This is basically about Jimmy being enterprising. He goes into the advertising business, hard selling commercials to small businesses. He has a college film crew who seem willing to put up with his stuff. Meanwhile, Nacho has been threatened and knows that he needs to do something about the evil Don Salamanca. But what? He is just one man.
12 Reviews
Back to Formula
bboystudios-9347616 May 2017
Right off the heels of arguably the most engaging episode of the show, "Chicanery," "Off Brand" fortunately makes a graceful leap back to the show's usual routine.
First off, I love the drama of "Better Call Saul." The fact that they have taken a comic relief character and turned him into a complex, sympathetic individual is done to amazing effect. I will say, however, that it is refreshing to see a return to Season 1 and 2's blend of comedy and drama, as it is always extremely entertaining. The return of Jimmy's college film crew was one of the highlights of the episode, as their interaction with Jimmy ranges from witty and clever to downright hilarious. Their willingness to participate in Jimmy's legally questionable acts for a quick buck makes for some fun scenes. Seeing Jimmy's complete severing of his relationship with Chuck, while unfortunate, is a much needed change. It not only acts as a nice evolution of our protagonist, but is a very welcome change of direction for the show. I do not find it coincidental that it happens to be the same episode that comically introduces Saul Goodman, either.
Ironically, as per usual, the least interesting part of the episode was the reprising of "Breaking Bad" characters and location (with the exception of the amusing Saul Goodman scene, along with the equally hilarious reaction from Kim). The Easter eggs of the show have been handled very well thus far, being placed in the background to progress the narrative, but never out of context. Here, the reintroduction of familiar faces and places felt a bit... off- kilter. While it was neat to see glimpses of the future of "Breaking Bad," I couldn't help but feel that it was a bit out of place in this episode, edging a bit too close to being forced. Fortunately, the scenes don't steal the spotlight, but I'd be lying to say that I didn't question the reasoning of it all.
Perhaps the very slight disappointments of this episode come from still being awe-struck from last week's masterpiece of television, but this is not a flawless episode. It is, however, extremely entertaining, and not to be missed. We are certainly coming closer to the transformation of Saul Goodman, and the show continues to be well shot, superbly acted, expertly crafted, and just downright charming.
First off, I love the drama of "Better Call Saul." The fact that they have taken a comic relief character and turned him into a complex, sympathetic individual is done to amazing effect. I will say, however, that it is refreshing to see a return to Season 1 and 2's blend of comedy and drama, as it is always extremely entertaining. The return of Jimmy's college film crew was one of the highlights of the episode, as their interaction with Jimmy ranges from witty and clever to downright hilarious. Their willingness to participate in Jimmy's legally questionable acts for a quick buck makes for some fun scenes. Seeing Jimmy's complete severing of his relationship with Chuck, while unfortunate, is a much needed change. It not only acts as a nice evolution of our protagonist, but is a very welcome change of direction for the show. I do not find it coincidental that it happens to be the same episode that comically introduces Saul Goodman, either.
Ironically, as per usual, the least interesting part of the episode was the reprising of "Breaking Bad" characters and location (with the exception of the amusing Saul Goodman scene, along with the equally hilarious reaction from Kim). The Easter eggs of the show have been handled very well thus far, being placed in the background to progress the narrative, but never out of context. Here, the reintroduction of familiar faces and places felt a bit... off- kilter. While it was neat to see glimpses of the future of "Breaking Bad," I couldn't help but feel that it was a bit out of place in this episode, edging a bit too close to being forced. Fortunately, the scenes don't steal the spotlight, but I'd be lying to say that I didn't question the reasoning of it all.
Perhaps the very slight disappointments of this episode come from still being awe-struck from last week's masterpiece of television, but this is not a flawless episode. It is, however, extremely entertaining, and not to be missed. We are certainly coming closer to the transformation of Saul Goodman, and the show continues to be well shot, superbly acted, expertly crafted, and just downright charming.
Its just A Name
85122220 September 2017
Greetings from Lithuania.
"Off Brand", 6 th episode of "Better Call Saul" delivers goods, as usual. All the things that makes this show impossible to resist are here: amazing writing, involving story, great characters, superb directing.
Overall, with only 4 episodes left in this great season 3, story is moving forward, and i'm confident that remaining episodes will deliver goods. As usual.
"Off Brand", 6 th episode of "Better Call Saul" delivers goods, as usual. All the things that makes this show impossible to resist are here: amazing writing, involving story, great characters, superb directing.
Overall, with only 4 episodes left in this great season 3, story is moving forward, and i'm confident that remaining episodes will deliver goods. As usual.
