Patrick Fabian – Better Call Saul

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for the show “Better Call Saul” and about your character Howard Hamlin.

A) “Better Call Saul” follows the origins of Saul Goodman, one of “Breaking Bad’s” most beloved characters. I am a very successful lawyer who heads up his own, large law firm. The sun shines on Howard’s life and for some that’s an inspiration, for others (like Saul), it rubs them the wrong way.

Q) Did your character evolve in any way from how he was first described to you?

A) Well, we’re still in the process of seeing what Howard evolves into. I just hope whatever that is, he gets to keep his fine Italian suits!

Q) Were you a fan of “Breaking Bad” before joining this spinoff?

A) I actually hadn’t seen the show. (I know, blasphemy!) My wife was pregnant with our first child and we saw the pilot. She turned to me and said, “I can’t be onboard with this right now.” So, we delayed, but then had another child. By the time “Breaking Bad” was wrapping up we missed it, but were completely fluent in Clifford the Big Red Dog. Then, we totally binged watched it and fell in love.

Q) What did you add to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Well in this case, the writing is so good. It truly informs me as an actor how to play Howard, which is a real blessing. The writers on “Better Call Saul” are at the top of their game and I trust them implicitly. However, now that they’ve worked with me, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Howard having a good sense of humor.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when the cast began working together or did you spend some time to bond?

A) Bob Odenkirk set the tone from the start that we were going to work hard and have a lot of fun. Initially, there was a sense of pressure, but as we got into the groove of telling Saul’s story, that drifted away.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “Better Call Saul?”

A) The first day of work is Bob bursting into my conference room delivering the “Network” speech. Three cameras on me, Vince Gilligan directing and the beginning of the whole shebang. I think I didn’t even say my line I was so frozen and overwhelmed. Good thing we did a couple of takes!

Q) The show has gotten quite a lot of buzz and good feedback from the media. Is that something you expected when you began working on it?

A) We always knew we were going to have a lot of scrutiny, but we put it aside and concentrated on making the show. Only when we could deliver a finished product would we know what we had. And I think, judging from the reviews and fans responses so far, we’re on the right track.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to interacting with fans during the episodes and answering questions?

A) I’ve embraced Twitter, which I enjoy very much. It’s great connecting with fans so closely. We did a live tweet before one of the episodes and will probably do some more, which is great. However, “Better Call Saul” doesn’t quite function like “Scandal” (at least not yet) where everyone is commenting on everything every second. I tweeted when I guest starred on that and it was like tsunami.

Q) What do you think it is about “Better Call Saul” that will make viewers want to tune in?

A) Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould are tremendous story creators and the crew they’ve assembled to tell those stories is firing on all cylinders. Who wouldn’t want to check it out and see what they’ve come up with?

Q) Is there anything else you want to make sure we share with fans about the show or your role?

A) I just hope everyone tunes in and goes along for the ride. I’m a fan, just like everyone else. Can’t wait to see what happens next!