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Subtle Metaphor You Might Have Missed in Better Call Saul

Subtle Metaphor You Might Have Missed in Better Call Saul
Image credit: Legion-Media

What lesson was Nacho trying to teach us?

The Breaking Bad universe is rich in symbolism and metaphors, and if you're a fan, you might've caught most of them. Better Call Saul is definitely no exception. There's one subtle metaphor that deserves more attention.

Nacho Varga, a character we've come to know and understand, lives in a luxurious house with two women, Jo and Amber.

At first glance, this might seem like the ultimate dream for many — a lavish lifestyle with companionship. But in fact, it's evident that this setup is a representation of emptiness and the superficiality of a life built on criminal pursuits.

Remember those scenes at his place? They are downbeat and moody. Even with all the luxury, there's this vibe of loneliness. Despite having all the materialistic pleasures, there's a void that can't be filled.

It's a bit like Jesse from Breaking Bad — after he hit it big and had those wild parties, the aftermath was just... emptiness.

Both Nacho and Jesse entered the world of crime, lured by the promise of easy money, respect, and a flashy lifestyle. But the reality is far from the dream. It's a life filled with danger, where trust is a luxury and genuine relationships are rare.

The two women in Nacho's life, though present, don't seem to offer genuine affection or companionship. They're more like fixtures in his home, further emphasizing the loneliness and emptiness of his life.

While Jesse was somewhat dragged further into the criminal world by Walter White, Nacho made his own choices. His decisions led him to a life that, on the surface, might seem enviable.

But beneath the façade, it's a life filled with regrets and what-ifs. The two women, Jo and Amber, are symbolic of the choices he made and the life he's now trapped in.

Nacho’s character serves as a reminder that money (especially earned illegally) won’t make you happy. While Nacho is definitely not a role model and he met his unfortunate end, which he saw coming, he delivered one of the most charged, memorable speeches we've seen on Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul.

Was Nacho a great character?