It's interesting to me that the spray that gets on her has a gold coloring to it. Just like how gold represents "the game" and the crime world throughout the show. Might not be intentional but it's a cool detail
I loved how threatening Lalo's choice of saying "tell me the story" is. Not "Tell me what happened", just "tell me the story" - implying he knows its all BS, and he's not trying to find out what happened, just when and where he's just being BS'd to decipher what really happened via the holes in the story.
in a way, all cartel men that we saw in bcs have fabricated a story during the series, actually it seems stories are more important than the act its self...usually to mystify motivation or cover up intentions. lalo as a cartel man has probably heard a million story ... he is skilled at dealing with stories... sniffing up the holes they have. with that in mind, its a mazing how Kim managed to convince him with her version of the "story"..amazing but not shocking - as making winning versions of stories is basicly what successful lawyers do for a living.. saul is an amalgamation of many characters jim had dealt with during this series. Kim's is probably the most prominent..
I've always interpreted Kim's passion for her pro bono clients as driven by her desire for those around her to approve of both Jimmy and her love for him. Every time she's defending a pro bono client, it seems to me she's also really defending Jimmy - he too is, in her eyes, misunderstood and a victim of circumstance. There are also parallels between how her high-status clients view her pro bono work and how they view her relationship with Jimmy. Her pro bono work is acceptable as a hobby to them, but they're always keen to remind her that it's not what pays the bills. Likewise, they view Jimmy with that same sense of disdain. As Kevin puts it in "JMM," she could do so much better than Jimmy McGill. In the end, Kim wants to live the life Jimmy set out for Christy Esposito, clawing her way to the penthouse of success, and to accomplish that lofty goal by the elevating the very people those in the floors just below her despise.
The scene with Lalo is television at its finest. With Mike having his sniper rifle sights on Lalo, Lalo displaying his gun making sure Kim and Saul are aware he is in control, the audience is provided a tension that a prequel rarely provides. We still have no idea what happens to Lalo and Kim so Gould was able keep viewers on the edge of their seat. That rarely happens in a prequel where we know exactly where the story will finish. And when Kim turned the tables on Lalo, his power dissipated and he silently left with nary a word. This was one of the best episodes and Thomas Schnauz deserves credit for is excellent directing.
Rhea also deserves some awards. She did some powerhouse acting this season and stole a hell of a lot of scenes. This show has tended to get underappreciated by the award shows and I hope Rhea is able to break that trend, she deserves accolades for this. She's been great the whole series, but this season was really a breakout for her.
Well, we shouldn’t forget that Lalo and Hector once killed a guy, burned down a hotel and stole his bell just because the guy “disrespected” Hector. And they didn’t do that the the very same visit they first met that guy. They left the hotel and *they came back* when a guy dropped his guard. Lalo will never let Kim walk away after she disrespected him big time (Nobody says “get your shit” together to a Salamanca and get away. Not even Gus. Remember when Tuco went ballistic when those dudes called his abuelita “biznatch”?) like this, he will eventually come back more dangerous than ever and maybe, this will be the time Lalo sends Kim on a trip to Belize.
@@nont18411 1) lalo is much more strategic than hector and tuco 2) like Kim basically said, lalo had no choice but to go with their version of events, otherwise he’d be without an important ally
Great analysis! Personally, I really like the shot with the skateboard crash. Jimmy's in the foreground and the little insignificant thing with the skateboarders is happening faaar in the background. I read into it, like, that one seemingly minor decision to run a scam with the skateboarders led to him meeting Tuco, and Jimmy's subsequent involvement with the cartel. That was, in a way, the start of his "Bad Choice Road".
Loved that scene as well! Regarding the episode's name "Bad Choice Road" and those skaters are portrayed like they were the beginning of "that" road he picked earlier in the "story" he was asking for. Also the way that he was in the middle of that shot, with a clear wall behind him with that perspective felt like he is in the "present" of his story. Amazing cinematography.
That's a terrific callback because Jimmy also suffered PTSD-like symptoms after he witnessed Tuco break those two kids' legs. He was at the hotel break and was getting triggered by people snapping breadsticks in half.
If I ocassionally filmed clips of my life and sent them to you - could I get you to send me back a breakdown on what's going on? Right now I understand BCS better than my own life.
The way the juicer segment was shot together reminded me of some of Chuck's EHS fits from the earlier seasons. We haven't really seen that erratic style invoked since his death and it definitely seems intentional.
