Title: Better Call Saul: “Sunk Costs”
Air Date: April 24th, 2017
Network: AMC
Genre: Drama, Crime-Thriller
Just like the first episode of Better Call Saul’s third season – starting from the end of last – “Sunk Costs” picks up where a scene the previous episode left off, as it is indeed revealed to be Gus Fring on the other end of the phone Mike found in the middle of the road.
It was nice to see two of the more complex and surprisingly intimidating characters from Breaking Bad interact again in Better Call Saul. Gus and Mike also have solid chemistry, built upon similarities between the two. Their scenes mutual depiction of a sense of justice in the “game” that they find themselves in supports those similarities. While it’s easier to takes Mike’s word having seen everything he’s been through in both shows, Gus isn’t too far off considering what he did avenging his partner in Breaking Bad.
Shifting over to a completely despondent Jimmy, the conversation with his brother after everything is simply brutal. Chuck’s perspective of wanting to teach him a lesson – while still trying to emphasize its because he cares for him – combated with Jimmy’s statement that Chuck is going to die alone without him shows that this complex relationship isn’t going to be on the mend anytime soon.
The montage surrounding Jimmy’s processing into lock up was a neatly done scene, and reinforced just how discouraged he seemed with everything, alongside the fact that he clearly knew this drill. His interaction with one of his previous lawyer associates, while slightly amusing, is also somewhat disheartening, as the entire conversation seems like a defense mechanism of using jokes to cover up his harsh situation. Which is essentially what Saul Goodman is, a mask. All of this simply reinforces the notion that this is the point in which Jimmy becomes Saul, this trial.
Despite everything that Chuck has done so far this season to incriminate Jimmy – even setting up then, firing poor Ernie – it’s hard not to understand where the crazy old tin foiled man is coming from. Knowing the events that occurred not only in Jimmy’s youth, but especially the events leading up to their father and mothers deaths (individually) it makes sense that Chuck sees the worst in the situations Jimmy gets himself into. Combine that with the situations not only involving and affecting Chuck but breaking the one thing he cares about most – The Law – and it makes sense.
One of the hardest things about their relationship in this show is seeing the softer sides of Chuck that he can’t show Jimmy because he fears that he would take advantage of them and not learn his lesson. With that said, I’m still on Jimmy’s side Charles, sorry.
On a somewhat happier note, Better Call Saul continues to showcase interesting side characters, from the returning – currently bubbly and happy – Francesca to the Spanish doctor who is a fence for Fringe.
Just like in almost every scene he’s ever been in, Mike’s portion of the plot continues to be lengthy and stoic. While these long build may seem arduous sometimes, each climax feels worth the wait. The confusion that comes with not knowing just what the hell he was doing with the gun and the shoes is immediately absolved by the framing of Salamanca’s shipment and was (again) a beautifully done sequence of events.
But nothing was more beautiful than Jimmy and Kim’s simple interaction at the end. There are few people that have ever believed in the younger Mcgill, despite his flaws, and that pain is seen in Odenkirk’s acting of the lawyer throughout the series. So when Kim still wants to help him, despite those flaws and despite Jimmy not wanting her to get brought down, it’s a beautiful thing to see, especially the “Sunk Costs “ line.
It’s even more beautiful and gut wrenching knowing it will end badly. I have my fingers crossed that their tragic tale may yet get a happy end.
Did you catch last night’s episode of Better Call Saul? If so, what did you think? What scene or scenes did you like the most? What are your predictions for season 3? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to check back each week for the lead-up and coverage of the shows next episode immediately after it airs on AMC at 10 PM EST.
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