Better Call Saul: Ep. 308 Slip
The events of Slip are like the moving pieces of a puzzle that are slowly being arranged to form a complete picture. Some moments from the past come back into view while other developments push the narrative into new directions. The episode begins with Mike combing using metal detectors. Working on a tip from Nacho his search eventually leads him to the dead body of the Good Samaritan Hector killed a few episodes ago. He then alerts the police to the discovery but keeps his identity a secret.
Chuck yearns for a return to normalcy as he contemplates engaging in activities that he enjoyed before his illness came upon him. However although medication has helped him see a light at the end of the tunnel fear creeps in when he comes to the realization that his head that his condition may all be in his head. The possibility that his entire ordeal may be a construct of his mind knocks him off balance and threatens to upset any chance of a real recovery.
Money continues to be an issue for Jimmy as he juggles community service and directing his commercials. It’s hard to take the con out of the con man and watching Jimmy’s verbal dance with the twins at the music store is fun to watch. After the legitimacy of his work is called into question the specter of free labor is realized when haggling over the price of the ads morphs into a threat of losing the gig at the music store altogether. Never one to go down without a fight, Jimmy takes advantage of a well-placed drumstick and a rolling camera to make his payday come to fruition.
Another meeting between Kim and Kevin and Paige from Mesa Verde becomes uncomfortable when Howard makes an unexpected appearance. Howard, still stinging from the courtroom defeat decides to belittle Kim in front of her clients throwing her off her game. The mind games are one-sided until Kim beats Howard at his own game before writing him a cheque to settle what he paid for her law school bills.
The tensest moments in Slip involve Nacho’s plan to stop Hector Salamanca from muscling in on his father’s business. Using the empty capsules he procured from Daniel last episode, Nacho is armed with tainted heart pills that he intends to swap with Hector’s legitimate meds. It’s a white-knuckle scene that proves Nacho’s fortitude, particularly when his turf is threatened.
Slip is an interesting look at how various characters on the show engage in turf wars. Whether they be small skirmishes with longtime rivals or internal struggles with personal demons the conflict on Better Call Saul, while subtle is some of the most engaging you’ll find anywhere on the small screen.
