Better Call Saul: Season 1, Episode 8: RICO
How is it that this show just keeps getting better? Jimmy takes a hit and keeps on going. I wondered what he would be up to and if this would be the beginning of his corruption. Not quite though, as Jimmy wants so badly for his big brother to be proud of him. It was brilliant to show that opening scene that showed how much he idolizes Chuck, as well the beginnings of his rivalry with Hamlin. It’s just great storytelling to start off with one thing that seems as though it doesn’t have anything to do with anything, but has everything to do with everything. Good storytelling is all about subtlety.
Just going about his routine and settling into the life of mediocrity he believes he is doomed to, he discovers something big. As he is largely into putting his career into overdrive, he quickly pounced onto the opportunity. Funny how he spends so much time trying to gain fame and notoriety here, when he spends so much time trying to fly under the radar later in his life. Lucky for him he manages to enlist Chuck, who seems to love working above anything else. The help he gets from him can only help push him forward as his brother is so well known.
The battle seems hard, but the brothers McGill show an enormous amount of integrity and tenacity. They chase down their prey and attack, challenging the corporate monster to fight or run. Things never go quite the way you expect in this show, but it still progresses logically. There are tons of variables that stick their heads in from time to time, so I fully expect something to happen and completely throw off this amazing plan of theirs. As a team, the brothers shine!
There are a couple of brief scenes involving Mike, but they’re gold. Mike’s building relationship with his daughter-in-law and granddaughter. The granddaughter we know becomes his biggest weakness in breaking bad. Also we see him discuss getting “work” with an unsavory type. Is this the where he starts to move toward meeting Gustavo Fring? I can’t wait until that character shows up. The possibilities for this show are endless and I’m certain it will exceed all expectations.
The highlight was seeing Chuck unwittingly overcome his illness. Jimmy’s hesitation and need for a rest was slowing him down and he went for what he needed without realizing it. The causes of his “allergy” didn’t affect him at all until his younger brother brought it to his attention. I think we’re on our way to seeing a massive battle between the brothers McGill and HHM. Let’s see Howard Hamlin’s plan for keeping one of their founders out now!
Jonathan Thomas Jones is a speculative fiction author and founder of geekhavenreviews.com. He has been passionate about all things geek for his entire life. See more about him at jonathanthomasjones.com and follow him on twitter @jtgloryjones.
