Thursday, August 16, 2018

What I’m Watching: Better Call Saul (Season Premiere)


Better Call Saul: Season 4, Episode 1 “Smoke” (B+)

This show took an unusually long break since season three, returning in late summer instead of midwinter or early spring, and it’s really great to have it back. I didn’t find the third season, while still good, to be quite as consistently excellent as the first two, and I’m pleased to say that this seems to be a very positive start to the fourth cycle. It’s incredible how much Chuck, in his untimely death, is still one-upping his brother and making him feel like he hasn’t amounted to anything. Jimmy couldn’t even stay on the phone to listen as Howard rattled off his many accomplishments, and he responded heartlessly when Howard expressed that he blamed himself for Jimmy’s death, when Jimmy should be well aware that he is the one responsible. Seeing Jimmy have a heart attack of sorts while working at Cinnabon demonstrates the loneliness he’ll eventually experience as he pushes away those who continue to give him a chance, namely Kim and Howard. The storyline involving Nacho and Gus isn’t all that enthralling just yet, but I was thrilled to see Mike take on his new job with a surprising gusto, appearing to enjoy riding around on the cart and gleefully detailing the many security issues he’s already noticed in his first day on the job. I’m ready to see things start to connect and to have Jimmy officially get into the illegal business, a move that is sure to irk Kim and make her leave Jimmy behind for good after giving him so many second chances.

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