Yes, Mike's "one more thing" is info on the disappearance of Anita's husband, he knows Nacho might be able to get some info which would help bring Anita closure. Mike has a thing for helping distressed widows.
Maybe one more thing is this: Mike doesn't want Nacho to KILL Hector. That is insufficient punishment. He wants to give Hector a stroke. Lower dose of original poison? Different poison? Hmmm.
Anyone know who played the 2 owners if abq guitar shop? They look familiar...
2
They are the Sklar Brothers.
Aren't they the Southpark creators?
The Sklar brothers, Randy and Jason(in the glasses)
They've been in a bunch of stuff most recently a Burger King commercial.
They've been in a bunch of stuff most recently a Burger King commercial.
I don't think Jimmy's undermining Chuck at the insurance office was sheer spite. Chuck did not get what he wanted, which was to take away Jimmy's law license -- suspension falls far short of that. Chuck when he first heard Jimmy's proud announcement of his law degree considered this an insult to his profession. Chuck might be mentally disturbed but he is very bright, very determined and very resourceful. I think Jimmy knows that Chuck is still a formidable opponent and might be cooking up (sorry, BB) some further attacks.
Trying to weaken Chuck professionally is a necessary move in defending himself.
Which is not to say he wouldn't get vengeful pleasure in doing it.
Jimmy's disillusion in Chuck and realization of Chuck's attitude towards him in reminds me of the episode in BB where Walt has the young drug dealer in the cellar and is hoping to make peace with him and let him go, then find that a knifelike piece has been removed from the broken plate and realizes what he is up against. The pain in Walt's face. No room for kindness.
Trying to weaken Chuck professionally is a necessary move in defending himself.
Which is not to say he wouldn't get vengeful pleasure in doing it.
Jimmy's disillusion in Chuck and realization of Chuck's attitude towards him in reminds me of the episode in BB where Walt has the young drug dealer in the cellar and is hoping to make peace with him and let him go, then find that a knifelike piece has been removed from the broken plate and realizes what he is up against. The pain in Walt's face. No room for kindness.
1
I think you are right.
My advice FWIW:
If you are a BB fan you already know, trust the writers/creative team. They will not disappoint.
If you are a BCS fan without ever having seen BB, trust the writers/creative team. They will not disappoint. Then go watch BB.
This show and BB are as perfect as a television series can get - on all levels, writing, directing, acting, editing, music, sound, cinematography, set design, casting - all departments are brilliant!
If you are a BB fan you already know, trust the writers/creative team. They will not disappoint.
If you are a BCS fan without ever having seen BB, trust the writers/creative team. They will not disappoint. Then go watch BB.
This show and BB are as perfect as a television series can get - on all levels, writing, directing, acting, editing, music, sound, cinematography, set design, casting - all departments are brilliant!
4
They have had one and a half seasons to " not disappoint" so how much longer can one wait? BB had a slew of interesting characters and side plots. This one has mostly dull people in search of a plot. A character as shallow and uninteresting as Jimmy has to have enough window dressing to make us tolerate him. Alone he bores to tears. If you like watching paint dry have at it. So far this one is just one long dragged out tease.
OK, I need someone to explain to me why Mike cares about Nacho being caught assassinating Hector. What's the reason for his uncharacteristic concern?
Mike is afraid of Gus &co. If Hector is killed without Gus's approval he will be blamed.
1
And we still have no clue why Gus wants to keep Hector alive.
Yes we do. Gus said in a few episodes ago that a bullet to Hector's head would be too easy of a death. He wants him to suffer a worse fate than that and he has to figure out a way to accomplish that without it getting back to him. These people retaliate and Gus doesn't want to be killed because he killed Hector.
The episode felt like little more than an interregnum, setting things up for the next installment. But I agree about the cinematic sophistication of that first scene. Well done!
I thought that Mike's change of mind on helping Nacho happened when the widow said her husband disappeared on a walk in the Gila Forest (she said something about him possibly being killed because someone didn't like the way he looked). I assumed that was intended to bring up the possibility that one of the drug ring's goons had killed the guy. You know...relating to the innocent Good Samaritan who was killed after helping out the drug runner. Mike's character is always trying to counter the evil in the world.
I thought that Mike's change of mind on helping Nacho happened when the widow said her husband disappeared on a walk in the Gila Forest (she said something about him possibly being killed because someone didn't like the way he looked). I assumed that was intended to bring up the possibility that one of the drug ring's goons had killed the guy. You know...relating to the innocent Good Samaritan who was killed after helping out the drug runner. Mike's character is always trying to counter the evil in the world.
4
I also thought that Mike's change of mind related to the Good Samaritan who was killed after helping out the drug runner (and to Mike's guilt over the fact that, even though he took pains to ensure that no one needed to lose a life during that heist--a tactic he later calls a "half measure"--an innocent was killed). But I saw an even more direct link: Mike's pain over this, combined with his grief over his son, is so acute that there doesn't need to be a direct link between the widow's husband and the drug lords. The very mention of the widow's story (particularly because it's a woman he seems to rather like) resurfaced his fury at the man who did the killing. That renewed his desire to help Nacho bring down the "bad guys."
1
I do not think Jimmy is exaggerating his brother's illness. I would not want Chuck for my lawyer because he is very mentally ill. He should be institutionalized. People who have untreated mental illnesses get much worse over time. The illness progresses. It does not stay the same because it has not been controlled in any way. Just imagine suddenly discovering in court that your attorney is wearing tin foil all over underneath his suit, recoils in horror from electricity and batteries, shakes all over and becomes incoherent when he runs into any snag in his hiding away from the modern world. The most realistic thing that could have happened at that hearing was for the panel to now be investigating Chuck. Add to all this that Howard and the rest of the firm have abetted Chuck in deceiving their clients about his mental competency and one can only hope Chuck and the firm have a TON of malpractice insurance. They are going to need it if their clients discover their deceit.
4
"There is something deflating about watching the younger McGill go backward...in a show that is really focused on the man’s professional and personal journey."
It's not a step backward at all. The pure frustration in this episode is possibly the biggest catalyst seen in the entire series to date in turning optimistic and quick-thinking Slippin' Jimmy into the dark and cynical Saul Goodman. A big deal was made last week about Saul's name being mentioned for the first time but I think the end scene of this episode was where we really saw the character for the first time: Jimmy willing to do something immoral without a larger strategy or even the pretense of someone else benefitting.
It's easy to get wrapped up in the characters of this show. If you need a reminder of what's to come, please re-watch the Better Call Saul episode of Breaking Bad. The difference between Jimmy's character on BCS and Breaking Bad is stark, even right now in season 3. This episode did more to bridge that gap than any other this season.
