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| “ | —are in danger? Whoopty-freaking-doo— why do you think he's not here? A-and, how is that news— exactly? The two of you being in danger? After doing something idiotic? A-and what gives you the right to break down my door? [..] You are such a pain in my ass, you know that? You're the reason I gotta go on unemployment for— God knows how long! I was at least looking forward to getting out of here in the next half hour but NO! NOW, I gotta wait around all day for a plate glass guy to come and fix this door— and who pays for this? [..] Door like this? It's gonna cost way more than seventeen-hundred. [..] Oh yeah, I bet it does. Bets you winds up costing... twenty-thousand. [..] Now I'm thinkin' twenty-five. | „ |
| ~ Francesca Liddy facing off against Walter White. |
Francesca Liddy is a supporting character in the crime drama series Breaking Bad and its prequel series Better Call Saul.
She is the former secretary for Wexler McGill and later Saul Goodman & Associates, who also worked as a personal receptionist and conspirator for Saul Goodman before his retirement from practicing law.
She is portrayed by Tina Parker.
Personality
Francesca's character undergoes a stark transformation throughout her employment with Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman. Initially, she presents as a competent, enthusiastic, and friendy assistant whose dedication earns the respect of both Jimmy and Kim Wexler—so much so that Jimmy retains her services even during financial struggles.
However, her years working for Saul Goodman fundamentally change her. While she continues as his willing accomplice in various illegal schemes, including impersonating a police officer to deceive DEA agent Hank Schrader about his wife's well-being, her motivations become increasingly mercenary. She leverages her position for financial gain, demanding higher pay from Saul and even extorting $25,000 from Walter White for Saul's contact information, though she was initially uncomfortable with doing deeds like this.
Her contempt for her surroundings becomes evident—she dismisses both Walter White and Jesse Pinkman as "idiots" and shows no intimidation by their criminal status. When Saul's practice collapses, she demands additional payment to destroy evidence and rebuffs his attempted farewell hug. While she follows his instructions regarding police questioning and later phone calls, her compliance seems rooted in self-preservation rather than loyalty. Her final interaction with Saul—sharing Kim's attempt to contact him before abruptly hanging up—perfectly encapsulates their deteriorated relationship: professional and generally dependable, but devoid of any actual appreciation.
Biography
Better Call Saul
In 2002, Francesca, previously employed as a secretary at the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in New Mexico, interviews for a position at Wexler McGill (WM), where she discusses her experience at the MVD. During the interview, Jimmy McGill hires her on the spot despite Kim's preference for a more thorough process. Francesca begins her role as the receptionist, handling calls from clients, including one from Mike Ehrmantraut.
She is present when Jimmy returns to WM after his arrest for breaking into his brother Chuck McGill’s house. Francesca also attends Jimmy's hearing with the New Mexico Bar Association, where she follows his signal to bring Huell Babineaux into the courtroom. This leads to Jimmy revealing that Huell planted a cell phone battery in Chuck’s pocket before his testimony. Later, Francesca helps Jimmy call clients to inform them of his suspension. Despite Kim suggesting they close the office and let her go, Jimmy insists on keeping her employed. Francesca also shares tequila shots with Jimmy after Kim leaves for a meeting.
Following Kim’s car accident, Francesca visits her at home with gifts from Mesa Verde and Gatwood Oil. She helps Kim rent DVDs from Blockbuster Video while Kim takes a break from litigation work. When WM shuts down, Francesca is laid off but temporarily returns to the MVD. Jimmy promises to rehire her if he and Kim reopen their practice.
Jimmy, now operating as Saul Goodman, rehires Francesca to work in his new office. She notices changes in his clientele and decorates the office to her liking. Francesca greets Kim during her visit and congratulates her on her marriage to Jimmy. Despite her unease with Jimmy's criminal clients, Francesca assists in a scheme involving Howard Hamlin by posing as a plaintiff’s relative to gather conference call information. Disgusted by one client’s behavior, she leaves the cleanup to Jimmy. After Kim leaves Jimmy, Francesca continues working for him as he adopts his full Saul Goodman persona. She manages his clients, including Emilio Koyama, and oversees the signing of divorce papers between Saul and Kim.
Breaking Bad
Francesca is present when Walter White visits Saul's office for help with freeing Badger. She leaves with Saul shortly before Walt and Jesse Pinkman kidnap him. Francesca later impersonates a hospital worker to call Hank Schrader with false news of an emergency involving his wife Marie, distracting him from investigating Walt and Jesse Pinkman’s RV. She suggests Saul give her a raise after the ruse. While shredding documents for Saul, Francesca refuses to answer calls or knocks on the door. Walter White breaks in, leading to an argument. Francesca demands compensation for the damage and extorts Walt for $25,000. Francesca then interacts with Jesse during his visits to Saul's office. Later, Jesse accuses Saul of betrayal, holding both Francesca and Huell at gunpoint during a confrontation.
Post-Breaking Bad
After Walter White’s operation collapses, Francesca helps Saul shred documents as he prepares to flee. Saul gives her money and instructions for a future phone call. She refuses a farewell hug and leaves. Following Saul’s disappearance, Francesca is detained due to her connections to him but later released. By November 2010, she becomes a landlord, though she remains monitored by authorities. On November 12, she retrieves hidden money after a call from Saul and informs him about the DEA’s actions, the status of former colleagues, and that Kim Wexler had inquired about him. Francesca ends the call rudely and abruptly.
External Links
- Francesca Liddy on the Breaking Bad Wiki
