Better Call Saul (TV Series) Fall (2017) User Reviews

Kim

[mariarammstein · 10/10 · 14 December 2019]

A great epsiode with a startling end scene.

Usually a car crash in any movie or tv episode is a lot of screeching, tumbling, noise, blood, music and so on. I have never ever seen a fall asleep at the wheel car crash filmed so freaking realistic, a jump scare, it blew my mind.

Play on Player, play on!

[clacura · 10/10 · 17 June 2017]

Said it before, will say it again, this is not Breaking Bad! The pace is a bit slower and the content different. However, we get the brilliance of Vince Gilligan and his team on display with cutting edge storytelling. Like any great artist, with a few notes of a song, you know the talent. Gillian has as a distinct style as the Cohen Bro's, and that is very impressive!

This episode ties so many small parts together seamlessly. The casting is stellar. Take for example Jean Effron who plays Irene. Her IMDb resume is almost blank. How did they find her? She has done basically nothing...and that is the risk that pays off so well. She does not seem like an actor. I really believe this is a little old lady living in a retirement home who likes to take walks at the mall with her girlfriends. The actors that surround her have been around for awhile, one of which was on Little House on the Prairie. This is the shift today in film making, to not go with the seasoned character actor first.

Another great selection is Rhea Seehorn playing Kim. She plays this role so understated, never capitulating to 'more'...if she was a drummer, her style would be 'less is more'. There are so many moments she could have thrown in more 'chops' but she doesn't. Great directing here, but this makes BCS so mature and satisfying. In this episode, what other writer would throw in a scene where she gets stuck in the dirt to develop more character depth and reality? It comes out of nowhere. Brilliant. Satisfying!

Better Call Saul is a full album over a hit single! You have to soak in the entire context. Watch season one over and so on...the flow is seamless with the old and the new. This is ground breaking storytelling. What other TV show has risked blending a former hit series into a new without trying to be, "Joanie Loves Chachi?" Frasier is the only other that has done this so well imo.

I could go on about the casting. This is an orchestra playing with a lead instrument! This is a TV show similar to Michael Clayton. It builds, does not have to rely on special effects and action to communicate depth, just relies on great storytelling and allows the characters to speak loudly.

Play on Player, play on!

Quality television

[Leofwine_draca · 10/10 · 27 September 2021]

Another high quality episode, pretty much faultless from beginning to end. Jimmy's latest tricks are darkly funny and very different, and Kim's sub-plot builds to one heck of a climax that made my heart go. The mark of quality television.

One of the best edits ever

[alanpuzey · 10/10 · 10 May 2021]

I don't usually review single episodes, but this one was a corker from beginning to end - and just before the end is one of the most effective edits I've seen for a long while. Had to replay it a number of times.

See it.

Another top notch episode

[Kingslaay · 9/10 · 14 June 2017]

We were treated to another high quality episode this week.

We saw there is no limit to Jimmy's talents and the lengths he will go to get to his destination. This time it is in the form of changing the minds of a few senior citizens so he can receive a decent settlement earlier than later. Once again the writers are showing us the whole story. Jimmy approached Howard and asked for the lawsuit that he had conjured up last season to be settled. After realizing this way will not work and HHM are out for even more money regardless of the needs of the clients he once again has to pull out some tricks out of Slippin Jimmy's hat.

We're quite familiar with the tag line and the logic of the ends not justifying the means but the show runners take it a level higher by laying out the whole story for us. Instead of a 'means' and the 'ends' we are used to seeing we come to a 'beginning' and how the unfair parties led to Jimmy assuming this situation to begin with. Sure Jimmy maybe using unscrupulous methods but he is already operating in an unfair and unscrupulous society. We have to take a step back and ask after watching this impressive show who are the real con artists?

Meanwhile Kim is drowning in work as she tries to prove something to herself and the world by being a one person team. It was tragic to see all of this push her to a breaking point and crash. She is a very intelligent attorney and shows so much potential, one can only hope her character does not become a victim or caught up in some tragedy. Nacho also had a sad encounter with his father while Mike becomes aware of an elaborate operation to cover the tracks and hide a lot of money. I can't wait to see the final episode, the last few episodes have really built up the intensity and quality.