1) At the start of this season, Gene Takavic's cover was blown by a guy who refused to accept his story. Near the end of this season, Saul was close to having his cover story blown, but Saul had Kim in his corner and Gene had no one. When Jimmy went back to Cicero, he had Marco in his corner but gave up the scammer game once Marco died. Jimmy arrived at "Saul Goodman, attorney at law" after Chuck's death. Without a companion, or even a foil, Jimmy cannot stay anchored to one identity for very long. In a sense, this IS his identity. 2) It seems the Zafero Anejo topper is an artifact for the power of the story. Kim first tasted that power back when they scammed Ken Wins; now that she was the storyteller instead of Jimmy (leading the way in scamming Lalo, just as Jimmy had with Ken Wins), she understands Jimmy like never before. Season two Kim was appalled by Jimmy manufacturing evidence in season two. Now she's got a new power at her disposal, and she's going to use it against Howard, law be damned. And she's not terribly justified in doing so as far as we can tell - she simply doesn't like him.
Amazing breakdown, per usual. I would like to add that at the 17:48 mark, that spot that Jimmy is standing in after getting out of Mike’s car is the exact spot that Jimmy was approached by Nacho and told to get into the car and he drops his mint chocolate chip ice cream. This is significant to this scene because Mike tells Jimmy, regarding the bad choice road, that his decision led him to the desert and right back here to this spot, I took that as Jimmy’s decision to get in the car with Nacho led him right back to that exact same spot, and the trouble he’s in.
Very insightful on the use of "story." Loved your observation that Kim said, "end of story" to Lalo after she explained her version of how Jimmy's car became riddled with bullet holes. It's not an alternative explanation--it's the story. Also, she could have ended her speech there but as you say, she went on to tell Lalo that she sees through him (and she is right on target--Lalo effectively admitted it when Jimmy suggested other ways to get the money). Quite a reverse from Lalo coming over to let Jimmy know he sees through him and his story.
My observation that no one has pointed out- Kim’s dark Dress represents Armor- for battle! Note the crisscross lines in the design!!!you are welcome!!!
This channel offers the best and most insightful reviews of Better Call Saul. You can only truly appreciate the brilliance of this show after you watch John's analysis. Thank you so much John, you are fantastic 😊
PLEASE, you really have to start a basement breakdown on another show. Whichever you want, whichever you like. I am addicted to your segment (and I think I am not the only one). There is only 1 episode left for this season of BCS, and there will be only one season after that. That can’t be the end of Basement Breakdown.
In the podcast the writer Tom Schnauz talks about some ‘presages’ in the episode for the audience to expect Kim’s death, like when she is spread of orange juice (orange symbolizing death, like in The Godfather, or Ted in BrBa for instance) or seeing her through the bullet hole of Jimmy’s coffee cup (the shot was in the script). It’s interesting to see her dying metaphorically at the end of the season.
The opening of this episode and the moment they finally manage to get in touch made me cry. I just couldn't hold back tears. It was nothing dramatic, it was just genuine and quiet. This was the third time it happened to me with this show, which just keeps on reminding me how amazing it is that I feel for the characters as if they were real people. Just incredible.
I saw the video you made about what if kim is plotting against jimmy~ what if jimmy is the fish( the reason is when lalo taps on the fish tank it makes the fish unconfutable and maybe it represents jimmy being unconfutable with lalo near kim) so if jimmy is the fish maybe the snake in the desert represents kim
Damn. I randomly clicked your video and am SUPER-impressed with your observations, like the hand thing with Jimmy and Chuck. You sir just earned yourself a new subscriber.
Just noticed a small but great detail: When Jimmy gets out of the car after getting Mikes Bad Choice Road speech, there are two skateboarders at the end of the road. This is a call back to the beginning of Jimmy’s journey down Bad Choice Road for at the start of the street is his choice to run a scam with the skateboarders and now he is all the way down to the other end of the street, talking to Mike about Cartel stuff and surviving gang shootings. It is a physical metaphor harkening back to Jimmy’s first seemingly small step down Bad Choice Road
I love how this show has the story with Tuco and then goes in such a different direction. I feel like it's barely mentioned after that. But it did start his involvement with the cartel, and had he not tried to pull a slippin Jimmy with those two skaters, maybe things would have gone a different way. I did notice the skaters falling at the back but I didn't think much about it... But it's surely there to show how that decision a couple of years ago brought him to the road he is stuck in now
ive been looking for your channel for a few hours. i remember i watched your videos on s5 bcs and it compleatly changed how i watch all media. no one else does it like you do and ive been re watching bcs with my new gf and she loves these analysis too. you really deserve to be bigger. you do good stuff keep it upppppppp !!!
2:12 Interesting, I actually read that shot as the goldfish (Jimmy) hovering over his treasures and the blue pebbles (Walt's meth) as a metaphor for how Jimmy's "fork-in-the-road" moments in Bagman have now cemented him on the path that will lead deeper underground, eventually towards Walt. There may be something I'm missing, though. That's what's so brilliant about BCS haha. Keep up the great work!