Wonderful Show
rokbf5116 May 2017
This show is really Great & it is nice to see that they having many characters from Breaking Bad returning to fill in the story line of how all this came about & is tied in together and how they all met. That being said, I do hope that everyone did notice who was driving that car that Gus got into at that commercial property that he was inspecting, which I am sure will become the Laundry where the Lab will be located. The driver was Lydia (Laura Fraser)and now they can tie the International Shipping she set up with Gus that she told Walt about in the restaurant near the end of Breaking Bad. Next up hopefully will be the return of Gale who set up the Lab, many characters can reappear with how they all met up with Gus & built his Empire & that of Madrigal foods. Gus already must have his International Shipping & supplies up & running or possibly in Mexico {Salud Episode} with all the money he brought to Hector; no Lab here yet it seems. I think Breaking Bad was the Best Series in recent memory & the writing, characters & history of how Jimmy became Saul seems to be on par and getting better each week. There are such wonderful characters in both these series. Great to Jonathan Banks back as a regular in a top notch show, even though what Gus, Mike, & others do you can't help but like them.
All good
Leofwine_draca23 September 2021
After the mini climax of the last episode, this one starts afresh with characters heading off in new directions, particularly Jimmy. More plot points from BREAKING BAD show up which play like easter eggs for the fans and the Hector sub-plot is going places. All good.
Masterpiece of Storytelling!
clacura17 May 2017
"I don't care about the fan service, the reintroducing of old characters, the family feuds, or the cliché stoic gangsters. I care for the humour. That's why I started watching the show. I wanted to see Saul Goodman's wacky adventures."--from a reviewer.
Really? You don't care? Shallow comes to mind, like thinking a good pizza costs $1.99...yes it will satisfy in the moment, but you are missing out on amazing for a few more bucks.
This episode is brilliant! It directly ties into episode 7 in season 2 (also brilliant). The opening of that episode takes us back to Jimmy as a young boy in his father's store. He witnesses his naive father, so good to his fellow man and also so naive and known as the man who gives handouts to grifters.
This epic episode gives us deep insight to the relationship with Jimmy and Chuck, chuck who sees his father as a "saint" but Jimmy, the rebellious son sees him as one who was weak and naive to getting scammed. The family root of multi-generational shame is perfectly captured in this one episode and a direct link to where these brothers are at today.
Yes, I get how one desires the humor of Bob Odenkirk as Saul from Breaking Bad (see him in an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond--it is an early version of Saul), but for those of us who have watched all of Breaking Bad and all of Better Call Saul, this is beyond satisfying. You will not see this depth of character development in a movie.
Keith Gordon directed--also a director on Fargo and Homeland. Michael McKean is amazing in this episode. Such restraint and conviction to his character. The writing and acting is simply perfect here.
Do yourself a favor and watch Better Call Saul from the beginning again...watch S2 Ep7 carefully...this ties directly to this episode of Chuck who gives his life to the law and regards it as sacred and Slippin' Jimmy who as a boy looks honestly at his father (the rebellious child is usually the most honest in the family). Chuck lives in illusion about his father but Jimmy does not. Jimmy has been chasing Chuck's approval all his adult life but Chuck cannot give it up. Chuck's anger is not towards Jimmy, his anger is towards his father!
Really? You don't care? Shallow comes to mind, like thinking a good pizza costs $1.99...yes it will satisfy in the moment, but you are missing out on amazing for a few more bucks.
This episode is brilliant! It directly ties into episode 7 in season 2 (also brilliant). The opening of that episode takes us back to Jimmy as a young boy in his father's store. He witnesses his naive father, so good to his fellow man and also so naive and known as the man who gives handouts to grifters.
This epic episode gives us deep insight to the relationship with Jimmy and Chuck, chuck who sees his father as a "saint" but Jimmy, the rebellious son sees him as one who was weak and naive to getting scammed. The family root of multi-generational shame is perfectly captured in this one episode and a direct link to where these brothers are at today.
Yes, I get how one desires the humor of Bob Odenkirk as Saul from Breaking Bad (see him in an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond--it is an early version of Saul), but for those of us who have watched all of Breaking Bad and all of Better Call Saul, this is beyond satisfying. You will not see this depth of character development in a movie.
Keith Gordon directed--also a director on Fargo and Homeland. Michael McKean is amazing in this episode. Such restraint and conviction to his character. The writing and acting is simply perfect here.
Do yourself a favor and watch Better Call Saul from the beginning again...watch S2 Ep7 carefully...this ties directly to this episode of Chuck who gives his life to the law and regards it as sacred and Slippin' Jimmy who as a boy looks honestly at his father (the rebellious child is usually the most honest in the family). Chuck lives in illusion about his father but Jimmy does not. Jimmy has been chasing Chuck's approval all his adult life but Chuck cannot give it up. Chuck's anger is not towards Jimmy, his anger is towards his father!
How does Rhea Seehorn not have an Emmy?
ader-9484727 May 2022
I will sound like a broken record - she is awesome
Hard to follow up after the last episode - but this is another excellent episode - which we have come to expect. The story continues to slowly unwind - great trajectory- and great script and actors.
