Episode 7: Bingo
Jimmy isn’t the only one making efforts to improve himself in this episode of Better Call Saul. Chuck, Jimmy’s brother, is setting out to tackle the bull by the horns and beat his “allergy” to electricity by extending exposure to the outside world. He hits a surprising 120 seconds before he frantically runs back inside to safety. Chuck tells Jimmy that if he’s ever going to get back to work he can’t let his condition get the better of him. Maybe we’re going to see Chuck start making some bigger waves in the coming episodes. Jimmy is also getting around to the local assisted care facility as he is now specializing in “elder law” (even though he spends most of his time calling out bingo numbers). Apparently Jimmy expects this to really take off ’cause he spends some time with Kim, his fellow lawyer/possible love interest?, and shows her his potential new offices, including one for her should she choose to leave his rival company. However, its not looking likely.
Its pretty hard to top the previous episode that focused so much on Mike’s past and brought back the tension that BrBa fans have come to know and love. However, BINGO gets really close. You remember those pesky Kettlemans, the ones who stole millions of dollars from the city of Albuquerque? They might be this close to being found guilty but that doesn’t mean they’re down for the count.
Betsy Kettleman, daughter of Satan, and her husband/slave Craig absolutely refuse to admit any wrongdoing and subsequently won’t take any deals or pleas because they’re “innocent”. They immediately fire their lawyers and run straight back to Jimmy, who they expect to get Craig exonerated for his crimes, seeing how they gave him a $30,000 “retainer” for keeping his mouth shut when he found them camping in the desert. Before he has a chance to refuse, Betsy reminds Jim that all the money they would be forced to give back would need to be accounted for and, since they gave him money, he would be considered an accomplice. NO BIG DEAL ‘CAUSE ITS MIKE TO THE RESCUE! Since Jimmy lent a helping hand and represented Mike during his scuffle with the law, Mike considered it a favor owed and Jimmy comes calling pretty quick. He has Mike sneak in and steal the Kettleman’s millions so it can be turned over to the proper authorities, including the 30k. Finally, Jimmy and co. can shake off the cockroaches that are the Kettlemans and things can return back to normal.
Episode 8: Rico
Who knew elder law would be so damn entertaining. In this episode of Better Call Saul, Jimmy has to fight to save the local elders who, unbeknownst to them, are being swindled out of their hard earned retirement money. At first Jimmy thinks its some accounting error and tells a group of his new clients that it’ll will be taken care of. Turns out the home they’re staying in is intentionally “holding” retiree money for them and giving them allowances every month to make it all seem legitimate. I’m no lawyer but that feels like a huge no-no and my boy Jimmy agrees.
Unfortunately for him, the home starts to catch on that Jimmy’s hot on their trail and have him forcibly removed from the property, even after he hands them a crudely written letter of intent accusing them of fraud. Cut to Jimmy getting his first lesson in dumpster diving as he comes back in the night to rummage through the assisted care’s garbage, finding all the documents that have recently been shredded. Hurrying over to Chuck’s house, Jimmy starts sifting through all the strips of papers and starts meticulously putting it all together. Working long into the night, Jimmy ends up passing out on the floor with not much work to show. Much to his surprise, however, Chuck saw it as an opportunity to be useful and by the time Jimmy wakes up, Chuck has already found several documents, including his smoking gun.
They immediately set up a meeting with the lawyers for the assisted care facility and try to settle their dilemma. They casually offer Jimmy and Chuck reparations and legal fees totaling $100,000 which is no where near the $1-2 million they expect to win in court. So Jimmy takes the opportunity to pull out his smoking gun evidence, an invoice for syringes that were purchased across state lines turning this fraud case into a rico fraud case. Once its clear that Jimmy and Chuck mean business they’re asked what they feel is appropriate reparations and before Jimmy can answer Chuck blurts out $20 million. *Cue jaw drop* After a scoff it is implied that no deal would be met and both would see each other again in court.
Apparently, Chuck is ready to get back into the swing of things and is doing so in a big way. He spends the next day and night preparing for his upcoming case and has Jimmy run errands to help get ready. The next morning or so, Jimmy comes in, exhausted, and plops down on the couch to nap, quickly realizing he forget an important document in the car. Chuck asks him to go get it and before he can answer Jimmy is passed out. Next thing he knows, Jimmy is waking up and the room is empty. He stumbles to the front door and notices its open and who do you think is outside? Chuck. Without even noticing, Chuck has stepped outside and grabbed his stuff from Jimmy’s car and turns around to see Jim standing there in amazement. Chuck drops the box to the ground and stands there in complete shock that he’s not dying. Credits roll.
Its been great keeping up with Better Call Saul. The show has finally found a good groove and what started as an interesting/worrying concept has turned into a well-made companion piece to BrBa. The characters are fun and intriguing and there is a wonderful balance of humor and tension to keep every scene energetic and fun. Catch Better Call Saul on mondays on AMC. Stay Entertained!
