Better Call Saul: Why Did Nacho Kill Himself?

Why Did Nacho Kill Himself in Better Call Saul

Why Did Nacho Kill Himself in Better Call Saul? Let’s find out the answer. On April 18, 2022, AMC premiered the last season of Better Call Saul, which featured two explosive episodes examining the newest challenges that characters like Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) and Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), and Nacho Varga (Michael Mando) face.

In a recent episode, Nacho, a fan favourite who has played a significant role on Better Call Saul from Episode 1, came to the conclusion of his journey. What went wrong? What caused Nacho’s death?

The third episode of season 6 of ‘Better Call Saul,’ titled ‘Rock and Hard Place,’ focuses on one guy in particular: Ignacio “Nacho” Varga (Michael Mando). As a result of his incredible journey of decline and subsequent attempt at atonement, which culminates in sacrifice, he leaves an indelible effect on the audience.

After being taken by Walter White and Jesse Pinkman in season 2 episode 8 of ‘Breaking Bad’ (also titled ‘Better Call Saul,’ Nacho was the only character Sal Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) mentioned.

In what looked to be a throwaway sentence at the time, the character was referenced in passing. However, Nacho has been an integral part of the story of possibly the best spin-off series ever created from the first episode of ‘Better Call Saul.’ If you’re curious about why Nacho committed suicide in Season 6 Episode 3, we’ve got you covered. 

Why Did Nacho Kill Himself

Why Did Nacho Commit Suicide?

Nacho, like the majority of the other characters in AMC’s ‘Better Call Saul,’ has a tumultuous journey throughout the series. He is introduced as one of Tuco Salamanca’s top underlings in the pilot episode. Nacho, on the other hand, is level-headed and incredibly clever, unlike his erratic and psychopathic employer. Later, he works for Tuco’s uncle Hector and then Lalo.

Gus Fring deduces that Nacho is to blame for Hector’s current state and employs him as an informant among the Salamanca ranks. In season 5, Lalo brings Nacho to Don Eladio Vuente at his home in Chihuahua, Mexico. Nacho, under Fring’s orders, opens the gates of Lalo’s residence to mercenaries one night. After that, he goes on the run, and the fifth season comes to a close.

Nacho realises that Fring wants to make him the scapegoat for the incident in season 6 and eventually agrees on the condition that his father is safe. Nacho agrees to go to his death willingly after Mike swears that anyone targeting Nacho’s father will have to go through him. Things, however, do not turn out quite as anticipated. Nacho was intended to be killed by Victor, one of Fring’s devoted henchman. Instead. Nacho kidnaps Juan Bolsa and kills himself.

Mando stated in an interview with Seth Meyers before to the season’s premiere that his character’s storyline was one of redemption. “It’s a redemption narrative for me,” he said. “It’s a character who has made some horrible decisions and is now attempting to do the right thing in order to save his father and escape the cartel.” So, whatever happens, whether he dies or not, I hope he gets a second chance at least metaphysically.”

Nacho grows to despise his circumstances and the people he serves throughout the course of the seasons. He actively participates in Tuco’s captivity, Hector’s plight, and Lalo’s assassination attempt, realising how evil each of these individuals is. He seemed to have known his life would end in violence from the beginning. At the same time, he has made it his mission to ensure his father’s and the rest of the family’s safety. He ensures that the cartel will never target his loved ones by making the sacrifices he makes in this episode.

Mando discussed how every character in Nacho’s final moment is dead in an interview with Variety, saying, “There’s an unsettling vibe about this picture, because these are all dead men strolling, seeing the first man die.” But they’re already dead; they’re simply unaware of it. Nacho is a symbol of self-sacrifice, great love, and bravery. It’s not a vengeful image. The ultimate act that defines a character is a sacrifice, not an act of fury, but an act of love.”

To escape being discovered by the twins, Nacho submerges himself in a puddle of oil inside an abandoned tanker earlier in the episode. He later washes away the muck and filth. It’s a reflection of Mando’s character’s journey, according to him. Nacho had immersed himself in the muck and grit of the criminal underworld. He is able to wash it away and gain forgiveness through his sacrifice.

Michael Mando as Nacho

Michael Mando Received a Lot of Praise for his Performance as Nacho.

Michael stepped into Nacho’s shoes in the first episode of the Breaking Bad spin-off, and has routinely delivered outstanding performances throughout the following few seasons. Fans of the show will undoubtedly miss the actor, who has previously appeared in films such as Rookie Blue, The Far Cry Experience, and Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures.

Better Call Saul airs new episodes every Monday at 9 p.m. EST on AMC.

Recommended: Better Call Saul Season 6 Episode 1 and 2 Recap and Ending Explained