One of the standout performances inNetflix’sHappy Gilmore 2isLavell Crawfordas Slim Peterson, the son of Happy’s late mentor Chubbs (Carl Weathers).Happy Gilmore 2has a very specific tone, as it both reflects on grief and the passage of time, while also incorporating broad and immature humor. Aside fromAdam Sandler, no one in the ensemble walks this line better than Crawford, who, within minutes, both sweetly acknowledges the passing of Weathers and pulls off goofy gags with his giant prosthetic hand. Crawford is a talented comedian who’s been a standout guest star on sitcoms likeIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and brilliantly mixes understated, deadpan deliveries with occasional over-the-top outbursts. But, one of his best performances was as Huell Babineaux onBreaking BadandBetter Call Saul, neither of which are shows that typically bring the laughs.
One of the most interesting things aboutBreaking Badis how well it utilizes comedy stars for its drama.Bryan Cranstonwas known for sitcoms likeMalcolm in the MiddleandSeinfeld.Bob Odenkirkwas a sketch comedian who wrote and starred on shows likeThe Ben Stiller ShowandMr. Show with Bob and David. Crawford’s frequent scene partner onBreaking Badis another comedian, stand-upBill Burr.
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What’s interesting is that these performers played on their comedic strengths for these darker roles. Cranston’s performance as Walter White weirdly feels like a natural extension of his manic, put-upon suburban dad character inMalcolm in the Middle.Odenkirk brings the same smooth-talking playfulnessthat he had as Stevie Grant onThe Larry Sanders Show. TheBreaking Badteam understood that the line between comedy and drama can be thin. The same things that make them great in comedies can be used for dramatic tension and pathos. Crawford is no exception.
One of Huell’s most memorable scenes is the hilarious bit in Season 5’s “Buried” when he lays across all of Walter’s money (whichbecame a meme), or his laugh-out-loud delivery of the simple line, “Reasonably.” It speaks to Crawford’s talent that he’s able to get laughs out of little moments like that, butHuell is more than just comic relief. He’s the secret weapon who powers some ofBreaking Bad’s most tense scenes. Huell was pivotal in the plotline with Brock Cantillo (Ian Posada) and the ricin cigarette, which drove the final wedge between Walter White (Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). Towards the end ofthe final season, Crawford carries one of the most well-executed, thrilling scenes. Hank Schrader (Dean Norris) tricks Huell in order to get information about where Walter hid his money, pressing him until he’s nearly crying with fear. The desperation that Crawford shows in this scene helps sell to the audience that even a professional criminal like Huell would get caught up in Hank’s ruse.
Later, Crawford reprised his role asHuell forBetter Call Saul. Unlike some of the returning characters, he didn’t have a major arc. He was used in just six episodes spaced out across four seasons. But, each time he added texture to the show. Huell’s most important scene in both shows is in the fan-favorite episode “Rock and Hard Place.” After helping Jimmy with his latest scheme, he asks him frankly why he stillpulls off scamswhen he’s making legit money and has a wife who’s making legit money. Crawford’s calm, blunt demeanor in the scene is perfect. He’s not being accusatory, yet Jimmy immediately gets defensive.
Crawford has the complete opposite energy of Odenkirk’s weasel-y, fast-talking Saul, which helps emphasize that Jimmy is straining. He tells what is clearly a lie that he tells himself all the time, which is that this is different because good will come out of this.Crawford’s quiet skepticism underlines the themesofBetter Call SaulandBreaking Bad. In his simple reaction, we see that Jimmy doesn’t have to do this, that he could stop his crimes at any time, but he’s too addicted to the thrill. After stealing scenes inThe Ridiculous 6,Hubie Halloween, and nowHappy Gilmore 2, Crawford is a proven member of the Adam Sandler cinematic universe. But, his work onBreaking BadandBetter Call Saulshows how well he can also play pathos and crippling tension.
Breaking Bad
