Rhea Seehorn and Bob Odenkirk make quite the team in the television world. Whenever Seehorn finds herself surrounded by TV’s biggest stars, she always looks for Odenkirk. “He’s my partner in crime,” Seehorn says of her co-star. And this awards season will be no different, as both Seehorn and Odenkirk, along with their AMC series “Better Call Saul,” have been nominated for Emmy Awards.
Seehorn, who plays the character Kim Wexler on the show, has received a nomination for the second year in a row. This time, however, it marks her last outing as the character, as the series recently concluded its final season in August 2022. Despite this being her last chance at an Emmy for this role, Seehorn is just as excited as ever for the mayhem to come, even though the ceremony itself has been pushed to January 15, 2024. She humorously adds that she intends to use “a little smidge of sarcasm and snark to make sure you don’t get too full of yourself,” if she were to win the award.
Seehorn recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about her nomination, the emotional moments of “Better Call Saul’s” final season, her favorite TV shows, and the SAG-AFTRA strike that began shortly after the interview. She expresses her thrill and excitement about the nomination, highlighting her pride in the show and how well the final season was handled. Seehorn also emphasizes her appreciation for the opportunity to see her fellow cast members again, as they have become a tight-knit group. The nomination is not only a chance for recognition but also a chance for the cast to celebrate and come together.
As for the final season, Seehorn reveals that it began to sink in that they were doing the series finale and not just a season finale. She mentions how the realization hit even harder once the final few episodes aired. She remarks on the emotional challenges of playing Kim, especially in the final scenes, such as the prison scene and walking through the prison yard. Seehorn also mentions that the episode titled “Waterworks,” in which Kim becomes an entirely different person, was a particularly challenging one for her.
Seehorn is aware that this could be the last time she plays the character of Kim Wexler. She expresses her deep connection to the character and hopes that one day there will be an opportunity to revisit her. The experience of playing Kim for seven years has allowed Seehorn to explore the character’s evolution and growth, and she feels that Kim is a very three-dimensional and human character. She also appreciates the impact Kim has had on fans and how they often become her greatest confidants in scenes where she doesn’t let others know what she’s thinking.
In addition to “Better Call Saul,” Seehorn reveals that she has been binge-watching several other shows this summer. Some of her favorites include “Beef and The Bear,” “Fleishman Is in Trouble,” “Love & Death,” “The White Lotus,” and “PEN15.” She also mentions being behind on “Succession” but acknowledges the brilliance of the show and its actors.
The interview takes place just hours before a possible SAG-AFTRA strike is set to begin. As a member of the guild, Seehorn shares her thoughts on the importance of striking. She addresses the misconception that it’s about actors and writers wanting more money, emphasizing that it’s about adapting to the changing landscape of streaming platforms and how content earns money. Seehorn believes that everyone involved in the production of shows should share in their success and that there needs to be a system in place to protect everyone’s interests. She expresses concern for the future of TV writing as a profession, noting that it shouldn’t be treated as a hobby on top of other jobs.
In conclusion, Rhea Seehorn is grateful for her Emmy nomination and the opportunity to celebrate with her fellow cast members. She reflects on the emotional challenges of playing Kim Wexler in the final season of “Better Call Saul” and expresses her hope that she will never forget the character. Seehorn shares her favorite shows she’s been binge-watching and discusses the importance of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Overall, Seehorn’s passion for her work and dedication to the craft of acting shines through in this interview.