I am happy with the pace of the show.
6
This article refers to Kim as Jimmy's "partner" in the law firm. I understood that Kim and Jimmy are sharing office space but are not partners in their respective practices. Can someone clear this up? It seems like a small point, but it could have serious implications for Kim going forward.
1
Yeah I also noticed that difference and I think you are right at this point.
You are 100 % correct. She was only helping out working on the wills because Jimmy was out of the office.
They have separate law practices, but share all the expenses of their office space. They agreed that in order to keep afloat, if one of them had a 'dry' spell, the other would cover the expenses and vice versa. As you may recall Kim took over some of Jimmy's clients when he was pulled away with the Chuck drama. When Jimmy saw that, he said to Kim he would follow up with those clients. She said 'no', since once she took any case it then becomes her case to the end. Originally, Jimmy intended them to be partners, but Kim was the one who said she wanted their practices to be separate. Mainly, because she is keenly aware of how Jimmy bends the rules and she wants no part of that.
1
The show seems to be coming out of it's slumber. I know Gilligan is the master of minutia, and when that works it's fine, but too often in this kind of slow burner it just seems to be adding more brakes to everything. Thank the Lord for Mike, and I did wonder how many takes it took for the sneakers to drape themselves on the wire. I hope Jimmy and Kim get to do a great courtroom scene and put Chuck in his place. Chuck looks more and more like Jeff Sessions; a self satisfied moralist with O.C.D. We know Jimmy keeps his license, and perhaps Chuck's envisioned demise in the ICU are soon to be upon us.
2
Do we know that Jimmy keeps his license? We know that Saul Goodman has/will have a license, but how that came about I don't think we know.
1
I think Kim is going to appear somewhere in Jimmy/Saul's new life post Breaking Bad while he is working at Cinnabon.
Okay. Two points...
1) Kim is not fighting Chuck in Court. Jimmy is not going to court. That was the whole point of the deal. What he will have to do, is defend himself to the bar so he is not disbarred. Follows procedural law, but not a court. More like an administrative hearing. That's where Kim will be helping him.
2) The Kim sequence is to show that she does not even go home. She sleeps in the office and lives there. Old habits of large law firms. But it also shows that she is a workholic, obsessive-compulsive, perfectionist (it adds to here fifty times rewriting the same line of her brief in the previous episode). She is the Ying of Jimmy's Yang. Jimmy needs Kim. Saul on the other hand...
1) Kim is not fighting Chuck in Court. Jimmy is not going to court. That was the whole point of the deal. What he will have to do, is defend himself to the bar so he is not disbarred. Follows procedural law, but not a court. More like an administrative hearing. That's where Kim will be helping him.
2) The Kim sequence is to show that she does not even go home. She sleeps in the office and lives there. Old habits of large law firms. But it also shows that she is a workholic, obsessive-compulsive, perfectionist (it adds to here fifty times rewriting the same line of her brief in the previous episode). She is the Ying of Jimmy's Yang. Jimmy needs Kim. Saul on the other hand...
11
I think there's a 30 % chance you're right but having a trial would allow kim to bring in the craziness of chuck and the things Jimmy has done for him. In a Bar hearing, those issues won't be of help.
3
After reading all your observations about Kim, I think you are great!
3
Jimmy is not going to accept the plea deal.
He will go to court and it will be very traumatic for Chuck.
He will go to court and it will be very traumatic for Chuck.
2
I watched it again and I agree that is not a fricking German Shepard. It could be a Belgian Malinois or a steroid abusing ., short haired CockoPooh. More anal retentiveness must be required.
4
Mike is new from the moist East. He has sure gotten game in the dry Land of Enchantment. That is the best state moto ever Makes Live Free or Die sound like a reverse mortgage commercial();
2
Anyone notice that the ADA brought in from the neighboring county to prosecute Jimmy is Kimbery Herbert Gregory, the Principal from Vice Principals? Sweet!
3
I preferred this episode to last week's.
Jimmy's histrionics last week didn't work. His curb side weariness was more in keeping with the show. The writers could have left out last week's scene completely and replaced it with a scene showing Jimmy breaking into the house from an oblique angle so as not to be too obvious. This to be followed by Jimmy sauntering over to the curbside in this week's episode. We the audience would have to put it together. The show rarely force feeds the narrative and should not have done so last week.
I disagree with the author in that there were some cool scenes with Jimmy as he interacted with the lawyer from the DA's office. I agree that Rhea has been underutilized this season.
I've been disappointed with the Gus storyline as it feels like a Breaking Bad retread. Why can't we experience Gus in a different way as we have with Jimmy/Saul and Mike? I'd like to see his backstory.
Jimmy's histrionics last week didn't work. His curb side weariness was more in keeping with the show. The writers could have left out last week's scene completely and replaced it with a scene showing Jimmy breaking into the house from an oblique angle so as not to be too obvious. This to be followed by Jimmy sauntering over to the curbside in this week's episode. We the audience would have to put it together. The show rarely force feeds the narrative and should not have done so last week.
