Better Call Saul 6x13 "Saul Gone" Analysis: The Name's McGill

[@larrybutler7084]

The shot of Jimmy looking at KIm while holding her hand steady to light the cigarette was devastating and reminded me of a shot from another great, tragic love story: when Rick was saying goodbye to Ilsa in Casablanca. I am feeling quite bereft now that BCS is finished. Thank you Courtney for this time together and enhancing the journey with your insightful analysis.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Yes! It was a love story after all and what better love story to pay homage to than Rick and Isa? You must remember this 🎵

[@ronburkett1243]

@@courtneysreviews438 Courtney, the similarity between Casablanca & BCS ending of starcrossed lovers is apropos, but Rick/Isla can't be together because the Nazis occupy 90 percent of Europe and are exterminating 'undesirables.' Jimmy and Kim are responsible for the assassination of innocent Howard. Why does EVERYONE love Jimmy? His whole life has left pain in its wake. Every time he 'slips' and sues insurance companies raise their rates on innocents. Identify theft is DEVASTATING. It takes years to resolve. His victims will feel immeasurable pain. The mall store shoplifting? After inventory the shrinkage will cause negative employee reviews, possibly termination. And after successfully getting a second chance, he can't help but return to the dark side. Fatherless children, widows, COUNTLESS lives ruined because of a criminal defense attorney returning truly guilty undesirables (Emilio) to the streets. And Francesca? She isn't being followed anymore because she will be charged with, at a minimum, destroying evidence. Oh, and that family didn't deserve their Alpine Shepherd Boy. He was lucky to only get 86 years, where he is now enjoying his celebrity as Saul Goodman (inmates and guards wouldn't call him Saul if he didn't want them to). He was an attorney at Davis & Main, but that life didn't have enough juice because the company car's cupholder was too small. Would you steal from your father while helping him with the family business, something his father loves as is proud of helping the community? AND, it's his negative influence that ruins Kim, just as Chuck knows calling Jimmy svengali. There is no redemption for Jimmy.

[@I_am_Junebug]

Courtney - it's now been 2 years since the finale aired. Two years! I came back here to rewatch & remember. This tells me that Saul is *not* gone and will always be a part of me. Thank you for your incredible & thought-provoking insights.

[@christheghostwriter]

Writer Peter Gould accomplished two amazing and seemingly-contradictory things: 1. Jimmy got the justice he deserved and also got a semblance of a happy ending 2. The show (and the entire Breaking Bad universe) reached a definitive conclusion while also allowing each viewer to imagine where the story could go from there Brilliant. Perfect.

[@courtneysreviews438]

👏👏👏

[@courtneysreviews438]

Re: Walt I'm surprised at the number of comments defending Walt's point-of-view. To clarify, I wasn't surprised that Walt cited this moment as his biggest regret because it is totally in line with his egomania. My point is that I find it grotesque that his biggest regret at this *exact moment* is Grey Matter especially considering everything that transpired in the previous 48 hours. To argue that Grey Matter was the origin of all his problems is akin to his twisted rationalization that he was robbed of his potential. Recall the "empire business" conversation he has with Jesse. He really thinks of himself as a victim ("artfully maneuvered.") 🙄 Don't forget that he had opportunity to go back to Grey Matter when Elliot offered him the job at his birthday party the beginning of the series. Walt could have made all the money he needed and gotten great health coverage had he taken that opportunity. Pride and ego got in the way and he decided he'd rather cook meth.

[@nataliaq6581]

The Walt apologists are so gross. I'd love to see your takes on Breaking Bad and school all the people who somehow still worship Walt. Walt in the last episode finally admits to Skyler that he did it (went into the meth empire business) because he wanted to.....He liked it..... He was good at it. Anyone who thinks he did what he did for money needs to go back and rewatch the series. Like you said of Jimmy in the desert with Mike, want of money was never the real issue and making millions certainly didn't solve either of their problems.

[@larrybutler7084]

Agreed, and I thought it was pretty freakin' rich of Walt to say, so, you've always been like this, to Saul. Take some of that money and buy a mirror Walt, you blind arrogant jerk.

[@courtneysreviews438]

@@nataliaq6581 I think walking away from his intellectual work/potential is a valid regret. I completely understand why he would regret leaving Grey Matter. My point was that I find it really twisted that this is what was on his mind at this exact moment in time. His actions led directly to the murder of his brother-in-law and so many others. You'd think those would be the regrets at the forefront of his mind. To me, it just speaks to his inability to take responsibility for his actions and he instead tells himself that none of this would have happened if only he hadn't left GM. Maybe. But maybe not.

