Episode 10: Marco
Better Call Saul has come to an end and keeping true to it’s Breaking Bad counterpart we were treated to an explosive ending that kept us on the edge of our seats. Oh, wait. That didn’t happen. Instead what we got was a trip down memory lane as Slippin’ Jimmy makes his way back to his hometown to sulk because everyone keeps telling him he’s a crappy lawyer. With a little exposition to remind us of his past indiscretions and comrades, Jimmy plops down in the old watering hole and chats up his old friend/partner in crime Marco.
Now Marco is a big fella who is as pathetic as he is fat. After Slippin’ Jimmy is given a second chance to correct his path in life and moves to Albuquerque, Marco remains almost literally in place, slumped over on his barstool, drunk as a skunk. Its only after Jimmy makes his way back home that Marco’s life is uplifted. Marco is so joyous that he convinces Jimmy to partake in their old ways and scam another patron in the bar out of their hard earned money, sending them on a week long scamming binge. Pretty entertaining stuff so far, right? Well, most episodes in the BrBa world build that sweet tension so well that they’re probably leading us to some explosive ending. We’ll come back to this.
As made clear throughout the season Slippin’ Jimmy really does have good within himself and wants to be more than some bum. So, after their week of ripping people off, Jimmy decides its time to head back to Albuquerque where, surprisingly, several current and future clients seem to be calling him non-stop so he can provide them legal council. When Marco realizes his old pal is a bonafide lawyer this tickles him pink, though that may just be the impending heart attack that is inevitably gonna kill him (just kidding). Marco pleads with Jim to stay because his life is just terribly boring and with them back together he feels fulfilled. One massive guilt trip later and the two are pulling one final scam together. Yada yada yada…famous last words.
Bringing us full circle from the first time we see Marco and Jim together, the dynamic duo are pulling the old fake rolex scam again on yet another unsuspecting victim. The only difference this time is instead of Marco acting belligerently drunk, he’s found dying of a heart attack (WHOOPS NOT KIDDING, MARCO) and is unable to respond to Jimmy. As Jimmy is calling an ambulance Marco comes to long enough to tell his friend that this was the best week of his life and then dies with a smile on his face. And thus ends the saga of Marco.
Finally we come to the end which will surely make up for the rest of this lackluster episode, right? Sort of. Wouldn’t you know it his frienemies over at HHM are too bogged down to complete Jimmy’s nursing home case on their own so they merge with another law firm to get the job down. Turns out they’re actually interested in hiring on Jimmy and put him on track to be a partner at the new firm. I guess when you bring in a multi-million dollar case, law firms will skip over your shoddy credentials and potentially make you PARTNER. Crazy stuff. Jim is given a time and day to meet with the new firm so they can make him this offer. Cut to Jim pulling into the familiar parking lot with his new buddy Mike keeping watch. Jim makes it halfway to the court and stops in his tracks, realizing that this isn’t what he wants to become and high tails it outta there. At the exit he asks Mike why they didn’t keep the Kettleman’s money after they took it from them and says whatever stopped him won’t be stopping him again. Driving off into the sunset we’re left wondering what he means by that, presumably he’s opening the door to make way for Saul to make his grand entrance.
I’ve been giving Better Call Saul chances week after week and with the exceptions of some pretty good episodes this first season was a little so-so. I knew going in this would be only kinda like Breaking Bad and I shouldn’t expect the exact same show but Saul definitely leaves more to be desired. Hopefully the second season ramps up and finds an excuse to keep us entertained and watching. I know one thing that excites me the most is potentially getting more of Breaking Bad‘s Gus’ history detailed and possibly see Mike and him meet for the first time. Fingers crossed. Leave us your thoughts on the season below or over on our facebook page! Stay Entertained.
