Better Call Saul, Season 6

[Saul takes the stand in his defense during his sentencing against Bill Oakley's advice. Kim watches from the back of the courtroom.]

Saul:
Two years ago, a man came into my office. He said his name was Mayhew. He wanted one of my clients to lie for him under oath. He offered me money, I refused. That night, as I was leaving my office, I was attacked. A bag was shoved over my head, I was hog-tied, I was driven out of the desert. And when they pulled the hood off, I was kneeling in front of an open grave with a gun pointed at my head! That was my introduction to Walter White! I was terrified! [beat; shakes his head] But not for long. [chuckles] That night I saw an opportunity—a shot at big money—and I grabbed it, and I held it tight. And for the next sixteen months... my every waking moment was spent building Walter White's drug empire.

Judge Small:
Hold on, Mr. Goodman. Stop right there. Consult Mr. Oakley before you say another word.

Saul:
Your Honor, I believe the court deserves the whole truth.

Judge Small:
You are contradicting your plea agreement's sworn factual basis.

Saul:
No offense, Your Honor, but I–I think I know the law here better than you do.

Bill:
[stands up] Your Honor, we would like to request a recess.

Saul:
No, we do not need a recess.

Castellano:
Your Honor, we are satisfied for Mr. Goodman to continue.

Bill:
Your Honor... I'd like to petition to withdraw from this case.

Judge Small:
Denied.

Bill:
Uh, respectfully.

Judge Small:
Not a chance. [long pause; Bill reluctantly sits down] Swear Mr. Goodman in.

[Saul raises his hand in oath]

Bailiff:
Do you swear that the evidence you shall give to the court in this matter shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?

Saul:
I do.

Judge Small:
Mr. Goodman, you are now under oath. Any false statement you make can be used in prosecution for perjury or obstruction of justice. Do you understand?

Saul:
Yes.

Judge Small:
Alright. In the last twenty-four hours, have you used any alcohol or other drugs?

Saul:
No, Your Honor.

Judge Small:
Are you taking any prescription medications?

Saul:
No.

Judge Small:
Alright. Continue.

Saul:
[beat; turns around and looks at Kim] Oh! Uh, I lied to the government about Kim Wexler. Uh, I fed them a load of BS about her involvement in Howard Hamlin's murder. I just... I just wanted her to come here today. I wanted her to hear this. [brief pause] So, yeah, I wasn't there when the meth was cooked. I wasn't there when it was sold. I didn't witness any of the murders, but I damn well knew it was happening. I was more than a willing participant, I was indispensable. I kept Walter White out of jail. I laundered his money, I lied for him, I conspired with him, and I made millions! If he hadn't walked into my office that day, Walter White would've been dead or behind bars within a month! And Agent Schrader, and Agent Gomez, and a whole lot of other people would still be alive. Fact is, Walter White couldn't have done it without me. [to the prosecutors] You got that?

Bill:
Your Honor, we move to strike Mr. Goodman's comments.

[Saul stares at Kim with worry]

Judge Small:
On what grounds?

Bill:
Uh, speculation.

Judge Small:
Speculation? He's testifying to his own actions.

Bill:
Your Honor, uh... he's describing events that would've transpired had he acted differently.

Saul:
I have one more thing to say!

Judge Small:
Sit down, Mr. Goodman.

Saul:
Please, Your Honor. Please!

Judge Small:
Now. Marshal, please remove Mr. Goodman from the podium.

Castellano:
Your Honor, the government urges the court to allow Mr. Goodman to continue!

Judge Small:
[pause] Alright, Mr. Goodman. Go ahead.

Saul:
What happened to Howard Hamlin, it was... It was... [voice breaking] I can't even. After that, Kim had the guts to start over. She left town, but... I'm the one who ran away. [pause] And my brother Chuck... Uh, Charles McGill. Y–you may have known him. He was an incredible lawyer. The most brilliant guy I ever met, but he was limited. I tried. I could've tried harder. I should've... Instead—

Bill:
Your Honor—

Saul:
Bill, please! Just let me get through this. Instead, when I saw a chance to hurt him, I took it. I got his malpractice insurance cancelled. I took away the one thing he lived for: The law. After that, he killed himself. [beat] And I'll live with that.

[Saul leaves the podium and stands next to Bill]

Bill:
What was all that? That thing with your brother, that wasn't even a crime.

Saul:
Yeah, it was.

Judge Small:
Mr. Goodman, sit down and stay seated.

Jimmy:
The name's McGill. I'm James McGill.