Wow, that absolutely lines up with everything - the bottom of the sea (underground superlab) holds a treasure chest (enormous wealth) on top of blue-coloured gravel (meth). Brilliant observation of brilliant writing
The sound in the juicer scene is a reminder of the PTSD Jimmy is suffering from after the shooting. The simple build up of the juice splashing on Kim evokes an internal reaction in Jimmy of Mike shooting one of his Columbian assassins. This is similar to the scene from Season 1, episode 5 (?) when Jimmy goes out to dinner and the sound of the breadsticks remind him of Tuco breaking each of the twins legs. This is another example of Jimmy's plans leading to a different conclusion from what he intended. His plans never have a contingency for the unforseen problems that arise. Jimmy is trapped in the cartel's game because his plans backfired and he did not think of any possible alternatives to escape their clutches. Kim has come to his rescue, but who is going to rescue her once their resources are exhausted. All of this is leading to Jimmy finally saving Kim after she has saved him numerous occasions during the last five seasons.
Well~ He did save her in his own way, by assuring Saul that she'll go after Gus and he'll stay with Lalo. It seemed as if he wanted her to just drive off and leave him, just... save herself. So this was not only an insightful read, it was also correct!
It’s late but from the moment of the shootout we understandably see a very deflated Saul. Literally and metaphorically his (Suzuki) Esteem is shot. I wonder how long Saul will carry this with him in season 6. Despite the news Mike gives him about Lalo’s death, he will probably learn what happened and assume them both to be alive which fits his line about them in Breaking Bad. Perhaps the moment we will see lots of that Saul Goodman energy and esteem come back will be with the purchase of his Cadillac.
Been looking for commentary on the episodes, and everyone else but you sounds like they're just reading from the wikipedia section. AMAZING. You're so smart, missed 99% of these details. 100/10.
The comparison with Chuck in the courtroom was beautifully spotted. I can’t say I believe that one would have been intentional on the part of the writers, but damn it’s beautiful mirroring ❤️
That scene with Jimmy and Oakly coming out of the courtroom would also have been funny to end with Oakly shrugging his shoulders and saying "Oh well, yo soy abrogado right? "
I can't get over these breakdowns. Truly amazing, fun, and engaging. Gives a superfan something to look forward to while impatiently waiting for season 6.
I think the frantic goldfish also mirrors Kim's state of mind here--she's on her wits end not knowing where Jimmy is or if he's even still alive. And the cobra mirrors Jimmy, calm and resolved to survive despite of the barren dessert they are in.
Thank you so much for these videos! They are the absolute best! You are amazing and have given me whole newfound appreciation of what is already the best show on TV. Just wanted you to know how much I/we appreciate them.
I cried twice during the Kim and Jimmy scenes in this episode. Thank you for making these videos, I'll try and recommend them to my homies here in Albuquerque.
Kim is not the moral white light the show leads us to believe she is, imo. She's not guided by a sense of right and wrong as much as she's guided by a need for risk adversition.
This is the best channel for in depth Better Call Saul commentary (apart from the BSC Insider Podcast!). Really great, insightful and rewarding stuff here. Love it!
Could someone please explain why Saul doesn’t just tell Lalo that the delay in delivering the bond money was because he was ambushed in the desert and survived not only that but an epic trek back to civilization? It seems to me that Lalo would gain a new found respect for Saul and see him as capable go to guy instead of another peon to just order around and do his bidding. I haven’t seen this episode but I think the explanation was provided during the clip where Mike told Saul that he better get his story straight.
Gus wanted Lalo out of jail so he could kill him, which is why Mike was there to ensure that the bail money would be delivered. If Saul told the truth Lalo would know that he was working with Gus.
On Kim quitting, I wonder if she's mad that when she wants to work, there is nothing to do. And when she wants to do her own things, work won't get off her back. Or maybe there is a tinge of "Wait, so you guys CAN do this without me, why can't I have some more freedom then?" We know why. It is because Kevin likes and demands her. It's not because no one else could do what she does.
Gumby Syring I’ve heard they’re scheduled to start shooting this September (I guess that depends on Covid though) so hopefully we won’t have to wait quite that long!
Hey Ological, I don't know if you will read this, but I've been wanting to tell you that I really like your videos on BCS. That's why I wanted to ask you if you could activate the public translation or if there is a different way for me to translate your videos. I am a native german speaker (also spanish) and because I like your videos and want to support you I'd like them to reach a broader audience through translations. A reply would be really nice :)
Hi Martin! I didn’t know much about the community translation feature so I had to look into it. I will turn it on for any videos that have captions. Thank you so much for your offer to help! I’m grateful to have you as a viewer. 💙🧡
Wow was this episode insane! I have never had so much anxiety from something that isn't real life. A+ directing, acting, and filming. No way I'm the only one who thinks that this episode was the craziest yet! I'm so depressed knowing that somehow Kim and Jimmy will split, this show has been incredible.
