This guest post from Kyle Peterson.
Saul Goodman made his welcome return to our screens earlier this year when Vince Gilligan’s ‘Breaking Bad’ spin-off series ‘Better Call Saul’ made its debut over on Netflix. The series which continues the story of one of the most popular characters to emerge from the hit AMC series takes us back in time a few years to see exactly how James McGill became the shyster lawyer of Walter White that we all know and love.
Even though the prequel show is just one season in critics, fans and the TV award givers themselves are already praising both the storylines and of course the performances both from stars Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks. There have been a number of memorable scenes in its first 10 episode run which saw Saul cross paths with a few recognisable faces from the ‘Breaking Bad’ universe. This included that of deranged criminal Tuco Salamanca as well as everyone’s favourite deadpan ex-cop Mike Ehrmantraut, who managed to get plenty of screen time throughout the series giving audiences some much need back story about the character.
It was in the seventh episode of the debut season that really grabbed attention and helped the show take a slightly darker route from its previously light-hearted antics. The episode entitled ‘Bingo’ saw Jimmy pass over the chance to work with the embezzling Kettlemans and save their illegally obtained $1.6 million horde. Thankfully Jimmy sees sense this time round and after some threats from the stubborn Betsy Kettleman decides to work them into an inescapable corner using Mike’s help.
The episode, however, was highlighted by a brilliant scene which involved Jimmy playing host at a bingo game being held at a local retirement home, thanks to his turn specialising in elder law. There’s been a great deal of online chatter and interpretations shared regarding the scene which appears to have plenty of significance both to the shows changing tone and the character development.
As the balls emerge from the machine the same row kept popping up which was noticeably eating at Jimmy, with some online fans commentating that the same thing keeps happening to him and that he can never win no matter how hard he tries. He then subtly snaps inside and goes into a beautifully expressed rant about some of his past escapades in front of the room filled with bemused elderly people. I guess if the players needed some more bingo action during the uncomfortable hiatus they could have hit up landmarkbingo.co.uk.
It’s certainly a scene that partnered with the rest of that weeks episode really does see a more vulnerable and truly unhappy Jimmy constantly fighting the world to actually get somewhere by legitimate and ethical means.