It's not a step backward at all. The pure frustration in this episode is possibly the biggest catalyst seen in the entire series to date in turning optimistic and quick-thinking Slippin' Jimmy into the dark and cynical Saul Goodman. A big deal was made last week about Saul's name being mentioned for the first time but I think the end scene of this episode was where we really saw the character for the first time: Jimmy willing to do something immoral without a larger strategy or even the pretense of someone else benefitting.
It's easy to get wrapped up in the characters of this show. If you need a reminder of what's to come, please re-watch the Better Call Saul episode of Breaking Bad. The difference between Jimmy's character on BCS and Breaking Bad is stark, even right now in season 3. This episode did more to bridge that gap than any other this season.
5
The last two weeks have been Breaking Character I&II:
Breaking Character Part I was pushing Chuck until he snapped and then watching him choose to get back into his life as a lawyer, starting with handling batteries and calling his doctor for help.
Breaking Character Part II was pushing Jimmy until he snapped, with dwindling money and opportunity, and watching him choose to become darker, colder and more nihilistic, more mercenary in his outlook.
These are fundamental changes to main characters that move the story forward and so these are two of the most important episodes thus far.
As for Mike, he asked Nacho to help find out if Anita's husband was killed by members of the drug trade.
Breaking Character Part I was pushing Chuck until he snapped and then watching him choose to get back into his life as a lawyer, starting with handling batteries and calling his doctor for help.
Breaking Character Part II was pushing Jimmy until he snapped, with dwindling money and opportunity, and watching him choose to become darker, colder and more nihilistic, more mercenary in his outlook.
These are fundamental changes to main characters that move the story forward and so these are two of the most important episodes thus far.
As for Mike, he asked Nacho to help find out if Anita's husband was killed by members of the drug trade.
1
Sure, there have been more 'packed' episodes. But every week with Saul/Jimmy -- and Bob Odenkirk -- is a treasure and a joy.
I agree with author in his Stray Thoughts ... but the comment about the show and the opening scene should have been in the main part of the review. I mean, it really IS a serious cut above. Don't bury this important note!
And I'll take the film crew twice in one episode. Maybe it's the old ad person in me ... but those vignettes have been mini-gems as well.. And if we didn't get to the second one, in the guitar shop, when could Jimmy have said: "I weep for the future" in such perfect inflection.
Bob Odenkirk for an Emmy!!
I agree with author in his Stray Thoughts ... but the comment about the show and the opening scene should have been in the main part of the review. I mean, it really IS a serious cut above. Don't bury this important note!
And I'll take the film crew twice in one episode. Maybe it's the old ad person in me ... but those vignettes have been mini-gems as well.. And if we didn't get to the second one, in the guitar shop, when could Jimmy have said: "I weep for the future" in such perfect inflection.
Bob Odenkirk for an Emmy!!
3
Gus is a great villain, but I wouldn't call him the greatest villain in TV history. I think you're forgetting a guy named Walter White.
2
I saw the moment that Jimmy was on road crew and held up the dirty tightie-whities (see article photo) and said "Computers are our future . . " as a foreboding and funny reference to Walter White. I am eagerly waiting for the Bryan Cranston cameo. Maybe next season.
I think Kim is second guessing Jimmy, especially in that bar scene, and may be starting to believe he may have actually switched those numbers as she sees he is capable of doing. His quick plotting ways are evident and she is taken back by the way he spoke to Rachel about Chuck and continues to.
I think Kim is second guessing Jimmy, especially in that bar scene, and may be starting to believe he may have actually switched those numbers as she sees he is capable of doing. His quick plotting ways are evident and she is taken back by the way he spoke to Rachel about Chuck and continues to.
4
I think this review is dead-on. The writers of BCS love to linger and dwell on the issues. Sometimes it makes me crazy. I'm not saying we should fforward to Jimmy opening up his law office, but there are so many rich, detailed amazing stories that have yet to be told and yet, we get two long scenes of Jimmy and the Scooby Gang trying to make commercials. Really? I'm probably the only one in the world who thinks this, but Kim bugs the hell out of me. I don't like her. I don't like her voice. I don't like the way she sucks on cigarettes or sips drinks. I'm all in on Mike and his exploits. I'm not looking for street races and shoot-outs in the street. But can we move things along a little, tiny bit faster?
And I am constantly amazed at the cinematography. Each show is shot like a movie. I often pull back from the show and ask myself, how the heck did they even dream up that shot, let alone pull it off?
I think the reviewer is doing a fine job. Just because he has valid criticisms of the show, doesn't mean he doesn't get it. He's a critic. It's his job to make judgments.
And I am constantly amazed at the cinematography. Each show is shot like a movie. I often pull back from the show and ask myself, how the heck did they even dream up that shot, let alone pull it off?
I think the reviewer is doing a fine job. Just because he has valid criticisms of the show, doesn't mean he doesn't get it. He's a critic. It's his job to make judgments.
2
This show alternates brilliance with boredom. Unlike BB where there was never a dull moment, BCS hasn't got the momentum and drive. But, still there are moments. The Nacho/Mike subplot is interesting because we all want to know how Hector ended up in that wheelchair unable to speak, but Jimmy's flailing and bumbling is so sad it's hard to believe he will ever become the slick smart shark Saul Goodman. But, I'm waiting for Gus Fring. When he's on screen it's alive.
Go back and watch Breaking Bad again. There were a lot of extended scenes where not much happened. Breakfast at the White house anyone? Heisenberg trying to catch a fly?
6
I think what many people found most intriguing and impressive about BB was that it chronicled the moral and spiritual destruction of a decent man. What you are picking up on, Mr. Segal, is that in BCS the show-runners are maybe not chronicling Jimmy's similar transition with a similar skillfulness. I agree with some commentators that the "metamorphosis" is a bit sloppy in this tale. But think what an impressive challenge that must be for the writers, cast and crew!
2
I disagree. I'm did not watch the full BB series because it was far too violent (indulgently and unnecessarily so, in my opinion), but for me Cranston's descent into evil was much too quick to be believable. In BCS, on the other hand, Jimmy has always had a slippery, amoral side evident. The writers have never portrayed him as an entirely "decent man." The character is more nuanced, in that respect, than Cranston's.
6
This episode splits the Breaking Bad followers from the Saul followers.
The scene between Jimmy and his girlfriend at the bar? It was about how they are starting to break up! They used to joke about trolling jerks. Now she sees Jimmy is cynical and nasty about it, and it's gone from fun to sad.
Also, she is disturbed by what she did to Chuck and is equally disturbed by Jimmy's turn towards cynicism. The last show this season may have them b breaking (badly) up.