[@kell_checks_in]

@@courtneysreviews438 And, in his mind, he's ultimately blaming Gretchen & Elliott for Hank's death and all the other tragedies from Day One. If he worked at it, he might even figure out a way to blame them for his cancer. "If I hadn't left GM, I never would have worked at that place with the crappy ventilation..." We get a pretty strong indication (among dozens) in BB 2.6 that Walt's not the most reliable plank on the boardwalk when Gretchen exclaims, "You left me..! That can't be the way you remember it!" If anything, it sounds like he left because of some romantic argument with Gretchen. Walt's constructing an elaborate fantasy to exonerate himself and also so he can indulge in all that yummy resentment.

[@nataliaq6581]

@@kell_checks_in THIS ^^^ I always thought the reason he walked was because of some falling out with Gretchen. He made up the narrative that he was pushed out and wronged because....you guessed it! Hurt pride and ego. Court said it already. His pride is his real problem.

[@MajorityFFA]

I take the scene where he calls the Cinnabon as an emphasis of how truly alone Gene is. he has no one else to call-no one in his life. Obviously this was before he came to the revelation that he is Saul Goodman, magic man esquire.

[@courtneysreviews438]

"Magic Man, Esq." 🥺❤

[@killerqueen873]

It was so fun being surrounded by friends and watching the finale together on Saturday and having u upload ur analysis right after is the icing on top

[@rhysjames9686]

I cried during the cold open! Then BAWLED in the last scene. I agree that the ending was perfect. Thank you, Courtney - you’ve been my most-trusted reviewer - BCS truly deserves this level of analysis - and I’ll be interested to see what you cover next

[@BenChanNYC]

Re: Kim, I like that they kept things vague with Cheryl's possible lawsuit. All she can do is take Kim's money, but as this show tells us, it's not about money. If having money doesn't equal happiness, having your money taken away doesn't equal being unhappy. Kim found herself again by volunteering - she's not builing a career or making money anyway, so it doesn't matter.

[@courtneysreviews438]

💯

[@meli20361]

I've really appreciated your insights on this last stretch of episodes. It's giving me the AP English class experience that I didn't know I was missing 😁

[@jonathanevans4179]

Perfect timing! Sunday morning watching for me. Thanks for all the fantastic , professorial reviews Courtney. You have been simply fantastic and very open to a new audience.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you so much!

[@BigHermAZ]

My first words, after the final scene and rolling of the credits, were; "I am totally happy with that ending". It's all I felt I could have asked for. I'm not a writer or creator so I'm usually fine with the material presented to me, but this universe was always so on point with their story telling that it made easy to watch and accept. The franchise also drove home the stark reality that, usually, everyone is their own worst enemy and a large portion of the chaos in a person's life is self generated. Just a wonderful story and I'll cherish it forever. Courtney, your passion for this universe was the reason this channel thrived so much in such a short time. Good luck to you in your future endeavors and BRAVO for a job well done!👍

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you, Paul! I, too, was completely satisfied. I wish Jimmy hadn't 86ed himself but I understand why he did it and I'm glad he went out on his own terms. I'm okay with the ending because had he gotten away with it/ gotten back together with Kim, it would be completely disingenuous to the story they've told. They ended it right ❤

[@BigHermAZ]

@@courtneysreviews438 As boring black & white boyfriend would say; "Yep.. "😁

[@RobinHerzig]

I like this take, People sometimes are their own worst enemy + their chaos too, often self generated. Nice

[@RobinHerzig]

@@courtneysreviews438 Jimmy went out on his own terms, as you're saying, reminds me of my own take on Walter's death

[@WildHeart7777]

The Saul withdrawal is definitely real. I love the life raft earring detail…definitely didn’t notice that. It’s been a week and I still can’t get the Dave porter score from their cigarette in jail scene out of my head. The finale was amazing but I’m left with this sense of sadness and longing…for Jimmy and kim but also for me in a post-bcs world. So, so devastated. Thank you for sharing all of your phenomenal insight with us ❤️❤️❤️

[@ApRiLLsRin]

my god I cried so much during the episode, the way Jimmy looked at Kim during the cigarette and every second of it. BCS is a love story after all and it was phenomenal. Also, thank you so much Courtney for you insight throughout the season. I'm very happy to see a woman doing these reviews and I've truly truly enjoy yours

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you!! I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one watching through an ocean of tears! It was a deeply moving ending ❤

[@tomrenjie]

Thank goodness! The thought of Kim being Sonya to Jimmys Raskolnikov was televised perfection.

