Uncategorized

Best Summon Saul: Mary Cameo and Return Explained by Betsy Brandt

Of all the cameos in the “Better Call Saul” finale, the most surprising was the return of Betsy Brandt as Mary, because fans haven’t seen her since the final episodes of “Breaking Bad” in 2013. Dean Norris appeared as Hank Schrader, Mary’s husband and agent DEA, in “Better Call Saul” season 5, but Mary’s crossing into the story of Saul (Bob Odenkirk) seems far-fetched. That is, until Saul was finally caught, and Mary was there to watch his fall.

Brandt only appeared in a few scenes, but her appearance was a facilitator for Mary, who finally got some justice for Hank’s death near the end of Breaking Bad. She even had to tell Saul after his arrest: “No matter what they do to you now, no matter where they put you or for how long, it will never be enough.”

After Saul finally landed behind bars, Brandt said his 86-year sentence was “perfect” for Mary. In an interview with diverseIn it, the actress explained how she played heartbroken Mary, working with the show’s co-creators Vince Gilligan and Peter Gold upon her return, why Mary didn’t wear any of her classic purple outfits and how she honored Hank with her scenes.

How did you feel when you put yourself in Mary’s shoes?

Oh my God it was an absolute pleasure. It wasn’t something I thought I would do. When you’re done, you’re done. That’s usually how it goes. I thought the last time I played her would be when I had to repeat the final episode of “Breaking Bad” when I was in New York on the “Michael J. Fox Show.” I thought that’s how I’d end up, on a sound stage on the phone with the team in L.A., but it was like wearing your favorite jacket that you forgot how much I loved you. I miss her. I know it can be a real pain in the ass, but I miss her, that purple-wearing geek. The way they brought her back, she’s grown so much since we’ve seen her. I love the dignity they gave her. It was everything I wanted for my character as an actor.

How did you get into the mindset of playing this version of Mary after Hank’s death?

I still want her to be the same person; You have to get to know her. Mary is badly injured, and still is, but she is determined and wants to do the right thing by Hank. I’ve always had this feeling that — talking emotionally about this and knowing he’s pretending, believe me, I get it — what kept it going after Hank’s death was that she wanted to make him proud, even after he was gone. Dean Norris wasn’t in this episode, but Hank was in my heart all the days we were shooting. This is what really guides her. Not “What would Hank do?” But “what is Hank going to think of what I’m doing?” Their love story on the show is really beautiful, and it was so nice to honor that.

Another part I loved is that Marie is there with Gomez’s wife, and you both are there supporting each other.

Stop, you’re making me cry again! What Walt did to our family, my husband, my sister and I, to Walt Jr. — to the Gomez family, she’s a widow, and three children have lost their father. I loved the seriousness of their being together and holding each other through it. I thought it was a really nice moment. Also see Odenkirk saying “I’m James McGill”. When we were filming this scene, Bob gave me goosebumps.

The scenes were black and white, but were you wearing any purple during filming?

not lilac. I think it was green or grey, nothing close to purple. This did not surprise me. I loved the last time we saw Mary in Breaking Bad. She wears all neutral tones, beige and white, having experienced the trauma of losing Hank. She had to give up a lot of her nonsense. It seems pointless after such a thing. When she showed up to fit the costumes, our stylists had the perfect outfit. All options were spot on, and I don’t think there was any purple in there.

Was there discussion about Mary appearing earlier in the series?

there was. Vince had an idea that Mary could be brought back at a certain moment very early on. I think it was season 2. I think Peter said this isn’t the moment. I was hoping to come back at some point. As the seasons went on, I didn’t know, but I’m honored that they brought me back to the end.

Where does Mary go from here?

She continues. I think she’s going to live the life she knows Hank wants. I think that is exactly what guides her. I can’t imagine what dating would be like for her, because she would compare everyone to Hank, and she would do it for a while. But I believe she will live a long, happy and full life. I hope she has some connection with Skyler. It will never be the same, but I love that relationship. I’d love to have that connection with a war buddy. This was a loss for my character when I realized that Skyler was into this. I think it would be hard to forgive, but I hope they have some connection. I hope you see Walt Jr. and little baby Holly.

Now that you’ve taken part in both shows, which one is better?

Oh, you can’t ask me that! I mean, “Breaking Bad” is my home. Being at the beginning of this franchise was one of the most special things I will ever experience in my life. The first season we did, I remember before we all went home, my husband, Brian, Dean and his wife had breakfast before we left town. We were talking about how cool he was and how great Brian’s work was. I remember Dean saying, “Thanks for the years of work I think we’ll get out of this.” I remember looking at Brian, saying “It’s your time. It’s amazing to watch you do this.” And it was. To be there and experience that, with that group of people, we had the time of our lives.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Share On:


Do you find Naijalanded useful? Click here to give us five stars rating!




CLICK HERE TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC/VIDEO
Related Posts
 


0 Responses

Leave a Reply

Do you wish to initiate a DMCA takedown report?

 

Kindly send details to [email protected]