A really nice way to close the first season. It goes back to the beginning, looking at Jimmy's old life and tying up some loose ends and mysteries we had there. Great acting from Bob Odenkirk throughout and an episode with real heart at times to go along with the humour and creative situations.
32 Reviews
Saul Finds His Call!
Hitchcoc18 May 2018
When it's a given that somehow you are going to be betrayed, it's hard for one of integrity to play the game. The first season shows our hero as a moral man, a man of worth. But the world he live in doesn't really value that. It's the coin of the realm. When Chuck turns on his own brother because of his own personal credentials, he make a huge mistake. What does it matter where you went to school and how big a firm you represent? What matters are results. Jimmy is given a seat at the table of another big firm. Should he take it?
Season One
zkonedog4 July 2019
When I first heard that Vince Gilligan was working on Breaking Bad spinoff "Better Call Saul", I dismissed it as an oddly-conceived cash grab for AMC. I mean, seriously...a show all about Saul Goodman? Nah, that'll never work...right? But then, something a bit strange happened: All the pre-show reviews/buzz gave it incredibly high marks. It got picked up for a second season before the pilot even aired! All of that being said, I settled in to watch that opening episode with very low expectations. 10 episodes later, I was amazed by the quality of the show and the continued genius of its creators. If only I could figure out what the heck kind of a show it is (or wants to be)!
The basic premise of "Better Call Saul" sees Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), essentially a con-man, trying to make it in public law defense while running schemes on the side. He's got a cramped office (in the back of a salon owned by a number of Asian women), crashes with brother Chuck (Michael McKean), a once-great lawyer who Jimmy reveres, but now has some sort of strange sensitivity to electronics (or is it all just in his head?), and seems to have very little future. He is connected to the law firm managed by Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian), primarily through a female friend Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), but doesn't seem to be too well-received around the place. Oh yes, and let's not forget...the "ticket-taker" parking lot attendant just happens to be a stone-faced figure named Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks).
It's very tough for me to describe a show like "Better Call Saul", because to be honest, I've never quite seen a show like it. Whereas some TV shows produce serial episodes (like Breaking Bad did) and others take a more "plot of the week approach" (think Person Of Interest in its most basic form), this show manages to do both at the exact same time. Each episode is about something almost completely different than the next...yet there is still tremendous amounts of character growth from beginning to end.
I won't throw in any absurd spoilers here (maybe some minor ones), but when the show begins, it looks to really be skirting off the coattails of Breaking Bad's success. Nacho Varga (Michael Mando) makes a very quick appearance, and just the whole look/feel/vibe of the show screams "BB nostalgia!". By the third episode, however, the show turns into Jimmy's quest to change from "Slippin' Jimmy" to a respectable lawyer. Just as soon as that has happened, the show takes an abrupt aside to focus on Mike for an entire episode before its back to Jimmy & Co. Towards the end, more time is given to Jimmy's strange relationship with brother Chuck, female friend Kim, and a potentially new career path that could offer him some legitimacy...if he chooses to fully embrace it.
Suffice it to say, this show shifts gears quicker than Slippin' Jimmy himself can concoct another rip-off scheme! I can honestly say I've never seen a show cover so much ground (and diverse ground at that) in the span of just 10 episodes. The plots/scenarios of the show play on a very interesting dynamic: even though the viewers know exactly who/what "Jimmy" will become, we tend to forget that while we are watching because the stories/characters are so engrossing. Just when we (as viewers) think we have everything "figured out", however, we are always reminded that we know exactly how this Jimmy character is going to turn out. So, the show really taps into two distinct emotional areas: The one where we WANT Jimmy to do something, and the one where we KNOW he is going to do something...the question just being "when?"
Yet, despite all the praise I have heaped on the show so far, I can't give it the full five stars for this opening campaign for one main reason: I really just don't know what I am watching yet. It's like each episode is a non sequitur. A very entertaining non sequitur, to be sure, but just all over the map in terms of plot from episode to episode. Like I said previously, I've never watched a show like this before...one in which I enjoy it each week but can't quite put my finger on how/why.
Putting things into perspective, though, I actually thought that "Better Call Saul" had a more intriguing initial season than its cousin "Breaking Bad" (which I felt took a whole season and a half to really find the base of the characters). This show does it in the opening scene of the opening episode...tight from the word "go". I enjoyed each and every episode, and will be waiting patiently until the next installment of Jimmy McGill's inevitable journey towards Saul Goodman.
The basic premise of "Better Call Saul" sees Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), essentially a con-man, trying to make it in public law defense while running schemes on the side. He's got a cramped office (in the back of a salon owned by a number of Asian women), crashes with brother Chuck (Michael McKean), a once-great lawyer who Jimmy reveres, but now has some sort of strange sensitivity to electronics (or is it all just in his head?), and seems to have very little future. He is connected to the law firm managed by Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian), primarily through a female friend Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), but doesn't seem to be too well-received around the place. Oh yes, and let's not forget...the "ticket-taker" parking lot attendant just happens to be a stone-faced figure named Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks).
It's very tough for me to describe a show like "Better Call Saul", because to be honest, I've never quite seen a show like it. Whereas some TV shows produce serial episodes (like Breaking Bad did) and others take a more "plot of the week approach" (think Person Of Interest in its most basic form), this show manages to do both at the exact same time. Each episode is about something almost completely different than the next...yet there is still tremendous amounts of character growth from beginning to end.
I won't throw in any absurd spoilers here (maybe some minor ones), but when the show begins, it looks to really be skirting off the coattails of Breaking Bad's success. Nacho Varga (Michael Mando) makes a very quick appearance, and just the whole look/feel/vibe of the show screams "BB nostalgia!". By the third episode, however, the show turns into Jimmy's quest to change from "Slippin' Jimmy" to a respectable lawyer. Just as soon as that has happened, the show takes an abrupt aside to focus on Mike for an entire episode before its back to Jimmy & Co. Towards the end, more time is given to Jimmy's strange relationship with brother Chuck, female friend Kim, and a potentially new career path that could offer him some legitimacy...if he chooses to fully embrace it.