[@screenwatcher949]

Absolutely adored your analysis when BCS was airing it’s final season, thank you, hope you’re doing well

[@joaokehl]

I watched the episode with Brazilian Portuguese subtitles and when his lawyer is announced at the end, the subtitles used the feminine word for lawyer (advogada) so I knew right there it was Kim. And that’s the moment I started sobbing uncontrollably and I never stopped until the end. What a finale!

[@courtneysreviews438]

Oh wow ok Closed Captioning narcas (conjugate *too* much?) Spoiler alert! Glad it didn't take anything away from you, though. As I said in the video, I think we all knew before we saw her. 🥺😭❤ The clip at the beginning of me is from the moment the camera pulls back to reveal Kim. I was sitting up in anticipation and then when we see her that's the moment I fell forward in tears 🤧😭

[@mellowgeekstudio]

@@courtneysreviews438 "narcas", lol, Nice callback!

[@sal8527]

I read the bus scene slightly differently. There’s that little rueful smile from Jimmy after they all are joined in their chorus singing Better Call Saul. And I read that rueful smile as Jimmy recognizing that may be Saul wasn’t all bad after all. As Chuck put it even those criminals deserve a vigorous defense. And for all his faults, Saul did give those criminals the most vigorous defense he could. And that’s why they respect him and have affection for him. So there’s a kind of throwing out the baby with the bathwater that happens if he completely rejects everything that Saul was. So I read this as him recognizing that there’s a little bit of Saul he wants to hang onto.

[@shannonturner2248]

The Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul universe is so amazing and it was made that much better with your analysis. Thank you so much!!

[@randywallen2051]

Found you halfway through the season and I am glad I did. You've done a wonderful job in service to the show and characters we've all come to love. Thanks so much for your efforts. In the universe of BCS commentary, I've connected with yours the most. Again, thank you.

[@lesliesgarden6798]

Amazing wrap-up! Thank you for unpacking the many moods of this finale and the thematic through lines. I did have a slightly different take on the moment when he sits down and says his name is “McGill, James McGill” - I noticed he didn’t say Jimmy. This caused me to think he wasn’t reverting back to Slippin’ Jimmy but rather was integrating his various personas into a more balanced, authentic person. That he recognized what was truly important to his soul (his relationships and his love for Kim) and that he could easily be seduced by greed and the thrill of the con. I remembered back to when Kim said they should use their powers for good. I could imagine him helping criminals in prison with their legal defenses with an eye toward true justice. Loved the show and your reviews! Thank you!

[@jennifermeyer704]

I thought the same thing about him re-taking his real name. He's no longer Slippin' Jimmy.

[@Cicelyize]

These are the best reviews of a series I have ever watched. And what a series! “Their love burns eternal” 😢 What a shame I didn’t find you earlier.

[@jmwild1]

I was already tearing up through multiple scenes, but yes the moment Jimmy reclaimed his name in the courtroom was when I audibly broke and didn't really stop even after the episode was over. The Chuck scene, the revelation of The Time Machine, Kim's reveal at the prison, the color flame, the recall of the finger guns, it all got me.

[@courtneysreviews438]

So good. They really stuck the landing. Expectations were crazy high so it is all the more remarkable they pulled it off this well.

[@jmwild1]

@@courtneysreviews438 I don't know that Vince and Peter planned from the beginning for this show to be a love story, but that's where it went (especially so from the beginning of season 2 on). Of course there's the Jimmy-Kim love story, but equally important and devastatingly complex was the love story of Jimmy and Chuck.

[@rkerlin]

Yes Courtney, a Perfect finale in every way. Thanks for sharing your love for this show with all of us. I am trying to visualize the number of tears that were shed all over the world during just this episode. We wish you could get a nickel for every one. Thanks again!

[@MaxiPetrone]

I love the fact that you kinda break when you we´re talking about the final scene! That sensitivity adds up to the already great analysis!

[@dancarpentieri7762]

I just started rewatching BCS, and immediately thought of you. And by golly, I really miss your reviews. 😢😒

[@kamcashman]

"Dammit-tall Ms.Courtney" ; your notification woke my arse-up.......now I gotta find my pencil & notepad to follow-along. Thanks alot for takeing the time; TMI kinda wish you personally found Saul sooner so-as-to have had of have had had helped me thru 2nd & 3seasons. Love from 🇨🇦 bro-!

[@courtneysreviews438]

Sorry I woke you! I've been watching since day 1 (was a BrBa fan when it was on air, too). Just didn't start the KZbin channel until this season.

[@jasonwistaff]

When Walter said that he’d go back to Grey Matter I didn’t think that it was only about the money. Back then he was young, in love with Gretchen and they were creating things to help make it a better world. His life was on a total different trajectory.

