Better Recall Saul: "Alpine Shepherd Boy"

Bob Odenkirk

Welcome to the new TV Recap series Better Recall Saul that chronicles the adventures of Better Call Saul and a young criminal lawyer as he cuts his teeth down in ABQ, and his Breaking Bad buddies might stop by to wish him luck. Feel free to join every Tuesday as the adventures unravel and the story behind one of the funniest and sleaziest lawyers in TV history begins to take form and remind us why he is such a great character in the first place. Is this spin-off meant for greatness, or is it the worst idea that AMC has ever done? You'll have to read on to find out the truth.

"I pride myself on my moxie."

- Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk)

Plot:

After Chuck McGill (Michael McKean) is arrested for stealing his neighbor's newspaper, he falls victim to the electromagnetic hypersensitivity and lands in the hospital. Meanwhile, Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) is having quite a success after his recognition on TV. He lands a few odd clients and ends up also helping someone with a very strange sex toilet. When he discovers that his brother is in the hospital, he goes to visit. Questions are brought up on if Chuck is faking his illness, though Jimmy isn't letting on. Instead, he is convinced to begin practicing elder law, as to help older people in situations like this. He begins to befriend everyone and tries to make a difference. Meanwhile, Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) gets a surprise visit from the police, with reasons that aren't directly yet stated.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Michael McKean

 MVP:

Chuck McGill (Michael McKean)

This is an episode that may be more sporadic than in the past few, but its one central theme is that of fraternity between brothers. While Chuck and Jimmy have an odd relationship regarding Jimmy's recent scheme, there's a bigger sense of concern that runs deeper. Is Chuck faking his illness? Is Jimmy not even aware of it and covering up for him out of love? There's a lot that can be taken away from this episode in terms of how everyone lies to each other in order to maintain an image. However, Chuck really stepped up his game and managed to make something compelling and interesting to his character that has so far only felt like a gimmick. Hopefully it will be continued to be explored as the season goes on.

Best Scene

Up until this point, we haven't really gotten a good idea of who Chuck is. So far, he just has seemed like a crazy man with an odd illness. He is reclusive and thus doesn't have a lot of wiggle room within the plot. However, in this episode, we finally get to see his issues come forward in ways that are rather fascinating. As he's lying in the hospital, Jimmy is trying to take away all the electricity from the room in order to help his brother. This only makes sense to him and the fact that there's signs to suggest both ways only makes for an interesting subtext that Chuck is one dedicated man to the con. Is it possible that both McGill brothers are scheming people? This hospital visit gives us clues that could suggest either way. Also, is there any deeper symbolism in seeing the Better Call Saul bench for the first time in the opening credits? We'll have to wait and see.