Confusing Moments In Better Call Saul Explained

For a decent part of the "Better Call Saul" finale, "Saul Gone," it appears that Saul Goodman might be getting off scot-free. After finally getting caught, he's negotiated a plea deal with the U.S. government to knock his life sentence plus 190 years down to 7 and a half years. He enters the courtroom in standard Saul Goodman attire, seeing Kim sitting in the back awaiting whatever trick Saul has up his sleeve. When Saul steps up to the podium, however, he shocks everybody in the courtroom.

Saul admits to his crimes: turning Walter White from ambitious chemist-gone-bad to meth kingpin, money laundering, and even his role in the deaths of Chuck and Howard. It's part pride — "Walter White couldn't have done it without me" — and part true confession — "[Kim] left town, but I'm the one who ran away." He even admits to lying to the government about Kim's part in Howard's murder, just because he wanted her there. As he returns to his seat, he affirms to the judge: "The name's McGill. I'm James McGill." 

This isn't just Jimmy doing the right thing for once, despite some fans' belief that Saul should've gotten away with everything. This is Jimmy proving to Kim, and in some ways to Chuck, that he is as capable of positive change as he is of negative. He faces 86 years in prison, but he's earned Kim's respect again, which will last him more than a life sentence.