Alright, that's a bit hyperbolic. So far we are two episodes into the show and I am not sure if I would call it better than Breaking Bad. But this episode is miles ahead of the pilot. So far, I'm beginning to wonder if we should even call this show a "spin off" at all, because while that is indeed what it is, it's turning out to be something so much more. Last night had one half consisting of nothing but suspense thrust in your face, and a second half consisting of mesmerizing character development and well executed drama courtesy of Vince Gilligan. Of course, on Sunday night, the last we saw of Jimmy McGill was that he got held at gunpoint by terrifying drug dealer Tuco (if you remember how scary he was in Breaking Bad, you're in for a surprise- He's ten times more terrifying here!), and this episode picks up right where it left off
We discover that the old lady that the twins messed with was Tuco's grandmother, and Tuco keeps the twins captive in his house and simultaneously repeatedly threatens Jimmy. This leads to a beautifully tense scene in the Albuquerque desert that leads to the twins almost getting brutally tortured and slaughtered in the desert, but Jimmy manages to negotiate with Tuco and they get away with broken legs. Just this scene alone is enough to convince you that this show is not just another spin off. It's thanks to a mix of stunning cinematography, intense dialogue and incredible performances, and the eventual scene where the twins' legs are broken is intense and horrifying. Jimmy's facial expressions just sell the scene completely
After this and the brilliant moment where he can't even be on a date without thinking of said incident we get an incredibly compelling scene that furthers the relationship between him and his brother, where Saul is aware of his mental illness but doesn't want to tell him. Then we get to see a bit more of his lawyer skills and this is where the show's masterful editing is noticeable-showing how frenetic his life is
In short this was an absolutely excellent episode and proof that this spin off was a great idea. The writing is tight, the suspense hasn't died a bit and all the trademark Gilliganisms are there while the show still stands on its own. Cannot wait for next Monday
We discover that the old lady that the twins messed with was Tuco's grandmother, and Tuco keeps the twins captive in his house and simultaneously repeatedly threatens Jimmy. This leads to a beautifully tense scene in the Albuquerque desert that leads to the twins almost getting brutally tortured and slaughtered in the desert, but Jimmy manages to negotiate with Tuco and they get away with broken legs. Just this scene alone is enough to convince you that this show is not just another spin off. It's thanks to a mix of stunning cinematography, intense dialogue and incredible performances, and the eventual scene where the twins' legs are broken is intense and horrifying. Jimmy's facial expressions just sell the scene completely
After this and the brilliant moment where he can't even be on a date without thinking of said incident we get an incredibly compelling scene that furthers the relationship between him and his brother, where Saul is aware of his mental illness but doesn't want to tell him. Then we get to see a bit more of his lawyer skills and this is where the show's masterful editing is noticeable-showing how frenetic his life is
In short this was an absolutely excellent episode and proof that this spin off was a great idea. The writing is tight, the suspense hasn't died a bit and all the trademark Gilliganisms are there while the show still stands on its own. Cannot wait for next Monday