Suffice it to say, this show shifts gears quicker than Slippin' Jimmy himself can concoct another rip-off scheme! I can honestly say I've never seen a show cover so much ground (and diverse ground at that) in the span of just 10 episodes. The plots/scenarios of the show play on a very interesting dynamic: even though the viewers know exactly who/what "Jimmy" will become, we tend to forget that while we are watching because the stories/characters are so engrossing. Just when we (as viewers) think we have everything "figured out", however, we are always reminded that we know exactly how this Jimmy character is going to turn out. So, the show really taps into two distinct emotional areas: The one where we WANT Jimmy to do something, and the one where we KNOW he is going to do something...the question just being "when?"
Yet, despite all the praise I have heaped on the show so far, I can't give it the full five stars for this opening campaign for one main reason: I really just don't know what I am watching yet. It's like each episode is a non sequitur. A very entertaining non sequitur, to be sure, but just all over the map in terms of plot from episode to episode. Like I said previously, I've never watched a show like this before...one in which I enjoy it each week but can't quite put my finger on how/why.
Putting things into perspective, though, I actually thought that "Better Call Saul" had a more intriguing initial season than its cousin "Breaking Bad" (which I felt took a whole season and a half to really find the base of the characters). This show does it in the opening scene of the opening episode...tight from the word "go". I enjoyed each and every episode, and will be waiting patiently until the next installment of Jimmy McGill's inevitable journey towards Saul Goodman.
Jimmy's moment of truth is here
retroguy027 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
For most of the part, BCS has been a sly character study – 'Marco' was kind of a departure in that it made most of its points rather overtly, but it's still a highly enjoyable episode that neatly wraps up the first season of BCS, setting up the stage for the introduction of Saul proper in the second season.
Compared to the preceding episode ('Pimento', easily the best episode of this season), it wasn't as smoothly paced (Marco's sudden death-during-scam was a bit jarring) and more bluntly set up – I thought the montage of Marco and Jimmy in Cicero and especially the ending was a bit on-the-nose, but I guess it straightens out in the bigger scheme of things since the writers probably don't want to stretch the introduction of Saul Goodman proper beyond the second season.
The bingo sequence was arresting and did an excellent job of filling in the blanks about Jimmy's past and what led him to Albuquerque – and it was delivered with the unique blend of angst and hilarity that Bob Odenkirk does so extremely well (Confession: I had no idea what a Chicago Sunroof was).
I still thought Hamlin got off a bit easy. Sure, Chuck was pulling his strings and Hamlin actually had a decent opinion of Jimmy, but I thought he still deserved a mouthful of Jimmy for being such a spineless tool all this time and not questioning Chuck. Instead, they exchange pleasantries and Jimmy apologizes to him for calling him a pig fornicator – it's just a bit too neat for my liking (like most of this episode).
Had the ending of the episode left a bit more ambiguous, we could have hoped that Jimmy became Saul only after he'd exhausted all options, but the writers made a pretty bold decision by letting us know (rather explicitly, as his chat with Mike explains) that Jimmy very consciously made the choice to be Saul. His conversation with Mike also reveals a lot about Mike, who has been an exceptionally well-developed supporting character throughout this show - Jonathan Banks is able to sustain an episode on his own (case in point: "Five-O") and I hope we get to see more of him in the second season.
Kim informs Jimmy that he has a partner-track opportunity lined up for him at a regional firm working on the case with HHM (impressed with his clients' opinion of him), but he backtracks at the last minute in HHM's parking lot, U-turning out of it and telling Mike that he knew why he passed up the Kettlemans' cash when an opportunity to take it unhindered was staring him in the face, and that he'll never let that happen again.
That U-turn is the U-turn of the trajectory of Jimmy's life from here on. He's done with proving himself to others, even if it means passing up the right track to his lawyer dream (partner at a major firm). He's ready to take control of his life's trajectory on his own terms.
Now that the season is finally over, I'd just like to say that I think BCS covered a lot more ground in its first season compared to BB's first season – and objectively speaking, it's technically more polished: more economically written, better paced and the characters are more thoughtfully fleshed out. Not a surprise, considering that the writing team has gained invaluably from its experience on BB, but it's still a major rebuttal for those who have been saying that it doesn't live up to BB. So here, I said it: the first season of BCS is better than the first season of BB, or even at worst on par with it. Too bad the second season is still a year away.
P.S. Much like Breaking Bad, I think BCS deserves attention for its amazing soundtrack choices in every episode. I'd almost forgotten how awesome the 'Smoke on the Water' riff is, and this episode ends on a classic note with it: Jimmy's driving away from his life's dilemmas into the sunset, humming that unforgettable riff, and then the actual riff kicks in and the end credits roll. Like I said, classic.
Compared to the preceding episode ('Pimento', easily the best episode of this season), it wasn't as smoothly paced (Marco's sudden death-during-scam was a bit jarring) and more bluntly set up – I thought the montage of Marco and Jimmy in Cicero and especially the ending was a bit on-the-nose, but I guess it straightens out in the bigger scheme of things since the writers probably don't want to stretch the introduction of Saul Goodman proper beyond the second season.
The bingo sequence was arresting and did an excellent job of filling in the blanks about Jimmy's past and what led him to Albuquerque – and it was delivered with the unique blend of angst and hilarity that Bob Odenkirk does so extremely well (Confession: I had no idea what a Chicago Sunroof was).
I still thought Hamlin got off a bit easy. Sure, Chuck was pulling his strings and Hamlin actually had a decent opinion of Jimmy, but I thought he still deserved a mouthful of Jimmy for being such a spineless tool all this time and not questioning Chuck. Instead, they exchange pleasantries and Jimmy apologizes to him for calling him a pig fornicator – it's just a bit too neat for my liking (like most of this episode).