Pure Saul

[simonssalty · 9/10 · 13 June 2017]

After a few brief weeks of paying fan service to the die-hard BB fans, and seemingly opting for a 40-50% Jimmy-oriented show instead of a Jimmy-centered show with supporting characters sprinkled in, 'Fall' has come back to show us a darkly comedic, character-driven episode that oozes with signs of what is destined to come next.

The episode handles the roles of its supporting characters very carefully, giving valuable and significant insight into the lives and minds of Saul originals like Nacho, Kim, Howard, and the ever-so complex Chuck, without ever overshadowing Jimmy's story. Characters who previously lacked a clear motive now seem more believable, harsh, and human.

And to top it all off is probably the most 'Saul' thing Jimmy has ever done: hijack an innocent elderly woman's social life and happiness for his own financial gain, and, if I may add, without any visible remorse.

The only downside of this episode is the meeting between Lydia and Mike. While sometimes it is fun to see old BB characters interact, at such a pivotal point in Jimmy's transformation, it only drags down the pacing of the real story here.

Overall, 'Fall' is an episode that truly proves that Saul Goodman is inside Jimmy, and he's slowly taking over. Meanwhile, Nachos relationship with his father, Howard's self-interests, Kim's work life, and Chuck's unrelenting need for revenge showcases why Vince Gilligan is still the king of character-driven television.

Blood.

[bijlesexact · 9/10 · 13 June 2017]

We're nearing the finale, and things haven't quite moved as fast as we expected at times. Like any good series, there are promises and rewards for the audience. But what Gilligan manages to do like no other is to turn a reward into a new promise very quickly. And that was exactly what this episode was about.

What was promised to us were advances in the Hector/pill-plot, and in the Chuck/malpractice insurance-plot. Gilligan delivered on both counts, albeit not as thorough on the former. Still, something ultimately has to happen with Hector's condition, and in fact, a stroke in this episode would have felt premature, too soon, nothing like a clever writer like Gilligan. This confronts Nacho with serious consequences for his relationship with his father.

What has been lingering since the start of the season has finally surfaced in full force, being a definite crack in the bond between Chuch and Howard. IMO this is yet another very good promise for further development since all-out courtroom warfare seems to be imminent, and this is a chance to even further exploit the legal drama aspect that has been so prominent this season.

Also, Jimmy is going full-blast to obtain his share from the Sandpiper case and shows off perhaps his most cruel scheme in the entire series. Next to all the increasingly bloodthirsty people, Kim , perhaps my favorite character, has a dramatic encounter with fate. This leaves huge question marks about the Kim/Jimmy-story line, and this is where Gilligan shines: in all your anticipation about when the apple will drop, he quietly lets an entire tree fall behind your back.

So if I had to describe S03E09 in one word, it would be "Blood", in all its different meanings. And I cannot wait till the finale.

Re-do

[darbski · 10/10 · 13 June 2017]

**SPOILERS** If you missed this episode, take my advice, and buy it from Amazon; watch it before you read further. Mike (My favorite character) is very wary of Madrigal's HHR rep as she wants to get his personals for their money laundering process. Finally satisfied (even at the consternation of the beautiful rep, he goes forward.

I still hope to say a final butt-kick out the door to Chuck, however, for now the malpractice insurance is skyrocketing, and Howard recommends to Chuck that he retire. He retaliates by bringing suit against H.H.M. Now, this could be interesting, because without the resources of his legal corporation, he's gonna have a real tough row to hoe; legal goodie. See, he has no recourse but himself if he's sued because of a mistake. At trial, practicing without this cushion could be seen as risky and desperate.

Jimmy lowers himself even further by manipulating Irene (his client from Sandpiper"). He separates her from her friends, almost breaking her heart through a series of dirty tricks and deceptive talk. he gets her to "follow her heart" into asking for a settlement earlier than Howard wanted. He has called Jimmy on it; accusing him of greed and collusion.

Meanwhile, Kim (and, again, I sure don't want her to get hurt) is working overtime to help Mesa Verde's C.E.O.'s friend on a legal problem with his oil field. She is setting herself up for something bad; driving distracted, and working on the edge of exhaustion. This is where Jimmy should have put his own interests aside temporarily and helped her. She is his only friend,and she helped him out a lot when he needed it.

