One of the most fascinating things about watching Jimmy McGill’s journey to becoming Saul Goodman is the conflict he experiences in every wrongful decision that he makes. Jimmy’s torment as he contemplates doing the wrong thing for the right reasons is difficult to watch as it’s clear to see how his world is going to crumble around him, and yet it’s what makes his story so compelling.
Unsurprising, then, that one of the highlights of Amarillo came at the very end, as Jimmy, having run the unsanctioned commercial, got an earful from Clifford Main about his actions. As a viewer on the outside looking in, it’s difficult not to want to side with Jimmy: not only was it a one-time experiment (one far more worthy of trying than the firm’s previous dismal attempt at advertising), but it was successful, and didn’t sully the good name of Davis & Main.
Yet, it’s also so easy to see Cliff’s perspective. As we learned in Cobbler, Jimmy’s appointment at the firm came with a report from Howard, both with the good and the bad - “a complete picture”. Cliff knows, therefore, that Jimmy is somewhat of a loose cannon, despite all of the good work that he does, and so upon hearing of his newest employee’s actions, it’s understandable that he would jump to a negative conclusion.
Chances are that when Cliff and his partners get to see what Jimmy put out, they won’t be especially negative. But things are beginning to go wrong, even if only temporarily and even if masked by all that’s going well.
Something else that’s going to go horribly wrong in the near future? Jimmy and Kim’s relationship. Despite making him promise last week that he wouldn’t tell her about these illegal methods, Kim just couldn’t resist knowing whether or not Chuck’s solicitation critique was accurate. And as much as Jimmy can tell outlandish lies all night long, he couldn’t lie to her when asked outright. That didn’t mean he couldn’t withhold the truth, however, as he neglects to mention later on that Cliff hadn’t signed off on the commercial, even as Kim says that she can’t believe “Cliff Main was fine with this”. Their relationship is a ticking time bomb at this point. The timer occasionally stops, but more often than not, it’s counting down at an increased rate.
No matter what the context is, Better Call Saul is a joy to watch when Bob Odenkirk is monologuing, and the opening five minutes of Amarillo was no exception. While it may be a song-and-dance, as Kim puts it, there’s a real emotion behind it. You can feel the words hitting home. And, much like when Jimmy convinced a woman that he was Kevin Costner, it works because he believes it. Of course, there’s the added bonus of the hilarity of the entire set-up, which serves to enhance an already magnificent scene.
Three episodes in, and Better Call Saul is truly on course to make season two leaps and bounds above season one.
Notes:
- Mike’s story this week was a little less engaging than everything else going on in the hour, but just as interesting. His daughter-in-law, Stacey, heard shots in the middle of the night, but when Mike stakes out her house, there’s nothing to be heard. I’m intrigued to see where this leads.
- Mike also got another job, as Nacho hired him to deal with a “guy” that he needs disappeared. It’d surprise me if this was Tuco, but at the same time, I’ve no idea who else it could be.
- It brought about great joy when Jimmy’s magic hands appeared to work and David & Main’s hotline was flooded with calls. As much as the series is about watching Jimmy fall, these little moments of success are very powerful.
- Thanks to commenter Jim 108 for the inspiration on the review title.
- “No song-and-dance in the day room for the old timers?” “No. No. Not in the day room.”
- Seriously, that old David & Main commercial was tragic.
What did you all think of Amarillo? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
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