Lalo Salamanca
Character from the TV series "Better Call Saul" / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eduardo "Lalo" Salamanca (/ˈlɑːloʊ ˌsæləˈmɑːŋkə/ LAH-loh SAL-ə-MAHNK-ə, Spanish: [eˈðwaɾðo ˈlalo salaˈmaŋka]) is a fictional character and a central antagonist of the AMC television series Better Call Saul, a spin-off of Breaking Bad. Lalo, who was created by Peter Gould and screenwriter Gordon Smith, and is portrayed by Tony Dalton, is introduced in the show's fourth season. Lalo is mentioned in dialogue in the Breaking Bad episode "Better Call Saul" that introduces Saul Goodman, though Lalo does not appear in the series.
Lalo Salamanca | |
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Better Call Saul character | |
![]() Tony Dalton as Lalo in a promotional poster for Better Call Saul's fifth season | |
First appearance | "Coushatta" (2018) |
Last appearance | "Point and Shoot" (2022) |
Created by | Peter Gould Gordon Smith |
Portrayed by | Tony Dalton |
In-universe information | |
Full name | Eduardo Salamanca |
Aliases |
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Occupation | Cartel operator |
Relatives |
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Home | Chihuahua, Mexico |
Nationality | Mexican[1] |
Lalo is one of many nephews of Hector Salamanca, an enforcer of Don Eladio Vuente's drug cartel. After Hector becomes paralyzed due to a stroke, Lalo arrives from Mexico to help run the family drug operation in Albuquerque; he takes a greater interest in the day-to-day details of the operation than Hector did. Because of the rivalry between Gus Fring and Hector, Lalo becomes determined to disrupt Gus' legitimate business and his reputation with the cartel.
Showrunners gave Dalton freedom to diverge from cartel stereotypes and portrayals of the other members of the Salamanca family. Series co-creator Vince Gilligan held himself responsible for delaying Lalo's introduction, which occurred because Gould wanted to introduce Lalo as early as season one. Unlike most other members of his family, Lalo is charismatic and often cheerful; like them, however, he can also be remorselessly vicious. Dalton's portrayal has been critically acclaimed; some critics[who?] deemed Lalo to be one of the best villains on television.