I disagree with the author in that there were some cool scenes with Jimmy as he interacted with the lawyer from the DA's office. I agree that Rhea has been underutilized this season.
I've been disappointed with the Gus storyline as it feels like a Breaking Bad retread. Why can't we experience Gus in a different way as we have with Jimmy/Saul and Mike? I'd like to see his backstory.
Boiing! Another Easter egg! So, upon watching this episode for the second time, I noticed that the opening shots of the Free Clinic segment prominently featured a wheelchair. AND THEN, when the door opens, there is a ringing bell. Shades of Salamanca's future!
16
Well, thanks for letting me know that Gus loses to Salamanca and that Chuck probably dies. There must be other Zen-like ultimate fates you can reveal about many of these characters so I can watch this without the least frisson of suspense and enjoyment. Shame, too, I was really getting into a program that apparently was supposed to be about Jimmy McGill.
This is a "prequel" to Breaking Bad. It is understood in the BB community that you are familiar with the history before you start watching this series.
If you have not watched Breaking Bad, in it's entirety, this show is not for you. It will be too confusing.
If you have not watched Breaking Bad, in it's entirety, this show is not for you. It will be too confusing.
2
Netflix has entire BB series. If you start now and just take 30 m/day comfort breaks, and just sleep 6 hrs/day you can get caught up by Monday. OR you can quit reading the comments in this here place.
9
" that Chuck probably dies." that has nothing to do with that other program.
2
Instead of mutually assured destruction between Jimmy and Chuck, a "deal" is arranged whereby Jimmy agrees to "give up" the name McGill in exchange for Chuck's dropping the charges. Chuck couldn't stand the fact that his ne'er do well younger brother was practicing law under the McGill name. It incensed him so much that it became a terrible obsession for him. Besides, Jimmy already had thought of the name Saul Goodman from S1 when he said, "It's all good man", or something to that effect. Boil it down and it becomes Saul Goodman. This way the McGill name is no longer in silly TV ads and is no longer "tarnished" in Chuck's mind. Thus Saul Goodman is born.
5
I think the the author here missed part of the point of Kim's morning routine montage - it reveals that she, one, wakes up in the office, and, two, doesn't "go to the gym" so much as showers at the gym because she's not going home. It's subtle, but it emphasizes how overworked she is. It shows the personal sacrifices she's making for the Mesa Verde case and, now, for Jimmy.
22
None of the reviews I've read brought up the fact of the doc in Mexico was the same doctor who treated Gus and Mike after the poolside poisoning party in BB.
6
Point raised by multiple commenters over past 2 days. Someone actually knew his name Dr. Barry Goodman.
2
After 2 days since show is broadcasted it might be worthwhile to look at the comments before enlightening the masses of your cutting insight.
4
Did you post your insight on the comments associated with those reviews? I so did you get responses that you were a day late and a dollar short?
Hate to be a nerd here with all of the great comments, but it was a Belgian Malinois (favored by the Armed Forces and many police departments) and not a German Shepherd.
9
What was of interest regarding Kim: she spent night at office so was unaware Jimmy had not returned home either until next day's heads-up by Ernesto; she slept at office and used the gym to shower, dress, brush teeth, etc --- we didn't see her exercise. Looks like she was creating a separation with Jimmy --- but that didn't become a discussion point - instead, Jimmy's arrest/jail overnight superseded domestic/professional looming conflicts.
4
The two never lived together, I believe.
1
it was implied that they moved in together, but it was also implied that Kim was having trouble keeping up with her work so she chose to sleep there vs waste time going home.
I never could have imagined the first time I saw Mike on BB how much I would become captivated by that character. Without Better Call Saul we would not have known how complex Mike is and how he went from being a dirty cop to guilty father to devoted grandfather and assassin. Kudos to Jonathan Banks for his portrayal of all the nuances of Mike!
15
I think Jimmy has to change his name to Saul because of the notoriety of the trial, which may have hurt his business. And somewhere the idea has to yet come about the Jewish identity. Saul must also come out of defending or advising criminals on drug possession. Possibly he figures out that the drug dealers in town have a bias toward Jewish lawyers. I really like the NM landscapes and the Morricone style twangy guitar, with just this right drop of percussive triangle or other pings. I live some of the backdrop, like the last scene with the glass block wall - so pretty the way it was lit.
2
's all good, man.
2
Awhile ago I read that the name Saul Goodman was adopted by Jimmy (by happenstance?) from the phrase "It's all good, man".
1
In BB he admitted that his potential clients thinking he was Jewish was a plus.
I wonder if Dr. Barry Goodman has the same view. I still think that Jesse Pinkman's "You want a CRIMINAL ...... Lawyer" is the best endorsement for Saul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNMQqh1ovlM
I wonder if Dr. Barry Goodman has the same view. I still think that Jesse Pinkman's "You want a CRIMINAL ...... Lawyer" is the best endorsement for Saul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNMQqh1ovlM
Any chance that Martha, after (we may speculate) seeing Oleg at the food store, put the finger on him (perhaps even innocently and casually)? She surely knew that something funny had been going on between Stan and Oleg, though perhaps not all the particulars - just enough to raise the suspicions of Directorate K.
