Better Call Saul (TV Series) Nailed (2016) User Reviews

Beautifully nuanced and heart-wrenching to the extreme.

[TouchTheGarlicProduction · 10/10 · 11 April 2016]

Wow. What a fantastic penultimate. It doesn't have the sort of action-packed payoff that would satisfy the people who are disappointed with this season's slow pace. But it will blow away anyone who has enjoyed this season so far. The fact that I could see this episode's ending coming a mile off actually helped to raise the tension for me.

The last episode began and ended with scenes that didn't have much bearing on anything that happened in the rest of the episode. The brilliance of this episode's opening scene is that it brings in both the beginning and ending of the last episode, ties them together, and wraps them up.

Chuck deals with the fallout from Jimmy's devious scheming last episode. When we see the sheer impact of Jimmy's actions, it's hard not to feel bad for Chuck. That's what I love about this season; it takes the "surprise villain reveal" of last season and flips it on its head by justifying Chuck's actions and showing us Jimmy's lesser half. This was the climax of that, the moment when Jimmy has gone too far and there are consequences. In some ways, this arc is very similar to what Walter had to face with Jane at the end of Breaking Bad Season 2. And yet, this is far more powerful, because these are brothers. Their relationship is far more complex and established than that of Walt and Jane. The McGill brother relationship has been one of my favourite parts of this show.

The final scene is heart-wrenching to watch. Gilligan has done such a good job of making you understand and root for all the characters equally this season, so seeing what happens at the end of this episode is difficult and gut-wrenching.

This episode is a fantastic way to (nearly) cap off an admittedly slow but also brilliant and well-thought out season. It even has some wonderful parallels to the end of Breaking Bad's second season.

Most pitch perfect so far

[lucashammar · 10/10 · 12 April 2016]

Better Call Saul deliver us yet another breathtaking episode with drama, misery, and dilemma. The acting performance by Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, and Michael McKean in this episode was fantastic and beautiful. There has been a lot of drama in shows when it comes to brother issues and conflicts, and this one knows how to handle it. It also shows how you can see at life and wonder how far you can go and get what you want, without taking consequences. But what I do love the most is how the show is taking things and matter as realistic as possible to this world as we know it. As far as this show has been going, "Nailed" is so far the best. It's not about action, it's about atmosphere, temper, sense, and pitch. And this is one of the most pitch-perfect of all time. This is such an art that has to be witnessed by everyone. And that cliffhanger... that is how you make a perfect cliffhanger!

Spellbinding

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 22 May 2018]

For all his self-righteousness, Chuck deserves a slap in the face. The fact that he is mentally ill draws our sympathy, somewhat; but when he is lucid, he is cruel and mean. In the previous episode, Jimmie did some incredible forging of documents to get Kim her gigantic account back. She is a person who feels she must work with integrity, but all it has gotten her is betrayal from her bosses, Chuck included. Of course, when Chuck goes before the authorities to gain a permit for his clients, Jimmie's work destroys any immediate chance. Kim is back in the game. Great scene later with Jimmie and Kim, confronted by Chuck. She tells Chuck off, saying what we all have been thinking, but it does nothing to stop him from acting against his brother. In the other plot feature, we have Mike pulling off an amazing feat in the face of the cartel, but his actions have some dire consequences. Outstanding episode. Perhaps the best.

Best Episode of the Season so far

[pdo-18830 · 11 April 2016]

Excellent episode; the intensity between the characters has never been so high as it was tonight.

Last week we were left on a cliffhanger regarding Mike and a spiked hose; this week we find out exactly how intelligent his true purpose was (on the surface it seems much more straightforward than it actually is). Although watching that plan come to fruition was satisfying, the real highlight of this episode was the confrontation Chuck has after realizing Jimmy tampered with his Mesa Verde documents.

Chuck finally tastes defeat and he can't stand it, which might cause him to do drastic measures. Jimmy's loyalty to his brother is tested heavily in this episode. Despite the fact that Chuck is his brother, he also has been Jimmy's biggest obstacle since day 1.

In addition to this we were left on the biggest cliffhanger of the series thus far. I won't say much more but most people I know that saw this episode had their jaws on the floor near the end.

10/10, can't wait for the finale next week

Near perfect

[Leofwine_draca · 9/10 · 24 July 2021]

A really great episode of the show, definitely the highlight of this season. You get a series of brilliant set-pieces, all of which work wonderfully. Mike's plan comes to fruition, Chuck gets some much needed justice, and the climax with Jimmy at the photocopier shop is extremely well handled. On to the last...

Breaking Bad

[851222 · 10/10 · 11 December 2016]

Greetings from Lithuania.

Although i highly enjoy "Better Call Saul" as a stand alone series overall, "Nailed" was the closest episode of the entire show so far that reminded me of "Breaking Bad". Everything worked here on the highest caliber - perfect witting, story, acting, directing. 48 min. ran in a second - it was highly involving from the get go.

Overall, if you have enjoyed this series so far, "Nailed" is probably the best of second best of this series so far. Can't wait for the finale of season 2 - which overall was a great season. Maybe the story itself here is not the most important, but scene after scene it delivers good. Great show.

Do not pay attention, those looking for "exiting moments" don't care about the characters. And THEY ARE EXITING!