I never figured this out. Why is it that for the "Something Stupid" sequence of the desert, Jimmy and Kim have switched sides? (ie. in S04 Jimmy was on the right but in S05 he is on the left?) Have they somehow switched roles after this ordeal?
It was mentioned briefly on the podcast here: czcams.com/video/SpO8ShY9Vfg/video.html but without much explanation. When we have two things where one is the reverse of the other, it's often to represent a dualism. There's the one Ological mentioned; the original montage was about them drifting apart, and this one is about them coming back together. In my view, they were originally drifting apart because Kim was rejecting Saul. Now she's accepted Saul (going so far as to marry him to better accommodate his illegitimate behaviour) and here we see what Saul is putting both Kim and Jimmy through.
I see the snake/fish shot as wordless commentary on how Jimmy feels about himself. If he makes it home, he's just going to continue contributing to Kim's professional and personal decline, as well as his own, and we know what he ends up becoming. Meanwhile, Kim is waiting for her caring husband to come home, just as she's been waiting for Jimmy to act more like 'himself' all season, instead of as Saul. It's a representation of Jimmy's awareness of whom he's becoming. If he makes it out of the desert, he's not going to be the innocent fish with a playful attraction to corruption and scams (i.e. the treasure in the tank); he's going to be the predator that exploits legal loopholes to keep bad people out of trouble. Very snakelike, indeed.
man, I am usually not a fan of these but you do a nice breakdown and I kinda see where you were going with the Slippin Kimmie theory. I am actually very interested to see how that develops cause now that you raised some points its hard to unsee these details and I am pretty sure they are not just cinematographic fluff. If your theory checks out for slippin Kimmy you got a beer on me bruf
Great as always. Pay attention to Mike's shirt in this episode. It is NM flag, right? There was a shot - Mike was in this shirt and a truck was behind him. The same colors - yellow, blue, and sign "One way local" I think it is about Mike's destiny now.
I also like how the juicer is symbolic of "Kim being in the game now". Before this episode, Jimmy was the only one who used it.
Nice catch!
Nice! Didn't notice.
It's interesting to me that the spray that gets on her has a gold coloring to it. Just like how gold represents "the game" and the crime world throughout the show. Might not be intentional but it's a cool detail
Good eye.
Meaning kim is in the mixer now...
I loved how threatening Lalo's choice of saying "tell me the story" is. Not "Tell me what happened", just "tell me the story" - implying he knows its all BS, and he's not trying to find out what happened, just when and where he's just being BS'd to decipher what really happened via the holes in the story.
in a way, all cartel men that we saw in bcs have fabricated a story during the series, actually it seems stories are more important than the act its self...usually to mystify motivation or cover up intentions. lalo as a cartel man has probably heard a million story ... he is skilled at dealing with stories... sniffing up the holes they have. with that in mind, its a mazing how Kim managed to convince him with her version of the "story"..amazing but not shocking - as making winning versions of stories is basicly what successful lawyers do for a living..
saul is an amalgamation of many characters jim had dealt with during this series. Kim's is probably the most prominent..
I've always interpreted Kim's passion for her pro bono clients as driven by her desire for those around her to approve of both Jimmy and her love for him. Every time she's defending a pro bono client, it seems to me she's also really defending Jimmy - he too is, in her eyes, misunderstood and a victim of circumstance. There are also parallels between how her high-status clients view her pro bono work and how they view her relationship with Jimmy. Her pro bono work is acceptable as a hobby to them, but they're always keen to remind her that it's not what pays the bills. Likewise, they view Jimmy with that same sense of disdain. As Kevin puts it in "JMM," she could do so much better than Jimmy McGill. In the end, Kim wants to live the life Jimmy set out for Christy Esposito, clawing her way to the penthouse of success, and to accomplish that lofty goal by the elevating the very people those in the floors just below her despise.
The scene with Lalo is television at its finest. With Mike having his sniper rifle sights on Lalo, Lalo displaying his gun making sure Kim and Saul are aware he is in control, the audience is provided a tension that a prequel rarely provides. We still have no idea what happens to Lalo and Kim so Gould was able keep viewers on the edge of their seat. That rarely happens in a prequel where we know exactly where the story will finish. And when Kim turned the tables on Lalo, his power dissipated and he silently left with nary a word. This was one of the best episodes and Thomas Schnauz deserves credit for is excellent directing.
Rhea also deserves some awards. She did some powerhouse acting this season and stole a hell of a lot of scenes. This show has tended to get underappreciated by the award shows and I hope Rhea is able to break that trend, she deserves accolades for this. She's been great the whole series, but this season was really a breakout for her.
Well, we shouldn’t forget that Lalo and Hector once killed a guy, burned down a hotel and stole his bell just because the guy “disrespected” Hector. And they didn’t do that the the very same visit they first met that guy. They left the hotel and *they came back* when a guy dropped his guard. Lalo will never let Kim walk away after she disrespected him big time (Nobody says “get your shit” together to a Salamanca and get away. Not even Gus. Remember when Tuco went ballistic when those dudes called his abuelita “biznatch”?) like this, he will eventually come back more dangerous than ever and maybe, this will be the time Lalo sends Kim on a trip to Belize.