Nacho has to warn his Papa when his plan to either severely disable or kill Hector seems to fail. I shouldn't try to predict what's going to happen, but, he may have to sacrifice himself to save hi family. It's hard to work up any sympathy for a guy who stood by and let a good Samaritan get killed, but Hector is worse. Gus, of course may have another plan of his own, mightn't he?

Cringey but...

[getbacks · 10/10 · 31 May 2022]

I love this episode.

We get to really turn on Jimmy in this episode...his using of Irene and his insistence for Kim to have shots prior to meeting a new client.

Jimmy's handling of Irene and using her should not come as a surprise. However the cringe is incredible and your heart just goes out to her.

However you know Jimmy will make it right in the end.

Kim's crash...no matter how many times I watch it, totally shocks me everytime.

Chuck's demise stalls. In fact he gets stronger.

Howard takes being an asshole to a whole new standard.

The show is finally moving at a good pace, but it might be a little too late

[c-06663 · 9/10 · 14 June 2017]

I'm a big fan of this show although I'm a recent convert. As a huge Breaking Bad fan I had high hopes for this show and started watching it since episode 1 aired. I must say that I endured the first season, enjoyed the second somewhat and only became a real fan now, during the 3rd season as all those slow plots are paying off.

My patience has paid off, but sadly, this trajectory is the opposite for most people. Most people have tuned out and stopped watching this show. The viewership has declined greatly, even though the pace has picked up.

If you're one of those people I say give it another shot. It's not Breaking Bad. Don't think of it in that way and don't compare it to that show. Think of it as a standalone show where the presence of common characters is merely a coincidence.

The early episodes (and seasons?) of Better Call Saul felt like an exercise in refining a style pioneered in Breaking Bad, with story taking a back seat. It also can be seen as a character study of one of the most interesting personalities in BB. This is no longer the case.

The show has finally found its feet - found its style, the many small things are coming together and we finally have a great show.

Give it another chance. You won't regret it.

Dynamite

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 24 May 2018]

Sometimes we worry that a show will be cancelled and things left up in the air will not be resolved. Obviously, there will be a Season 4 and depending on Episode 10, more and more of this wonderful work. Howard knows that Jimmy is trying to get those old folks to settle to line his own pockets, but Jimmy is also correct in protecting them. While Jimmy stumbles and rises, Kim is working too hard. When she has her confrontation with Howard, Kim decides to show him, with dangerous results. She is falling apart, so what happens at the conclusion is of no surprise. Meanwhile, Taco is playing with fire. He has created a situation which requires some incredible happenstance to get results. Anyway, it is quite the show.

Jimmy.....NOOOO!! 7.5/10

[david1806 · 7/10 · 19 October 2022]

So this is the first time I have ever reviewed a single episode of anything. I have been following BCS, reading the reviews and also the BCS/BB fandom website, that I really do recommend you take a look at. It has everything BCS/BB related, and I mean everything, right down to the details of the cars each character drives...seriously! And the plot synopsis of each episode are so well written.

Anyway, this episode. Jimmy pretty much ruining Irenes life - I just don't know. Up to now, I had Jimmy as a bit shady, but ultimately a decent guy - but not here. This is next level nastiness, and I have really mixed feelings. Do I change my opinion of Jimmy, after 3 seasons - that he is just a self-serving douch-bag? Or was I just wrong all along? And here's the thing - I am uncomforatble with it. I don't want to completely change my opinion of the man, but how can I not? What he is doing to Irene is pure nastiness - destroying the only freindships this poor old woman has, just for his own gain. Is this poor writing, have they gone over the top? Or am I being too sensitive.... LOL!!! Whatever he does to redeem this situation won't change a thing for me...well, I guess not, I will have to see!

I read about Chuck in these reviews and get a lot of criticism - I don't think he is that bad of a character. He seems to generally behave ok - apart from his jealously/hatred of Jimmy getting his law degree, but isn't that just brothers for you? I wouldn't know, i am an only child...!! He certainly wouldn't have pulled the stunt that Jimmy did on Irene, that is for sure...would he?

Where's the MONEY.