Hard to follow up after the last episode - but this is another excellent episode - which we have come to expect. The story continues to slowly unwind - great trajectory- and great script and actors.
Another great episode!!
dannypersia16 May 2017
This show has been really knocking it out of the park lately and so far it shows a soul Riley no signs of stopping and if I'm being honest I'm one hundred percent fine with that this show is starting to feel like breaking bad and is quickly reaching a boiling point and this ride won't end nicely
Finish Something, Please
darbski16 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
**SPOILERS** I liked this episode, but it's time to cut Chuck out of the herd. Get out the prod, head him for the chutes and say so long, please. We get an inkling of what lies ahead for Hector, and, of course, Kim. Because, she HAS to cut Jimmy loose. He's gonna pull something else, and she's GOT to finally think of her own career. Anyone who feels sorry for Chuck needs to remember how that scheming, stinking rat treated Kim, and let's not forget Howard. I've said this before; I sincerely hope that nothing bad happens to Kim. She's the one GOOD attorney in the bunch.
Here's something I hope others will take note of: compare the breakdown of Chuck McGill to that of Captain Queeg, in "The Caine Mutiny". Mike McKean does a really good job of it (I mean, REALLY GOOD); almost as good as Humphrey Bogart in "Caine".
Jimmy did a great (and if you watched it- of course you watched it- his dynamic save of Kim's Mesa Verde project) job of giving her the anchor for her future in the law. I mean, think of it; she's exactly the right person to handle the account that can give her a golden parachute, and a nice, soft financial landing zone. Now, let Jimmy go! They can stay friends (yeah, right), but business between them has to be finito. The next big screwup HAS to have something to do with Gus And Hector. I really liked the film crew, and the offbeat and effortless way they get on board Jimmy's plans to squeak around normal legal issues when it seems like fun. They are going to be great independent filmmakers on their own.
Now, this is where Gilligan and crew can actually do something right. Get Jimmy a new squeeze! I mean, someone smart, crafty, and cinnamon, with abilities that fit in (I mean temporarily, we ALL know about the long haul) I'm hoping for some real action in the next episode, you know? Get Mike involved in something where his genius level street creds both establish him with his direction and make him invisible.
Here's something I hope others will take note of: compare the breakdown of Chuck McGill to that of Captain Queeg, in "The Caine Mutiny". Mike McKean does a really good job of it (I mean, REALLY GOOD); almost as good as Humphrey Bogart in "Caine".
Jimmy did a great (and if you watched it- of course you watched it- his dynamic save of Kim's Mesa Verde project) job of giving her the anchor for her future in the law. I mean, think of it; she's exactly the right person to handle the account that can give her a golden parachute, and a nice, soft financial landing zone. Now, let Jimmy go! They can stay friends (yeah, right), but business between them has to be finito. The next big screwup HAS to have something to do with Gus And Hector. I really liked the film crew, and the offbeat and effortless way they get on board Jimmy's plans to squeak around normal legal issues when it seems like fun. They are going to be great independent filmmakers on their own.
Now, this is where Gilligan and crew can actually do something right. Get Jimmy a new squeeze! I mean, someone smart, crafty, and cinnamon, with abilities that fit in (I mean temporarily, we ALL know about the long haul) I'm hoping for some real action in the next episode, you know? Get Mike involved in something where his genius level street creds both establish him with his direction and make him invisible.
finally some humour
marcopieper16 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I don't care about the fan service, the reintroducing of old characters, the family feuds, or the cliché stoic gangsters. I care for the humour. That's why I started watching the show. I wanted to see Saul Goodman's wacky adventures.
Finally, after so many recent episodes full of long-winded drama and monotone landscape shots, this episode delivers on the premise of the show.
Finally, after so many recent episodes full of long-winded drama and monotone landscape shots, this episode delivers on the premise of the show.
Mind officially blown
heisenberg1215 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Masterful reintroduction of a former famous BB character. Omg. Love it. Thanks so much to the makers of the show for handling key story lines and themes so well and carefully. The part where Gus is scouting out the lab and gets into the car was possibly the best moment of the series so far. Maybe one of my BB theories has a possibility with regards to someone's "kids".
9/10
9/10
A developmental episode!
mm-3918 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Off Brand is a developmental episode! Developmental episodes are slow, and more character driven. The viewer experiences the legal problems which pushes and develop Jimmy into the Saul character! Chuck's hatred for Jimmy drives Chuck to fight his own mental illness at a Rocky training level. The viewer watches the other sub story of the New Mexico drug world's characters develop into ruthless rivals fight for turf. Off Brand is a slowly developing episode, which is well acted and directed. The Off Brand's story line wonders has the viewer wondering how does the violent drug world collide with the Jimmy/Saul character? 6 out of 10
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