Nice to fix something for a change." Better Call Saul is wearing the clothes of Breaking Bad this week. In a high-octane, tension-dominated episode, we get a taste of something that has, perhaps not been necessary in this spinoff, but missing nonetheless. Action. They turn up to eleven in what can only be described as fast-paced, the fastest Saul has ever been. It's like they flicked a switch and suddenly all the characters are starting in motion towards their respective characters in Breaking Bad, walking a pathway to their impending doom.
Mike's quote sums up the episode pretty nicely. It's an episode of fixing things. Fring fixes his career in money-laundering; Jimmy and Kim fix the trial so that they have a chance of getting back at Chuck; and Mike fixes a door. You might say, a bland summary, but it's the execution of these scenes that counts. Each one is carefully played out, and each has its own mood. The first scene is definitely black comedy. It's great to see the return of Don Eladio (Breaking Bad fans will fondly remember his dispatching in one the show's greatest episodes, Salud), and his luscious swimming pool. Whenever Fring comes on screen, you can't quite predict the mood. Sometimes he's silently terrifying, others he's talkative and pleasant. It's credit to the writers for creating such an elaborate character. We even get a slice of proper comedy, as Mike demonstrates his skill with an electric drill. The dialogue as usual is rich with nuances. I'm very fond of the hidden messages the writers emulate through the words of their characters. Jimmy's apology to Chuck for example, is a great way of demonstrating how undeniably cruel Chuck has been to his brother, going so far as to attempt to dismantle his career with petty tricks. Words exchanged between Salamanca and Ring were equally malicious, as they discuss their conflicting businesses. Since we're fully aware of where both these characters meet their downfall, the audience is bursting with anxiety for towards both of them. Both Esposito and Margolis are fantastic to watch. As usual, you can't fault the visuals. Schnauz makes good use of the opening scene, giving us every angle possible. Including one that's reminiscent of an image we've seen so many times in Breaking Bad. The shot from underwater, in a pool no less. If this isn't a love letter to the fans, I don't know what is. Bursting with easter eggs this season, there's no doubting that Saul could be on the verge of reaching its climax soon. I would like at least another season before the end though, just because I can't bare to lost these colourful characters again. Heaven knows, we may see Walter White very soon (in a cameo only of course). Fully-charged and filled with exciting storylines, Better Call Saul is better than ever this season. It's great to see Mike back with his family, if only for a brief moment, but it seems it's got the point where he's content that the life he's left behind is safe, and whatever happens to him in the future can be ignored. Hence why Fring's offer is so seemingly tempting. Truly, Fring sees something loyal in Mike, as do we all. This is addictive television, and it's done on a level so masterful, it's hard to compare. 8.5/10
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AuthorA very passionate Welsh nerd... Archives
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