[patrickfile · 10/10 · 12 April 2016]

This must be the Top 3 TV Show right now.

The characters is it's most important value. Their fears, their mood, their beliefs and their goals.

It's beautifully orchestrated and the pace is just perfect. More fast or more slow would be odd and I'm just glad Vince maintains his way of directing the show.

Please, don't even hesitate on seeing this show. If you feel like the other square-mind poster than wrote a review here...well, then I feel sad for you.

If not, glad you support this piece of work!

Bringing back the team

[Genkinchan · 10/10 · 13 April 2022]

Michael McKean was memorable and distinguished in season 2 as Jimmy's brother Chuck...in season 2 we saw Jimmy tried to adapt to a new change.. a partner in A big law firm but felt all hands are tied in what is his usual practices..... but he still did it... we learn a lot about Saul background his family his past... on the other hand we have Mike's Story line... Hector came In too which such a delight...... Looking forward to the next season.

Stakes get higher

[TheFirst01 · 10/10 · 29 December 2019]

Explosive episode which is the best episode so far of BCS. Hard truths are revealed. Lives up to the title.

Tensest episode yet!!

[ramo140 · 10/10 · 18 January 2021]

The show is starting to get really really tense, I can't wait for what's next.

My top 5 so far

[raychan-53994 · 10/10 · 9 April 2020]

Up to s5 and this is still in my top 5 best bcs episodes.

Nailed

[lassegalsgaard · 10/10 · 16 July 2023]

A show that started as the simple origin story has turned into a heartbreaking story about brothers on opposite sides. Both of them are working in the same profession, but while one is following the law to the extreme, the other is happy with cutting corners. This will put a friction in that relationship which will ultimately lead to one of them becoming a notorious crime lawyer in Albuquerque. With this episode, the show officially embraces this storyline as the big thing for the near future, with both of them now going head-to-head in a fight that is seemingly about doing the right thing even if the wrong thing is easier. However, knowing the complexity of how the writers figure out everything that's happening in this show, that's not at all what the show is going to sell as the main reason for this friction. It's deeper than that, and the core of the resentment hasn't even been properly explored yet. It will, and it will be a truly heartbreaking journey for our lead protagonist who will be forced to make some choices that will shape the rest of both their lives. The spark has been lit and it has now exploded into a fight and the episode that it happens in is a true gem. It's a beautiful dissection of Chuck McGill's personal vendetta against his brother that goes beyond reason, although the audience knows that he is not only right about everything, but also that Jimmy will eventually embrace this image of him.

At the heart of Chuck is a very insecure person who has always felt like he came in second after Jimmy. He was never as funny as him. So he dedicated his life to a profession that he has now perfected. Or so he thinks. In this episode, Peter Gould perfectly showcases Chuck's inability to believe that he is wrong. He will go to the ends of the Earth to find proof of what he thinks is true. It's an immaculate portrayal of someone who is clearly very brilliant, but is worsened by his deepest fears and very stern ways.

And while Gould is brilliant in his depiction of the opposite, he is even more brilliant with his defense. Kim Wexler has slowly grown into a force of nature this season, but this episode finally shows her place in all of this. Despite her wishes to be a good and honest lawyer and not going Jimmy's way, she's also clearly willing to look past his methods; partly out of love, but also partly because really wants the Mesa Verde case. This partnership wasn't meant to be, but it can't go away because of the feelings that are entangled in it.

Gould's abilities as a creative person goes into the direction of the episode as well. Chuck's sensitivity to electricity has been shown frequently up until this point, but it has never been done to the horrific effects that it does here. The added bonus of the scenery is what makes it work as well as it does, but it felt like watching a horror film at times. Other than that, the show further proves that it has some of the most beautiful visuals on TV with every single image looking like something that belongs on the big screen or framed.

And it also has some of the best acting around. Bob Odenkirk does great stuff as usual, but Michael Kean and especially Rhea Seehorn really got some time to shine here. McKean plays Chuck with such authenticity that it's hard not to feel a little sympathetic towards him despite his obvious patronizing nature. And for Seehorn to simply walk into the ring with him and go head-to-head in a battle of big words is incredible and gives birth to one of the most memorable scenes of the entire show that still lives rent-free in my mind and probably always will.

"Nailed" is a beautiful dissection of the feud between Jimmy and Chuck and it takes it to a level with a very unpredictable end coming. It's the heart of a very emotional and satisfying episode that has some iconic moments and some of the season's best acting, especially during the confrontation scene at Chuck's house.

perfect episode

[kazamboli · 10/10 · 22 August 2022]

Great performances very good episode with a lot of action, note 10.

Chuck acted very well, I loved the way Jimmy and Chuck argued and Quin is speechless.

Rhea Seehorn deserved an Emmy for this episode

[ader-94847 · 9/10 · 13 May 2022]

What a fabulous episode - just like all of them

No detail is too small for Better Call Saul

Rhea Seehorn's speech to Chuck was epic - phenomenal and was Emmy worthy - the fact that she hasn't received an Emmy is a crime!

Mike is a stud - what an incredible actor - unbelievable

Saul is Saul!

No te metas con mi cucu!

[leonardomahecha · 10/10 · 14 May 2022]

The best song I've ever heard. It was so funny. Obviously, an outstanding episode. Photography and camera frames have been remarkable troughtout the TV Show.