[@0biwan77]

Great job, Courtney. as always: sharply insightful from intriguing perspectives, but this time, appropriately, you’ve really outdone yourself. You make such a rewarding companion for these deep readings into the masterpiece work of BCS. Thank you; I’ll stay tuned to whatever is next for you.

[@casc0006]

Bread means sustenance. In the future, Jimmy will assist his community in nurturing and sustaining them.

[@JonLamboyMusic]

Courtney, you by far have had the greatest synopsis videos on BCS season 6. It has been quite a ride. I feel like I need a break from TV now, but if you decide to watch and cover another show, I will probably take part. Thanks so much for the wonderful analysis and for covering all the symbolism and imagery of Better Call Saul.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you! I need a break, too, and don't see myself taking on another series. Never say never, though. I'd like to move on to film analysis, but after a short break.

[@JonLamboyMusic]

@@courtneysreviews438 Breaks are good! It's hard to think that there would be a series as well done as Better Call Saul any time soon.

[@maryannschumacher1370]

That's the same Band-Aid box that he had as a kid that he used to hide in the ceiling with rare coins from his dad's store. So, not only does it have a sentimental meaning to Jimmy, but it's a continuation of when he used to take things from the store. It's like that was the very beginning of what would turn into slipping Jimmy then Saul.

[@RobinHerzig]

Yes this 🩹 The early origins of Slippin Jimmy

[@courtneysreviews438]

Yes, good point!

[@andrewmorgan4650]

Thank you Courtney you are the best of the Better call Saul reviewing bunch!

[@sourdeisel113]

such a brilliant breakdown of the show’s many deeply seeded themes, thanks for all of the awesome Saul coverage!

[@faithdomster5081]

So significant that Jimmy mentions Chuck, not just for himself, but also Kim. She wanted him to mention Chuck at his reinstatement hearing and he didn’t. Jimmy having the understanding, humility, and shame about his actions toward Chuck probably was also very important for Kim to hear to realize Jimmy had sincerely changed.

[@eleanorwittering3126]

Wow! Absolutely the most moving discussion on "Saul Gone" I've watech/viewed. I think I teared up more listening to your analysis and take on the Better Call Saul's finale than I did watching it (over and over). Though I didn't see everything you observed, I did see alot of what you express here, "in words". You're good, Courtney. And, thank you for your time, your time and effort in producing these reviews/breakdowns of Better Call Saul! ~~~~~~ I definitely did NOT see/or interpret the earrings the attorney in the Legal Aid office wore as a symble of a life preservers, I didn't even notice, nor Kim's hands when Jimmy signaled shooting/then estinguishig the gun shots with his breath. Courtney, you're a very keen observer--and, astute! I've learned so much from you! Thank you!

[@quietlike]

I like her analysis but i think sometimes she over analyzes and makes connections that aren’t really there. But good to think about

[@RobinHerzig]

Didn't see Kim's finger guns originally either, but several recappers caught it. Knowing now, I am mesmerized every time (repeated viewings) - but the life-preserver earrings 😯 that connection I definitely did not make at all!

[@djardine2520]

@@quietlike I get the same feedback from my students 😝. Of course, they’re also wrong 😂

[@eleanorwittering3126]

@@quietlike I love Courtney's "over analyzing"! She teaches at University level in something to do with literature, so she has to have a Ph.D. in some field in the literature arts. She's very bright and intelligent. I respect her ability, based on her years of study, education, possibly Graduate Level Instruction and keen interest in the subject matter.

[@quietlike]

@@eleanorwittering3126 so do I. Nothing against her, but I do wonder if all of it is actually there. Some of it seems like a stretch. Id love to see a reaction video to her analysis from the writers

[@a2dsouza]

Another fun possible easter egg: the restaurant that Kim's friend asks her about is called Topkapi. I think this is another classic film reference, to a movie called Topkapi from 1964, in which a woman plots a heist of a precious emerald-encrusted dagger from Topkapi palace with her ex-lover as her accomplice. Kim's friend asking her what she thinks of this and Kim being unable to offer a definitive opinion seems pointed, to say the least. Love your reviews, Courtney! From the moment I heard you say "The Cask of Amonti-Lalo," I knew your work would be amazing.

[@dancarpentieri7762]

Saying I'll miss these breakdowns is the understatement of the century. 😭 Thank you so much for making the best show of all time, even better! You have a lifetime supporter (of your channel) right here. Until next time... ❤ ☺

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thanks, Dan! ❤❤❤

[@caseyhart4999]

Excellent analysis of this perfect finale Courtney thank you. I only wish we had your channel for the entire run of the show.