There was repetition, yep. The point of the Mike scene was that he realized the veterinarian could very well vanish and it would be because Mike was not there to protect him. Mike is still being fatherly, even though he is turning increasingly to crime.
For me, the repetition deepened character traits.
This is a show where plenty is happening, but not necessarily if you are a Breaking Bad meth cooking drug dealing action fan. Saul is a character study, essentially a Shakespearean tragedy about how the conflict between two brothers destroys both.
Speaking of both being destroyed, please notice Jimmy is dead. The series always had black and white segments at the top, showing Jimmy in the present, hiding in plain sight. Then he ratted out someone, then blurted out the person needed an attorney, then he collapsed from a heart attack. Now there are only colour scenes at the top of the show, with Jimmy in the present.
Sigh. People who watch Saul to fill in Breaking Bad gaps are missing a lot!
The scene between Jimmy and his girlfriend at the bar? It was about how they are starting to break up! They used to joke about trolling jerks. Now she sees Jimmy is cynical and nasty about it, and it's gone from fun to sad.
Also, she is disturbed by what she did to Chuck and is equally disturbed by Jimmy's turn towards cynicism. The last show this season may have them b breaking (badly) up.
There was repetition, yep. The point of the Mike scene was that he realized the veterinarian could very well vanish and it would be because Mike was not there to protect him. Mike is still being fatherly, even though he is turning increasingly to crime.
For me, the repetition deepened character traits.
This is a show where plenty is happening, but not necessarily if you are a Breaking Bad meth cooking drug dealing action fan. Saul is a character study, essentially a Shakespearean tragedy about how the conflict between two brothers destroys both.
Speaking of both being destroyed, please notice Jimmy is dead. The series always had black and white segments at the top, showing Jimmy in the present, hiding in plain sight. Then he ratted out someone, then blurted out the person needed an attorney, then he collapsed from a heart attack. Now there are only colour scenes at the top of the show, with Jimmy in the present.
Sigh. People who watch Saul to fill in Breaking Bad gaps are missing a lot!
2
They only had BW scene at the top of the show for the first episode of each season.
More on BW scenes:
Season 1: Gene/Saul is revealed in Cinnabon, goes home to apartment a pulls video tape of his BB TV commercial
Season 2: Gene/Saul locked in the cold trash bin loading dock , writes SG was here on wall.
Season 3: Gene has his box lunch in the Mall, and points out shoplifter and collapses in the Cinnabon.
Season 1: Gene/Saul is revealed in Cinnabon, goes home to apartment a pulls video tape of his BB TV commercial
Season 2: Gene/Saul locked in the cold trash bin loading dock , writes SG was here on wall.
Season 3: Gene has his box lunch in the Mall, and points out shoplifter and collapses in the Cinnabon.
1
Thank you for responding about this; I didn't realize the BW scenes were only the 1st ep. of each season. I didn't think the last one indicated a death scene, but I began doubting myself once I began to see comments suggesting this. I hope he isn't a goner yet (the future "yet" that is).
I was very annoyed by this review and it was redeemed by the comment section, which is pretty much the opposite way the internet usually works.
11
The wonders of intelligent moderation. Once or twice I have gotten a little overheated. Something the moderators rightfully caught . I am glad the sights that do not have moderators allow you to edit/delete postings after you cool down.
1
Forgot one last big point: Saul went into the meeting with his insurer at the end of the show to cynically attack Chuck. Saul knew he would not get a refund or suspension of payments. Then he broke into a sob story and that led to him dropping the Chuck Bomb on the insurer. The whole point of that last scene was to show how nasty Saul has become--the totally evil grin on his lips as he walks away is something Dorian Gray would add to his portrait in the attic. Very strong scene. Saul Goodman has arrived and we understand now why he is so cynical.
7
My take on yesterday's episode is that we are looking at a metamorphosis - the entire season has been about Jimmy's metamorphosis into Saul, but yesterday's was the moment in which things really started turning around. The elderly law practitioner is now being pushed to become the person he will be in Breaking Bad. This is what the whole series was about - what made Jimmy into Saul. And, in parallel, we are looking at another transformation - from Mike "ex cop" to Mike "gangster" - a trasformation that is also taking quite some time to happen, but that has shown in yesterday's episode the very moment in which thing really started turning around.
10
The time frame of the show is a lot shorter than the 3 years it takes to show it, right? So it isn't taking that long, the pace is about right.
1
I've never given a show as much leeway as I've given "Better Call Saul". Three seasons of nothing much happening.. but I always thought, "Well, these are the "Breaking Bad" guys so they know what they're doing." Now I'm not so sure. Jimmy's inexplicable fondness for his mendacious brother goes on for episode after episode. Then all of a sudden he turns on Chuck during the judicial hearing - and immediately afterwards it's bye-bye bro. Why then? Completely out of character. Three seasons of good guy Jimmy, and we're going to see him turn into sleazy Saul over the last two episodes of season 3? Lazy.
1
I thought the writers did a good job, in previous episodes, of showing that something died in Jimmy when he realized how much his brother truly hates him and wants to destroy his life. And because Jimmy is an all-or-nothing kind of guy, brotherly love turns to fraternal hate, and tender nurturing morphs into vengeance. It's good writing, actually.
11
I'm not sure that's what we're going to see.
For those of you who have watched Breaking Bad, I see the widow’s story as a sort of foreshadow for Mike’s eventual fate in this whole story. And I think he senses this too, especially knowing the nature of the people he has unwittingly become entangled with (one wrong move, and you will be gone without a trace). I think he also realizes that neither Daniel or Nacho truly understand what/who they are up against (hint, Gus), which is why Mike decided to take part after all (watch how he immediately checks the gas tank cover for bugs). Mike has no choice but to get involved again, if not just to prevent mistakes from being made and avoid becoming another mystery “missing” statistic.
Speaking of Daniel, the amateur pharma criminal, I am glad the writers brought hime back. The home break-in scene was hilarious. Gives us some comic relief to break up the heavyweight stuff we know is inching our way. Likewise with Jimmy’s “patient” and “resourceful” camera crew. So many great details, hard to keep track of everything.
Lastly, I was completely taken by surprise by Jimmy’s little revenge act, and wondered what Kim would say if she found out. That said, I believe Chuck is not done with Jimmy yet either, and may be plotting his own revenge on Jimmy too (last scene where he was talking to his doctor, wonder what he is up to?). Can’t wait until next episode, I aim on the edge of my seat…
Speaking of Daniel, the amateur pharma criminal, I am glad the writers brought hime back. The home break-in scene was hilarious. Gives us some comic relief to break up the heavyweight stuff we know is inching our way. Likewise with Jimmy’s “patient” and “resourceful” camera crew. So many great details, hard to keep track of everything.
