The first season of Better Call Saul is starting off with a bang thanks to a wonderful blend of old and new characters. This episode, "Mijo" notches up the tension a level or two with the events that transpired here. Facing death in the eye, we see that Jimmy is no Walter White. Jimmy trying to bluff his away from a horrible situation is funny....and ultimately pathetic. After an episode solely designed for character building, the episode goes right into the action and excitement. I was clinging to my chair the entire first half due to everything going on. I wouldn't think that Jimmy would be facing death in Episode 2, but this might be the moment that truly opens the door on his criminal proceedings. Also, do NOT mess with Tuco's abuelita!
When the last episode ended, the skateboarders Jimmy hired to scam Betsy Kettleman were captured and hogtied by Tuco. Jimmy comes along to the rescue and the skateboarders point out he is the leader of the scam. The three of them are taken to the desert where Tuco is ready to exterminate them. Jimmy pleads for his life and only survives after Tuco's right-hand man, Nacho Varga (Michael Mando) sees through Jimmy. It also makes for a very painful ordeal for the skateboarders, but they all live to see the next day. Jimmy is now involved with Tuco and Nacho, whether he likes it or not. If he wants to live, he better move ahead with the embezzlement scheme.
The plot I mentioned describes the first half of the episode. The second half is a montage of Jimmy going back to his public defender work and his interactions with Chuck. Interesting note is that Chuck wears a space blanket every time he is contact with electronic devices. I also like how we see Jimmy tries to be a good person and that he wants what is best for Chuck, even if Chuck doesn't see it.
The acting remained phenomenal. Bob Odenkirk continues to destroy this role. His best acting moment came in the desert where he pretends to be an FBI agent, but has no idea about this assignment. His facial expressions when the skateboarders have their legs broken is masterful acting. I was so glad to see Tuco! He still has a way with words. I also want to give a shoutout to Michael Mando who plays Nacho, a series regular introduced in this episode. Mando is sharp, intelligent, and a guy you would not want as your enemy.
Overall, this is a tense episode that gets off the ground at high speed. The second half allows you to breathe, but the first half is some of the best television out there. I can't give enough credit to Michelle MacLaren. She directed some of the greatest Breaking Bad episodes, so it's no surprise we get a near perfect episode here.
My Grade: A+