[@smoker-ku1er]

Thank you for all of your BCS reviews and analysis Courtney, they helped me appreciate the show and all the characters even more because I am not a very analytical guy I'm far more impolsive so thank you very much, hope you do house of the dragon next.

[@BradDanyluk]

Nice night to be suddenly hit with insomnia. As others are saying, thanks for making these, between you, and the fantastic comment sections on your videos, I learned so much about this series and universe and helped me watch with a more discerning eye. So yeah, shout out you and all the commenters for helping to make this an even more fun show to follow along with.

[@chumley307]

Courtney, your analysis of this series has been just phenomenal. You have a real gift for this sort of thing. I look forward to whatever series you comment on next. Thank you for your insight.

[@jamesgraham6552]

Gene calling Cinnabon to tell them that he wasn't going to be into work and that they would have to draw up the schedule themselves that day from jail reminded me of Gus' call to Lyle to tell him the same thing after being shot in the final confrontation with Lalo.

[@EM-zi1eo]

Thank you for another wonderful review. One point of difference is that in my reading of the situation, WW is obsessed with Gray Matter not only because he lost his opportunity to be a recognized scientist and a very rich entrepreneur, but also because he lost his chosen mate, Gretchen. WW was not ignoring what had happened, but as a scientist went to the basis of the problem right away (not like Mike who had to stop to the lost of his only son and then go to the basis of the problem). For WW, this is where his life changed. This is where the resentment started to build, this is why he did not accept the lifeline offered to him by Elliott at the party, and this is why he took the road that resulted in everything else. By the way, you mentioned the M in the path and M is a W upside down. Thank you again for all the videos!

[@casc0006]

I think it was very telling of WW when he spoke of Grey matter, that was his only regret. Not that his BIL died, with his partner, another up and coming chemist, and the list keeps going. How many lives did WW wreck in his wake? How many people died of drug overdoses, etc. then Jimmy turns to WW and says we could have brought them to court. And WW response is that Jimmy was. Clown of a lawyer. Then I thought about WW did not do this for the $$$$. He did it to have all the world come to his feet and say his name. WW was evil.

[@waltsfriend]

I am so glad you joined Pete Peppers live streams. I might not have seen your content otherwise, and I really enjoyed your breakdowns which often had a different perspective. My theory about Gene's phone call to Cinnabon is that it shows how alone he is in Omaha. Gene really has nobody to call when he is in trouble. Since he has a phone call anyway, he might as well let the people he works with that they won't be seeing him again. It is not so much showing that he is conscientious as a reflection of his hollow life.

[@0biwan77]

Disagree. Calling Cinnabon is the first step of taking responsibility for his place in the network of humanity. And the first time he didn’t just run out on his obligations. As hollow as his life may be, just running out on Cinnabon would show right off that his transformation was incomplete.

[@bmoneyrancidfan91]

Your reviews make the show 10x better .I would of never thought of all the great metaphor and meanings

[@victorsullivan9107]

Uno premiered on Feb 8, 2015. Saul's Gone premiered on August 16, 2022. Fans of Better Call Saul had to wait 7.5 years to see how it all turned out.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Oooh nice catch.

[@stevebobjd4751]

I really like how deep you go with your reviews, including this one. The symbolism, emotions, story progression, character development, etc. Gives me an even better appreciation of the show.

[@ahmadroshdy1]

Thank you Courtney, we will really miss your insightful reviews!

[@pannetonalex]

Wish I had found your channel years ago! One of the best parts of the back half of season 6 was listening to your analysis each week!

[@M_Baker9ersFan]

What really hit me with both serious is that we don’t make decisions in a vacuum. Every decision we make affects those around in both good and bad ways.

[@ronburkett1243]

Great review! "What would you do if you had a time machine?". H.G. Wells reminds his readers, we ALL have time machines; our memories

[@daveallott3467]

Sauls not gone yet, not until I get to the end of this video. Thanks for all the analysis 👍

[@courtneysreviews438]

Saul's not finished until Dave Allott says it's finished! 😉

[@ChoochContrino]

I’ve been waiting for your deep dive! Thanks

[@swiberk]

courtney, thank you for your excellent coverage of this incredible show! finale wasn't a Soprano's "Made in America", but it was done very well! Thanks again!

[@osianthomas4105]

It took me a rewatch to really "get" this finale, but after some discussion and thinking it really is a perfect ending. On first watch the Mike, Walt and Chuck flashbacks make me feel an emotion I never knew I had lmao, but nothing else quite stuck in. It was a finale that left me in total disbelief and denial by the end, not tears or anger 🙁 I'm also glad they took a completely different route compared to Felina.