You are in the Better Call Saul article, not The Americans (also an excellent show).
2
Different show... However, a good point. Last week someone suggested they should join up and have a spinoff show called The Russians.
4
at this point I feel like they don't know whether to tell the story or stall here, waiting to see if it will be renewed. what was accomplished this round could have taken about 5 mins. this is such a disappointment for what was a fun show.
I have to disagree! I am just loving the slow development... The real beauty of BB and this show is NOT action and clever plot twists (as masterful as they have been), but the slow revealing and development of character.
1
You're not the right person to review 'Better Call Saul' -- you have no appreciation for the nuances. All you do is demand action. Why not hand off the assignment and review wrestling or action movies instead?
4
I think you are confusing nuance with slow! In the first episodes, Jimmy was trying to con people using the skaters, then he went looking for the Kettlemans in the woods, he made a huge display with Howard about Chuck and he conned several people playing Viktor. Now, he's painting walls and Mike is driving around the countryside with absolutely no dialog. There's a reason silent films are history! There has been a definite change in the writing style, so there is a reason. Either they changed writers for the worse or they don't know how long the show will last and they don't know whether to blast Saul out there or keep him under wraps. The latter, is likely the reason. and ps. read the Emperor's New Clothes..either there is substance or there is not, I'm not going to pretend there is when all indications point elsewhere!
Just stop watching the show if you dislike it so much....
Thanks for the recap. Unfortunately, I think Kim is signing her own disbarment order by representing Jimmy. Why? Because her acquisition of Mesa Verde will come out, and her failure to report Jimmy's fraud will drive her out of the bar. That is why, I think, we saw her cleanup routine. She is a law firm drone. She does not expect to party or have personal time. She is a lawyer and that is central to her identity. Since nothing good comes from association with the main characters, I think that scene was very ominous.
8
Kim belongs in the world of HHM. Going in on a joint venture with Jimmy was a huge mistake, and I'm afraid the consequences are going to be dire for her. She came from nothing and had to work very hard to become successful, and I think she's about to lose it all.
4
yeah, I had the same thought. no way she walks away from a trial without losing her client.
Agree- I think Kim is in trouble for having the Mesa Verde Case and not revealing that she knew about Jimmy's actions.
I'm thinking that Somehow that letter she was typing/retyping is a key to her downfall.
I'm thinking that Somehow that letter she was typing/retyping is a key to her downfall.
What you missed is the significance of the Kim morning routine.
Others have commented that the key piece of this is realizing that KIM SPENT THE NIGHT SLEEPING IN HER OFFICE. Some here have commented about how this reveals Kim's incredible devotion to her work and to Jimmy - and I agree.
But I think there is more. Much more. Remember the title of the episode: sunk costs. I think Kim gave up her apartment and whatever other security she had in order to invest in this venture with Jimmy. She's sleeping in her office because she took all her rent money and put it into the business. She's not going to the gym to work out; she's going to the gym to take a shower and get dressed - because she has no where else she can do that. She gave up EVERYTHING to make this work. These are the "sunk costs."
Sorry you missed this. It was powerful. It said as much and more about her as any other scene in the series.
Others have commented that the key piece of this is realizing that KIM SPENT THE NIGHT SLEEPING IN HER OFFICE. Some here have commented about how this reveals Kim's incredible devotion to her work and to Jimmy - and I agree.
But I think there is more. Much more. Remember the title of the episode: sunk costs. I think Kim gave up her apartment and whatever other security she had in order to invest in this venture with Jimmy. She's sleeping in her office because she took all her rent money and put it into the business. She's not going to the gym to work out; she's going to the gym to take a shower and get dressed - because she has no where else she can do that. She gave up EVERYTHING to make this work. These are the "sunk costs."
Sorry you missed this. It was powerful. It said as much and more about her as any other scene in the series.
67
To emphasis -- Kim did not go to the gym for an early morning workout -- just to use the shower, etc. The only clothes in her gym bag were office clothes.
And the scene focused on her receiving the towel and then putting it in the hamper.
I do have a suspicion that her future is not rosy. Chuck will likely do her in as he continues his path of destruction.
One element regarding family life is that while Jimmy did clean up his act, get a law degree and abandoned con games as a life style (unless you factor in the con of being a lawyer), his brother Chuck did not change his ways.
Too bad.
And the scene focused on her receiving the towel and then putting it in the hamper.
I do have a suspicion that her future is not rosy. Chuck will likely do her in as he continues his path of destruction.
One element regarding family life is that while Jimmy did clean up his act, get a law degree and abandoned con games as a life style (unless you factor in the con of being a lawyer), his brother Chuck did not change his ways.
Too bad.
14
she's trying to keep up with her work, so she slept there. the gym could be next door, who knows? why would they hire a secretary if they were broke?
