Title: Better Call Saul “Klick”
Network: AMC
Airdate: April 18th, 2016
Genre: Crime, Drama, Comedy
“Klick” is the culmination of the entire second season of Better Call Saul that delivers on almost every single front for both wrapping up stories and character arcs. This has been a spectacular season for Better Call Saul, as the developments for the various characters, both main and side, have really been flushed out. That being said, Mike’s side story, while entertaining, really didn’t accomplishment anything needed at all. However we will get to that, but I would be remised if we didn’t start off with the incredible ending scene that capped off this season of Better Call Saul.
Jimmy (Bob Odenkirk) and Chuck’s (Michael McKean) relationship has always been a hard and interesting one define. They are brothers by blood, but in many ways couldn’t be farther apart in both their morals and mentality. We normally associate Jimmy with the confident, manipulative one who will go to extreme lengths just to accomplish his goals; which has always helped the character grow and stick with audiences. While, it’s been clear this entire season how much Chuck hates his younger brother, there was a certain line I never thought he’d cross. That is, never try to actually get his brother in any serious trouble with the law as most of his relationship was defined by him just generally trying to better than Jimmy. What a surprise it was that in the end it turns out Chuck was tricking Jimmy into a confession so he could record it and I am going to assume attempt to ruin his career with.
This is interesting on two folds as this singular scene defined the entire relationship and possible turning point for the brothers. Jimmy clearly cares for Chuck in a way the older brother probably cannot mentally understand. He confesses to his crime just to make sure his brother will stay in law, knowing full well this is what Chuck has wanted to hear since he lost Mesa Verde. It shows the lengths and true love Jimmy has for his brother and that his manipulation wasn’t meant to be anything personal. This was all for Kim (Rhea Seehorn,) who took a noticeable backseat this week and helping her further the career she has dreamed for. Yet, it also shows the clear distaste Chuck has for his brother and complete lack of understanding the older man has for him. At this point, I am almost convinced Chuck is completely incapable of accepting that Jimmy loves him and isn’t trying to hurt him. Hell, the entire episode the reoccurring remark of him “being thrown into an institution” only helps to highlight this. It’s amazing writing and character development that is only backed up by some truly terrific performances.
However, the flashbacks to Jimmy’s past have been slowly showing how exactly this slick lawyer became who he is, yet the last few have been more focused on Chuck. We have needed a reason to truly understand what could have been the tipping point to drive Chuck from slightly jealous older brother to fully ready to go after his brother. By having their mother’s dying words be Jimmy’s name and not Chucks, it shows that this is the tipping point. He has been upstaged by his brother in regards to both his wife and now his own mother, involuntary or not, and it clearly doesn’t sit with him. Though I couldn’t help but feel bad for Chuck, as his reasonings were not completely unfounded. Jimmy isn’t exactly the best of brothers as he acts as the physical embodiment of every immoral action Chuck has a problem with. It’s been a fascinating development to watch and now as they have clearly spiraled out of control, I will be interested to see where all of these chips fall.
Sadly, though, Mike’s (Jonathan Banks) entire storyline just felt totally out of place with the rest of the episode. While I have been complaining about the disconnect for some time, it was never more apparent than this episode. Though not for the reason you might think. Much of this week’s Better Call Saul was about closing the books on the developing relationships throughout this season. Kim is finally on her own, Jimmy and Chuck have finally reached a turning point, yet Mike is still stuck in time. The problem is we all know Hector lives thanks to Breaking Bad, so the sniper scene was robbed of any real tension. I know the outcome Mike wants, but I also know it’s an outcome he will never achieve. Instead of developing the character’s relationship further with the cartel, we know only one major player out of that group isn’t in Breaking Bad. Nacho (Michael Mando). Which I can only assume means he either dies or “disappears” in some fashion since literally every other character from this story arc is in the future show’s timeline.
Thankfully, this doesn’t hinder Better Call Saul this week too much, as it delivers the key Jimmy/Chuck scene we probably have all been waiting for. It’s an excellently crafted episode that is only boosted by the fantastic performances given by the entire cast. It’s great to see returning characters such as the gun salesman show up for a quick scene, as they always do a nice job of lending some organic continuity to the world of Breaking Bad. Also, we finally got to see Jimmy’s commercial and it was as cheesy and hilarious as I hoped it would be! Though we cannot be sure what will go down next season or if we will get to finally see Jimmy change to Saul, I can be sure that Better Call Saul had one hell of a second season send off.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H150JN5cyw[/embedyt]
- Characters: Chuck and Jimmy’s story arc came to a masterful conclusion that makes me want to see where this is going to go next. It’s a shame Mike’s story just felt unneeded since we know who lives and dies with the parties involved.
- Cinematography: While the film was great as always, a special note should be made to the sound and editing during Chuck’s stint in the hospital.
- Story: Arguably one of the best episodes int he entire show, “Klick” was a narrative tour de force for almost all of the major parties involved.
- Acting: Bob Odenkirk and McKean couldn’t have better chemistry as tonight showed why they are some of the best on right now and most certainly deserve an Emmy nomination.
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