Yes, it can be saved. In fact it can be cut to the ground and it should send up new shoots - do not keep it soaking wet (water when it dries out some) and give it lots of light (not hot sun). If you look at the roots you will see some swollen nodules as this is a way for them to store water in drought conditions. When the soil is moist then they will start growing again (as long as the roots are not rotted and the nodules are depleted).

I cut off the old ugly leaves from time to time and they respond by sending up new leaves in a few days/weeks.

Here is a collage I made of my very ugly Calathea two years ago.

I hope this helps a little.

Oh yes this is excellent! I very much appreciate your post! I will do my best to follow!

I am a new-ish mom to a Calathea and the crispy edge leaves really bug me. I know that's lack of humidity but it is what it is in a dry winter house. I've been trimming them to remove the crispy edges, but after seeing your pics, I'm going to remove the whole leaf to spur on new growth.

My plant did produce a couple of new leaves after I got it and those (so far) are looking mahvelous. I won't be shy with the pruners after seeing your pics!

i keep a mister nearby and try to mist a few times a day. (distilled water fwiw)

I'm hoping summer conditions make all the plants happier.