To Kill a Mockingbird." In an episode that is pretty much summing up all the consequences of a fairly busy season, Lantern proves that sometimes a quieter finale is the better version. There's a heavy air of justice hanging over everyone this week as big decisions are made that have the capacity to change things forever. One fateful decision will no doubt have catastrophic repercussions, but less look at these conclusions as a whole.
Following Kim's accident last week, our hard-working lawyer has suddenly had a change of heart as she decides to put her own health before her job for once. But, of course, postponing all her meetings and arrangements means that her and Jimmy's office is in danger as they are forced to move out for the time being until they can both get back on track. Francesca has been a brilliant asset for the both of them - diligent and unperturbed by the high octane personalities of her employers. Seeing the "KW" in the final shot of the office was a great way to sign off their concurrent and now former partnership in law. Plus, the mention of To Kill a Mockingbird being Kim's favourite film was a nice touch and you can easily see the origin of her kindness. Jimmy has had a rather unsteady season, first under the spotlight after being accused of meddling by his brother, then losing his license following a bitter trial and now obligated to reveal his ministrations in getting the Sandpiper deal completed. It's quite incredible to see him simply toss away his trust with the Sandpiper residents so easily, but it redeems his character somewhat in that he attempts to rival what Chuck accused of - hurting people. Here he is now, looking after Kim and taking a clean slate. Nacho's life took a turn for the worst, but was then given hope as Don Hector fell during a confrontation with Don Eladio's compadre. I was anxious to see how long it would take for the poison to kick-in before Salamanca caused more irreparable harm to Nacho's relationship with his father, but thankfully, that possible damage has been cut short. You can start to see the pathways opening to the eventual state Hector's in during Breaking Bad. It was interesting to see Fring so easily connect Nacho to Hector's fall in that final short as the original pills are given to the paramedic for examination in hospital. The biggest development of the night, I think we can all agree, is Chuck. Here's a man who's had it worse than anyone else this season - especially in light of Jimmy's trial. Mentally wounded, he's still attempting to live within the confines of electromagnetism, but things start spiralling out of control. The first scene involving his meeting with Howard at HHM becomes far more meaningful when you look back after that final scene. The fact that Howard and all the employees of the company he helped build clap him out of the building is a powerful moments that ushers in Chuck's demise. Peter Gould uses a touch of his mastery in directing the scenes in Chuck's house, depicting its dismantling by showing us the devastation as Chuck desperately tries to find the source of the electricity still in use. All the walls and insulation that have been torn away, and all the debris scattered across the floor. The house is a living symbolic representation of Chuck's internal makeup. Here is a man peeling away from reality after bravely trying to fight his psychological condition - but unfortunately he's failed. That final scene is possibly the most powerful imagery Saul has given us yet - a good, old-fashioned flame of a lantern burning through the house. The denouement of the season may seem anti-climactic, but it's the mark of good writers that they can create these rich characters and have the audience understand every aspect of their lives to the point where we know them inside out. I've docked marks for not including Mike in the extravaganza, but this is still a masterful episode filled with shock and instability. If my predictions are right, Season 4 will be the penultimate season as Gilligan and Gould setup another five seasons that will hopefully tie in perfectly with Breaking Bad. Above all, this is an astounding series - some may criticise it for being slow - but it is the fact that it is patient with its content that makes it so aesthetically pleasing. Every moment is savoured, and every character is explored. Better Call Saul is one of the best of the year. 9/10 Season 3: 8.5/10
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