@@nont18411 ah I wish this wasn't such a brilliant point. We want Kim to live despite these odds!
@@nont18411 1) lalo is much more strategic than hector and tuco
2) like Kim basically said, lalo had no choice but to go with their version of events, otherwise he’d be without an important ally
Great analysis! Personally, I really like the shot with the skateboard crash. Jimmy's in the foreground and the little insignificant thing with the skateboarders is happening faaar in the background. I read into it, like, that one seemingly minor decision to run a scam with the skateboarders led to him meeting Tuco, and Jimmy's subsequent involvement with the cartel. That was, in a way, the start of his "Bad Choice Road".
Loved that scene as well! Regarding the episode's name "Bad Choice Road" and those skaters are portrayed like they were the beginning of "that" road he picked earlier in the "story" he was asking for. Also the way that he was in the middle of that shot, with a clear wall behind him with that perspective felt like he is in the "present" of his story. Amazing cinematography.
That's a terrific callback because Jimmy also suffered PTSD-like symptoms after he witnessed Tuco break those two kids' legs. He was at the hotel break and was getting triggered by people snapping breadsticks in half.
If I ocassionally filmed clips of my life and sent them to you - could I get you to send me back a breakdown on what's going on? Right now I understand BCS better than my own life.
I am throwing my money at my screen but nothing is happening???
Lmaoo
This is an amazing comment.
Honestly need to start a petition to make that happen. I go all in.
If it's like my life, it's probably Something Stupid
Great video. Some forshadowing of the story: In the courthouse, Bill and Jimmy exit from room 308, which is Walter White's address.
And the time Hank was ambushed in One Minute
The way the juicer segment was shot together reminded me of some of Chuck's EHS fits from the earlier seasons. We haven't really seen that erratic style invoked since his death and it definitely seems intentional.
It also made me think of how the breadsticks overwhelmed Jimmy with thoughts of the broken leg way back in the first season
1) At the start of this season, Gene Takavic's cover was blown by a guy who refused to accept his story. Near the end of this season, Saul was close to having his cover story blown, but Saul had Kim in his corner and Gene had no one. When Jimmy went back to Cicero, he had Marco in his corner but gave up the scammer game once Marco died. Jimmy arrived at "Saul Goodman, attorney at law" after Chuck's death. Without a companion, or even a foil, Jimmy cannot stay anchored to one identity for very long. In a sense, this IS his identity.
2) It seems the Zafero Anejo topper is an artifact for the power of the story. Kim first tasted that power back when they scammed Ken Wins; now that she was the storyteller instead of Jimmy (leading the way in scamming Lalo, just as Jimmy had with Ken Wins), she understands Jimmy like never before. Season two Kim was appalled by Jimmy manufacturing evidence in season two. Now she's got a new power at her disposal, and she's going to use it against Howard, law be damned. And she's not terribly justified in doing so as far as we can tell - she simply doesn't like him.
I need this to get me through my BCS withdrawal syndrome. Thanks🎊🎉👏🙌
I watch like 3 different reaction channels that watch the show just to fill the hole that was left after the finale...
@@rikard.h me too, but sadly still can't get over with Breaking bad.
One detail I got from the BCS subreddit is when Kim stands up to Lalo, she moves forward and literally puts herself in Mike's cross-hairs.
Ah this observation is so good and so painful!
Amazing breakdown, per usual. I would like to add that at the 17:48 mark, that spot that Jimmy is standing in after getting out of Mike’s car is the exact spot that Jimmy was approached by Nacho and told to get into the car and he drops his mint chocolate chip ice cream. This is significant to this scene because Mike tells Jimmy, regarding the bad choice road, that his decision led him to the desert and right back here to this spot, I took that as Jimmy’s decision to get in the car with Nacho led him right back to that exact same spot, and the trouble he’s in.
14:45 it reminds me when Jimmy find the Kettelmans in their "camping trip" opening the tent with a loud "here's Jhonny!!"
Very insightful on the use of "story." Loved your observation that Kim said, "end of story" to Lalo after she explained her version of how Jimmy's car became riddled with bullet holes. It's not an alternative explanation--it's the story. Also, she could have ended her speech there but as you say, she went on to tell Lalo that she sees through him (and she is right on target--Lalo effectively admitted it when Jimmy suggested other ways to get the money). Quite a reverse from Lalo coming over to let Jimmy know he sees through him and his story.
Yup - Sees through the story, just like seeing through various physical objects - Jimmy's coffee mug, Jimmy's car - is a big theme in the episode.
