Better Call Saul: Ep. 307 Expenses
Expenses is a quirky episode with a comedic slant that mainly focuses on the struggles Jimmy goes through as he adjusts to life without his law license. Unable to rely on his salary as a lawyer, funds become an issue and Jimmy’s world slowly begins to crumble around him. The comedy is subtle and serves as a nice counter to some strong character development for Mike, a business proposition that adds some danger to the narrative and a tour de force finale scene featuring Bob Odenkirk.
Oh how the not so mighty have fallen. Forced to pick up garbage as part of his sentence, Jimmy tries to juggle his Saul Goodman production company duties along with his community service commitments. Unable to sweet-talk his way through his current predicament Jimmy also struggles to keep the commercials rolling in. With his law license suspended for a year money will be an issue for the foreseeable future.
Nacho pays a visit to Daniel with a curious request. Although Nacho’s proposition seems strange it comes with a large payday and some gentle nudging. Daniel runs to Mike for help as the gravity of Nacho’s request begins to sink in. Mike meanwhile is hard at work helping Stacey build the playground for her church. While there he reluctantly takes on some helpers, including Anita who at first blush holds some promise as someone that Mike may make a meaningful connection with.
During a meeting with Paige from Mesa Verde, the emotional toll that Kim has been under begins to show. Being praised for her work cross-examining Chuck strikes a nerve and a terse exchange begins when Paige questions some figures Kim has quoted. Kim’s swimming in regret and doubt begins to overwhelm her. While she willingly plays the sidekick to Jimmy’s mischievous side, what she lacks is his ability to run into the mayhem and walk away with a clean conscience. There’s a moral split beginning to emerge between them and as their fortunes take on different trajectories it will inevitably grow wider.
Mike and Nacho have a meeting of the minds over the deal with Daniel. Mike, ever the detective is onto Nacho’s true intentions but his agreement with Gus to keep Hector alive becomes a factor. Playing both sides to keep everyone safe and the situation stable, Mike’s wisdom not only gives Nacho pause but gives him an out if anything goes wrong.
The scene in the malpractice office is simply amazing. Everything that makes Better Call Saul so special is captured in those few minutes. Part therapy session, part classic Jimmy in survival mode Bob Odenkirk commands the screen and actually pulls the viewer in one direction before changing course abruptly. Sympathy melts into shock before exploding into awe as the screen fades to black. With everything he cherishes slipping through his fingers we may have seen the moment when Jimmy McGill begins his transformation into the Saul Goodman viewers first met on Breaking Bad.
