Lalo Salamanca

Eduardo "Lalo" Salamanca (/ˈlɑːloʊ ˌsæləˈmɑːŋkə/ LAH-loh SAL-ə-MAHNK-ə, Spanish: [eˈðwaɾðo ˈlalo salaˈmaŋka]) is a fictional character and one of the main antagonists in the AMC television series Better Call Saul, a spinoff of Breaking Bad. He is portrayed by Tony Dalton, with the character being created by Peter Gould and screenwriter Gordon Smith. Lalo is introduced in the show's fourth season but was originally mentioned in dialogue from the Breaking Bad episode "Better Call Saul" that introduces Saul Goodman, though Lalo does not appear in the series.

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 Hector and Gus Fring, Lalo becomes determined to disrupt both 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 Salamancas, Lalo appears charismatic and cheerful; however, he gains genuine pleasure from inflicting chaos. Dalton's portrayal has been critically acclaimed, with some critics deeming Lalo to be one of the best villains on television.