Had the ending of the episode left a bit more ambiguous, we could have hoped that Jimmy became Saul only after he'd exhausted all options, but the writers made a pretty bold decision by letting us know (rather explicitly, as his chat with Mike explains) that Jimmy very consciously made the choice to be Saul. His conversation with Mike also reveals a lot about Mike, who has been an exceptionally well-developed supporting character throughout this show - Jonathan Banks is able to sustain an episode on his own (case in point: "Five-O") and I hope we get to see more of him in the second season.
Kim informs Jimmy that he has a partner-track opportunity lined up for him at a regional firm working on the case with HHM (impressed with his clients' opinion of him), but he backtracks at the last minute in HHM's parking lot, U-turning out of it and telling Mike that he knew why he passed up the Kettlemans' cash when an opportunity to take it unhindered was staring him in the face, and that he'll never let that happen again.
That U-turn is the U-turn of the trajectory of Jimmy's life from here on. He's done with proving himself to others, even if it means passing up the right track to his lawyer dream (partner at a major firm). He's ready to take control of his life's trajectory on his own terms.
Now that the season is finally over, I'd just like to say that I think BCS covered a lot more ground in its first season compared to BB's first season – and objectively speaking, it's technically more polished: more economically written, better paced and the characters are more thoughtfully fleshed out. Not a surprise, considering that the writing team has gained invaluably from its experience on BB, but it's still a major rebuttal for those who have been saying that it doesn't live up to BB. So here, I said it: the first season of BCS is better than the first season of BB, or even at worst on par with it. Too bad the second season is still a year away.
P.S. Much like Breaking Bad, I think BCS deserves attention for its amazing soundtrack choices in every episode. I'd almost forgotten how awesome the 'Smoke on the Water' riff is, and this episode ends on a classic note with it: Jimmy's driving away from his life's dilemmas into the sunset, humming that unforgettable riff, and then the actual riff kicks in and the end credits roll. Like I said, classic.
Classic Season Finale, I'm Satisfied!
marwan-taha936 April 2015
10 weeks have passed in a split second, all because of this heavenly made show by Vince Gilligan, The guy who became the TV's Martin Scorsese. I'm not gonna spoil this episode for you but it's pretty much classic, down to the origins type of episode, a turn that will lead to another direction later on, an episode perfectly written & perfectly ends this beautiful ride. I can only say that now, Better Call Saul is finally established in solid grounds with this Season, A season that took us back to the exciting days of Breaking Bad with the beauty direction, The slick script writing, The colorful characters & The Music, Ugh don't get me started on the music. I would have really hated this episode if it left me with a cliffhanger just like Breaking Bad every single Season Finale, but I guess this is different.. This is far more satisfying for me, Now I can wait for another season in peace!
B for... Better Call Saul!
em_fad7 April 2015
What I'm putting into words after watching six seasons of brilliance is this; For me, There are two kinds of TV shows in this universe. 1- Every other TV show. 2- Vince Gilligan-related show.
It's totally fine if you don't agree with me, I truly respect that, but if you are a serious Breaking Bad fan, you should be nodding from your seats (or beds or whatever). What makes my notion ironically acceptable is that, there would be two different ways to watch two different types of TV Shows. With Gilligan-Related shows, you have to go into details with the background, setting, clothing, houses and even CARS, because that sloppy son-of-a-scoundrel seems to like playing with the devils in the details. All that foreshadowing that goes on makes you realize that something fishy is going on and you would only get a clear idea once you re-watch that episode. The way he does it, it's phenomenal.
Now, coming back to 'Better Call Saul', it's a superb name to start with. Noting that 'Breaking Bad' title was an alliteration (The successive first letters of both the words is same(B and B)), so 'Better Call Saul' is an assonance (note the rhyming in the 'Call' and 'Saul' is matching). You can see how Villigan is fond of playing with words; to begin with. An individual intellect who notices that, will be intrigued to know what lies beyond the titles and in the show itself. Witty intentions.
The events that led to this episode had made me expect nothing less than perfectness (Just Kidding, that was just an Eminem lyric), but once the episode started, I was lost in the essence of it. To be honest, if it had been any other show, I wouldn't have bothered to go into details and would have plainly remarked it as a boring episode with no action whatsoever. But it isn't. And you have to respect the sustained writing, and what is exhibited behind the radically slow and (seemingly) dragging scenes. This is a Gilligan's way of speaking to us that he is reserving this episode to fit in one last piece in the fading character development of Jimmy McGill that will be leading to Saul Goodman.
I just adored that starting sequence, which was a beautiful foreshadowing of what's going to be occurring in this episode. Also, The dramatic portrayal of Marco was so emphatic that Gould's direction must be praised here. I was expecting a good deal of Mike action in this episode, but alas, it wasn't much, albeit it was relieving that at least he showed up. That ending was a smile-inductively sweet one. This is an appropriate and situational 9/10 from me.
Blatantly speaking, this first season, if compared to breaking bad's first season, is comparatively better. Yes, it surely is possible that BCB might contain *something* that is a bit better than BB. If you take the content, and ratings of episodes as well, you can see how a rigid base have been formed (for Vince and Gould), to fiddle with the upcoming seasons. The new characters in this show have established such a crucial role in the story that we must be expecting much more from them ahead of the show.
Till then, I humbly wait, Better Call Saul.
It's totally fine if you don't agree with me, I truly respect that, but if you are a serious Breaking Bad fan, you should be nodding from your seats (or beds or whatever). What makes my notion ironically acceptable is that, there would be two different ways to watch two different types of TV Shows. With Gilligan-Related shows, you have to go into details with the background, setting, clothing, houses and even CARS, because that sloppy son-of-a-scoundrel seems to like playing with the devils in the details. All that foreshadowing that goes on makes you realize that something fishy is going on and you would only get a clear idea once you re-watch that episode. The way he does it, it's phenomenal.
