In my experience, the bigger the lie, the harder it is to dig out." No drug cartel. No Mike or Fring. And no tense interactions between battle-worn criminals. This is just simple courtroom drama. And it's stunning.
Credit to the writers here - from day one, they've weaved this tumultuous relationship between Jimmy and Chuck, they've added all the ingredients with heart, jealousy and general brotherly love. And with that comes the chance to pull up the rug and pull apart the curtain to show the true nature of their relationship to the world. It's some of the cleverest and thoughtful writing you can get from any TV show or film. Whilst we've known for a while that Chuck has been harbouring some malicious thoughts for Jimmy, never has it been so satisfying to hear it be said. Jimmy may have eaten his own words at the end of Season Two, but now it's Chuck's turn, and I'll kid you not, he will not want to admit it. The one person who he's wanted to keep out of law practice, has beaten him at his own game, and quite convincingly, I might add. The episode begins in the past as Chuck's ex-wife, Rebecca, comes back into the light. We haven't heard or seen much of her, but in the unfolding minutes we learn one of the reasons why their relationship has been on a rickety scale. With some great directing from Daniel Sackheim, we get a depiction of how Chuck feels in the presence of electromagnetism. We may know now that his fictitious disease is merely a side-effect of his divorce, but it's great to see it played out with such ferocity. Even though Chuck didn't know it, inviting Rebecca to the court was the final straw for him. In a poetic sense the chicanery was the final blow to Chuck's ministrations to oust Jimmy. All the actors in this week's episode should be commended. Michael McKean in particular was formidable. He plays Chuck with a mostly understated evil, but in the final moments of Chicanery, as the camera zooms in on his face following his major embarrassment, McKean gives his all as a desperate, twisted and devious man with only spiteful intent towards his brother. Rhea Seehorn was killing it as usual, this time playing it cool as her character gradually laid the groundworks for Jimmy's encore. Bob Odenkirk himself was incredibly engaging. His role is perhaps the most intricate, as in his lawyer's outfit he's outgoing, friendly an charming. But as the defendant, he's dejected and despondent. But, in actual fact, this is all a ploy to play into what Chuck wants to believe. It's such a convincing performance that I would be very surprised if he doesn't get at least an Emmy nomination. The same goes for McKean. Breaking Bad fans will be happy to see Huell again. He played a big part in concluding proceedings, and it'll be great to see him joining forces with Jimmy in the future. But, moving on to the symbolic side - as it was also stated by Kim during the episode, that people were going to start looking badly on Jimmy - the opening sequence this week was joined by a Better Call Saul sign, a possible reference to how Jimmy's characters is rapidly evolving into someone more rebellious and unconventional. He has always been clever, and has always been a hard-worker, but never has he transferred his talents elsewhere yet, not perhaps to the wide, criminal world. Season 3 has been a belter so far - packed with Breaking Bad easter eggs, great, striding developments in the plot and a case full of revelations. It's no over-exaggeration to say that this is one of the best things on TV right now. With its intricate plotting and far-reaching character arcs, it's hard not to appreciate the mastery that goes into its making. 9/10
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AuthorA very passionate Welsh nerd... Archives
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