Lastly, I was completely taken by surprise by Jimmy’s little revenge act, and wondered what Kim would say if she found out. That said, I believe Chuck is not done with Jimmy yet either, and may be plotting his own revenge on Jimmy too (last scene where he was talking to his doctor, wonder what he is up to?). Can’t wait until next episode, I aim on the edge of my seat…
6
Good point about Mike's future fate. Until someone mentioned it in the comments here a few weeks back I had completely forgotten what eventually became of our favorite grumpy fixer. Mike was the first and only person that Walter killed simply because he was mad at them; every other death has some kind of justification or explanation in the plot. His death doesn't even affect the plot that much, and he gets dissolved in acid, never to be seen or heard from again, and his granddaughter never gets the money he worked so hard to set aside for her. Really tragic.
1
Love how you just spoiled "Mike's fate" for everyone who hasn't seen Breaking Bad (yet)!
[Mike’s eventual fate]: "dissolved in acid?"
I remember that he was left for dead in the weeds by the stream.
I remember that he was left for dead in the weeds by the stream.
2
Writing reviews for the NYT is a position of great privilege. The person writing these recaps of Better Call Saul lacks the required understanding, empathy and patience to be a reviewer for this show (though he may be very good with other shows). The show has flaws, of course, but Mr. Segal consistently misses what is so good about this show.
14
After three seasons, you still don;t get it. This is not an "action" series. It's about the destruction of a man's soul.
61
The story from Anita about her husband served two purposes: it made Mike decide to help Nacho because it reminded him of all the innocents that Hector must have taken from families like Anita, and it made him realize either a failed attempt on Hector's life or a successful one would put Mike in danger from two different quarters if anyone asked "why" (because as Anita said, it's important to know why and how).
We are also seeing the kindness drain from Jimmy. Telling the delivery guy his tip "could be zero" echoing his earlier humiliating confrontation, and exaggerating his brother's illness to his insurance company with fake tears. It was heartbreaking to watch.
This episode was most superb in its quiet moments. The characters are loading emotions and motivations in a spring. The next few episodes will probably make the reviewer happier. I'm already in awe of this show.
We are also seeing the kindness drain from Jimmy. Telling the delivery guy his tip "could be zero" echoing his earlier humiliating confrontation, and exaggerating his brother's illness to his insurance company with fake tears. It was heartbreaking to watch.
This episode was most superb in its quiet moments. The characters are loading emotions and motivations in a spring. The next few episodes will probably make the reviewer happier. I'm already in awe of this show.
22
Why doesn't Kim hire Jimmy as a law clerk to help her with Mesa Verdi? She could bill his hours at a lesser law clerk fee. Jimmy would be giving Kim real assistance -- because he is a darned good lawyer -- without actually practicing law. And he would be making good money. Law students do this kind of work all the time - research, drafting memos and other documents - under the supervision of a lawyer. Or maybe Kim knows Jimmy too well at this point to trust him.
The widow's story obviously made Mike think of the family of the good Samaritan, who must have the same agonizing lack of closure about the disappearance of their loved one -- who was killed by Hector. I assume Mike and Nacho will put Hector in a wheelchair during their attempt to kill him.
The widow's story obviously made Mike think of the family of the good Samaritan, who must have the same agonizing lack of closure about the disappearance of their loved one -- who was killed by Hector. I assume Mike and Nacho will put Hector in a wheelchair during their attempt to kill him.
10
I thought of that but Jimmy's pride would not allow it.
1
There are still ethics conflicts in using a lawyer, who is suspended as a paralegal. They vary from state to state. It would also make for duller story telling!
3
Kim has held Jimmy at arm's length, professionally, from the get-go.
2
Some foreshadowing from the Navy widow..We know Mike's body will never be found and his death will remain a mystery.
20
I've been reading your recaps of this show for the past 3 seasons and I really have to say I completely disagree with your impatience for the Saul character to emerge ASAP, as well as your strong preference for the gangster plot line. This is not Breaking Bad -- it's a prequel to that show, one about the development and creation of the Saul character. If Saul had emerged 3 episodes in, and then the gangster plot had emerged to the fore, we would have had...Breaking Bad. But this is about the lead up to all that. I for one quite like the build up and suspense, and the slow progression of Jimmy's character towards something else -- to me, once that transformation occurs, the show is over. Moreover, I have no issue with the show devoting most of its time to the Jimmy plot line as opposed to the Gus / Hector duel. This is a show principally about Jimmy / Saul after all!
In any case that's this viewer's two cents.
In any case that's this viewer's two cents.
88
Well said. Perhaps, Mr. Segal should pass the baton of reviewing this show to someone else at the NYT's when season 4 rolls around. Another option would be for the NYT's to solicit someone from the comments section to write the recap after each episode.
18
Well, never take bread from a mans mouth. This is an opinion piece. And we can fight out the finer points here. I think he does read these comments.
1
I agree--very well said. I've commented before (but it's never been published) that Mr Segal should go read Alan Sepinwall's reviews of BCS so he can finally understand this show. He clearly doesn't get it.
6
Mr. Segal, Sir
You are being called to account by your disparate audience and rightly so, you must have had a rough day. Jaded and thrill seeking you were in the right place at the wrong time.
That said you are redeemed by one observation, your last one. That opening scene, yes, pure Fellini, riveting aesthetically though as you said nothing was happening. I wish there had been more time to spend looking at those faces, you were ahead of me there.I thought the wall for some reason, and the amount by which it towered over the miscreants, somehow drew the eyes up repeatedly.
Regain your innocence, please, this is all special stuff. (Save for the expensive puke, you and I could rewrite that in five minutes.)
You are being called to account by your disparate audience and rightly so, you must have had a rough day. Jaded and thrill seeking you were in the right place at the wrong time.
That said you are redeemed by one observation, your last one. That opening scene, yes, pure Fellini, riveting aesthetically though as you said nothing was happening. I wish there had been more time to spend looking at those faces, you were ahead of me there.I thought the wall for some reason, and the amount by which it towered over the miscreants, somehow drew the eyes up repeatedly.
Regain your innocence, please, this is all special stuff. (Save for the expensive puke, you and I could rewrite that in five minutes.)
8
My husband I and were blown away by that opening scene-the line up of all the different people. I thought it was fantastic!
20
I just got it.......I got the answer after reading comments.
After he talked to the widow Anita and saw her pain of not knowing, he realized that the family of the innocent samaritan must feel the same way. He wants to bring them closure by finding the bones of that poor guy. He needs Nacho to help him. That was his motive of saying "I'm in". He just wanted to meet up Nacho. He will then set it up so the authorities find the bones & make it look like was some accident..
