Better Call Saul's Jonathan Banks' 5 Best Roles We Can’t Get Out Of Our Heads
Mike is considered to be Jonathan Banks' best role, but is it?
When you think of Jonathan Banks, chances are, you'll instantly think of the steely-eyed, tough-as-nails Mike Ehrmantraut from the beloved series Breaking Bad and its spinoff Better Call Saul.
But Banks’ acting portfolio extends far beyond the gritty streets of Albuquerque, and we are about to remember some of his most memorable performances.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993)
Remember when Jonathan Banks rocked the look of a patchy-haired alien leader? In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, he portrayed Golin Shel-la, leading Garth Ennis in a never-ending conflict against the Nol-Ennis on a distant moon in the Gamma Quadrant.
Hill Street Blues (1981–1987)
This classic cop drama is where you'd find one of Banks' early performances. He took on the role of Reggie, a criminal juggling multiple personalities.
Now, if you're only familiar with Banks' later works, you might find it a bit tricky to spot him in his youthful days. Reggie is an unforgettable character, bringing to light the struggles faced by those with mental health issues. Plus, his great escape antics add a fun twist.
Freejack (1992)
Set in 2009's vision of the future, Banks plays Mark Michellete, an employee of Anthony Hopkins' character. He's responsible for hiring Mick Jagger (yes, he’s also in the film) to track down Emilio Estevez, an escaped abductee. Sadly, just when he thinks all is well, he's betrayed and taken out by Jagger.
The Expanse (2015–2022)
Fast forward to the time when humans have populated the entire solar system, and we find Banks in the role of XO, a ship officer with a knack for weaponry.
Like Mike, a character he plays in Better Call Saul, XO has a serious interest in arms, spending his hours learning about them. Plus, there's a bit of Reggie in him too, as he grapples with mental health issues due to a lack of sunlight and oxygen aboard the ship.
Gremlins (1984)
In the cult classic Gremlins, Banks stepped into the shoes of Deputy Brent, a cop tasked with wrangling pesky gremlins. He found himself at the mercy of these creatures when, irritated by their antics, he threatened to kill one, only to back off at the last moment.