Bali Ha'i (Better Call Saul)

In the context of the television series Better Call Saul, "Bali Ha'i" refers to a recurring theme and potential metaphor, most notably present in Season 6, Episode 9, titled "Fun and Games." The term originates from the song "Bali Ha'i" from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific.

The song, sung by the character Bloody Mary, describes a mystical and alluring island, Bali Ha'i, which is visible but difficult to reach. It promises an exotic escape and a chance to find what one is truly looking for.

Within the Better Call Saul episode, the song's theme of a tempting but ultimately elusive paradise parallels several characters' arcs. Specifically, it relates to Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman's trajectory. He's enticed by the allure of his criminal life, finding a certain excitement and perceived freedom, but ultimately finds himself trapped and isolated by his choices.

Kim Wexler is also connected to the theme. Her attraction to Jimmy and their con artistry represents her own "Bali Ha'i," a dangerous but captivating world that she ultimately realizes is unsustainable and destructive.

The use of "Bali Ha'i" serves as a subtle commentary on the characters' desires and the cost of pursuing them. The elusive paradise they seek leads to their downfall rather than fulfillment. The song’s message of a place "where you're not afraid to be what you have to be" highlights the characters’ transformations, often in a negative and self-destructive manner. The paradise is not attainable in a meaningful or lasting way within the context of the show, becoming a symbol of fleeting happiness and damaging compromises.