My observation that no one has pointed out- Kim’s dark Dress represents Armor- for battle! Note the crisscross lines in the design!!!you are welcome!!!
These intelligent videos always make me want to go watch the episode again for all the amazing visuals, which you highlight so eloquently.
This channel offers the best and most insightful reviews of Better Call Saul. You can only truly appreciate the brilliance of this show after you watch John's analysis. Thank you so much John, you are fantastic 😊
Wow Your knowledge of the bcs montages is blowing my mind
I feel lucky to have watched this
Many thanks
PLEASE, you really have to start a basement breakdown on another show. Whichever you want, whichever you like. I am addicted to your segment (and I think I am not the only one). There is only 1 episode left for this season of BCS, and there will be only one season after that. That can’t be the end of Basement Breakdown.
Agreed!
I've watched every single breakdown at least 5 times. I really appreciate the enthusiasm and the insight into the craft behind the show.
I am a simple person. When I see basement breakdown, I click fast.
In the podcast the writer Tom Schnauz talks about some ‘presages’ in the episode for the audience to expect Kim’s death, like when she is spread of orange juice (orange symbolizing death, like in The Godfather, or Ted in BrBa for instance) or seeing her through the bullet hole of Jimmy’s coffee cup (the shot was in the script). It’s interesting to see her dying metaphorically at the end of the season.
The opening of this episode and the moment they finally manage to get in touch made me cry. I just couldn't hold back tears. It was nothing dramatic, it was just genuine and quiet. This was the third time it happened to me with this show, which just keeps on reminding me how amazing it is that I feel for the characters as if they were real people. Just incredible.
I saw the video you made about what if kim is plotting against jimmy~ what if jimmy is the fish( the reason is when lalo taps on the fish tank it makes the fish unconfutable and maybe it represents jimmy being unconfutable with lalo near kim) so if jimmy is the fish maybe the snake in the desert represents kim
Ological uploads a BCS breakdown
Show writers: "Quick, write that shut down"
I’m glad we’re watching and talking about it
Damn. I randomly clicked your video and am SUPER-impressed with your observations, like the hand thing with Jimmy and Chuck. You sir just earned yourself a new subscriber.
I hope the writers and creators sees this !!
Just noticed a small but great detail:
When Jimmy gets out of the car after getting Mikes Bad Choice Road speech, there are two skateboarders at the end of the road.
This is a call back to the beginning of Jimmy’s journey down Bad Choice Road for at the start of the street is his choice to run a scam with the skateboarders and now he is all the way down to the other end of the street, talking to Mike about Cartel stuff and surviving gang shootings.
It is a physical metaphor harkening back to Jimmy’s first seemingly small step down Bad Choice Road
I love how this show has the story with Tuco and then goes in such a different direction. I feel like it's barely mentioned after that. But it did start his involvement with the cartel, and had he not tried to pull a slippin Jimmy with those two skaters, maybe things would have gone a different way. I did notice the skaters falling at the back but I didn't think much about it... But it's surely there to show how that decision a couple of years ago brought him to the road he is stuck in now
The moment when the goldfish became a rattlesnake.
ive been looking for your channel for a few hours. i remember i watched your videos on s5 bcs and it compleatly changed how i watch all media. no one else does it like you do and ive been re watching bcs with my new gf and she loves these analysis too. you really deserve to be bigger. you do good stuff keep it upppppppp !!!
2:12 Interesting, I actually read that shot as the goldfish (Jimmy) hovering over his treasures and the blue pebbles (Walt's meth) as a metaphor for how Jimmy's "fork-in-the-road" moments in Bagman have now cemented him on the path that will lead deeper underground, eventually towards Walt. There may be something I'm missing, though. That's what's so brilliant about BCS haha. Keep up the great work!
Great reading
Wow, that absolutely lines up with everything - the bottom of the sea (underground superlab) holds a treasure chest (enormous wealth) on top of blue-coloured gravel (meth). Brilliant observation of brilliant writing
I think the appearance of the goldfish in the opening montage also foreshadows Lalo pestering it at the climax of the episode.
The sound in the juicer scene is a reminder of the PTSD Jimmy is suffering from after the shooting. The simple build up of the juice splashing on Kim evokes an internal reaction in Jimmy of Mike shooting one of his Columbian assassins. This is similar to the scene from Season 1, episode 5 (?) when Jimmy goes out to dinner and the sound of the breadsticks remind him of Tuco breaking each of the twins legs. This is another example of Jimmy's plans leading to a different conclusion from what he intended. His plans never have a contingency for the unforseen problems that arise. Jimmy is trapped in the cartel's game because his plans backfired and he did not think of any possible alternatives to escape their clutches. Kim has come to his rescue, but who is going to rescue her once their resources are exhausted. All of this is leading to Jimmy finally saving Kim after she has saved him numerous occasions during the last five seasons.
