Huell Babineaux: Breaking Bad character profile
Introduction:
Breaking Bad is a critically acclaimed crime drama series that captured the hearts and minds of viewers around the world. Within this captivating series, one character stood out for his unique traits and amusing personality - Huell Babineaux. Through an in-depth exploration of Huell's character and his role in both Breaking Bad and its prequel, Better Call Saul, we gain valuable insights into his motivations, actions, and ultimate fate.
The Enforcer with a Soft Spot:
Huell Babineaux, played by the talented Lavell Crawford, is introduced as the bodyguard and enforcer for Saul Goodman, a criminal lawyer who becomes a vital part of Walter White's drug empire. Huell's towering presence and formidable size, combined with his pickpocketing skills, make him the perfect companion for Saul in various dicey situations.
While Huell may initially come across as a dimwitted and aloof character primarily motivated by money, deeper layers of his personality emerge throughout the series. Despite his rough exterior, Huell displays moments of loyalty and concern for Saul, his employer and friend. This loyalty is particularly evident when Huell willingly executes Saul's orders, engages in acts of intimidation, and plays a crucial role in Saul's elaborate schemes.
Key Moments and Roles:
Throughout the series, Huell is involved in several significant plotlines that shape the narrative and impact other characters:
1. Discrediting Chuck McGill: In Better Call Saul, Jimmy enlists Huell to plant a cell phone battery in his brother Chuck's pocket, challenging Chuck's claim of electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
2. Bodyguard and Accidental Assault: Huell becomes a key figure in Jimmy's business of reselling prepaid cellular phones. However, an unintended assault on a police officer lands him in legal trouble.
3. Manipulating the Prosecutor: In an attempt to save Huell from significant repercussions, Jimmy and Kim manipulate the prosecutor into accepting a favorable plea bargain by forging letters of support from Huell's community.
4. Intimidating Ted Beneke and Uncovering Hidden Information: Huell is involved in intimidating Ted Beneke, a character with financial troubles, and provides information about Walter White's hidden drug money to DEA agents Hank Schrader and Steven Gomez.
5. Involvement in Brock Cantillo's Poisoning: Huell's role in stealing the ricin cigarette from Jesse Pinkman leads to Jesse uncovering the truth about the poisoning of Brock Cantillo.
Huell's Ambiguous Fate:
While the series leaves Huell's ultimate fate somewhat open-ended, the final season of Better Call Saul provides some clarity. Saul's associate, Francesca Liddy, reveals that Huell has apparently returned to his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, indicating that he is living a free life. This conclusion brings closure to Huell's storyline and allows audiences to imagine his future endeavors and experiences.
Conclusion:
Huell Babineaux, with his memorable appearance and quirky personality, has become one of the beloved characters in the Breaking Bad universe. While initially portrayed as a tough enforcer motivated by financial gain, Huell's loyalty to Saul and occasional displays of concern reveal deeper layers to his character. Huell's involvement in various plotlines, alongside his ultimate fate revealed in Better Call Saul, allows for a comprehensive analysis of his role in the series. As fans, we can only hope that Huell utilizes his second chance wisely and finds genuine happiness in his return to New Orleans.
