Better Call Saul: Ep. 208 Fifi
Whoever coined the term “All’s fair in love and war” should’ve added the word business somewhere in there. While doing so may have marred its poetic ring, the double dealing by several of the main players in Fifi proved that the rules of business and loyalty only go so far, particularly when self-preservation is involved.
Popsicle sticks and other tricks kick off Fifi, the latest installment of Better Call Saul and the episode begins with truck inspections at the US boarder. One that garners some attention is a Regalo Helado truck carrying more than ice cream and catches Mike’s eye as the episode progresses. Employing his skills as a policeman, Mike is on the trail of the Salamanca Cartel’s operations and these scenes make the viewer feel as though they’ve time traveled into a Breaking Bad episode.
The majority of Fifi dealt with the fallout from Kim’s decision to leave HHM. After a meeting with Jimmy to discuss her exit strategy, Kim puts her plans in motion and confronts Howard at the office. Her meeting with Howard takes some unexpected turns and goes smoother than expected.Their conversation sheds some new light on Howard and reveals some of the complexities behind what makes him tick. All is not as it seems though, and Howard’s calm demeanor hides the wheels churning in his head.
The realities of Kim’s defection hits Howard and he rushes over to Chuck to see if they can stop Mesa Verde from leaving their firm. Willing himself back into the game, Chuck decides to try to save the account by sitting in on the hastily arranged meeting himself. At the HHM office, Chuck is a nervous wreck as he waits for the meeting to start. That all changes once its time for him to make his pitch to save the account. Chuck throwing away his static resistant blanket reminded me of when James Brown used to shed his cape during concerts. The Godfather of HHM is back in business!
Fifi demonstrated the fine line between loyalty and self-preservation. Once the Mesa Verde account became an issue it set off a power struggle that threatened to cast a cloud over Jimmy and Kim’s new venture. The spider web of intrigue created by Kim’s departure pitted friend against friend and brother against brother as family, friendship and loyalty were thrown aside in bids to gain or retain power. Never one to take defeat lying down Jimmy’s attempt to balance the scales back in his favor also showcased how everyone is in the game for themselves.
The writing and acting on Better Call Saul are the hallmarks of the series and Bob Odenkirk continues to shine. Jimmy’s guerrilla film making exploits provided some comedy relief and showcased Odenkirk at his frenetic, fast talking best. The exchanges with the war vet and the film crew were delightful shades of the future Saul Goodman.
The various skills of all of the players involved were on full display in Fifi. Kim’s skill as a lawyer and her blossoming confidence, Howard’s cold hearted efficiency, Chuck’s mettle and resourcefulness and Jimmy’s con man ways all came into play. Despite all of their strengths, the episode also showcased their weaknesses. Like Fifi, nothing is quite as it seems on Better Call Saul and viewers wouldn’t have it any other way.