1
They need a secretary because they are busy. But they might not yet have received receivables. Just guessing.
Mike is an artist in his actions. The sneakers on the line had to be pinpoint precision, and until he fired the shot, I had no idea what those sneakers represented. Best scene of the night. A run off show featuring Mike could be the next inning.
When Jimmy changes his name to Saul, is that part of the bargain, or is it to hide his identity from Kim and Chuck? I agree with another poster who suggests Howard offers a position to Kim after the trial, and that is the end of Jimmy and Kim.
When Jimmy changes his name to Saul, is that part of the bargain, or is it to hide his identity from Kim and Chuck? I agree with another poster who suggests Howard offers a position to Kim after the trial, and that is the end of Jimmy and Kim.
3
Agree with you on everything but "hide his identity from Kim and Chuck?" I doubt that work since he is in the same town and puts up ads on bus benches.
9
Because "Saul" is such an open, public figure all over ABQ when we see him in BB, I don't think he can hide that from Chuck or Kim. I think Saul will only exist once they are dead or otherwise not part of his life at all.
1
I suspect the transition will involve Mike.
I'm not too perturbed by Kim's activity at this point. I think her role will increase substantially as she litigates Jimmy's case in court. I also think it's too early to criticize her level of involvement at episode 3, especially as a supporting character.
I felt Kim's morning routine was very reminiscent of a superhero donning their costume. Dynamic editing and the music gave it that feel. There might've been a continuation of that when she swooped in the save Jimmy in court.
I felt Kim's morning routine was very reminiscent of a superhero donning their costume. Dynamic editing and the music gave it that feel. There might've been a continuation of that when she swooped in the save Jimmy in court.
9
"Care to elaborate?" Subdued brilliance.
18
I enjoyed the episode. I thought the montage with Kim getting ready showed how much she's committed to making her venture with Jimmy work. She must have given up her apartment / house and is now living out of her office and using the gym to freshen up. She's got nowhere else to go.
7
I thought it was more about showing that she's a force to be reckoned with when it comes to her drive. I got the impression she'd worked so late that she'd fallen asleep in her office - probably not an unusual occurrence considering the sense of routine that accompanied the montage.
3
My son-in-law's drug sniffing canine does just what this dog does: sits. They are trained to respond this way, thereby quietly notifying their handler and not announcing their presence or their find to all.
24
Why does your son-in -law have a drug sniffing canine ? Is it a Boston thing, or is it impolitic to ask ?
Another matter:
I love this show, and thought "Breaking Bad" a near masterpiece, and I appreciate Jonathan Bank's performance as Mike in both.
But in this forum, and others, praise for him seems effusive. Mike is laconic, to be sure, but that character trait is becoming, for me, a tad one dimensional.
It fosters underacting, which can be just as poor a choice as overacting.
Vince Giliggan should allow Banks to do more, or force him to.
Another matter:
I love this show, and thought "Breaking Bad" a near masterpiece, and I appreciate Jonathan Bank's performance as Mike in both.
But in this forum, and others, praise for him seems effusive. Mike is laconic, to be sure, but that character trait is becoming, for me, a tad one dimensional.
It fosters underacting, which can be just as poor a choice as overacting.
Vince Giliggan should allow Banks to do more, or force him to.
3
Banks conveys so much with just his minimal facial expressions that when he does speak, the few words take on a greater profundity than if he were given a pageful of lines. What a masterful artist, with a laconic style that would fit well in the films of auteurs like Fellini and Antonioni (and that French guy, you know the one. . .).
3
I loved the episode. I get the frustration that Kim's character has not been highlighted lately. However, each episode is only one hour long. It centers on one or two characters at a time. So, I am fine with waiting for Kim's turn again. It will happen probably when she helps defend Jimmy at the trial. The pace of the show is methodical & the music choices are crazy good! Gus getting out of his car to meet Mike - wow - so cool in that all black suit. Mike has no idea yet on who Gus is other than he is Hector's competition or he would never have messed around with his truck. The trial will be a turning point for sure. Jimmy is going to throw it back at Chuck & his action to break in will be about his concern for Chuck which means that Jimmy is going to lie his ass off.
One final thought on Mike....does the guy ever sleep?
One final thought on Mike....does the guy ever sleep?
9
I make him for in insomniac, after all the tragedy and tribulation he's had to deal with in his life. He's also worried about his granddaughter and her mom, and perhaps losing sleep for that reason as well.
1
Were you even watching? That wasn't Gus's truck Mike messed with, that was Hector's.
Jeez....I'll have to watch that again. I thought the truck had Los Pollos Hermanos on the side? It would make more sense that it was Hector's truck.
1
David, many drug dogs are trained to alert with a sit rather than barking. I imagine there is less ruckus in a tense situation that way.
8
Your canine observation is spot on. I have seen (watched intensely) the performance of the sniffing Beagles at Newark. Fortunately, they were not trained to detect triple foil wrapped French new season garlic, and English Stilton. BCS is full of small things that other shows do not even bother with.