[BartholomewRoberts · 5/10 · 1 September 2022]

The episode has great moments as the whole series but there's a MAJOR plot hole; Mesa Verde is paying a whole lot of money for the expansion and the lawyer (Kim) is working alone with a receptionist (?) It's obvious that when she landed the contract she had to hire help, not only the failed paralegal search, but real lawyers. Unless Mesa Verde is paying her with monopoly money, the external legal advisor of a bank is getting a lot of dough for the consultation. Where is it? Poor Kim almost kills herself working her ass off, for what pennys? And Jimmy, he couldn't afford a new car after all his work? But he can afford the whole Bingo paraphernalia. (?) So again... Where's the money?

My heart is still rapidly beating

[robbymanstirewalt · 9/10 · 26 February 2023]

Saul sinks to a new low as he pits innocent elderly women against each other for his own benefit. Mike and Nacho's plot lines are more-or-less a continuation of events from the episode prior. Howard, it appears, is slowly losing his cool composure towards his colleagues. Chuck is getting better EHS-wise but is now butting heads with one of his few friends left. But the highlight of the episode is Kim's concluding car crash. There are few more distressing, intense moments I've ever seen in a television series. Easily holds a candle to any of Twin Peaks' or The Twilight Zone's most nightmarish moments. It is a remarkably effective scene that shows better than anything else how traumatic such a common occurrence can be and how little of a lapse in carefulness is required to lose so much.

Impressive

[heisenberg12 · 8/10 · 12 June 2017]

Great editing, good writing, nice scenes....

It's nice to see the show finally return to its potential here, and then some.

I've been very critical of the show because I know it has potential, but this episode was good.

I highly recommend it, even though the Hamlin-Chuck parts are still the weakest link.

8/10

Jimmy manipulating Irene and other chair yoga lover ladies in some funny ways

[gedikreverdi · 8/10 · 16 December 2020]

Jimmys trying to catch up with sandpiper case with ladies doing chair yoga. Mike launder his money thru a logistics company. Over insurance issue Howard wants chuck to stop practicing lawyer. Howard thinks his condition is affecting his professional decisions. He left the room. Jimmy gave a pair of trainers to Irene as a gift. He tries to convince the ladies about the case opposing Howard. They stopped talking to Irene after jimmy talked into them. Nacho told it all to his father and he wanted him to get out of his house. Chuck is suing Hamlin and Hamlin and he's back to normal seemingly and he stops pretending just after Howard left. Irene won bingo with jimmy injecting liquid into some balls. Then makes her think she should settle for the money. After she settles jimmy celebrates with a bottle of Zafiro. Kim had an accident on the way to the oil field guy.

Weird human interactions

[dierregi · 6/10 · 27 March 2020]

Jim tries to convince Irene to accept a generous settlement for the class action. His advice is self-serving, since he needs the money - but who doesn't?

Besides, his point makes a lot of sense, even if nobody mentions it. His elderly clients don't have much time left. What's the point of dragging the class action on for the sake of the lawyers? If it was me and I was over 80, I would grab the cash because I don't know how much future I have left.

But most of all, don't these ladies talk to each other? None of them think about confronting Irene or just asking what is going on. They behave like teenagers and "ghost" the poor woman... I found that difficult to believe.

Chuck shows once more his true color and what a despicable character he is. Much as I dislike him, I am well aware that Hector is the true evil master and I despise him more. I still don't get why everybody gets out of their way not to kill him. All the explanations about the "cartel" sound very bizantine to me.

Okay

[mm-39 · 6/10 · 21 June 2017]

Okay episode. Well written and directed. The acting is on movie level quality! We see how scheming Jimmy is with the elderly. (Jimmy needs money) Kim pushes herself to hard at the job with devastating results. The two side stories add flavor to the Fall episode. The main story is the Chuck Character who was discredited with his law firm after the revenge suit against Jimmy! Howard Hamlin tries to repair the firms damage and gives Chuck an honourable golden parachute! Chuck shows his true colors. What will Howard's next move be? Not a memorable episode but entertaining. Six out of ten stars.

Fall Episode 309

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 14 June 2017]

The Jimmy/Saul stuff has been mostly comedic greatness this year. From the bingo bits, to his very cruel usage of an old woman to try and force a settlement, this was more good work from the show's namesake.

The Mike/Nacho stuff was a little boring here. And I'm not that interested in the Who Rammed Kim story.

I expect good things from the season finale, but overall this was a little underwhelming.