Anticipation for their arrival has continued to boil over as other characters from Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould’s universe have shown up on screen. DEA agent Hank Schrader had a multi-episode storyline in the fifth season of Better Call Saul and was an integral part to the middle of the season’s plot. Cameos tying the two shows together have been plentiful: Steve Gomez (Steven Michael Quezada), Ed the Disappearer (Robert Forster), Gus Fring’s confidants Victor (Jeremiah Bitsui) and Tyrus (Ray Campbell), Tuco Salamanca (Raymond Cruz), and Gale Boetticher (David Costabile) have all crossed-over at some point. Most of the time there was a good reason for these actors’ inclusions in the show, and Better Call Saul executive producer Thomas Schnauz says that unless they can find a valuable reason for Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul’s iconic pairing to appear, you shouldn’t sit around expecting it to happen in the sixth and final season of the drama. “I’m just going to be honest: El Camino took the pressure off of us trying to weave Walt and Jesse into Better Call Saul,” Schnauz tells Den of Geek via email. While it’s disappointing news to hear from such an important person working on the show, Better Call Saul has always prided itself on intentional storytelling and authentic decision-making. Fan service has a place in entertainment, hence the making of the film El Camino in 2019 that told the story of Jesse Pinkman after escaping Walter White’s authoritative grip. It’s imperative to give little nods to the core of an expanded universe, but not at the expense of purpose. There is still no announced release date for the sixth season, but audiences can expect the same high quality drama to return to airwaves when the time comes, with or without Walt and Jesse. Stay tuned for more Better Call Saul season 6 tidbits from our interview with Thomas Schnauz next week!