Now, coming back to 'Better Call Saul', it's a superb name to start with. Noting that 'Breaking Bad' title was an alliteration (The successive first letters of both the words is same(B and B)), so 'Better Call Saul' is an assonance (note the rhyming in the 'Call' and 'Saul' is matching). You can see how Villigan is fond of playing with words; to begin with. An individual intellect who notices that, will be intrigued to know what lies beyond the titles and in the show itself. Witty intentions.
The events that led to this episode had made me expect nothing less than perfectness (Just Kidding, that was just an Eminem lyric), but once the episode started, I was lost in the essence of it. To be honest, if it had been any other show, I wouldn't have bothered to go into details and would have plainly remarked it as a boring episode with no action whatsoever. But it isn't. And you have to respect the sustained writing, and what is exhibited behind the radically slow and (seemingly) dragging scenes. This is a Gilligan's way of speaking to us that he is reserving this episode to fit in one last piece in the fading character development of Jimmy McGill that will be leading to Saul Goodman.
I just adored that starting sequence, which was a beautiful foreshadowing of what's going to be occurring in this episode. Also, The dramatic portrayal of Marco was so emphatic that Gould's direction must be praised here. I was expecting a good deal of Mike action in this episode, but alas, it wasn't much, albeit it was relieving that at least he showed up. That ending was a smile-inductively sweet one. This is an appropriate and situational 9/10 from me.
Blatantly speaking, this first season, if compared to breaking bad's first season, is comparatively better. Yes, it surely is possible that BCB might contain *something* that is a bit better than BB. If you take the content, and ratings of episodes as well, you can see how a rigid base have been formed (for Vince and Gould), to fiddle with the upcoming seasons. The new characters in this show have established such a crucial role in the story that we must be expecting much more from them ahead of the show.
Till then, I humbly wait, Better Call Saul.
This show is so good...
coolazazo20106 April 2015
This episode was so so good. I really like it a lot, Marco and Jimmy were hilarious.
Can't wait for season 2.
Hope it will get more action and drama, and more mike's episodes.
The directing in this show was the boom.
I recommend to any one to see this Fantastic show.
Bob Odenkirk as jimmy is brilliant! This series is just so interesting to me.
Never cease to amaze me.
Not one dull moment.
Can't wait for season 2.
Hope it will get more action and drama, and more mike's episodes.
The directing in this show was the boom.
I recommend to any one to see this Fantastic show.
Bob Odenkirk as jimmy is brilliant! This series is just so interesting to me.
Never cease to amaze me.
Not one dull moment.
Stickers
MattBrady09914 April 2015
"You're like a troll under a bridge". Good old Saul Goodman.
After the brilliant ending to one of the best shows on the plant Breaking Bad the creators had a long talk of a spin-off to one of the characters from that show and that's Saul Goodman the best lawyer you could dream for. With many new shows that are coming out that got a lot of people talking well Better Call Saul was the show that I was waiting for and more excited for and after seeing all the episodes I wasn't disappointed with the show, actually it's really good.
Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman was pure brilliant and always such a joy to watch his character reaching to be the best but everything always seems to back fire on him and it get's more hard as everything seems like a challenge that he can't beat, and Bob Odenkirk cough all the stress, the hard work and the good sense of humor that we all know is Saul. Good work Bob.
Jonathan Banks as Mike stole the whole show for me as I think Jonathan Banks did one of the best performance of the year with the heartbreaking episode Five-O, well to be honest I think I named off the things I wanted to say about his performance so check out my review Five-O to know more.
The writing is the highlight of this show as Better Call Saul hasn't got exploding cars or over the top kills that wouldn't happen in real life when you think deep about it. Some people may think this show is boring with people talking and I really don't get what people are saying that, I don't go into a show expecting gun shootouts or people making cheesy one liners, no I want great writing, a good story and a show that can suck me in with all of that and this TV show dose.
If I have to find one problem with the first season is one of the episodes known as Alpine Shepherd Boy and let me get this out there this isn't a terrible episode, it was okay but I think it kind of pointless episode, just watch and you may agree or not but to me it felt fill, but besides that the rest of the episodes are amazing and truly outstanding.
Overall Better Call Saul season 1 is a solid season with great writing and acting and I can't wait for season 2.
After the brilliant ending to one of the best shows on the plant Breaking Bad the creators had a long talk of a spin-off to one of the characters from that show and that's Saul Goodman the best lawyer you could dream for. With many new shows that are coming out that got a lot of people talking well Better Call Saul was the show that I was waiting for and more excited for and after seeing all the episodes I wasn't disappointed with the show, actually it's really good.
Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman was pure brilliant and always such a joy to watch his character reaching to be the best but everything always seems to back fire on him and it get's more hard as everything seems like a challenge that he can't beat, and Bob Odenkirk cough all the stress, the hard work and the good sense of humor that we all know is Saul. Good work Bob.
Jonathan Banks as Mike stole the whole show for me as I think Jonathan Banks did one of the best performance of the year with the heartbreaking episode Five-O, well to be honest I think I named off the things I wanted to say about his performance so check out my review Five-O to know more.
The writing is the highlight of this show as Better Call Saul hasn't got exploding cars or over the top kills that wouldn't happen in real life when you think deep about it. Some people may think this show is boring with people talking and I really don't get what people are saying that, I don't go into a show expecting gun shootouts or people making cheesy one liners, no I want great writing, a good story and a show that can suck me in with all of that and this TV show dose.
If I have to find one problem with the first season is one of the episodes known as Alpine Shepherd Boy and let me get this out there this isn't a terrible episode, it was okay but I think it kind of pointless episode, just watch and you may agree or not but to me it felt fill, but besides that the rest of the episodes are amazing and truly outstanding.
Overall Better Call Saul season 1 is a solid season with great writing and acting and I can't wait for season 2.
Good end to a great first season
hiren84847 April 2015
It was always going to be interesting to see how Jimmy reacted to the bombshell in the previous episode and it was brilliantly displayed. Jimmy McGill is a very different character to Walter White (sorry but the Breaking Bad comparisons will continue - speaking of which, there is a great reference in the episode, that brought a smile!) and it was very refreshing to see his inner turmoils.
