Better Call Saul Ep. 304 Sabrosito
Sabrosito takes a short break from the Jimmy/Chuck storyline and focuses the majority of its running time on the inner workings of the Juarez cartel. Hector and Gus’ dueling egos get ample screen time as does Mike, everyone’s favorite jack-of-all-trades. Sabrosito is a pensive episode where the subtleties of relationships are explored and the repercussions of one’s actions can cause shockwaves years into the future.
Familiar faces and locations keep popping up on Better Call Saul and the opening shot of Don Eladio diving into the pool is a great callback to his final scene on Breaking Bad. Don Eladio (Steven Bauer) isn’t the only member of the familiar faces club to grace the screen in Sabrosito. Juan Bolsa (Javier Grajeda) is also along for the ride and once Hector Salamanca shows up the episode shifts into gear.
Hector and Gus’ rivalry is encapsulated in the competition between Los Pollos Hermanos and the Winking Greek. Taking a financial hit due to the drugs found on Hector’s trucks, Gus throws some shade Hector’s way and raises his own profile in the eyes of the Don. Hector seethes at being overshadowed by Gus and the seeds of hate between them continue to grow. Gus harbors an intense hate for the Don and Hector and it all began nearly two decades ago in the very same location. The Dons’ pool is the setting and is a throwback to the memorable Breaking Bad scene where Gus’s lover was murdered by the cartel.
Nacho finally reappears and helps to provide some muscle during Hector’s visit to Los Pollos Hermanos. Hector is in search of Gus and causes a minor scene when he requests a meeting with him. Hector wants to strong-arm Gus into having him bring Hector’s product north across the boarder. The standoff between the two is tense leaving Gus a little wounded but by no means in a weaker position than before.
Giancarlo Esposito commands every scene he’s in and he continues his masterful work in Sabrosito. Gus’ speech to his employees is an interesting look at the man. Even though he’s a seething vessel of controlled rage his speech to his employees and the way he treats them also highlights a compassion and tenderness that is surprising. It’s a part of him that’s been buried for a long time and perhaps offers a glimpse of what he could be if he wasn’t involved in crime. The manner in which he rallies the employees at the restaurant is a testament to his ability to read and manage people but when compared to his conversation with Mike it’s made clear that his compassionate side masks a searing thirst for revenge.
Mike reconnects with his daughter and granddaughter but their bonding time is interrupted somewhat as Mike is lost in thought. He’s arguably the most introspective of the characters in Sabrosito and his decision to go back on his deal with Gus proves he has some reservations about how he’s going to conduct business with him moving forward. Mike, due to Jimmy’s machinations, turns up at Chuck’s home to repair his damaged door. Mike’s use of the drill brings some comic relief to an episode that has some heavy undertones. As the drill whirls away Mike gets some information and takes pictures that he eventually brings back to Jimmy.
The Chuck/Jimmy conflict comes to a resolution of sorts as but even after apologies and money have changed hands there is the sense that animosity still lingers. Chuck still wants to make sure Jimmy gets a public shaming but Kim’s onto his game and has a plan of action of her own. The wheels of subterfuge are always turning on Better Call Saul. The trick for everyone involved is to not get caught underneath them.
