What to expect from Season 6 of Better Call Saul

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers from Seasons 1 to 5.

When Better Call Saul (BCS) was announced as a prequel to Breaking Bad, no one really knew what to expect. Showrunners Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould had their work cut out to set a climatic precedent for arguably the greatest TV show ever. In classic "Gilliverse" style, they aced the plot to perfection, with the rest, as they say, being history.

One of Better Call's remarkable aspects is that it didn't have to depend on nostalgia for success. Instead of appearances of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, new characters like Kim, Howard, Nacho, Lalo, and Chuck were introduced, adding a new dynamic to both the cartel and Saul's unexplored personal life. The older guards like Gus, Mike, Tio Hector and the twins maintained the perfect balance with Breaking Bad.

The success of Better Call Saul has been a team effort. The intriguing, at times gut-wrenching, storyline produced by the screenwriters was complemented by the cast's brilliant acting. The likes of Bob Odenkirk, Giancarlo Esposito, Jonathan Banks, Michael Mando, and Rhea Seehorn started to live as their characters, bringing out the (in)humane sides of Saul/Jimmy, Gus, Mike, Nacho, and Kim respectively.

Much like Breaking Bad, a strong sense of family bonding prevailed in Better Call. Nacho looking after his kind, virtuous father and Lalo caring for a sick Tio Hector are strong cases in point. The relationship of Kim and Jimmy is very wholesome, with their bond so deep that they never told they love each other. Instead, they showed their fondness by being there for each other's needs.

In a show with so much suspense and thrill, the best thing to happen is arguably the introduction of Lalo Salamanca. Portrayed by Tony Dalton, he isn't your typical brute drug dealer. The cold, cunning and charismatic presence of Lalo added extra spice to the show. His rivalry with Gus is sure to spice up Season 6.

Heading into the final season, a lot remains unanswered. Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad would merge this season, helped by the guest cameos of White and Pinkman. Trouble follows them everywhere. So, their appearance is sure to influence both Saul and Gus's cartel wars.

The fate of Nacho and his father has everyone worried. The stony look of angry determination on Lalo's face in the final scene of Season 5 doesn't bode well for Nacho's survival. Lalo and Kim never appeared in Breaking Bad, so their fates are up in the air too. The Twins were shown to go to a crime scene to dispose of evidence in the official trailer. It's safe to assume one of Nacho or Lalo or both aren't surviving.

As for Kim, she might either get killed in a crossfire or assume a new identity to live elsewhere. The flash-forwards of Saul living as Gene Takovic are rumoured not to have a positive ending, but as a device of emotional thriller, an older Kim might appear to defend Saul/Jimmy for one last time before a tearful goodbye.

Irrespective of this season's outcome, it's safe to say Better Call Saul is one of contemporary television's best shows. Watching it has been akin to seeing a tree grow.

Inqiad is a simpleton. He thinks it's 'Better Call Saul' if you are in trouble with the law. Help him through O levels at inqiadali007@gmail.com