After he talked to the widow Anita and saw her pain of not knowing, he realized that the family of the innocent samaritan must feel the same way. He wants to bring them closure by finding the bones of that poor guy. He needs Nacho to help him. That was his motive of saying "I'm in". He just wanted to meet up Nacho. He will then set it up so the authorities find the bones & make it look like was some accident..
31
I completely agree and thought of the same thing. That is SOOOO Mike.
1
Yes. There's a still photo from next week's episode on the AMC website that appears to show Mike in the desert with a shovel, apparently looking for those remains.
4
I thought the same thing...that Anita's husband's death reminded Mike of the good samaritan. Perhaps he's even thinking the husband was killed by Hector and it renews his interest in seeing him dead. It seems a bit far-fetched that he will be able to help find the husband's remains, but who knows.
1
This show is a joy to watch even when an episode, like last night's, may not particularly thrill or excite, as it appears to not have overly stimulated our critic. Still, the scenes are so lovingly crafted, so delicately nuanced, and thoroughly watchable that it turns the mundane action of having to call back a LOT of clients on a phone list and basically say the same thing to them ......... into a kind of magisterial art form. Pound for pound, we are watching truly brilliant work from week to week. I am never concerned about where the creators are taking us; I am just oh-so-happy to be along for the ride.
39
I'm surprised that Jimmy didn't solicit an automotive repair shop & barter airtime for the ignition tune up & fuel filter replacement his Suzuki esteem desperately needs. He must really be feeling stressed.
By the end of the season Jimmy & Kim's relationship, professional & personal will be history.
By the end of the season Jimmy & Kim's relationship, professional & personal will be history.
6
Yes bring on the GERMANS! We need scenes of Germans stealing all the deck chairs and getting sunburned in their speedos. (11 setting of stereotyping). Yes to when Anita (Tamara Tunie) and Mike hooking up. We also need more BB easter eggs.
3
Oh, dear. Our gentle critic is suffering from boredom, bordering on ennui. The horrid truth that is emerging does not capture his attention sufficient to call forth his better and more patient nature. "Tedious"? "Deflating"? Rife with "small annoyances"? One must set aside the expectation that this is BB Jr. in order to be rewarded with the many small truths that are unfolding in this story of Jimmy's transformation. Such as: Jimmy had Kim at the trash can where she is first seen puffing a cigarette (S1 E1?). The butt she shares, reluctantly, in the courtyard of their office in this episode is a metaphor for the fading relationship. The bar scene reeks of "Casablanca," as Jimmy and Kim both try to recapture the most fun they had together—reminiscent of Ilsa and Rick playing for a night at once again "having Paris." The cat-and-mouse game that Mike plays with—well, everyone—fascinates as one tries to discern who is cat, and who is mouse. Mr. Segal, I urge you to relax and enter THIS universe instead of the one that is still at least three years in the future.
40
Good review. Episode a bit on the dull side, but that's OK. Still above average TV.
The "one more thing" Mike to Nacho has to be connected to that conversation with the Navy widow. Does Mike suspect Hector was involved? She said the husband went rock climbing. Body was never found. Did that make Mike think of Hector's 'death' cabin? Did the navy guy see something? Does Mike want to locate the bones for this woman who is a friend of his daughter-in-law & therefore wants to help her? She said it happened 5 years ago, so it can't be that innocent good samaritan driver. Mike HATES Hector for killing that guy.
The "one more thing" Mike to Nacho has to be connected to that conversation with the Navy widow. Does Mike suspect Hector was involved? She said the husband went rock climbing. Body was never found. Did that make Mike think of Hector's 'death' cabin? Did the navy guy see something? Does Mike want to locate the bones for this woman who is a friend of his daughter-in-law & therefore wants to help her? She said it happened 5 years ago, so it can't be that innocent good samaritan driver. Mike HATES Hector for killing that guy.
3
8 years - just sayin :)
1
I suspect the "one more thing" has to do with where innocents' bodies are buried. I suspect the widow's husband walked up on a drug cache or something, just like the innocent good Samaritan murdered by Hector.
6
Or perhaps, unknown to his widow (but known to Mike?), he wasn't innocent.
1
I didn't buy Kim's guilt over Chuck. Her only role in the hearing was defending Jimmy. It was Jimmy who conducted the whole battery/ex-wife angle that caused Chuck to lose it.
Also, she knows that Chuck has been consistently undermining Jimmy (way before Mesa Verde) all while Jimmy was caring for him. And here he was trying to take away Jimmy's livelihood. If Kim felt that guilty about taking down an adversary she's not much of a lawyer.
And yes that "$14 glass of puke" guy was way over the top. For a show with so much "nuance" a scene like that really take you out of the story.
Also, she knows that Chuck has been consistently undermining Jimmy (way before Mesa Verde) all while Jimmy was caring for him. And here he was trying to take away Jimmy's livelihood. If Kim felt that guilty about taking down an adversary she's not much of a lawyer.
And yes that "$14 glass of puke" guy was way over the top. For a show with so much "nuance" a scene like that really take you out of the story.
6
Kim is terribly conflicted about how Jimmy's document alteration scheme landed her the big fish that keeps her in business. Being the key to helping Jimmy escape Chuck's plot to have him disbarred over Jimmy's taped confession to the scheme brings it all back to the fore again and adds fresh discomfort to it, just as she had (perhaps) managed to silence her guilty conscience.
11
The account was not "landed" by Jimmy's scheming; it was won back after the firm schemed it away from her--Kim is the one who landed that big account in the first place. Agree though: she is conflicted even by the fact that she is pretty sure Jimmy did what he was accused of.
1
Anyone saying that Anita's husband has anything to do with the Salamancas is crazy. He disappeared 8 years ago. To think that Mike would even come up with that connection based on the information given is ridiculous. That being said I have no idea what else he wants from Nacho.
7
In general, I enjoyed the episode (I watched it twice). My only complaint was the Bar Scene. I struggled to hear what Jimmy and Kim were saying, the ambient noise was too high.
3
Closed captioning is a gift to everyone not just the hearing impaired.
5
Of course Jimmy's career would take a backward turn having been dealt a 1-year suspension. Of course he's sort of sputtering, trying to find new footing in a down period of his life. This show is all about patience. Which I find delicious.