[@raydavison4288]

Great breakdown, Courtney. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@ChristmasKathy]

This is a wonderful video/ analysis. Thank you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😀👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@gregnelson4722]

This was a great series of videos. I feel I’ve been auditing a Master Class.

[@maryannschumacher1370]

Also about his first call to Cinnabon -- if you noticed, he hesitated before calling because really he HAD no one to call to help him...

[@dreadelectric7745]

Courtney! No thanks necessary! Your unique perspectives on BCS make your videos unmissable! THANK YOU! 🙏🏿

[@courtneysreviews438]

❤❤❤

[@84Actionjack]

Excellent! You pointed out so much of the writers' work that for me went unnoticed; pearls before swine. Thanks.

[@alejandroangarita79]

Dear Courtney First of all, I want to thank you for all the sharp and poetic content you have created around the BCS universe. Within the tradition of art´s critique, I consider your work a fundamental piece for the debate and understanding of the narratives and aesthetics of post modern society, elements masterfully developed thru the TV series. My final comment on the series, centers on the motifs behind the character’s choices, not so much into the morality of their actions. Jimmy McGill had an amazing power. The sum of his background in face to face scams and the knowledge given by the academic study of the law, gave Jimmy the chance of developing a paradoxical super power: to use the law against the law. And so he did, and in the process, became the last hope for those, juridically speaking, deasured. That is why my argument involves no moral judgement, but focuses on the power he developed, with all the bad and good actions derived from it. Saul Goodman, The Joker dressed Uberlawyer, appeared in the form of a flamboyant, colorful and defiant figure, ready to fight and profit for and from anyone who asked, literally anyone. And so he reminded me of the Joker, the one who uses jokes and tricks to twist the sense of reality, to scape, to defeat the opponent. So Saul, in appearance, was no weak man. But he was. He had a Lord who commanded his actions, as he conceded to good hearted Huell, when he asked why he was indulging in such actions, in regards to Howard´s car key copying, and he replied he was only following The Lord´s wishes. We can argue that the response was nothing but an easy way out to an uncomfortable but legit question, or, try to get deeper into a possible hypothesis. Whose wishes was Jimmy fulfilling with all this Howard project? We all know who. And this was not an isolated case, but indeed a recurrent theme throughout the story. Kim did, and Jimmy followed. She gets a degree in law, he does so. She tells him to take a corporative post, he tries. She defined the aesthetics of Saul Goodman, so he materialized it, just to mention a few. Once his Idol Chuck died as a result of his own powers, his need to please someone, to be recognized as smart and competent turned into goddess Kim, who had fun with him until it was fun, then, smart as always, left and move on into another dimension, not without a broken soul. The finale showed not different trend in Jimmy´s behavior: once he knew Kim confessed the truth about Howard´s death, he then sacrificed the master work of his career, the seven years sentence, just to do as Kim did and explicitly asked him to do, just to please her and get in return the little smile Kim outlined, and that will pay for the 79 years added to his sentence. After I started to develop this hypothesis, my feelings for Jimmy started to mutate. The idea of someone quitting his powers in the name of someone else’s approval, made me feel that his motivations were far beyond money, contrary to what he insisted openly in front of the big bad guys of the series, but more into the search of post modern man most wanted ambition: to walk towards where admiration is. Not incompatible with love.

[@BenChanNYC]

Great video as always, Courtney - amazing insights! looking forward to see what else you have coming up! (especially more character profiles as I believe you had stated you were working on)

[@monsieurlefrog8706]

i just thought of a thing about the scene of kim in the crosshairs, it reminds me of the scene where skyler drives to the border of the 4 states, the coin skyler flipped landed in colorado which from her perspective is the top right where kims head is, perhaps this is a reference that kim did manage to get away before things got worse whereas skyler was trapped despite the universe telling her to leave

[@devonbryant839]

Fantastic breakdown as always of a really pitch perfect finale. I agree with everything you say here, they stayed true to the characters from the start to the finish of the show, and the clarity and economy with which they peppered in so many references and callbacks in this finale, all of them purely employed to tell the story of Jimmy's emotions in this final chapter of Saul, was definitely overwhelming. In a good way. I'm sorry, there's just something in my eye, and it is tears. The flashbacks were all wonderful, especially the Chuck one, they really underlined the unhealthy cycle Jimmy became stuck in: wandering through various emotional deserts with a succession of older men from whom he desperately needs, but will not get, their love and respect (Mike comes closest of these three to genuinely caring about Jimmy, but even he has a pretty low tolerance for Saul). With this episode's climactic court scene purposefully echoing the one in which Jimmy manipulated the board to get his license reinstated, I really felt the weight of those wasted years in between. In that scene he had made "suckers" of the board, and of Kim, and obliviously rushed directly into becoming the first official version of Saul. Just think if he had had the ability or inclination to really mean the things he said about Chuck that day, what kind of pain and suffering might have been avoided. That he got there in the end is a real gift from this show, he ends up whole. He gave up his freedom to save his soul and win back the respect of the love of his life. There is no chance this is the last time they see each other. And personally, I don't think he'll die in there either. They're a very powerful team when they set their mind to a task, and I actually think they've learned their lesson about shortcuts and loopholes. They certainly will have anyway, by the time he gets out of there. And I'm not certain they'll ever be a couple again exactly, in a relationship sense, but then again labels never really mattered to them in the first place.

