Jimmy finds out about Chuck’s death and is initially shocked and devastated. He feels a tremendous amount of guilt and blames himself for what happened. Jimmy believes that his interaction with the insurance company, where he manipulated the situation to get Chuck’s insurance coverage reinstated, played a role in his brother’s death. He feels responsible for pushing Chuck to the edge and believes that if he had not interfered, Chuck would still be alive.
However, when Howard reveals that he believes Chuck’s death is actually his fault because he forced Chuck to retire from HHM, something changes in Jimmy. He allows Howard to shoulder the blame and takes a step back from feeling responsible for Chuck’s death. This revelation seems to lift a weight off Jimmy’s shoulders, and he regains his usual upbeat demeanor.
Jimmy’s decision to let Howard take the blame may seem surprising at first, but it aligns with his complex relationship with his brother. Chuck and Jimmy had a strained and competitive relationship, with Chuck often belittling and undermining Jimmy’s efforts to become a legitimate lawyer. This dynamic created a deep-seated resentment in Jimmy, and while he cared for his brother, there was also a part of him that wanted to prove himself and show that he could succeed on his own terms.
In a way, Jimmy allowing Howard to shoulder the blame for Chuck’s death is a final act of rebellion against his brother. By accepting Howard’s guilt, Jimmy is essentially rejecting the notion that he was solely responsible for what happened to Chuck. It reaffirms his belief that he is not the cause of all the problems in his life and that he can move forward without carrying the burden of guilt.
It’s important to note that this reaction is not an indication of Jimmy’s lack of empathy or disregard for his brother’s death. Rather, it showcases the complexity of Jimmy’s character and his ability to compartmentalize his emotions. Jimmy has always had a knack for adapting to difficult situations and finding ways to cope, even if it means shifting blame or adopting a more positive outlook.
Jimmy’s discovery of Chuck’s suicide and subsequent decision to let Howard take the blame allows him to regain his usual upbeat demeanor. It marks a turning point in his grieving process and sets him on a path to continue navigating the challenges of his life with resilience and determination.