written by Peter Gould and directed by Terry McDonough.