PS: You are correct BCS should be shown in big screen theaters with 70mm prints!!!!!!!!!!
PS: You are correct BCS should be shown in big screen theaters with 70mm prints!!!!!!!!!!
6
Observation wasn't completely spot-on. The dog was a Belgian Malinois, not a German Shepherd.
Its interesting that Chuck is able to stand outside in the sunshine just fine when lecturing Jimmy about this being for his own good.
23
what I thought was more interesting, was that jimmy stayed. he could have easily left and turned himself in, rather than be cuffed and thrown in a police car.
No, that was not the first time we've seen a lady flicking ashes into the scales of justice. We saw it in S1 and S2. They are using the exact same openers.
4
Easter Egg: From Breaking bad(411) Dr. Barry Goodman saved Gus Fring's life from his self-induced poisoning. This is the same doctor who Mike "visited" to get the cocaine, used in the Salamanca revenge plot. According to the Fandom BB Wiki site, "Jesse stumbles in carrying Mike, who is bleeding profusely, and shouts angrily, "This man needs help!" The head doctor, Dr. Barry Goodman, shoots back, "This man pays my salary" in reference to Gus, and continue ignoring Mike... " Gus Fring is generously paying for Dr. Goodman's "Free" clinic. This made me wonder whether people like Gus Fring who donates to causes for "social justice," have an alternate self-seeking agenda.
8
Dr Barry Goodman... Someone following Jim/Saul's stereotypical professional "Naming" convention. BTW where did you find out his name?
2
You don't get Kim and her morning routine because you are not a lawyer. Much like the rest of the show, Kim's routine signals many great things to come because her routine is the result of a tenacious lawyer working all night on a detailed but drudgery type work. It shows that she will put in the work to get the job done by leaving no stone unturned. When you say this is lawyer versus lawyer, you got it right and wrong. It is brother versus brother. But the lawyer versus lawyer is Chuck versus Kim. Kim is just as detail oriented as Chuck. I predict Kim will beat Chuck by having Jimmy found not guilty. Chuck will die alone, as predicted by Jimmy. But Howard will offer Kim a position to replace Chuck. When she accepts Howard's offer, that will be the final point of transition for Jimmy into Saul. Just as Jimmy rejected Chuck in this episode, Jimmy will reject Kim. Kim and Chuck are very much the same.
20
Not even close to the same.
5
What a spot-on analysis of plot points to come! I could see the show playing out this way with the McGill storyline. And as someone who has worked with lawyers for more than 20 years, I agree that - as lawyers only - yes, Kim and Chuck are, in fact, very much the same. Personally? No, they are nothing alike. But the manner in which they both approach the practice of law is strikingly similar. They are both tenacious, relentless perfectionists. Can't wait to see how this all plays out!
5
We weren't just watching Kim get ready for her day. There's a whole story there, done in the masterful "show, don't tell" style of these incredibly talented writers: Kim slept in the office that night, still in yesterday's work clothes, waiting for Jimmy to show up or call and covered in a pile of folders and papers (Mesa Verde docs? Loophole research?) that she almost certainly pored over obsessively late into the night before succumbing to exhaustion. She goes to the gym, but not to work out. She goes straight to the shower, pulls business clothes out of the gym bag -- not workout gear -- then proceeds to "put on her game face." She never went home that night. She crosses the street when she leaves the gym and arrives at her office on foot. The whole story was there, and not a word was uttered. Flipping brilliant.
51
Check out another obsessive "putting on her game face". The opening of "Mommie Dearest", with Faye Dunnaway as Joan Crawford.
Kim is a novice in this tough gal competition, but compared to Crawford, almost everyone else is, too.
This whole routine, including the ice cube facial, is just the prelude for her arrival at the studio for her full fledged makeup.
Early Christian martyrs didn't have to endure half of what that lady put herself through.
They had faces back then, and suffered to be beautiful. Marlene Dietrich, in her later career, attached her wigs to her scalp with real pins through her skin. It served to pull her skin taut, too.
Top that, Kim.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sig1yaP1BLA
Kim is a novice in this tough gal competition, but compared to Crawford, almost everyone else is, too.
This whole routine, including the ice cube facial, is just the prelude for her arrival at the studio for her full fledged makeup.
Early Christian martyrs didn't have to endure half of what that lady put herself through.
They had faces back then, and suffered to be beautiful. Marlene Dietrich, in her later career, attached her wigs to her scalp with real pins through her skin. It served to pull her skin taut, too.
Top that, Kim.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sig1yaP1BLA
1
I agree! Kim is the best character among a huge cast of great characters. And almost all of her development is handled in this way - images and silence. She is a mystery and defies expectation at every turn. To my knowledge there has never been a professional business woman portrayed with so much nuance and heart before.
