A Well-Deserved Emmy Nomination for Michael McKean
“Better Call Saul” enthusiasts rejoiced when Michael McKean finally received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Chuck McGill in the “Breaking Bad” prequel. The show delves into the life and character development of Jimmy McGill, the morally ambiguous lawyer who aids anti-hero Walter White in “Breaking Bad” under the guise of Saul Goodman. As it turns out, Saul’s intricate life before “Breaking Bad” plays a significant role in Jimmy’s transformation into Saul. Jimmy’s brother Chuck, portrayed by Michael McKean, is instrumental in this metamorphosis, creating a character that is both unlikable and empathetic.
Here’s why Michael McKean deserves an Emmy for his role as Chuck McGill in “Better Call Saul”.
Michael McKean: A Multifaceted Talent
Michael McKean is a seasoned actor, comedian, and musician. Since his career began in the 1970s, McKean has showcased his talents as a television, film, and stage actor, as well as a writer and musician. Best known for his comedic roles as Lenny Kosnowski in “Laverne and Shirley” and David St. Hubbins in “This Is Spinal Tap”, McKean is equally adept at dramatic roles. He is the ideal actor to portray the multifaceted character of Chuck McGill.
Chuck McGill: A Character of Depth and Complexity
Jimmy McGill’s older brother is a complicated figure. In flashbacks, he appears to be the dutiful son who remained loyal to the family and went on to have a successful career as a law partner in a reputable Albuquerque firm. We see glimpses of Chuck’s peculiarities in his youth, hinting that something is amiss. Chuck also harbors a grudge against his younger brother for embezzling from the family business, which led to their parents filing for bankruptcy. Chuck’s acts of revenge and disdain against his little brother make him an unlikable character. However, Chuck is not that simple. He is tormented by electromagnetic hypersensitivity, which often leaves him housebound. Is this a genuine condition, or is Chuck suffering from a mental disorder? McKean has helped create Chuck McGill as a character whose subtleties make him both contemptible and empathetic.
Early Seasons of “Better Call Saul”: A Brotherly Enigma
Is Chuck McGill insane, or does he genuinely have a physical condition? This enigma makes the character so complex, and Michael McKean’s portrayal of Chuck is exceptional. In earlier seasons of “Better Call Saul”, we see Chuck both despising his younger brother and trying to help him. The show examines the intricate relationship between brothers, a bond based on unconditional love and unyielding rivalry. Jimmy McGill would not be the character he is, nor would he become Saul Goodman, without this complex familial relationship. Both Bob Odenkirk and Michael McKean capture this enigmatic relationship flawlessly.
Season 3’s Courtroom Scene: A Turning Point
Michael McKean’s masterful portrayal of Chuck in Season 3’s courtroom scene undoubtedly secured him the Emmy nomination. In his meticulously rehearsed testimony attempting to disbar his little brother, Chuck tries to prove to the Court and to himself that he is the morally superior sibling. However, fans of the show know that both brothers struggle with honesty. Chuck’s resentment of Jimmy makes him a frustrating and unsympathetic character. Jimmy uses Chuck’s alleged electromagnetic sensitivity against him, revealing a different, more sympathetic side to Chuck. When Jimmy confronts his brother with the truth that his condition is more mental than physical, Chuck decides to take his own life. Throughout the series, Michael McKean has played Chuck with such subtleties that create a complex character whom we should despise but somehow end up feeling empathetic for. Michael McKean’s brilliant portrayal of Chuck McGill is undoubtedly deserving of an Emmy Award.
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