After an epic seven-year run, Better Call Saul is almost over. And Season 6B has featured many memorable moments and returning characters. In the most recent episode of Better Call Saul, Emilio Koyama appeared.
Fans will likely remember Emilio from Breaking Bad.
As the final season has progressed, we’ve gradually seen the worlds of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul collide. It has been a treat for viewers desperate to see their favourite characters again.
Best of all, characters from Breaking Bad haven’t been thrown in just for the sake of fan service. Each cameo makes sense in the context of this fictional universe.
Because it’s a prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul‘s writers have been meticulous in ensuring everything fits with the events of the original series.
And Emilio’s appearance helps make sense out of a legendary Breaking Bad scene (more on that in a moment).
So, in case you’ve forgotten exactly who Emilio is, allow us to remind you! Read on to find out who is Emilio Koyama in Better Call Saul…
Who is Emilio Koyama in Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad?
Who is Emilio Koyama in Better Call Saul? Emilio Koyama is a character from Breaking Bad. He appeared in the show’s first episode – ‘Pilot’. This episode aired on January 20th 2008.
Emilio is in his mid-20s when Breaking Bad begins. He was the cousin of drug distributor Krazy-8. He was also a friend of Jesse Pinkman’s since elementary school, and the two later cooked crystal meth together.
Emilio was an early antagonist in the series. He is arrested by the DEA in Breaking Bad‘s first episode during a raid on a house where he and Jesse Pinkman are producing crystal meth.
Walter White watches the raid from across the street. He was accompanying DEA agents Hank Schrader and Steve Gomez on a ride along.
While the DEA are busy arresting Emilio Koyama, Jesse Pinkman escapes through a second story window which Walt witnesses. This is where Walt first learns of Jesse’s involvement in the drug trade.
He notices Jesse’s car and its unique number plate – “THECAPN”. Walt uses this to track Jesse down later.
After Walt and Jesse produce their first batch of crystal meth, Jesse goes to see Krazy-8 with Walt’s product. Krazy-8 informs Jesse that Emilio thinks Jesse ratted him out to the DEA.
Jesse disputes this, and ultimately takes Krazy-8 and Emilio to meet Walt at the RV out in the desert. After a heated confrontation, Walt shows the pair how he cooks crystal meth.
Does Emilio die in Breaking Bad?
Fearing for his life, Walt uses a dangerous chemical combination to create a small explosion. This unleashes a toxic vapour which kills Emilio and severely injures Krazy-8.
Walt and Jesse decide to dispose of Emilio’s body using hydrofluoric acid. However, Jesse accidentally places the corpse in his bath tub.
This leads to one of Breaking Bad‘s most memorable scenes. The acid burns through the tub and floor. Emilio’s remains crash through a hole in the ceiling, creating an horrendous bloody mess in Jesse’s house.
Emilio Koyama Better Call Saul appearance explained
Emilio’s final Breaking Bad appearance is in episode 2. However, he is mentioned a few times after this. Most notably in the second season episode ‘Better Call Saul’.
In this episode, Walt and Jesse go to Saul Goodman’s law office. They are seeking legal representation for Jesse’s friend Badger, who is one of their dealers.
When Walt asks why Jesse has taken him to see Saul Goodman, Jesse reassures him that Saul got Emilio off serious charges twice.
This is further explored in the Better Call Saul episode ‘Waterworks’. As Kim Wexler leaves Saul’s office after signing their divorce papers, Emilio enters to see Saul.
Jesse Pinkman is stood outside and asks Kim for a cigarette. The two have a brief and awkward conversation, and Jesse asks Kim if Saul is a good lawyer. She tells him “When I knew him, he was.”
This likely explains why Jesse believes Saul is the right lawyer to represent Badger in Breaking Bad.
Did you enjoy Emilio and Jesse’s appearance in Better Call Saul? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
