Better Call Saul: Carrot and Stick

 "Lalo Salamanca lives!"

We don't see Lalo in this episode at all. But his influence is seen everywhere. 

We begin with... domino rally! Mike, again, has his moral code, and is trying to protect Nacho's dependents. But for Nacho things look much bleaker. His hiding place is discovered and, in sloooow scenes, we feel the tension deeply on his behalf as he realises his likely fate. In the end, he only just survives in an incredibly tense and dramatic sequence as the Salamancas (including those terrifying twins) arrive looking for him.

It's all devilishly complex: Gus talks to Don Hector who, of course, knows that Lalo is alive... and Gus sees, from Hector's expression, that this is the case. Giancarlo Esposito is exquisite here: he communicates this through facial expression alone.

And sothe way lies open for Mike to point out, according to his principles but also correctly, to Gus that he must lookafter Nacho. Because if thre Salamancas get to him, and get him to talk as they undoubtedly would... Gus is surely finished. Mike is bravely defiant on this: if Nacho hadn't rung, and asked to speak to Gus, I'm not sure what would have happened... but I suspect, in the longer term, Mike is earning even more of Gus' respect.

The other thread of the episode, with Jimmy and Kim putting their plot against Howard into operation, is similarly complex. It not clear what's going on yet, or meant to be, but it's fun to see this unfold, much as it was with the scams of old... much as it's also fun to see the entitled and arrogant Kettlemans get their comeuppance.

But this seems to be a turning point: Kim is turning very dark here, thoroughly corrupted by Jimmy. It's subtly and brilliantly done, and very much feels earned.

Better Call Saul was already exquisite. But we seem, crazy though it sounds, to be moving to another level altogether.

Better Call Saul: Bingo

 "Why are you sending her to the cornfield, Howard?"

This episode isn't as good as the last one, but what episode is? This is neveryheless an intriguing little self-contained little story that presumably finishes off the tale of the Kettlemans. Yet, beneath the fun, Jimmy isn't seemingly doing very well, despite his bluster.

Indeed, there's an air of impending tragedy. Chuck has found a sense of purpose and optimism which is bound to be dashed... although what is Jimmy's rather obvious plot to get him to look at those files...? Mike seems to be in legal trouble, but seems to have ways of handing it which Jimmy is clearly not privy to. But I love the vibe between the two of them.

The episode, despite its cleverness, is about two very tough decisions. The decision by the Kettlemans to accept their fate, and what is best; and the decision by Jimmy to do the right thing for Kim. He genuinely loves her, which is heartwarming. Yet, for valid reasons, she has to turn down his business proposal.

I suspect things are not going well for Jimmy at all. And we shall soo see the fallout. Excellent bit of telly.

Better Call Saul: Hero

 "Human slavery. So..."

Mrs Kettleman, you are David Brent and I hereby claim my £100.

This is another intriguing and transitional episode. We begin, appropriately, with a highly entertaining flashback with Slippy Jimmy and a mate participating in a con. And then, in the present day, in direct contrast to the Kettlemans' incredible stupidity- as Jimmy moans about to the ever-impassive Mike- Jimmy pulls off an intricate scheme to get at Howard Hamlin while significantly drumming up business. Not a bads day's work. And another very clever episode. It's a real joy to see Jimmy's schemes play out and to try and work out what he's up to.

Chuck finds out, though. Oops. It's an extraordinarily well-directed scene as he puts on his foil and ventures outdoors. I'm sure we will soon find out precisely what the problem is, and more of Chuck's backstory.

Most of all, though, I have to praise Bob Odenkirk. He's always been grear as Jimmy/Saul, but the character has become much more nuanced for his own show, and Odenkirk carries this with real aplomb. Better Call Saul is already easily as good as Breaking Bad.

Better Call Saul: Nacho

 "I was calling you tonight with quality, PC conversation."

This is a clever, clever episode- and bloody brilliant. Most of it is ten dimensional chess between a clever but seat-of-the-pants Jimmy (still not used to calling him that), a very scary Nacho, and the hopeless Kettlemans. It's spellbinding to watch, and you have to pay attention.

Yet there's a lot of character stuff, too. We delve deeper into Jimmy's casual relationship with Kim, a lawyer somewhat more successful than he is. We get a fascinating early scene, a flashback, where a suitably lawyerly Chuck is poised to save a jailed and desperate Jimmy from ruination.

Incidentally, being called either James or Charles is unremarkable. But brothers having those names? Jacobites!!!

Finally, we have Mike. After a rather amusing scene with the long-running parking gag- Jonathan Banks gets to display his rather excellent comedic facial acting- Jimmy is surprised by his wisom, integrity, and history as a cop, which of course we know of, courtesy of Breaking Bad. It's fascinating to see Jimmy radically reassess this man whom he has so far just seen as a jobsworth. And it's a comment from Mike that ultimately saves Jimmy. And dooms the Kettlemans.

This series is getting very good, very fast. I'm loving it.