Actor Tony Dalton reflects on transitioning from his iconic role as cartel drug lord Lalo Salamanca in AMC’s Better Call Saul to playing corrupt Los Angeles sheriff Ray Vega in season two of Apple TV+’s Sugar, according to an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published in July 2025. Following a personal endorsement from co-star Jonathan Banks and a reunion with several alumni from the Breaking Bad universe, Dalton details the physical demands of filming the series’ final desert showdown with Colin Farrell.
Jonathan Banks’ Endorsement and the Breaking Bad Connection
When Dalton wrapped his work on Better Call Saul in 2021, Jonathan Banks surprised him on set to offer high praise, telling the cast and crew, according to Dalton, “You’re the best fuckin’ bad guy I’ve ever worked with.” When Dalton received an offer for Sugar season two, he consulted Banks. Banks immediately urged him to accept, praising showrunner Sam Catlin—who co-wrote the Breaking Bad season three episode “Half Measures.” According to Dalton, Catlin was part of Vince Gilligan’s original writers room when the character of Lalo was first conceived off-screen in 2008.
Modeling Ray Vega After Training Day
In Sugar season two, Dalton plays Ray Vega, a former Marine turned corrupt L.A. sheriff. Dalton tells The Hollywood Reporter that he modeled the character after Denzel Washington’s Alonzo from Training Day. Unlike Lalo Salamanca, who operated without boundaries, Vega controls his own jurisdiction. Throughout the season, Vega clashes with Colin Farrell’s private investigator John Sugar over a missing person case tied to municipal corruption and lethal fentanyl.
Did you know? Sam Catlin was in the original 2008 Breaking Bad writers room when the name “Lalo” was first introduced as an off-screen threat to Bob Odenkirk’s Saul Goodman.
Filming the Desert Climax with Colin Farrell
The conflict between Vega and Sugar culminates in the seventh episode, directed by Michael Morris, featuring a violent struggle inside an overturned Ford Bronco in the desert. Dalton recalls that the sequence drew inspiration from the Argentinean film Wild Tales, directed by Damián Szifron. During the grueling shoot, Dalton accidentally struck Farrell in the face, after which Farrell urged the crew to keep filming. Dalton noted that he returned home covered in bruises from the sequence.
Reuniting with Better Call Saul Crew Members in Los Angeles
Production on Sugar brought Dalton back together with several key figures from the Albuquerque-based crew of Better Call Saul, including director Michael Morris and director of photography Marshall Adams. Dalton noted that working with familiar camera operators like Matt Credle provided a sense of confidence while shooting on location in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Tony Dalton play in Sugar season two?
Tony Dalton plays Ray Vega, a former Marine turned corrupt L.A. sheriff who crosses paths with private investigator John Sugar.
Who directed the seventh episode of Sugar season two?
The seventh episode, “What Else Can You Do?”, was directed by Michael Morris.
Did Tony Dalton and Colin Farrell use stunt doubles for the desert fight?
According to Dalton’s interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he and Farrell performed the intense vehicle fight sequence themselves over hours of shooting.
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