6
I am a K-9 handler along the southern border with Customs and Border Protection. In movies and TV the dogs are always portrayed as being aggressive toward positive hits of contraband; many police forces through out the nation still train Canine teams to be aggressive and fearsome. With CBP the alert is always a passive sit. We are trained to reward a dog on positive searches ONLY after they sit. It keeps the suspects (in this case Pollo Hermanos drivers) at ease and they are unaware of a positive search until they are taken to the ground and hooked up. I'm pretty sure the K-9 team on last nights episode was real as they followed protocol perfectly. Better Call Saul is very authentic and it is fun to watch.
52
Thanks for your experienced insight, partner.
1
Thanks for the expert information. However, it is Hector's Ice Cream truck not Pollos Hermanos truck.
11
Given my predilection for vérité when comes to dog breeds, it is a Belgian malinois not a D.E.A.-employed German shepherd that just takes a seat, ears up in this episode, as mistakenly quoted by David Segal.
I thought it was odd that Chuck was comfortably outside on a bright sunny day, talking with Jimmy at the curb. I know his condition involves harmful electromagnetic waves emanating from electric and battery-operated devices, but whenever we've seen him outside in the past he's covered in mylar blankets, hunched over and in a hurry to get back inside. He seemed unusually healthy in that scene. I get the sense that as Jimmy became more successful as a lawyer, Chuck's condition worsened; now that Chuck feels he has Jimmy on the ropes and his law license is in jeopardy, suddenly his "medical condition" is starting to improve. Soon Jimmy won't be "a monkey with a gun", so Chuck isn't as threatened.
30
So the opening scene, with an insincere apology to those who don't want Breaking Bad referenced, is perhaps in Breaking Bad times? Maybe Mike is in that truck. Also will throw a shout-out to Gus and Mike's future doctor who we get to see in this episode as well.
I think that Chuck's scheme will start to go very wrong soon. Jimmy is not taking the plea, which means that unless Chuck drops the case he will have to testify, which was alluded to last night. As the main witness against Jimmy, he would ripe for extensive cross-examination, which perhaps brings about the scenario that Jimmy mentions while sitting on the curb. But destroying Chuck will not make Jimmy happy, just as destroying Jimmy is not making Chuck happy. Jimmy and Chuck seem to be set on a path of mutual destruction from which neither is willing to stray. And what of Kim? Still not sure how she fits in to this, and I would also like to see more of her. Last thought - poor Ernesto! Talk about an innocent victim, akin to Mike's civilian who was not in the game.
I think that Chuck's scheme will start to go very wrong soon. Jimmy is not taking the plea, which means that unless Chuck drops the case he will have to testify, which was alluded to last night. As the main witness against Jimmy, he would ripe for extensive cross-examination, which perhaps brings about the scenario that Jimmy mentions while sitting on the curb. But destroying Chuck will not make Jimmy happy, just as destroying Jimmy is not making Chuck happy. Jimmy and Chuck seem to be set on a path of mutual destruction from which neither is willing to stray. And what of Kim? Still not sure how she fits in to this, and I would also like to see more of her. Last thought - poor Ernesto! Talk about an innocent victim, akin to Mike's civilian who was not in the game.
14
I have no problem with references to Breaking Bad. In fact I love them. Some reviews I have read seem to complain that they want to 'hurry up' and get to the name change to Saul and the start of BB. That to me is a mistake. BCS is a separate show and has its own story to tell. So, I like the pace of BCS. But to concentrate on Jimmy's change to Saul will result in not enjoying the metamorphosis. I am looking forward to seeing BB characters showing up, etc. But, I am very much into Jimmy McGill & BCS. BB was the best show ever make no mistake about that.
12
I thought this episode was just brilliant. The gorgeous landscape shots, the opening scene with the very aged and faded shoes hanging over the bullet-ridden stop sign (with Gus's truck, not Salamanca's, heading toward the border), the angled-up shot of Gus in near-shadow against the sky while talking to Mike, the Kim-getting-ready montage -- all very Breaking Bad-esque and yet awesome in their own right. I truly believe there is no other show like this on television right now.
I agree that Kim deserves more than what she's getting lately, but I think that's the point; every episode, no matter what else transpires, I'm always left with the question of what happens to Kim. Perhaps it's part of the slow-build that is characteristic of this show. Her patience, work ethic, morality, and the "ordinariness" in her routine cast her in stark contrast with every other character we see in the show. Yet, I get the feeling she will be anything but "ordinary" as the show goes on.
As I grow more concerned for Kim with each episode, I grow equally repulsed by Chuck. He really thought Jimmy was going to fall for the whole "I'm doing this to help you" nonsense? I was happy to see that for once, Jimmy didn't, and instead took control of the narrative and told Chuck how it would go from now on.
My husband noticed the woman flicking ashes into the scales of justice; I do think that was the first time we've seen that. Another hint that Saul is emerging?
I agree that Kim deserves more than what she's getting lately, but I think that's the point; every episode, no matter what else transpires, I'm always left with the question of what happens to Kim. Perhaps it's part of the slow-build that is characteristic of this show. Her patience, work ethic, morality, and the "ordinariness" in her routine cast her in stark contrast with every other character we see in the show. Yet, I get the feeling she will be anything but "ordinary" as the show goes on.
