Why does Jimmy McGill wear a pinky ring?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

Jimmy McGill, later known as Saul Goodman, wears a pinky ring throughout the series “Breaking Bad” and its prequel “Better Call Saul.” This ring holds significant meaning and serves as a reminder of his past and the person he used to be.

The pinky ring originally belonged to Marco Pasternak, a deceased scam artist and Jimmy’s childhood friend. In the episode aptly titled “Marco,” we learn about Jimmy and Marco’s friendship and their shared history of conning people. After Marco’s death, his mother gives Jimmy the pinky ring as a memento of their friendship.

For Jimmy, the ring represents a connection to his past life as a con artist and his association with Marco. It symbolizes the world of scams, schemes, and quick money that he was once a part of. Despite his transformation into a lawyer, Jimmy still carries a part of his old self with him, and the ring serves as a constant reminder of that.

Wearing the pinky ring also aligns with Jimmy’s persona as Saul Goodman, the sleazy criminal lawyer he eventually becomes. Saul Goodman is known for his flashy appearance and flamboyant style, and the ring adds to his overall image. It becomes a part of his “uniform,” along with his colorful suits and flashy ties.

Additionally, the ring may also serve as a source of comfort for Jimmy. Throughout his journey, Jimmy faces numerous challenges and moral dilemmas, often struggling with his identity and the choices he has made. The ring acts as a talisman, grounding him and reminding him of his roots. It provides a sense of familiarity and stability in a world that constantly pushes him to compromise his principles.

Furthermore, the ring can be seen as a symbol of Jimmy’s ambition and desire for success. He carries the ring as a reminder of his days as a small-time scam artist, but also as a motivator to achieve bigger and better things. It serves as a constant reminder of the lengths he is willing to go to achieve his goals.

Jimmy McGill wears the pinky ring as a representation of his past, his association with Marco, and his transformation into Saul Goodman. It symbolizes his connection to the world of scams and his ambition for success. The ring becomes an integral part of his identity and serves as a constant reminder of the person he used to be and the choices he has made.