After three seasons, this is now a show that feels like it's in uncharted territory. A lot of the threads that were spun during the first couple of seasons have now been wrapped up and we're waiting to find out what the next step for these characters are. It's clear that there's something for everyone to do in this new chapter of "Better Call Saul," but it's going to be really exciting to see what role it is they'll have and where it will lead. This opening felt like a great bridge and it started a lot of paths, a dangerous one for Jimmy specifically.
Minkie Spiro comes in to helm the episode, following her debut in the show last season, and she does a great job with the material, provided to her by Peter Gould. The opening flashforward was full of great tension and sets up another fascinating storyline for Gene Takavic, who isn't as safe in his new role as he thought he was. It leads directly into the main storyline and everything is in shambles. The aftermath of Chuck's death played out very well, and it was a nice touch that we never really saw what had happened to him. Jimmy is definitely going down a path that we know isn't going to end well, but he also seems to be burning a lot of bridges on that path already. Gould's writing wonderfully weaves all the stories together and goes in and out of the different narratives with ease, and Spiro visualizes them beautifully, giving us some truly amazing cinematic moments, including a montage with Mike that bordered on the excellently hilarious. They're also starting to play into the characters that we don't get to see in "Breaking Bad" and teasing their faiths, with both Howard and Nacho finding themselves at some serious points of contention in their respective storylines. It's still up in the air, but it feels like the writers are starting to plant the seeds for the inevitable finish. The show is staying consistent, but it feels like there's a definite change in attitude coming up, which I can't wait to see in full.
"Smoke" continues the tradition of having excellent premiere episodes, this time doing a wonderful job of bridging the gap between the old and new era. The characters are at a crossroad, but they all seem to be clear on the path, a lot of that is due to the brilliant writing provided by Peter Gould.
Minkie Spiro comes in to helm the episode, following her debut in the show last season, and she does a great job with the material, provided to her by Peter Gould. The opening flashforward was full of great tension and sets up another fascinating storyline for Gene Takavic, who isn't as safe in his new role as he thought he was. It leads directly into the main storyline and everything is in shambles. The aftermath of Chuck's death played out very well, and it was a nice touch that we never really saw what had happened to him. Jimmy is definitely going down a path that we know isn't going to end well, but he also seems to be burning a lot of bridges on that path already. Gould's writing wonderfully weaves all the stories together and goes in and out of the different narratives with ease, and Spiro visualizes them beautifully, giving us some truly amazing cinematic moments, including a montage with Mike that bordered on the excellently hilarious. They're also starting to play into the characters that we don't get to see in "Breaking Bad" and teasing their faiths, with both Howard and Nacho finding themselves at some serious points of contention in their respective storylines. It's still up in the air, but it feels like the writers are starting to plant the seeds for the inevitable finish. The show is staying consistent, but it feels like there's a definite change in attitude coming up, which I can't wait to see in full.
"Smoke" continues the tradition of having excellent premiere episodes, this time doing a wonderful job of bridging the gap between the old and new era. The characters are at a crossroad, but they all seem to be clear on the path, a lot of that is due to the brilliant writing provided by Peter Gould.