“Better Call Saul,” Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould’s masterful prequel to the groundbreaking series “Breaking Bad,” has captivated audiences not only with its compelling characters and intricate storylines but also with its ingenious callbacks to its predecessor. The show thrives on meticulously weaving in familiar faces and subtle nods to the world Walter White would soon inhabit. This has sparked endless speculation among fans, fueled by the anticipation of seeing beloved (and sometimes not-so-beloved) characters return to the screen. Among the names frequently mentioned in these discussions is Rex Linn, the actor who portrayed the somewhat hapless and perpetually outsmarted prosecutor, Bill Oakley, in “Breaking Bad.”
Bill Oakley wasn’t exactly a major player in the grand scheme of Heisenberg’s rise and fall. He was the assistant district attorney, largely portrayed as a foil for Saul Goodman’s legal maneuvering. He was more of a background character, a figure of mild amusement whose primary function seemed to be getting consistently outwitted by the slick and often morally ambiguous Saul. This makes him an unlikely, yet surprisingly intriguing, candidate for a “Better Call Saul” appearance. Could the earlier timeline of “Better Call Saul” provide a context for Oakley to emerge, perhaps even before his professional relationship with Saul takes root? While not heavily rumored or explicitly hinted at by the show’s creators, a Rex Linn cameo as Bill Oakley in “Better Call Saul” would be a welcome, plausible, and even humorous addition to the show, fitting perfectly within the narrative of characters slowly spiraling towards their “Breaking Bad” destinies.
Bill Oakley: An Unsung (and Underappreciated) Cog in the Machine
To fully appreciate the potential impact of a Rex Linn appearance in “Better Call Saul,” it’s essential to revisit his role as Bill Oakley in “Breaking Bad.” Oakley wasn’t a kingpin, a drug lord, or even a particularly skilled lawyer. He was, essentially, a cog in the wheel of the Albuquerque legal system. He represented the prosecution, diligently (if not always effectively) attempting to uphold the law in a world rapidly being consumed by the burgeoning methamphetamine trade.
Oakley’s presence was defined primarily by his interactions with Saul Goodman. He was frequently on the receiving end of Saul’s slick talking, legal loopholes, and outright trickery. He seemed perpetually one step behind Saul, consistently failing to anticipate his opponent’s moves. He often appeared flustered, slightly overwhelmed, and perhaps a little too trusting of Saul’s seemingly innocent facade. One might even describe him as an inept character in the show.
Despite his relatively limited screen time, Bill Oakley served a crucial function in “Breaking Bad.” He provided a contrast to the darkness and moral ambiguity that permeated the show. He was, in a way, a representation of the “normal” world, the world that Walter White was leaving behind. Oakley’s earnestness, though often misguided, served as a reminder of the values that were being eroded by the drug trade. He was also, undeniably, a source of comic relief. His interactions with Saul Goodman were often played for laughs, providing a brief respite from the intense drama and violence that characterized much of the series. He represents the average person trying to live a normal life. He highlights the effect crime and people like Walter White have on society.
A “Better Call Saul” Opportunity: The Right Place, The Right Time
“Better Call Saul” cleverly explores the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a well-meaning but ethically flexible lawyer, into the morally compromised Saul Goodman we know from “Breaking Bad.” The show takes place primarily in the years leading up to Walter White’s descent into the criminal underworld, providing a rich backstory for many of the characters who would eventually cross paths with Heisenberg. This timeline presents numerous opportunities for familiar faces from “Breaking Bad” to make appearances, and Bill Oakley is no exception.
Consider the setting: Much of “Better Call Saul” unfolds within the confines of the Albuquerque courthouse. Jimmy/Saul spends a significant amount of time navigating the legal system, interacting with prosecutors, judges, and other legal professionals. Given that Bill Oakley was a fixture in the District Attorney’s office, it’s entirely plausible that he and Jimmy could have crossed paths even before the events of “Breaking Bad.” Perhaps they were on opposing sides of a minor case, or perhaps they simply encountered each other in the hallways of the courthouse.
The early seasons of “Better Call Saul” show Jimmy operating as a public defender. This puts him directly in the path of the District Attorney’s office, the place where Bill Oakley most probably works. It is almost impossible that Jimmy and Oakley have never met each other considering they work in the same field.