31
In re-reading this review and some of the very insightful comments, it occurred to me just how much of the nuances of this show are lost on the reviewer as he longs for the return of his beloved Breaking Bad villains each week. The scene in the bar (written off by the reviewer in saying, "He’s looking for marks to con in a bar. Again.") was actually quite a pivotal scene in the ongoing Jimmy/Saul transition. And if Jimmy's words didn't speak loudly enough, Kim's reaction surely did. She is taken aback by what she hears and clearly notices something in Jimmy she's never seen before. Jimmy wanted to get those obnoxious patrons; they deserved punishment for their words and actions. He's determined to get back at Chuck. It's pure revenge at this point, by a man who, though he hasn't always played by the rules, is not a "bad" person at his core.
53
Well said. This is a show all about Jimmy breaking bad.
2
I thought a previous mark would recognize them and start a scene about being ripped off by them.
1
Yes. And although I've heard no one else mention it, note Jimmy/Saul's green shirt in the bar scene. He's becoming Saul. He has not worn a colorful shirt since he was trying to get fired from Davis & Main. That is NO coincidence. We know how much attention they pay to color on this show. The colors characters wear is NEVER an accident!
Was the strip mall where Jimmy sat to think after failing to get the guitar twins on board the "Better Call Saul" office of the future? All it needs is an inflatable Statue of Liberty on the roof and it's all set.
8
Boy, I really don't agree that this was a dull or bad episode. First off, the less Chuck. , the better for me. So , plus one.
The show is a nuanced ballet of interaction, rather than our modern Inclination to ALL action, and NO nuance. The interaction of Jimmy and Kim in the bar and smoking the joint on the floor. The interaction of Mike and, well , everyone he interacts with. The kid trying to give some dough back to the distraught Jimmy. Jimmy interacting with the people , the supervisor, and his own interaction with the garbage on the community service detail.
Great show, sorry it's coming to an end in Three episodes till ....... ?
BTW, I've only seen those final last 8 Breaking Bads. It's interesting how you and the commentators keep bringing up people you know, but I don't. Yet! But, I certainly will.
The show is a nuanced ballet of interaction, rather than our modern Inclination to ALL action, and NO nuance. The interaction of Jimmy and Kim in the bar and smoking the joint on the floor. The interaction of Mike and, well , everyone he interacts with. The kid trying to give some dough back to the distraught Jimmy. Jimmy interacting with the people , the supervisor, and his own interaction with the garbage on the community service detail.
Great show, sorry it's coming to an end in Three episodes till ....... ?
BTW, I've only seen those final last 8 Breaking Bads. It's interesting how you and the commentators keep bringing up people you know, but I don't. Yet! But, I certainly will.
10
My favorite part of this episode was watching Kim have second thoughts about Jimmy. The attraction seemed to be that he was kindhearted and hardworking as well as funny and smart. With kindhearted off the table, she may want to renegotiate the deal. The shame Kim felt at having lost her reserve with the client, despite Paige being an old college friend, was so well written and acted. A subtle scene that was enough to reveal a possible motive for changing the game. I was relieved that she didn't collude with Jimmy on a bar scam. On another note: It would be a real soap-opera move to link Anita's lost husband to the story. It lends credibility when the writers let the Russian stay lost in the woods, ala The Sopranos, and let some ends dangle.
17
Is the lost husband Gus?
1
Gus is gay.
1
The Kim and Jimmy relationship will end soon, and they both know it. That was clear from the scene in the bar.
2
i would argue this being the best TV show of the year!
11
Still waiting for more transformation to Saul, and more transition to real criminal activity. There better be a payoff with Kim as to why she's nowhere in Saul's BB life. More Giancarlo Espositio and Mark Margolis added to Jonathan Banks and Bob O., please. I'll hang in there knowing this show is so well-acted, even though the lawyer interludes are boring.
By the way, anyone else notice just how many scenes are shot at the Albuquerque studio site, subbing for businesses, the law office, etc.? The glass tile blocks are the tell, all the way back to BB.
By the way, anyone else notice just how many scenes are shot at the Albuquerque studio site, subbing for businesses, the law office, etc.? The glass tile blocks are the tell, all the way back to BB.
1
Upon listening to the Inside the BCS podcast . The building containing the Jimmy and Kim Law office was rented by a Realator. They had to recreate it in their studios. The reflective ceiling inside was very difficult to reproduce.
3
The widow's husband may not have been Mike's Good Samaritan that Hector's men killed but the possibility was left open that he was killed in much the same way. So helping Nacho and Sad Sack is another way to atone for that one innocent 's death that Mike feels responsible for.
9
Why all the negative reviews? Same last week. The episodes are fantastic. I relish the Chuck story as much as the Mike episodes. All are blended so masterfully. Your weekly annoyance that Jimmy is not Saul yet is annoying. The metamorphosis of Jimmy to Saul is building. Enjoy the journey until we arrive at the destination.
61
Less audience share each week. This was an episode that could have had more action.
1
AGREED! Honestly, I come here for the comments. (AV Club does a really thoughtful recap of BCS, btw.)
And, FYI, Mr. Segal, this episode showed Jimmy as close to becoming Saul as we've ever seen him. No more good intentions, no more trying to do the right thing. Jimmy's pissed and bitter. In my opinion, that last bit at the insurance company was not like his usual schemes. That was just pure spite and hatred of Chuck.
And, FYI, Mr. Segal, this episode showed Jimmy as close to becoming Saul as we've ever seen him. No more good intentions, no more trying to do the right thing. Jimmy's pissed and bitter. In my opinion, that last bit at the insurance company was not like his usual schemes. That was just pure spite and hatred of Chuck.
32
But, I don't see how we can have a 'year' of an unlicensed Jimmy before he becomes Saul.
Is the ad selling biz going to take off enough to support him?
Is he going to start practicing law, unlicensed, as the newly invented Saul?
There's a lot to do, but they need to speed it up.
They were smart enough to finish BB in 5 years, I don't know if this needs to go on any longer than that.
Is the ad selling biz going to take off enough to support him?
Is he going to start practicing law, unlicensed, as the newly invented Saul?
There's a lot to do, but they need to speed it up.
They were smart enough to finish BB in 5 years, I don't know if this needs to go on any longer than that.
2
I loved seeing Wormald this week (in a mini-van, not his very conspicuous "school bus for 8-year-old pimps" of last season). And while yes, some of this week's scenes seemed familiar, it didn't seem repetitive to me. I think it all played well into Jimmy's decline, "Slippin' Jimmy's" continued slide down the slippery slope. And by decline I mean that he is losing everything -- car trouble, short on cash, desperately trying to sell commercials (which he can't do while working at his community service), faced with paying for malpractice insurance he doesn't need (and at a higher premium when his suspension is up). In the scene with Kim in the bar, I got the sense he's on the brink of losing her as well. That lingering look she gave Jimmy after confirming that they were, in fact, just talking, and not actually planning on conning those obnoxious bar patrons, made me think that she didn't really believe him, and that she was starting to question their relationship. She's either going to have to go along with him or break it off; I'm not really sure how they can keep going the way they are, especially since we know where Jimmy is heading. Jimmy is going to be relentless in his revenge on Chuck, while Kim is completely distracted by her guilt over what they did to a "sick man." I'm not sure they'll be able to reconcile this.