[@jonathanevans4179]

My two cents on the prison call and the importance about his character. The first call Gene/Jimmy makes to Cinnabon to check the rota and to say they need a new messenger seems surprising at first (it doesn't seem to matter now does it?). I believe it tells us a lot about his ultimate character. Beneath the mask there has also been some genuine care there. Even in the Breaking Bad Saul days he had some brief moments of 'Jimmy' with Jesse and Andrea primarily. Some I have seen compare this moment to Gus calling Lyle at Los Pollos after he was injured killing Lalo. But for Gus this was about continuity and keeping up the facade. Zero feeling behind it (or empathy), illustrated more for us by the last scene we see with Gus in 0609. Gus is fixed ultimately on revenge to his eventual demise as we know. Gene/Jimmy had no one else to call straight away, perhaps, but he did still have feelings at his core for his employees at Cinnabon. We've seen he is still a people person and always will be his strength. LIttle snippets we have seen (cold opens seasons 1 to 3 and in Nippy) show his employees love him!

[@0biwan77]

Very well-observed. If Jimmy had ignored calling Cinnabon, it would have indicated that he still was not wholly with it. Consideration for others is exactly what Saul was missing. How apropos that he shows it with the first action of his new life.

[@SdH76zhEU]

@@0biwan77 I wonder if the Authoritys would ever wanna know how he came to be Gene Takovic the Cinnabon-Manager, with a Social security-Nr... I doubt he would have sold out Ed.. However its one of the many Questions we're gonna have to speculate about..

[@jonathanevans4179]

@@SdH76zhEU that's an interesting question. I think yes they would try to investigate this (perhaps later) but not sure how far they would get. I watched El Camino again last night and was reminded how cautious Ed is with his clients. He made Mr Driscoll (Jesse) repeat key details of his new life, like social security number and parents jobs etc. Sure he did the same for Walt and Saul when they go vacuumed through him. I'm sure there is an ability to trace those names etc if they look in enough depth. They must be based on real life deceased people etc to make these back stories believable and water tight with the authorities.

[@jonathanevans4179]

@@0biwan77 yes! In some ways it is the first sign. Jimmy was an emotional character without letting these come to the fore before the end of the finale.

[@sanpuru1969]

Definitely. It always stood out how Jimmy knew, and would greet, the janitor at HHM, as well as how he bothered to remember the details of, and people included in, Miss Strauss's will after she died.

[@allisonwhisler4149]

Thank you for all you did for this show. You helped me see it in so many different ways.

[@LittleVeganTempest]

You're the BEST Courtney! I am sad that BCS is over for many reasons, and one of them is that we wont any longer get your reviews :(

[@reganharrington6849]

Your videos have taught me so much about how to pay attention to details - for instance, when she was volunteering in the legal aid office & got a call from Suzanne Erickson warning her that Saul had betrayed her, Kim doubled over as though she had been punched in the stomach. Right then we saw the reflection of a passing truck in the window that seemed to hit her. After watching your videos I don't think it was a coincidence! Thank you so much for your compassionate critiques - I hope there are many more to come!!

[@m.edisonhatt9136]

You have some of the most insightful commentary about this show! Thank you!

[@kevinmoore4237]

As always, you've *vastly* enhanced my enjoyment and understanding of the episode, the show, and the art of storytelling. Mil gracias. I'll be checking my subscription notifications in hopes of hearing about your next set of reviews. Meanwhile I'm up to the ATM machine episode of my BrBa in my "Saul withdrawal" therapy, and I have to say that G&G weren't exaggerating when they predicted that we'd see that show in a very different light after finishing BCS.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you, Kevin. Enjoy your BrBa rewatch! I can't wait to rewatch both series and see how differently I view them. I went back to watch a few scenes from both shows for the breakdown and a couple times got distracted and ended up watching whole episodes lol. Hard to stop once you start.