The brilliance of “Better Call Saul” lies in its ability to show us the gradual evolution of characters. We witness their small compromises, their ethical lapses, and the choices that ultimately lead them down darker paths. A cameo by Bill Oakley could serve as a subtle reminder of the legal world that Jimmy is increasingly distancing himself from. It could even foreshadow the adversarial relationship that would eventually develop between Saul and Oakley in “Breaking Bad.” Seeing them clash even in a minor way during “Better Call Saul” would create an extra level of connection between the two shows.
Why Rex Linn’s Return Makes Perfect Sense
Bringing Rex Linn back as Bill Oakley in “Better Call Saul” wouldn’t just be a random cameo for the sake of fan service. It would be a carefully considered addition that enriches the overall narrative and provides a deeper understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit.
Fan Service Done Right
“Better Call Saul” has consistently demonstrated its ability to incorporate familiar faces in a way that feels organic and meaningful. The show understands that fans appreciate these callbacks, but it also recognizes the importance of ensuring that they serve a purpose beyond mere nostalgia. A Bill Oakley appearance would undoubtedly delight fans of “Breaking Bad,” but it would also offer a glimpse into his character’s past and provide context for his future interactions with Saul Goodman.
Character Development Even for Minor Characters
Even seemingly minor characters like Bill Oakley have depth and potential for further exploration. Seeing Oakley in the earlier timeline of “Better Call Saul” could reveal aspects of his personality or his professional life that were not apparent in “Breaking Bad.” Perhaps we would learn more about his motivations, his ambitions, or the challenges he faced as a prosecutor in a city grappling with escalating crime.
A Touch of Levity
“Better Call Saul,” like “Breaking Bad,” is a dark and often intense show. Bill Oakley’s presence could provide a welcome dose of humor, offering a brief respite from the drama and tension. His interactions with Jimmy/Saul are guaranteed to be entertaining, and his characteristic bumbling could serve as a counterpoint to the more serious events unfolding around him.
Echoes of Morality
The overarching theme of both shows is the slow slide into immorality. Jimmy starts as a somewhat good guy that bends the rules, but by the time he becomes Saul Goodman, he is entirely immoral. Oakley, being an average person, can serve as a comparison and show that not everyone is destined to slide into immorality.
Potential Hurdles and Counterarguments
Of course, any discussion about potential cameos must acknowledge the challenges and limitations involved. While a Rex Linn appearance as Bill Oakley would be a welcome addition to “Better Call Saul,” there are several reasons why it might not happen.
Narrative Focus: The writers of “Better Call Saul” have a clear vision for the show, and they must prioritize the stories of their main characters. Adding too many cameos could detract from the core narrative and dilute the impact of the show.
Actor Availability: Rex Linn’s schedule and availability could be a factor. Coordinating filming schedules can be complex, and it’s possible that Linn might not be available to participate in “Better Call Saul.”
Creative Choices: Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Bill Oakley rests with the show’s creators. They may have specific reasons for not wanting to bring him back, or they may simply feel that his character doesn’t fit into the overall arc of “Better Call Saul.”
It’s also important to consider the risk of “overusing” cameos. While callbacks to “Breaking Bad” are generally well-received by fans, there’s a point at which they can become distracting or feel forced. The writers of “Better Call Saul” must carefully balance the desire to satisfy fans with the need to maintain the integrity of their own story. Any appearance by Bill Oakley would have to be organic and purposeful, rather than a gratuitous attempt to capitalize on nostalgia.
A Closing Argument for Bill Oakley
Despite these potential challenges, the case for a Rex Linn appearance in “Better Call Saul” remains compelling. His portrayal of Bill Oakley in “Breaking Bad” was memorable and endearing, and his presence could add a unique layer of depth and humor to the prequel series. More than a simple cameo, it would be a connection between two worlds, a demonstration of the intricate web that connects these shows.
While the creators have kept their plans closely guarded, the possibility of seeing Bill Oakley back on screen remains a tantalizing prospect. The ultimate decision rests with the show’s architects. Whether or not Bill Oakley graces the screen in “Better Call Saul,” his presence in the “Breaking Bad” universe remains a memorable, if minor, part of the overall tapestry. And for those who appreciate the show’s clever callbacks and subtle nods, the possibility of his return will continue to fuel speculation and anticipation.