26
My son is a lawyer. This is his third career (Sports Journalist - awful pay, no benefits; Teacher - awful working conditions, awful pay).
I think this might be his worst job yet. Considering the number of hours he puts in a week, 80, ala Kim, the pay is mediocre. He has no personal life.
The portrayal of lawyers in this show is accurate.
I think this might be his worst job yet. Considering the number of hours he puts in a week, 80, ala Kim, the pay is mediocre. He has no personal life.
The portrayal of lawyers in this show is accurate.
32
As a lawyer myself I am always struck by just how bang on the writers nail life in the law. They must have a recovering lawyer on staff.
6
Well maybe because it was probably the "dullest" episode of the season, it had me grasping for straws so: Is there any possible chance that Anita's lost husband could be......no it couldn't be Gus, but it seems clear to me that Mike is going to find him whoever and wherever he is.
4
I totally agree. Perhaps he will call in favors from both sides of the law to gain info? But how in the hell will he share the news with Anita?
1
That Idea while creative is BONKERS (which is the flavor of the month, British English migrant word). We know Gus's backstory from the other show.
2
He may tip off the cops to find the remains. I still think Anita would find it strange that it happens shortly after telling Mike.
Wow, you really didn't pick up on the fact that the widow's husband who disappeared was the "innocent bystander" whose murder provoked Mike's rampage on Salamanca and his cartel dealings? If you miss such obvious tells, I can't believe there is much nuance to your viewing, or insight in your comments upon the show. Perhaps I'll make a point to skip the NYT reviews from this time forward.
9
I think the reviewer made an obvious mistake, but if you channel your inner Hector and terminate your readership for a single error, I respectfully suggest you would be the person lacking "nuance", although it is obviously your decision to make.
2
I'll second that. The recap is more of a 'whine' about why the series isn't hurtling toward the transformation of Jimmy into Saul fast enough. In fact, that's pretty much the theme of each recap. When, when when? So for those of us who are enjoying the slow tease...enough already! And the 'Wes Anderson trio' comment? The scene with the girl offering to return her portion of the money to a clearly despairing Jimmy wouldn't have been so poignant had we not seen multiple scenes of the struggles of the film crew. This show is genius and I'm patient because Gilligan and company will not disappoint...ever.
21
Anita says her husband disappeared eight years earlier. I don't believe the timeline lines up with the Good Samaritan.
7
I have a different interpretation of Mike's decision to help Nacho. I believe Mike has a soft spot for Nacho and is concerned that if Nacho slips up, Hector will kill Nacho and leave Nacho's father - a genuinely good soul - with a heartbreaking, enduring mystery. It doesn't hurt that Nacho's target is Hector, whom Mike still has it in for.
43
Yeah like Mike, Nacho is serious and calculating.
5
Plus, there is the 'one more thing' that only Nacho can provide. But I do agree, Mike does have a heart and likes Nacho.
1
You might be on to something. After all, Mike was already walking away from Daniel and stopped in his tracks when he heard it was Nacho. Fatherhood and Grandfatherhood play a big theme for Mike. Maybe he identifies with the relationship Nacho has with his father. Maybe he feels fatherly himself toward Nacho and is adopting a mentor role.
He most definitely has strong feelings about innocent civilians, not in the game, becoming collateral damage.
On the other hand, maybe his motivation is to further his relationship with Gus Fring which he knows info on Salamanca will help do.
He most definitely has strong feelings about innocent civilians, not in the game, becoming collateral damage.
On the other hand, maybe his motivation is to further his relationship with Gus Fring which he knows info on Salamanca will help do.
1
i definitely got the impression that the widow Anita's late husband was the good Samaritan who stopped to help with the broken down truck and who was rewarded for his efforts by being murdered.
His body would never have been found, and Anita mentions a description of where they found his car, and I think Mike realized the two incidents are related.
Did anybody think the actress who played the insurance woman who refused to give Jimmy a refund on his malpractice insurance might be the same who played Walter White's old chemistry colleague, the one who made a fortune from "Grey Matter"?
His body would never have been found, and Anita mentions a description of where they found his car, and I think Mike realized the two incidents are related.
Did anybody think the actress who played the insurance woman who refused to give Jimmy a refund on his malpractice insurance might be the same who played Walter White's old chemistry colleague, the one who made a fortune from "Grey Matter"?
5
Ah! I totally missed that! I couldn't figure out why he suddenly changed his mind about getting involved - but makes sense now.
I was too busy trying to figure where I knew the actress who played Anita from - checked IMDB. Tamara Tunie - she's had a pretty amazing career!
As for the insurance woman & Gretchen from BB - pretty sure the hair color's the only similarity.
I was too busy trying to figure where I knew the actress who played Anita from - checked IMDB. Tamara Tunie - she's had a pretty amazing career!
As for the insurance woman & Gretchen from BB - pretty sure the hair color's the only similarity.
The Insurance woman was definitely not Jessica Hecht who played Gretchen Schwartz
5
Nevermind. :/ I forgot she said her husband died 8 years prior. But I do think the story made Mike think about Hector's killing of the good Samaritan and his family. Mike's "one more thing" is for Nacho to tell him where the body was buried.
2
I figured the one more thing was that he thought Nacho could help find out what happened to Anita's husband, that maybe he was either caught up in something or in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I did love Jimmy's final scene, which showed genuine sadness at his predicament but he was still able to pull some spite out at his brother. Good acting on Bod Odenkirk's part, really showing what he can do in a way we could not have predicted from Breaking Bad.
I did love Jimmy's final scene, which showed genuine sadness at his predicament but he was still able to pull some spite out at his brother. Good acting on Bod Odenkirk's part, really showing what he can do in a way we could not have predicted from Breaking Bad.
9
During the crying scene I thought this is kinda bad acting on Bod Odenkirk's part; either that or its pretty good acting on Jimmy's part. Not surprised it was the later, but I am delighted. Revenge is a dish . . . .
3
While Anita's husband was not likely killed by the Salamanca organization, it's possible that he was an innocent (or not-so-innocent) victim of some wrongdoing while out on his hike. I like another reader's suggestion that Mike finds out and sugar-coats the result for Anita's benefit.
I think Mike's one more thing is that he thinks Anita's husband was murdered by Hector and he wants Nacho to reveal the location of the body.