The storyline is quite clever too, to keep the story arc ticking but also show Jimmy at his best, doing what he absolutely enjoys. There were so many doubts as to how Bob Odenkirk can lead this show, but he truly shows what a great actor he is, especially in the scenes where he has to show/hide his emotions.
While the episode was slightly more mellow than the previous one, but it finished on a nice ending, and leaves fans with great excitement for what's to come in season 2. This show will definitely last a few more seasons and I cannot wait to see the transformation of Jimmy to Saul! Bring on season 2!!
The storyline is quite clever too, to keep the story arc ticking but also show Jimmy at his best, doing what he absolutely enjoys. There were so many doubts as to how Bob Odenkirk can lead this show, but he truly shows what a great actor he is, especially in the scenes where he has to show/hide his emotions.
While the episode was slightly more mellow than the previous one, but it finished on a nice ending, and leaves fans with great excitement for what's to come in season 2. This show will definitely last a few more seasons and I cannot wait to see the transformation of Jimmy to Saul! Bring on season 2!!
A fork in the road for Jimmy McGill at the end of the first season.
fredschaefer-406-6232046 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
MARCO, the theme to the finale of the first season of BETTER CALL SAUL could best called: you can go home again, but you don't belong there. After the hateful betrayal by his brother Chuck in last week's episode, PIMENTO, Jimmy McGill heads back to his hometown of Cicero, Illinois, hooks up with his old crony, Marco, and resumes his old Slippin' Jimmy ways, which consists of small time scams to fleece rubes.
Jimmy and Marco prove they've still got it after ten years, especially in a protracted scene in a bar, where they get a couple hundred dollars out of a businessman who's not nearly as shrewd as he thinks; it's a great small time version of THE STING and I bet a lot of viewers will never look at a Kennedy half dollar the same way again. Jimmy and his old bud have a high old time for awhile, although I can't believe anyone would fall for the old Nigerian prince story at this late date. But all good things must end as Slippin' Jimmy comes to realize his life is really back in New Mexico where a surprising offer is dangled in front of him, an offer which prompts him to make a fateful decision on his future, one that is no surprise to faithful fans of BREAKING BAD.
I think most viewers probably preferred last weeks episode PIMENTO, which featured a great story arc with Mike Eharmentraut and a dramatic turn in Jimmy's relationship with his pathetic brother, it had the feel of a season finale, while MARCO was much more of a slow burn. But the long scene with Jimmy as the bingo caller, where we find out in detail why he left his hometown in the first place, is like nothing you would see in any other TV series. You keep watching because you don't know where it's going, and that is unusual for television these days.
The acting is excellent and this episode really is a showcase for Bob Odenkirk, who perfectly captures the big resentments and huge hurts of this character whom everyone else has written off as small time. Mel Rodriguez makes an impression as the ultimately pathetic Marco, whose fate Jimmy desperately does not want to share.
I would have loved to have seen more of Jonathan Banks's Mike, but he makes the most of a small scene, where we get a deeper understanding of from where he is coming.
As always, every episode begs to watched a second time, just to listen to the dialog.
All in all, it has been a great first season of BETTER CALL SAUL, it won't make anyone forget BREAKING BAD, but thank you Vince Gilligan for allowing us to return to the BB universe once again. Can't wait for the second season; will Uncle Tio Salamanca move into the Sandpiper?
Jimmy and Marco prove they've still got it after ten years, especially in a protracted scene in a bar, where they get a couple hundred dollars out of a businessman who's not nearly as shrewd as he thinks; it's a great small time version of THE STING and I bet a lot of viewers will never look at a Kennedy half dollar the same way again. Jimmy and his old bud have a high old time for awhile, although I can't believe anyone would fall for the old Nigerian prince story at this late date. But all good things must end as Slippin' Jimmy comes to realize his life is really back in New Mexico where a surprising offer is dangled in front of him, an offer which prompts him to make a fateful decision on his future, one that is no surprise to faithful fans of BREAKING BAD.
I think most viewers probably preferred last weeks episode PIMENTO, which featured a great story arc with Mike Eharmentraut and a dramatic turn in Jimmy's relationship with his pathetic brother, it had the feel of a season finale, while MARCO was much more of a slow burn. But the long scene with Jimmy as the bingo caller, where we find out in detail why he left his hometown in the first place, is like nothing you would see in any other TV series. You keep watching because you don't know where it's going, and that is unusual for television these days.
The acting is excellent and this episode really is a showcase for Bob Odenkirk, who perfectly captures the big resentments and huge hurts of this character whom everyone else has written off as small time. Mel Rodriguez makes an impression as the ultimately pathetic Marco, whose fate Jimmy desperately does not want to share.
I would have loved to have seen more of Jonathan Banks's Mike, but he makes the most of a small scene, where we get a deeper understanding of from where he is coming.
As always, every episode begs to watched a second time, just to listen to the dialog.
All in all, it has been a great first season of BETTER CALL SAUL, it won't make anyone forget BREAKING BAD, but thank you Vince Gilligan for allowing us to return to the BB universe once again. Can't wait for the second season; will Uncle Tio Salamanca move into the Sandpiper?
Ten hours of near perfect television in the first season of Better Call Saul.
PulpPhiction7 April 2015
Gilligan and Gould do it again!
Well, the first season of Better Call Saul has come to a conclusion. It feels like just yesterday was ten weeks ago when I was eagerly anticipating the two night series premiere that awaited me and millions of other Breaking Bad fans, as well as people who didn't watch BB. Two and a half months have passed in a split second.
This episode, directed by one of the main men Peter Gould, was almost definitely my favourite installment of this excellent series so far. And I think I've said this before in one of my other BCS episode reviews, but just because I don't give it a 10/10 stars rating, doesn't mean it isn't a damn near perfect episode. For example, Breaking Bad was one of the best shows I've ever watched but I only gave a 10/10 rating for one of them, and it was the finale.