As I grow more concerned for Kim with each episode, I grow equally repulsed by Chuck. He really thought Jimmy was going to fall for the whole "I'm doing this to help you" nonsense? I was happy to see that for once, Jimmy didn't, and instead took control of the narrative and told Chuck how it would go from now on.
My husband noticed the woman flicking ashes into the scales of justice; I do think that was the first time we've seen that. Another hint that Saul is emerging?
14
No, that's at least the second and maybe the thirs time they've used that scales-of-justice cigarette flick
Loved the moment when Jimmy told Chuck 'how its going to be.' From a storytelling point of view, that was a turning point in the Jimmy McGill story ARC.
I was struck by the camera angle on his feet at the end of his speech. It looked for all the world like the old westerns when the guys go to a shootout on main street -- very often the camera captured their foot steps. I took both Jimmy's speech and the focus on his feet as he stood up to say: Jimmy McGill takes a stand.
I was struck by the camera angle on his feet at the end of his speech. It looked for all the world like the old westerns when the guys go to a shootout on main street -- very often the camera captured their foot steps. I took both Jimmy's speech and the focus on his feet as he stood up to say: Jimmy McGill takes a stand.
11
Maybe we'll get to see how Hector winds up in a wheel chair with a bell.
It's not really clear why Gus doesn't want Hector dead, but is fine with disrupting his business. That's one of the things I like about this show, motives and intent are not obvious.
I enjoyed a revisiting of that great scene from last year, the single tracking shot of the drug truck crossing the border and going through the customs check.
It also reminded me of how someone's proposed wall is useless. Most drugs cross the border in Hector's and Gus's trucks.
It's not really clear why Gus doesn't want Hector dead, but is fine with disrupting his business. That's one of the things I like about this show, motives and intent are not obvious.
I enjoyed a revisiting of that great scene from last year, the single tracking shot of the drug truck crossing the border and going through the customs check.
It also reminded me of how someone's proposed wall is useless. Most drugs cross the border in Hector's and Gus's trucks.
16
Remember how much Gus enjoyed torturing Hector in the nursing home? Hector was a prisoner to his wheelchair, paralyzed, mute except for that bell. Gus visited him every week just to whisper obscenities at him. It was a vengeance carried out over several years.
I doubt Gus had the foresight to know he needed to "save Hector for later," to torture him at leisure, as it were, but I'm almost certain there was an episode in Breaking Bad where Gus explained why Hector (and the weird twin nephews) were off limits. I think it was one of the meeting scenes in the trailer in the desert with Jesse and/or Walt.
I doubt Gus had the foresight to know he needed to "save Hector for later," to torture him at leisure, as it were, but I'm almost certain there was an episode in Breaking Bad where Gus explained why Hector (and the weird twin nephews) were off limits. I think it was one of the meeting scenes in the trailer in the desert with Jesse and/or Walt.
4
Hector killed a young friend of Gus's when the two youngsters were just starting in business and were very excited about their initial successes.
It was a heartless and cold blooded killing. Part of the deep back story for Gus, and explains his growth into an equally cold blooded killer.
It was a heartless and cold blooded killing. Part of the deep back story for Gus, and explains his growth into an equally cold blooded killer.
1
In season 2 episode 3 of Breaking Bad Steve Gomez references the fact that Hector had a stroke after the scene where they unsuccessfully interview him.
I strongly agree what you said about Rhea Seehorn, she should be give more things to do.
Some observations from tonight's show:
The doctor at the free clinic was same doctor at the BB's emergency, plastic tent hospital that saved Gus and Mike.
BTW the first time I saw so many tennis shoes on telephone wires was in Sri Lanka in the late 90's. I thought it was fairly strange for a developing country.
Some observations from tonight's show:
The doctor at the free clinic was same doctor at the BB's emergency, plastic tent hospital that saved Gus and Mike.
BTW the first time I saw so many tennis shoes on telephone wires was in Sri Lanka in the late 90's. I thought it was fairly strange for a developing country.
1
I think that the getting ready work montage was a missed opportunity. There should have been shots of Kim getting ready for work that had cutins of Jimmy "Getting ready" in his Orange jumpsuit.
2
I think that would've been too cutesy, obvious and contrived.
1
I found Mike's sharpshooting to be less than believable. One shot to hit the correct sneaker (remember, he only stuffed one shoe with the coke) and time it so that it sprinkles the truck at the exact moment it's passing below. What if he had missed the shot or hit the wrong shoe or the truck was going faster than he thought? Then what? Try again next week?
Gimme a break! (ing Bad ): )
Gimme a break! (ing Bad ): )
4
Mike is a trained army sniper with vast experience at much harder shots than that.
3
I have a son-in-law who is a sharp shooter. He shoots tennis balls at 300 yards. He could shoot from farther out but can't afford a more powerful scope. Mike's shot at the tennis shoe is totally believeable and more than possible.