It was absurd that Kim would speak to her key client that way, no matter how much guilt she felt.
It was absurd that Kim would speak to her key client that way, no matter how much guilt she felt.
3
Kim was exhausted (needing a 5 minute deep nap before their meeting), and rattled by Paige's gloatingly over how Chuck was brought down in the hearing.
2
Both true, but far from enough to explain the normally extremely controlled and professional Kim being repeatedly patronizing and rude to a friend who also represents 100% of her income.
2
I liked this episode better than the reviewer. I thought Rhea earned an Emmy for her interaction with Jimmy at the bar, just for her expressions alone.
I can't help but compare Jimmy to Anakin in the Star Wars prequels. This isn't a lawyer show, it's a seduction show, with Jimmy and the other characters slowly being seduced to the dark side.
One note, the Mesa Verde scenes were apparently filmed at Copper square, an abandoned office building in downtown Albuquerque. That took me out of the scene for a second, but the producers found a truth about New Mexico. This is a poor state. There isn't that much money to be made here, and there are abandoned buildings like Copper square that were too expensive to survive. a the reviewer pointed out, the stakes are lower here and the producers get that.
Can't wait for next week.
I can't help but compare Jimmy to Anakin in the Star Wars prequels. This isn't a lawyer show, it's a seduction show, with Jimmy and the other characters slowly being seduced to the dark side.
One note, the Mesa Verde scenes were apparently filmed at Copper square, an abandoned office building in downtown Albuquerque. That took me out of the scene for a second, but the producers found a truth about New Mexico. This is a poor state. There isn't that much money to be made here, and there are abandoned buildings like Copper square that were too expensive to survive. a the reviewer pointed out, the stakes are lower here and the producers get that.
Can't wait for next week.
29
Concerning NM economy, it is very dependent on US Military and Energy.
1
Former Albuquerquean here, and I couldn't agree with you more. New Mexico lacks the boomtown optimism of Texas or California, but every now and then, usually with out-of-state money, something grand is built--and fades.
1
Mike thinks Hector's group is likely responsable for Anita's husband's death, and he wants Nacho to help him recover the body.
15
I think Mike wants to know where Nacho buried the good Samaritan who helped the tied-up truck driver last season. The story that Anita tells of her husband's disappearance in the desert might have drawn parallels in that story for Mike. Maybe he hopes to find a cemetery for unfortunate folks who wander into drug deals in the wilds.
5
“Folks, Giancarlo Esposito is on this show, the man who brings to life the single greatest villain in small-screen history. Giancarlo. Esposito. Why give him the week off? Sigh.”
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. This writer treats Better Call Saul not as a show with its own reason for being, but as methadone for his Breaking Bad addiction. He has a fanboy streak and a critical streak, and the fanboy streak gets bigger and bigger. He loves all the villains from Breaking Bad and holds his breath waiting for their return. Characters created for Better Call Saul are, at this point, barely tolerated.
Sigh.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. This writer treats Better Call Saul not as a show with its own reason for being, but as methadone for his Breaking Bad addiction. He has a fanboy streak and a critical streak, and the fanboy streak gets bigger and bigger. He loves all the villains from Breaking Bad and holds his breath waiting for their return. Characters created for Better Call Saul are, at this point, barely tolerated.
Sigh.
50
I would love to see this column written by two people. The first part, by someone who had never seen BB, and likes the show for its own sake. The second part by David Segal who can add the connections to BB, and his opinions about why the parts that don't remind him of BB are the inferior aspects of the program.
1
I'll go out on a limb and say the "One More Thing" is help figuring out what happened to Anita's husband. That's the out there idea.
There's also the possibility he wants Nacho's help forging some kind of "closure story" for Anita. He obviously has an interest in her.
There's also the possibility he wants Nacho's help forging some kind of "closure story" for Anita. He obviously has an interest in her.
2
"It’s not just the paucity of spark or intrigue. There was little by way of narrative momentum, nothing about the Jimmy and Kim plot that said, “You need to tune in next week.”
Well, I certainly need to tune in next week. Nacho/Mike/Dweebie Guy/Hector aside, I need to watch the outcome of two tragic scenes that, to me, towered above everything else.
The scene about the malpractice premiums is more than “a different inner circle of lawyer hell.” It’s a different inner circle in Jimmy himself. What does he gain by damaging Chuck this way, and now? He gets absolutely nothing. It’s pointless, just twisting the knife, for whatever bitter satisfaction it gives him. And that bitterness seems to drive him; it was there, even worse, in the scene in the bar when he and Kim size up their potential marks. For the first time, it wasn’t frisky fun. For the first time, Jimmy had blood in his mouth. He wanted money, and he wanted to win, and his attitude about the marks seemed to be less “don’t worry, they’ll get over it,” and more “they deserve it. So who cares?” The character’s name was still Jimmy McGill. But what we saw, for the first time, was Saul Goodman’s soul coming out of its shell.
Two huge scenes for the series.
Well, I certainly need to tune in next week. Nacho/Mike/Dweebie Guy/Hector aside, I need to watch the outcome of two tragic scenes that, to me, towered above everything else.
The scene about the malpractice premiums is more than “a different inner circle of lawyer hell.” It’s a different inner circle in Jimmy himself. What does he gain by damaging Chuck this way, and now? He gets absolutely nothing. It’s pointless, just twisting the knife, for whatever bitter satisfaction it gives him. And that bitterness seems to drive him; it was there, even worse, in the scene in the bar when he and Kim size up their potential marks. For the first time, it wasn’t frisky fun. For the first time, Jimmy had blood in his mouth. He wanted money, and he wanted to win, and his attitude about the marks seemed to be less “don’t worry, they’ll get over it,” and more “they deserve it. So who cares?” The character’s name was still Jimmy McGill. But what we saw, for the first time, was Saul Goodman’s soul coming out of its shell.
Two huge scenes for the series.
67
The writer's comment about the practice of law is a lot closer to reality than perhaps he realizes. As a former lawyer who found something a lot better and more satisfying to do, the observation that: "Everything about the profession as it’s portrayed here is either dull, odious or cutthroat," definitely resonated. For the record, I probably encountered more "Chucks and Howards" than either "Jimmies or Kims" but they are definitely all out there.
15
As to Anita's husband, my feeling is that the's the guy who wrote the "don't" sign Mike found on his car. In an interview, Gilligan and Gould talk about how Mike is so smart and that surely he would have noticed if he were followed or being watched. The person who left the sign knows how to navigate the desert incognito. A trained military person/avid hiker would do the trick.
Anita said he went to Gila Mountain and never came back. Anyone know if that is in the vicinity of the cartel's dumping ground?