Better Call Saul: Ep. 305 Chicanery
Smoke and mirrors are the order of the day for everyone on Chicanery including the elder McGill, Chuck. This time Chuck’s reason for lying involves the return of his ex-wife Rebecca. In an effort to put on a good face for a visit arranged by Jimmy, Chuck remodels his house to what it looked like before they separated and hides his electrical affliction from her. Things appear to be going smoothly until Rebecca takes a call on her cell and Chuck begins to experience symptoms again.
Chicanery is an apt title for an episode where pride and lies go hand-in-hand.
Kim, fresh off a victory in court for Mesa Verde, decides to inform her clients that Chuck is bringing legal action against Jimmy for doctoring their documents. Kim’s disclosure puts Paige at ease somewhat as long as the brotherly squabble doesn’t sully their public name. Saving face also weighs on Howard. His concern centers on how his firm will look considering it was Chuck’s lapse in health that led to Jimmy accessing files that should have been housed at H.H.M. Undaunted, Chuck reassures Howard as he wants Jimmy to pay for his crime and be disbarred.
The hearing plays like a flashback of sorts as Kim builds a case in Jimmy’s defense. The details around the case are replayed and motives and emotions are laid bare as the tape is played in court. Chuck’s cross-examination brings his condition into the spotlight and his admission that he was exaggerating his symptoms on the tape to make a point opens the door for Jimmy. With the lights off and things looking their darkest, Jimmy pulls a rabbit out of his hat and brings Rebecca into the hearing. In another nod to Breaking Bad, Jimmy even receives a helpful nudge from an old/new friend to solidify his argument.
Rebecca is a pawn in the game being played by both brothers. Chuck remodeled his home in an attempt to look good in front of his ex while Jimmy uses her to expose Chuck’s lies. Jimmy’s cross-examination is classic Jimmy and his ability to tap dance in a corner and to use any means to win, regardless of the cost is on full display.
Chicanery is a tough episode to watch as it chronicles Chuck’s slow, painful deconstruction by Jimmy’s hand. For both McGill brothers their lifelong battle marked by envy and jealousy has sucked the people they care about into the fray. Whether it’s Kim, Rebecca or Howard their fraternal fracas has its fair share of victims. Preservation of the law or justice are just excuses for the McGill brothers to play out their sibling rivalry and to declare an ultimate winner.