Well~ He did save her in his own way, by assuring Saul that she'll go after Gus and he'll stay with Lalo. It seemed as if he wanted her to just drive off and leave him, just... save herself. So this was not only an insightful read, it was also correct!
I'd hate to be on the receiving end of a Kim speech. she's such a badass
We are still watching. I'm glad you are still posting these Basement Breakdowns.
Original, highly intelligent analysis of one of the best, most complex shows out there. Keep up the great work!
13:49. Genius! Sure answered my question of why she kept staying with him through it all. Subscribed!
It’s late but from the moment of the shootout we understandably see a very deflated Saul. Literally and metaphorically his (Suzuki) Esteem is shot.
I wonder how long Saul will carry this with him in season 6. Despite the news Mike gives him about Lalo’s death, he will probably learn what happened and assume them both to be alive which fits his line about them in Breaking Bad. Perhaps the moment we will see lots of that Saul Goodman energy and esteem come back will be with the purchase of his Cadillac.
Been looking for commentary on the episodes, and everyone else but you sounds like they're just reading from the wikipedia section. AMAZING. You're so smart, missed 99% of these details. 100/10.
The interrogation scene with Lalo reminded me so much of Anton and the coin flip scene in no country for old men. So simple but soooooo intense.
Insightful to pick up on “these colors ain’t runnin’,” especially as it’s usually phrased as “these colors don’t run.”
The comparison with Chuck in the courtroom was beautifully spotted. I can’t say I believe that one would have been intentional on the part of the writers, but damn it’s beautiful mirroring ❤️
Kim pulled those YEARS of law education on Lalo and he got SOLD!
That scene with Jimmy and Oakly coming out of the courtroom would also have been funny to end with Oakly shrugging his shoulders and saying "Oh well, yo soy abrogado right? "
I can't get over these breakdowns. Truly amazing, fun, and engaging. Gives a superfan something to look forward to while impatiently waiting for season 6.
Thank you Ruth! I can’t get over this comment 💙💛
I’m amazed one more time by your attention for details (the skateboarders!)
So glad you’re back! I look forward to these
I think the frantic goldfish also mirrors Kim's state of mind here--she's on her wits end not knowing where Jimmy is or if he's even still alive. And the cobra mirrors Jimmy, calm and resolved to survive despite of the barren dessert they are in.
Thank you so much for these videos! They are the absolute best! You are amazing and have given me whole newfound appreciation of what is already the best show on TV.
Just wanted you to know how much I/we appreciate them.
Having Saul withdrawals. Just finished entire series for 2nd time. Analyzing the show is all I have now. Thanks for the video! 😊
I cried twice during the Kim and Jimmy scenes in this episode. Thank you for making these videos, I'll try and recommend them to my homies here in Albuquerque.
Great video! You’re the best BCS analyzer on CZcams! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the season finale!
11:44 Kim is wearing a dress to the office to work, rather than her usual work suit.
Excellent catch! Something always felt off when I watched this scene, even back when it aired.
Kim is not the moral white light the show leads us to believe she is, imo. She's not guided by a sense of right and wrong as much as she's guided by a need for risk adversition.
This is the best channel for in depth Better Call Saul commentary (apart from the BSC Insider Podcast!). Really great, insightful and rewarding stuff here. Love it!
The tan is a metaphor for him being branded with gold. This is the road he is stuck on now. All leading to a golden toilet
when lalo taps on the glass of the aquarium it’s as if kim and jimmy are the fish
How did I miss this breakdown's premiere? I can't wait for the next one.
Glad this was in my recommendation. Loved your analysis.
#1 Saul reviewer thank u ological!
It would be so sad to see Jimmy McGill die at the end of this series. He is such a great character
i can't imagine a reasonable human being put a dislike to this video. Great work! I really enjoy these videos and I cant wait for season 6!
Could someone please explain why Saul doesn’t just tell Lalo that the delay in delivering the bond money was because he was ambushed in the desert and survived not only that but an epic trek back to civilization? It seems to me that Lalo would gain a new found respect for Saul and see him as capable go to guy instead of another peon to just order around and do his bidding. I haven’t seen this episode but I think the explanation was provided during the clip where Mike told Saul that he better get his story straight.
Gus wanted Lalo out of jail so he could kill him, which is why Mike was there to ensure that the bail money would be delivered. If Saul told the truth Lalo would know that he was working with Gus.
Man I'm glad I found your channel 😅 very insightful stuff 👏 I'm glad you put so much effort into your breakdowns because bcs deserves it.
Your breakdowns are incredible thanks for taking the time to share them 😊.
OK OK OK...We've waited long enough. Time for Episode 10! Please!
What if Kim falls for Lalo. And the next sequel is Kim and Lalos empire.
i love this breakdowns, never stop doing them ❤️
On Kim quitting, I wonder if she's mad that when she wants to work, there is nothing to do. And when she wants to do her own things, work won't get off her back. Or maybe there is a tinge of "Wait, so you guys CAN do this without me, why can't I have some more freedom then?"
