Did Hector’s ‘get proof’ advice ultimately get Lalo killed?

Hector Salamanca’s push for Lalo to obtain proof against ‘the chicken man’ led to his attention being split holding a camera. Perhaps, if Lalo had rushed up North guns blazing like his original plan… He might still be alive.

This recap contains spoilers for Better Call Saul Season 6 Episode 8 “Point and Shoot”.

All Lalo had to do was “Point and Shoot” as the episode’s namesake and it would have been over. But he had his hands full video recording. There were multiple times Lalo could have eliminated Gustavo Fring once and for all with ease. Instead, Lalo resigned to following his tío Hector’s advice to the letter.

Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring, Tony Dalton as Lalo Salamanca – Better Call Saul _ Season 6, Episode 8 – Photo Credit: Greg Lewis/AMC/Sony Pictures Television

Lalo Salamanca was too preoccupied with methodically building up a case against ‘the chicken man’ for Don Eladio. His focus was on the future instead of the present.

Being burdened with a video camera actually placed Lalo at a distinct disadvantage should environmental circumstances change.

And they inevitably did because Gustavo Fring was intimately knowledgable of his surroundings… Unlike Lalo. Hence, causing the light to go out and catching Lalo off guard.

Tony Dalton as Lalo Salamanca – Better Call Saul _ Season 6, Episode 8 – Photo Credit: Greg Lewis/AMC/Sony Pictures Television

In comparison, Gus was free of distraction when he went for the hidden gun. There was no video camera to hold up with his free hand. So ‘the chicken man’ could “Point and Shoot” without delay.

Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring – Better Call Saul _ Season 6, Episode 8 – Photo Credit: Greg Lewis/AMC/Sony Pictures Television

Lalo was fully aware the calvary led by Mike Ehrmantraut could bust in like a SWAT team at any second. Repeatedly checking his watch.

Yet, Lalo commented on tape to Don Eladio that he regretted not being able to ‘take it slow’ and savor the revenge. Almost dissociating from the imminent threat despite consciously counting down.

‘Playing with his prey’ and hesitating to shoot before he could capture video footage ended up being Lalo’s undoing. He had the drop on Gustavo Fring, he knew backup plans were the chicken man’s forte.

Tony Dalton as Lalo, Mark Margolis as Don Hector Salamanca – Better Call Saul _ Season 4, Episode 9 – Photo Credit: Nicole Wilder/AMC/Sony Pictures Television

Adopting the long form approach his uncle Hector promoted may have led to Lalo Salamanca’s death. There was already enough video evidence as proof… Yet, he still refused to deviate from Hector’s plan and just “Point and Shoot”.

In the end, maybe Lalo was better off rushing into a war ‘up North’ instead of pursuing ‘Proof’ like a detective.

More Better Call Saul Recaps and Interviews

Mark Margolis as Don Hector Salamanca, Tony Dalton as Lalo Salamanca- Better Call Saul _ Season 5, Episode 2 – Photo Credit: Warrick Page/AMC/Sony Pictures Television

Be sure to read:

– Patrick Fabian Interview: Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul Season 6

– Better Call Saul Season 6 Episode 4 Recap: Wendy, Spooge debut

– Howard Hamlin’s Death: Proof following rules is a loser’s game

– Breaking Bad: Remembering Jesse redialing Jane’s voicemail

Be sure to check out the Better Call Saul News section for the latest recaps, reports, reviews, and interviews!