Nearly everything was spot on in 'Marco.' The cinematography was stunning as usual, which you can only expect from the team that brought you BB. Screenplay - as usual - top notch. The music was first-rate as always, from the original score to 'Smoke on the Water' playing near the end, all the pieces were placed in the episode at the exact right time to perfection. One of the best thing about 'Marco' was the acting. Some of the best performances I've seen from the main cast were displayed today, as well as outstanding performances from not-so-regular cast members. Everyone represented their characters wonderfully and portrayed the personalities of them extremely well
So, thanks Gilligan, Gould and the crew for filling the Breaking Bad hole that has been left unoccupied for the last year-and-a-bit. You sent off the show for the first season stunningly with a great cliffhanger, and I - as well as millions of other fans - will be awaiting season 2 eagerly, and we will likely not be disappointed when it finally arrives.
9/10
Well, the first season of Better Call Saul has come to a conclusion. It feels like just yesterday was ten weeks ago when I was eagerly anticipating the two night series premiere that awaited me and millions of other Breaking Bad fans, as well as people who didn't watch BB. Two and a half months have passed in a split second.
This episode, directed by one of the main men Peter Gould, was almost definitely my favourite installment of this excellent series so far. And I think I've said this before in one of my other BCS episode reviews, but just because I don't give it a 10/10 stars rating, doesn't mean it isn't a damn near perfect episode. For example, Breaking Bad was one of the best shows I've ever watched but I only gave a 10/10 rating for one of them, and it was the finale.
Nearly everything was spot on in 'Marco.' The cinematography was stunning as usual, which you can only expect from the team that brought you BB. Screenplay - as usual - top notch. The music was first-rate as always, from the original score to 'Smoke on the Water' playing near the end, all the pieces were placed in the episode at the exact right time to perfection. One of the best thing about 'Marco' was the acting. Some of the best performances I've seen from the main cast were displayed today, as well as outstanding performances from not-so-regular cast members. Everyone represented their characters wonderfully and portrayed the personalities of them extremely well
So, thanks Gilligan, Gould and the crew for filling the Breaking Bad hole that has been left unoccupied for the last year-and-a-bit. You sent off the show for the first season stunningly with a great cliffhanger, and I - as well as millions of other fans - will be awaiting season 2 eagerly, and we will likely not be disappointed when it finally arrives.
9/10
Review of Season 1: Episodes 9-10
85122219 April 2015
Greetings from Lithuania.
Both episodes 9th and 10 deserve solid rating 9. Both of them were very good, with some twist at the end of one of them. The acting as usual were good, as well as overall craftsmanship of this show.
Overall, i liked this 1st season of "Better Call Saul". Maybe so far it's not "Breaking Bad"'ly great, but it's a really good show on it's own. It's doesn't have high stakes as it was in "Breaking Bad", but it's interesting and involving enough to keep you glued to the screen. And cinematography by the way is gorgeous.
Looking forward for a second season.
Both episodes 9th and 10 deserve solid rating 9. Both of them were very good, with some twist at the end of one of them. The acting as usual were good, as well as overall craftsmanship of this show.
Overall, i liked this 1st season of "Better Call Saul". Maybe so far it's not "Breaking Bad"'ly great, but it's a really good show on it's own. It's doesn't have high stakes as it was in "Breaking Bad", but it's interesting and involving enough to keep you glued to the screen. And cinematography by the way is gorgeous.
Looking forward for a second season.
Jimmy realizes he needs adventure
ipoweri7 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
After last episode argument with his brother, Jimmy leaves to get some time by himself. He hooks up with his old partner in crime Marco and manages to instantly continue where he left off as a con artist. What is interesting is how Marco points out that he does it just for the thrill of it, not for the money. A statement that clearly makes Jimmy think.
During a con attempt, Marco dies with his last words being "This was the best week of my life".
Jimmy then return home only to be reminded off how much he had helped his brother only to be let down. This makes Jimmy realize that he has more or less lost two of his closest friends in a short time-span.
Jimmy finally realizes that he no longer have to prove himself worthy to anyone but himself and all the things Marco said makes him come to the revelation that he needs adventure in his life and cannot be controlled by others.
Jimmy therefore refuses a nice job offer Kim had fixed for him and decide to live life his way. How, we will see next season.
All in all, I think this message could have been told in a much more straight forward fashion throughout the first season and I don't really understand why the writers keep trying to communicate their points to the viewers in such a prolonged manner.
As I have said before in earlier reviews of Better Call Saul, the show need to come to terms what it's really about. I don't think the more or less pure drama angle will work in the long run though.
I cannot give this episode more than a seven since they made the mistake of portraying Jimmy's revelation of all this to be more or less instantaneous on a parking lot on the way to discuss his new job, without really feeding the viewer with proper ways of comprehending his choice, except through deep speculation.
To be a bit harsh you could argue they used an entire season for Jimmy to realize who he truly is, yet rushes the actual revelation so quick in the end that you don't really get a good understanding as to how he realized it. The more interesting question that has not even been addressed is: How did he become slippin' Jimmy in the first place?
During a con attempt, Marco dies with his last words being "This was the best week of my life".
Jimmy then return home only to be reminded off how much he had helped his brother only to be let down. This makes Jimmy realize that he has more or less lost two of his closest friends in a short time-span.
Jimmy finally realizes that he no longer have to prove himself worthy to anyone but himself and all the things Marco said makes him come to the revelation that he needs adventure in his life and cannot be controlled by others.
Jimmy therefore refuses a nice job offer Kim had fixed for him and decide to live life his way. How, we will see next season.
All in all, I think this message could have been told in a much more straight forward fashion throughout the first season and I don't really understand why the writers keep trying to communicate their points to the viewers in such a prolonged manner.
As I have said before in earlier reviews of Better Call Saul, the show need to come to terms what it's really about. I don't think the more or less pure drama angle will work in the long run though.
