Better Call Saul Ep. 303 Sunk Costs
A curious game of cat and mouse has been on display since the end of last season and Sunk Costs quickly dispels any mystery that may have remained. After turning the tables on his pursuers, Mike became the hunter and used the bugged gas cap to track down the individuals who had him under surveillance. Out in the middle of nowhere he finds the bugged gas cap on the highway and this brings him face to face with none other than Gustavo Fring. For Breaking Bad fans this is a delicious moment as viewers are treated to the first meeting of two of the most important characters in the saga of both shows.
Watching Mike and Gustavo play off each other is great as the dialogue and subtle acting by Jonathan Banks and Giancarlo Esposito elevate the standoff above what could have been pedestrian fare. Gus’ breakdown of all of Mike’s actions and motives so far makes it clear that he’s a man in total control. Leaving no stone unturned he strips Mike bare without embarrassing him and then gives him a lifeline as a measure of respect for Mike’s talents and ambition. Mike on the other hand proves his mettle as well, never giving an inch and revealing that he has deduced more about Gus and his relationship with Hector Salamanca than expected.
The latest round of the battle between the McGill brothers finds Jimmy in the slammer. Chuck’s promise to press charges against Jimmy has become reality much to Kim’s dismay. Even more disconcerting is his insistence on defending himself in court. While Jimmy has often skirted the law the real damage continues to wreck is on his personal relationships. While defending himself may seem noble in his eyes, the decision to do so threatens to drive a wedge between he and Kim. With a Tammy Wynette song playing somewhere deep in Kim’s subconscious however, the prospect of Jimmy facing his latest challenge alone never comes to fruition.
The dynamics of conflict and the consequences of action drive the majority of Sunk Costs. Even though Chuck wants Jimmy to pay for his actions there’s a tinge of regret and perhaps even fear of what may happen to his brother if he’s found guilty. Unlikely allies, Gustavo and Mike join forces against a common enemy and begin working together to slowly tighten the noose around Hector Salamanca’s neck. A pair of dangling sneakers provides a nice bookend to Sunk Costs setting up some potential fireworks for episodes and providing an origin story of sorts for the Ehrmantraut/Fring partnership.