We know why. It is because Kevin likes and demands her. It's not because no one else could do what she does.
The businessman where she got the bottlecap from is the same man that Walter White burns the car of in Breaking Bad.
Just when I think I’ve caught everything, here comes your astute observations! Brilliant! Well done once again!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
That intro hahaha. Why it took me so long to found this channel!!??
Amazing... THANK YOU for this! Also, are you, like, a film professor? You certainly should be...
Always look forward to your analysis. So bummed we only have one left and have to wait until possibly 2022 for the final season.
Gumby Syring I’ve heard they’re scheduled to start shooting this September (I guess that depends on Covid though) so hopefully we won’t have to wait quite that long!
you deserve so much more credit I love your breakdowns!!!
Wow!! Great job, thank you! You speak so well!
👏👏👏👏👏
Toasted oat in a boring grey suit. Excellent
Your insights are the very best! Thanks!
Hey Ological,
I don't know if you will read this, but I've been wanting to tell you that I really like your videos on BCS. That's why I wanted to ask you if you could activate the public translation or if there is a different way for me to translate your videos. I am a native german speaker (also spanish) and because I like your videos and want to support you I'd like them to reach a broader audience through translations.
A reply would be really nice :)
Hi Martin! I didn’t know much about the community translation feature so I had to look into it. I will turn it on for any videos that have captions. Thank you so much for your offer to help! I’m grateful to have you as a viewer. 💙🧡
Do you want Frau Ziegler to find out the truth?
@@txnygotw Do you know how many Werner Zieglers there are in Germany? 27. 26 now according to Frau Ziegler
German _and_ Spanish? Do you work at Madrigal, by chance?
Wow was this episode insane! I have never had so much anxiety from something that isn't real life. A+ directing, acting, and filming. No way I'm the only one who thinks that this episode was the craziest yet! I'm so depressed knowing that somehow Kim and Jimmy will split, this show has been incredible.
Okay John, now that you have my attention and admiration, when is S5EP10 "Something Unforgivable" coming out? Appreciated!
I never figured this out. Why is it that for the "Something Stupid" sequence of the desert, Jimmy and Kim have switched sides? (ie. in S04 Jimmy was on the right but in S05 he is on the left?) Have they somehow switched roles after this ordeal?
Well, now Jimmy is the one who wants to leave her to get her out of the dirt, and she's the one who wants to be involved, so there is that.
It was mentioned briefly on the podcast here: czcams.com/video/SpO8ShY9Vfg/video.html but without much explanation.
When we have two things where one is the reverse of the other, it's often to represent a dualism. There's the one Ological mentioned; the original montage was about them drifting apart, and this one is about them coming back together.
In my view, they were originally drifting apart because Kim was rejecting Saul. Now she's accepted Saul (going so far as to marry him to better accommodate his illegitimate behaviour) and here we see what Saul is putting both Kim and Jimmy through.
Need the finale ASAP!
finally you break down this ep. was waiting for it when it first aired ages agoo
Great commentary. LOVE the Chargers hat too!
dude.. you make AMAZING content
Excellent content. Fun to watch. Well done!
Outstanding insights, as always.
Thank you this is great content ! Can’t wait for S6!
Dude come back to us! Your reviews and musings are the best
Awesome as always, John. Looking forward to the next one
Thank you for the breakdown
I see the snake/fish shot as wordless commentary on how Jimmy feels about himself. If he makes it home, he's just going to continue contributing to Kim's professional and personal decline, as well as his own, and we know what he ends up becoming. Meanwhile, Kim is waiting for her caring husband to come home, just as she's been waiting for Jimmy to act more like 'himself' all season, instead of as Saul. It's a representation of Jimmy's awareness of whom he's becoming. If he makes it out of the desert, he's not going to be the innocent fish with a playful attraction to corruption and scams (i.e. the treasure in the tank); he's going to be the predator that exploits legal loopholes to keep bad people out of trouble. Very snakelike, indeed.
Ah, outstanding point!
man, I am usually not a fan of these but you do a nice breakdown and I kinda see where you were going with the Slippin Kimmie theory. I am actually very interested to see how that develops cause now that you raised some points its hard to unsee these details and I am pretty sure they are not just cinematographic fluff.
If your theory checks out for slippin Kimmy you got a beer on me bruf
Where do you get the impression that she’s treating the intern like dirt? Lol
She literally wished her good luck.
Great as always. Pay attention to Mike's shirt in this episode. It is NM flag, right? There was a shot - Mike was in this shirt and a truck was behind him. The same colors - yellow, blue, and sign "One way local" I think it is about Mike's destiny now.
So glad I found this. Polite Fight was awesome.
Great vid love your take in kim/lalo spot on