I cannot give this episode more than a seven since they made the mistake of portraying Jimmy's revelation of all this to be more or less instantaneous on a parking lot on the way to discuss his new job, without really feeding the viewer with proper ways of comprehending his choice, except through deep speculation.
To be a bit harsh you could argue they used an entire season for Jimmy to realize who he truly is, yet rushes the actual revelation so quick in the end that you don't really get a good understanding as to how he realized it. The more interesting question that has not even been addressed is: How did he become slippin' Jimmy in the first place?
Great Season, Bad Finale
cameronscarlett7 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Jimmy's revelation was WAAAAY too rushed and doesn't make any sense in context. Bingo scene was painful to watch, almost nothing in this episode felt cohesive with the rest of the season. You're telling me Jimmy is being offered a position as a PARTNER, and he bails because he wants to be Slippin' Jimmy again?
C'mon.
C'mon.
My opinion on season 1
goat-040542 January 2021
Season Ends on a High Note!
gab-1471228 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
After last episode's fast-paced nature that featured a shocking revelation, "Marco" ended the first season on a quieter, but still high note. I keep mentioning how gifted Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould are at their craft. They created characters that you could never, ever forget. Peter Gould directed this episode, and it is a work of art. He was very meticulous and patient, because this episode involved a big con that Jimmy used to do. He spent time showing how everything works. It was like Martin Scorsese directing this episode. The payoff is great, the ending is great, and now Jimmy McGill is through with taking crap from anyone.
Jimmy is heartbroken over Chuck's actions and words. He learned that Howard was not the pig he thought he was since Chuck was pulling the strings. Jimmy is now depressed with no clear plan. His bingo affairs at the elderly home is filled with bitterness. He says goodbye to New Mexico and heads back to Chicago where he meets his old friend, Marco (Mel Rodriguez). The two used to pull cons together back in the day, and Marco always appreciated him unlike his brother. The two decide to pull one last scheme together, but it does not go as planned. He heads back to New Mexico, where Kim lines up an interview with a lawyer firm, Davis and Main. But, Jimmy may have other things on his mind.
The ending shows us that Jimmy is not going to let the right thing get in his way ever again. The episode ends with him asking Mike why he didn't take the money from the Kettlemans. Mike has a code, maybe Jimmy will take up after Mike and find a code for himself. With this season finished, Jimmy is well on his way to becoming the Saul Goodman we know and love.
My Grade: A
Jimmy is heartbroken over Chuck's actions and words. He learned that Howard was not the pig he thought he was since Chuck was pulling the strings. Jimmy is now depressed with no clear plan. His bingo affairs at the elderly home is filled with bitterness. He says goodbye to New Mexico and heads back to Chicago where he meets his old friend, Marco (Mel Rodriguez). The two used to pull cons together back in the day, and Marco always appreciated him unlike his brother. The two decide to pull one last scheme together, but it does not go as planned. He heads back to New Mexico, where Kim lines up an interview with a lawyer firm, Davis and Main. But, Jimmy may have other things on his mind.
The ending shows us that Jimmy is not going to let the right thing get in his way ever again. The episode ends with him asking Mike why he didn't take the money from the Kettlemans. Mike has a code, maybe Jimmy will take up after Mike and find a code for himself. With this season finished, Jimmy is well on his way to becoming the Saul Goodman we know and love.
My Grade: A
Worst episode of the season and still really good!
nihalat-270639 September 2022
What a season! I now think this has a place in the in the better half of Breaking Bad and Better Call Seasons after the rewatch. It's so well written.
This episode though was significantly less cinematic. I think it's fair to say there wasn't much going on in this episode. The conflicts that it deal with have more or less been brought to climax in the last episode and this is more of an Aftermath episode. Nevertheless it is nice to have episodes characters are just being introspective and dealing with their inner aftermath privately.
The montage of scams didn't work for me at all unlike all those other awesome montages in this series.
This episode though was significantly less cinematic. I think it's fair to say there wasn't much going on in this episode. The conflicts that it deal with have more or less been brought to climax in the last episode and this is more of an Aftermath episode. Nevertheless it is nice to have episodes characters are just being introspective and dealing with their inner aftermath privately.
The montage of scams didn't work for me at all unlike all those other awesome montages in this series.
Season 1: Needs that Breaking Bad connection to the audience, but even with it, the show has room for expansion and improvement
bob the moo5 July 2015
Spin off! Is there any word more thrilling to the human soul? Well, for me personally I am always dubious because a spin off usually means that the green light came on the basis of at least part of the audience already being in place due to the popularity of another show – whether it be Cheers, Friends, or in this case – Breaking Bad. When this was announced, I did wonder if this was a story that really needed telling, or an attempt to continue a very popular and very successful show. The truth is that there is enough about Better Call Saul to avoid being accused of simple money-grabbing, but there is not enough about it to justify it standing on its own two feet without needing that Breaking Bad audience to come along with it.
The first season focuses on Jimmy McGill (Saul), but brings in Mike Ehrmantraut more as it moves forward. There are a few connections to the drug-dealing world of Breaking Bad, but mostly this is focused on Jimmy, his frustrations, his caring for his brother, and his attempts to build his own legal career. Being honest, it is not the most riveting of narratives, and I can understand why many viewers turned off, not finding a driving force behind the story or a reason to keep watching it. What kept me with the show was that I was already invested in the characters, and was interested in what happen to Jimmy and Mike; it helps that the writing, while low on event, is good on character. In particular Jimmy is developed well, and has a very good performance from Odenkirk to help it along. I hope that the second season can continue this strength, but bring in a more actively engaging narrative – because the passive one of the first season can probably only go so far.
Technically it is very well made of course; a lot of money on the screen and the Breaking Bad connection very clear in terms of specific shots and framing. I did find that it needed me to already be there, and I am not sure how many viewers would come to this show and enjoy it, without first having that investment made in the previous show, but with it I did enjoy the season – even if I never loved it. To be fair, I was not blown away by the extended pilot that was season 1 of Breaking Bad, so hopefully as Jimmy heads that direction, so too will season 2 become more interesting and engaging.
