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| “ | There we go! Little rusty, but you'll do better next time. You didn't ask, but the name's Jeff. Any time you need me, you just call up Omaha United Cabs, you ask for me, they'll find me, no matter where I'm at. Never more than five minutes away. Oh, man. It's great to meet you. It's an honor. Alright, I'll see you... Gene. | „ |
| ~ Jeff, after getting Saul Goodman to say his famous catchphrase. |
Jeff is a supporting character in Better Call Saul, the prequel series to Breaking Bad.
He is a cab driver residing in Omaha, Nebraska. Previously living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jeff became a fan of lawyer and con artist Saul Goodman. In 2010, Jeff recognized Gene Takavic to be Goodman after picking him up from the hospital, and later confirmed it when visiting him in the mall. Gene in turn visited Jeff's mother, Marion, and proposed to Jeff that they could become partners in crime in exchange for keeping his true identity a secret.
In Seasons 4 and 5, he was portrayed by Don Harvey. In Season 6, he was portrayed by Pat Healy.
Background[]
After fainting in the Cinnabon at the mall he was working at, Gene Takavic soon leaves the hospital he was transferred to, taking a taxi back to the mall. However, he was recognized by Jeff, the cab driver, who stares at Gene intently. Noticing this, Gene asked to Jeff to stop driving, and he got out of the taxi, although Jeff doesn't drive off as Gene was walking away.
Figuring out Gene was actually Saul Goodman, a lawyer, con artist and criminal from Albuquerque, Jeff confronts him at the mall a few days later alongside his friend, Buddy. Although initially dismissive, Gene confirms he is indeed Goodman by reciting his famous catchphrase, "Better Call Saul!", after being pressured to do so by Jeff, who introduces himself thereafter. Satisfied, the two leave Gene alone, who then plans to take matters into his own hands.
Gene figures out Jeff did not report him to the authorities because he wishes to know the tricks of the criminal game. Gene proceeds to teach Jeff his skills and successfully trains him into committing a department heist within a three-minute time frame. However, Gene uses Jeff's crime to blackmail him and Buddy into silence, guaranteeing they will never be able to rat out Gene's true identity without facing the revelation of the theft. Despite warning Jeff to stay away from him, Gene soon returns to the duo and offers to become partners in crime. Over the next few days, Gene, Jeff and Buddy perform a series of scams where they work together to steal the personal information of several wealthy individuals, with Jeff being the getaway driver.
However, Buddy is unable to commit to his part of the operation when he discovers their latest mark is a victim of cancer, prompting Gene and Jeff to continue without him. When Jeff plans to pick up Gene from the mark's house, a police cruiser pulls up behind him. The cops inside have only stopped for a food break, but Jeff panics and tries to flee, fearing the authorities have caught them. He ends up crashing his cab during his failed escape, and is soon taken away by the same cops while Gene ditches his partner.
Jeff's ultimate fate is unknown, as he does not appear in the finale of Better Call Saul. Whether he was charged for his crimes is left ambiguous. However, when Jimmy is tried in the final episode, the prosecution makes no mention of the crimes he committed in Omaha, suggesting that Jeff at the very least did not say anything to the police.
Personality[]
The personality of the character seems to change with the actor portraying him. When played by Don Harvey, Jeff is shown to be immediately passive-aggressive, domineering, commanding and rude. When first meeting Saul, he does not back down on wanting to hear Saul Goodman say "Better Call Saul!". Jeff heavily insists many times that Saul says the line, even to the point of making Saul very uncomfortable. Although Saul says the line a couple of times, Jeff is not satisfied until Saul says it loud and enthusiastic enough.
When portrayed by Pat Healy, Jeff is portrayed as less domineering and more passive and compliant. Jeff lives with his mother, whom he cares very much for. Saul is able to convince Jeff to take part in Saul's schemes, and although uncomfortable and hesitant over this, he still enjoys the money gained from these schemes.
Quotes[]
| “ | Hey. Hey! It is you. I thought it was you. I wasn't all the way sure, but now that I'm seeing you up close... Sure. It's you. Come on, man. I just want to say hi. I'm a big fan. Y'know, back in the day, when I lived in Albuquerque with my ex, I used to see you everywhere. You were on the billboards, on the TV. I used to have one of your matchbooks. | „ |
| ~ Jeff confronting and confirming Gene Takavic is Saul Goodman. |
| “ | Jeff: I just want you to admit it. Gene Takavic: I don't know what you're- Jeff: Sure you do. Just say it. Gene Takavic: I-- I really don't know what- Jeff: Come on. Come on. Come on, man. Say it. |
„ |
| ~ Jeff trying to get Gene to say his catchphrase. |
