While Kim has several standout monologues in “Better Call Saul,” there are none that are as memorable as when she tells off Lalo Salamanca. In Season 5, Episode 9 “Bad Choice Road,” Jimmy is still out in the desert with Mike after their money drop-off went sideways. Kim, overcome with worry, decides to confront Lalo in his holding cell. Without blinking, Kim (rightfully) blames Lalo for Jimmy’s disappearance and criticizes his business operation. Few people in the “Better Call Saul” universe have successfully stood up to Lalo, never mind having the gall to tell him to “get his house in order.” She cleverly deduces that the only reason he’d use his lawyer as a bagman is that he doesn’t trust anyone who works for him, which reflects poorly on his management style. Kim’s brazenness amuses Lalo, who tells her that Jimmy is a lucky man to have someone like her in his corner.
In a certain light, you could almost see Kim becoming a better version of Walter White in “Better Call Saul.” That’s not quite where the series takes Kim, but this moment marks the start of her not being afraid to go toe-to-toe with nefarious forces. While some fans argue that Jimmy influenced this side of Kim to emerge, this moment demonstrates that her steely confidence and silver tongue are skills that come naturally to her. She just uses them discerningly for when it helps her self-interest and those she loves.