The first season focuses on Jimmy McGill (Saul), but brings in Mike Ehrmantraut more as it moves forward. There are a few connections to the drug-dealing world of Breaking Bad, but mostly this is focused on Jimmy, his frustrations, his caring for his brother, and his attempts to build his own legal career. Being honest, it is not the most riveting of narratives, and I can understand why many viewers turned off, not finding a driving force behind the story or a reason to keep watching it. What kept me with the show was that I was already invested in the characters, and was interested in what happen to Jimmy and Mike; it helps that the writing, while low on event, is good on character. In particular Jimmy is developed well, and has a very good performance from Odenkirk to help it along. I hope that the second season can continue this strength, but bring in a more actively engaging narrative – because the passive one of the first season can probably only go so far.
Technically it is very well made of course; a lot of money on the screen and the Breaking Bad connection very clear in terms of specific shots and framing. I did find that it needed me to already be there, and I am not sure how many viewers would come to this show and enjoy it, without first having that investment made in the previous show, but with it I did enjoy the season – even if I never loved it. To be fair, I was not blown away by the extended pilot that was season 1 of Breaking Bad, so hopefully as Jimmy heads that direction, so too will season 2 become more interesting and engaging.
B is for
faysalbakziz23 April 2020
Best episode
glooomyt2 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
For me it was the best episode of first season, seriously. At first, when I saw Saul's meeting with his old friend, it was like an old memory. Then the death... But the end was the best of the best. Here you can see that from Slimmy Jimmy slowly becomes Saul Goodman. By the way, in the last scene with Saul and Mike I realized I really like Mike 's character. He always brings something real and honest, so now I understand why he has to be by Saul's side. Next, Chuck little reminds me my sister. Her and me is something like Chuck and Saul. She's always on the right side and I am "a rebel" who wants to belong to this side too, but unlucky I don't. Well, I hope the second season will give me more "Saul Goodman". This spin-off is simply brilliant.
High hopes
plembianca16 January 2019
Kevin Costner, baby
TheCorniestLemur16 August 2022
So...I have to admit that this episode feels a little weak to me as a season finale. At least until the very final scene. I like where everything ended up going, but for a while I was confused at what this was all leading up to, and something about Saul buggering off to Chicago feels like a janky departure from the season's main plot.
As well as his motivation for buggering off back to Albuquerque feeling a little weak. He just listens to his messages and instantly is inspired to go back? Eh, not really buying that.
And the bingo scene felt a little forced to me even if it was pretty funny, but the opening scene was great, the middle part of the episode was fantastic, and...you know what, just assume that anything I didn't specifically mention was great, because it was.
This certainly isn't a terrible episode, because there haven't been any terrible episodes, but I would argue it's one of the worst so far.
The season as a whole though...it's amazing, 9/10. However, I think I'm going to give this show a break for now, there's something else I've had a huge urge to revisit for a while now...
As well as his motivation for buggering off back to Albuquerque feeling a little weak. He just listens to his messages and instantly is inspired to go back? Eh, not really buying that.
And the bingo scene felt a little forced to me even if it was pretty funny, but the opening scene was great, the middle part of the episode was fantastic, and...you know what, just assume that anything I didn't specifically mention was great, because it was.
This certainly isn't a terrible episode, because there haven't been any terrible episodes, but I would argue it's one of the worst so far.
The season as a whole though...it's amazing, 9/10. However, I think I'm going to give this show a break for now, there's something else I've had a huge urge to revisit for a while now...
When A Bit Of The Slightly Righteous Jimmy McGill Died.
CineNerd7031 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
After Chuck turns out to be such an asshole, Slippin' Jimmy goes back to where Slippin' Jimmy was made. This time I noticed how Marco never really seemed like a character (at least to me), more a symbolism of a part of Jimmy. Also the end was incredible, staring into the eyes of Saul Goodman.
Slipping jimmy is back !
omarabdelrafei10 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
old jimmy is back to Chicago to the bar again visiting an old friend to do old tricks and bang! jimmy quit the law he is no longer a lawyer after what happened with his brother ..okay Marco death wasn't that sad i mean he was good then after few minuets he s dead !! common ! hmm good season till now i am excited to watch the coming the regret of doing some thing good may be we should call jimmy is in conflict between the slipping jimmy and the the good man (the lawyer) his brother reminds him of what he was and what he shouldn't be that's how it works for him ! lets see what vince gonna bring in next all behold and better call Saul !
What A Let Down
brian-22669 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I think many people are just giving this a high-rating because they think they saw a masterful piece of television in this episode...but they didn't, I assure you. Breaking Bad was so popular, that I think many are afraid to rank it where it belongs. I give Vince and the writers props, they are genius, but not so much that people can't see an obvious stretch for material like in this episode. This finale was not art. This finale was not sobering. This finale was not masterful...all adjectives I've read in other reviews to describe this finale. It's none of those things. It was a way to make a short season just a bit longer, by dragging the viewers through the coals of Jimmy's mind for 51 minutes. In about 15 minutes that material could have been added to previous episodes to set this all up in a much less painful way to the viewer.
Thank GOD for DVR. I was able to fast-forward through the 9 minute BINGO scene, and the extremely boring 6 minute bar scene. I found myself bored and completely let-down for what I hoped would be a season-ending whammy to a great build up all season long. I'll watch the season premiere in hopes Vince gets his stuff together, but this season finale was the writers and producers and directors resting on their laurels and trying to extend the season for effect. FAIL. Come on guys, you can't bank on Breaking Bad forever!
Thank GOD for DVR. I was able to fast-forward through the 9 minute BINGO scene, and the extremely boring 6 minute bar scene. I found myself bored and completely let-down for what I hoped would be a season-ending whammy to a great build up all season long. I'll watch the season premiere in hopes Vince gets his stuff together, but this season finale was the writers and producers and directors resting on their laurels and trying to extend the season for effect. FAIL. Come on guys, you can't bank on Breaking Bad forever!
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