Better Call Saul: Ep. 309 Fall
Fall, the penultimate episode for Season 3 of Better Call Saul is aptly titled as it features several dips in fortune for many of the players on the show. Usually it’s Jimmy who occupies the Charlie Brown chair but in this instance the grief is spread out amongst the other characters.
Jimmy finds out how much the Sandpiper payout will be and begins to manipulate the plaintiffs in the case to force the payout. He pleads his case to Hamlin to no avail and soldiers on. Jimmy’s gambit to expedite the settlement so that he can get his money is manipulative and cruel. On the surface it’s not the worst thing Jimmy has done but the callous way he plays people’s emotions, particularly Irene’s, for his own benefit isn’t one of his finest moments.
Gus and Mike’s working relationship becomes a little more official when Mike agrees to take a job with Madrigal. For longtime fans of the show and Breaking Bad the company’s name should ring a bell as the German conglomerate that owned Los Pollos Hermanos. The opening scene also features a familiar face from Madrigal’s head office.
Chuck and Hamlin lock horns on how to proceed with the future of the firm, HHM. When Hamlin suggests that Chuck “hang up his spurs” due to his unpredictable decision making a wedge is thrust into their relationship. After some consideration, Chuck decides to sue the firm and his last ally has now become a potential enemy.
Kim meets Billy Gatwood, the person Kevin wanted her to meet and works out a potential solution to his tax issues. Things go as smoothly as possible until her car becomes stuck in some sand and eventually rolls away from her. Although this scene ends without incident, the car problems foreshadow the final moments of the episode when the weight of everything Kim’s been juggling this season crashes down on her.
Gus and Hector meet regarding the new transportation arrangement they are both using. The situation escalates Juan Bolsa states that their new shipping partnership will continue as is due to its resounding success. This new wrinkle throws Hector into a rage and his heart bears the brunt of it. Realizing that his plan has failed, Nacho resorts to plan B. He has a meeting with his dad and pleads with him to do nothing regarding Hector. The conversation, while civil doesn’t go as Nacho intended and his father kicks him out of the house.
As the screen fades to black on Fall almost everyone’s world is in turmoil. Even Jimmy’s victory is a hollow one as he’s forced to celebrate without Kim. It’s a solid set up for next week’s season finale and the final 50 minutes or so with some of the best characters on TV.