8
P.S. The shoes were dangling over the stop (alto) sign therefore the truck was stopped under them. We are supposed to believe that armed drug mules obey traffic laws, I guess.
1
The sneakers in the cold open...loved it!
2
I enjoyed everything that Mike does, ever since he wire-tapped Walt's house :D
2
I agree that Rhea Seahorn's talents and skills are not being fully utilized. I want more for her and from her. I thought it a bit sexist to ritualize her gym/work routine. The makeup scene and the heels. What did it add? The extended scene didn't contribute anything of substance unless, of course, the underlining statement was that her impending legal battle w Chuck wouldn't be "pretty." We'll see how this scene attaches itself to upcoming storylines, because surely there must be some waiting in the wings.
While Ermantrout may have stolen (major parts of?) the show, Kim and Jimmy owned significant scenes:
The opening scene w the dangling tennis shoes was brilliant. Their presence on the wire would be a significantly, thematic visual of a character's role: Kim's heels (suggesting her business department) ( the lingering shot of Jimmy's shoes when he is told to get dressed in the jail garb (suggesting his vulnerability); the shoes of the narc inspector (prior to the sniffing canine), suggesting a subsequent approach to the dusty "particles" wasn't just a casual shot. Together the five "shoe shots" -- including the shot-up brand new, red sneakers -- imply that moving "toward," moving "from," and standing still (as Jimmy does in his pristine black loafers) are symbols for the struggles, triumphs, redemption and resurrection of the involved characters.
While Ermantrout may have stolen (major parts of?) the show, Kim and Jimmy owned significant scenes:
The opening scene w the dangling tennis shoes was brilliant. Their presence on the wire would be a significantly, thematic visual of a character's role: Kim's heels (suggesting her business department) ( the lingering shot of Jimmy's shoes when he is told to get dressed in the jail garb (suggesting his vulnerability); the shoes of the narc inspector (prior to the sniffing canine), suggesting a subsequent approach to the dusty "particles" wasn't just a casual shot. Together the five "shoe shots" -- including the shot-up brand new, red sneakers -- imply that moving "toward," moving "from," and standing still (as Jimmy does in his pristine black loafers) are symbols for the struggles, triumphs, redemption and resurrection of the involved characters.
15
Word correction on my "4:31 pm" comment:
"...Kim's deportment [not department]"
"...Kim's deportment [not department]"
Kim wasn't working out. She just used the gym to handle a morning routine and get dressed. The fact that she has a membership tells us this is a common practice with her.
3
which would seem odd since she's a smoker!!!(and is not supposed to be able to afford professional clothes and jewelry)
After watching the episode. I went back to the opening to see if the shoe had a
bullet hole... it did not... Vince probably decided fans more keen on details would
figure out the ensuing plot and risk compromising the suspense of Mike's sniper scene... thus bullet holes in the "ALTO" stop sign were implemented in lieu as a
proverbial wink so to speak.
bullet hole... it did not... Vince probably decided fans more keen on details would
figure out the ensuing plot and risk compromising the suspense of Mike's sniper scene... thus bullet holes in the "ALTO" stop sign were implemented in lieu as a
proverbial wink so to speak.
1
Yunnan; Please recheck your video. I rewatched the opening scene and yes, there is a hole in the toe of the right shoe. If you watch the scene of Mike shooting the shoe in slow motion, you can see he hits the toe of the right shoe and the contents spew out thru the hole. Like I said, use slow motion on the opening shot and you can see the bullet hole in the tip of the right shoe.
3
The shoe poofed powder when it landed on the pavement. I looked at it twice too -- sometimes that's needed with BCS. ;-)
Two different pairs of shoes. What is your point?
1
I agree completely with the author--the meeting of Mike and Gus was wonderfully concise vs. the pointless Kim montage. I hope she gets a stellar turn in court.
Shouldn't Kim have been more sympathetic to poor Ernie, who lost his job helping her sleazy boyfriend?
Shouldn't Kim have been more sympathetic to poor Ernie, who lost his job helping her sleazy boyfriend?
2
I'm confused about Ernie, I thought he might get a job with them , but maybe he's on his way out of the show.
Yep, I would say you missed something. The point of the Kim montage was to highlight that she was living in her office. Sometimes people without an ideal or permanant living situation are forced to resort to buying a gym membership solely for the purpose of taking a shower. Kim is sacrificing a lot for her current practice which is in its infancy and needs as much of her resources and capital as possible to survive. Knowing this makes the decision of staying loyal to jimmy at the expense of Mesa Verde and ultimately her practice have much more weight to it later on when she mentions the sunk cost fallacy. I wish the New York Times would give one of your co workers much more to do, such as write Better Call Saul reviews and send you back to the mail room.
8
Your final sentence is needlessly abusive. Mr. Segal works for The New York Times beause he's a very good journalist and writer. Otherwise he'd be doing whatever it is you do in Morgantown. I think you'd like The Times to call you for the reviewer's slot.
3