[@muchmusicclips5299]

@@courtneysreviews438 ​ Each week I looked forward to the two-part experience: the show and your posting. Perfectly spaced to allow me time to rewatch and to process the episode before being blown away by your deep and detailed analysis. You always helped take my perception and appreciation to another level. Thank you for your insightful and articulate reviews. It’s a double cold turkey withdrawal. Tomorrow’s Monday. It’s not showtime. 😢 Like many fans, I will rewatch both series. Still trying to decide in which order. What do you think? This is the end of the storyline and character arcs.

[@courtneysreviews438]

@@muchmusicclips5299 aww thanks! I was thinking it might be cool to watch chronologically: BCS up to 609 BrBa El Camino The Gene cold opens from BCS S1-5 BCS 610-613.

[@muchmusicclips5299]

@@courtneysreviews438 That is brilliant, Courtney! Wouldn’t have thought of that. It is possible to watch chronologically and still end at the real end.

[@hawyadoin1175]

I’m going to miss your weekly analysis as much as I’m going to miss the show. I still can’t believe it’s all over.

[@MONSTACHALUPA]

The fact that walt doesn't seem to regret anything other than the gray matter business suggests that he doesn't think that anything bad that happened recently in his life is his responsibility because to regret is to have responsibility and his ego cannot bear the thought of that. He is saying that his only regret is that he did not assert his importance enough, which is quintessentially him in all episodes except for fly where he's too drugged up for his narcissistic defenses to protect him

[@garth-vb]

This is a brilliant analysis, as always, Courtney! You've connected so many dots for us -- Oakley dropping his papers, the bang bang on the bus and more Also, your comparison of his scenes with Chuck, Walt and Mike (all ghosts at that point) to the visits from three ghosts in A Christmas Carol was an excellent insight, too! Thanks for all your superb commentaries on the series, which have been a real bonus for all us BCS stans.

[@evahartmann7749]

Your observations and thoughts are just incredibly good. Thanks a lot for this!

[@beverleygray4219]

The finale episode shows at the end of the day no matter what jimmy is a good guy n hes more a man than walt gus or mike ever were n he stood n took it like a boss he didnt runaway like Jesse. Jimmy mcgill is the real hero of this universe. Jimmy even gives marie closure

[@haadnaqvi1323]

Walter White’s regret was far back enough that I think he interprets he would never have caused issues for his family if that was squared away.

[@TanmaiKhanna]

"Let justice be done though the heavens fall" A lot of people have interpreted his whole monologue about being the one responsible for the success of Walter White as a Saul Goodman-esque hubris, but the truth is that Saul knew that he supported them but was certainly not the only reason why all of this happened - a lot of it happened over his express wishes actually. But the more I think about it, in terms of ideas of regret, of changing your path - I like your idea of it having to do a lot with the widows sitting in the audience. White got away in one way and Jesse got away in another way, no one really got real justice for their crimes, so I see this moment as Jimmy accepting it all and almost saying "Do your worst". He makes it clear that without his involvement Hank and Gomez would be alive, and Chuck and Howard as well. He makes it so that the worst punishment that they gave to him today won't just be atonement for himself but for everyone who suffered these past few years, Jimmy's punishment can act as catharsis for that. In that way, justice is done, though the heavens fall right on Jimmy's head.

[@presentfuture7563]

I love that in the home security footage you use the universal hand gesture for "I'm getting all verklempt, talk amongst yourselves."

[@josephsoto9933]

I'm glad that others felt the same as I in regards to the smoking scene. The manner in which Jimmie kept his eyes on her was wonderful. He hadn't been this close to her in over 6 years. He life was "soulless" but now he is redeemed knowing that Kim truly cares about him. Because think about it.....he was living a crappy existence, walking around "dead" for 6 years. I have regrets also....like why did I find your channel just 2 months ago??? What a shame...my loss. Thank you.

[@BenChanNYC]

I had mentioned before the finale that NIN line from Hurt, "If I could start again/ a million miles away/ I would keep myself/ I would find a way." I think is one of the themes of the show, highlighted by the flashbacks. (and Jimmy ultimately reclaiming his name) Those are the paths, as the show been about accepting responsibility for your actions to save your soul. Mike outlined a path by connecting two points in time - the death of his son and when he took his first bribe. I think Mike acknowledges that his big regret is not nec the death of his son, (in terms of his culpability, *his* actions) he says, "I broke my boy" - he doesn't say "I got my boy killed," which I think is an important distinction in this show. However, as we see later, Mike doesn't properly atone - choosing the path of vengeance instead, while deluding himself that he was "doing it for his family" or "justice." Some of his last words were berating Walt for ruining "a good thing" they had with Gus. Mike doubling-down on the path that started with Gus is what damns him. Walt, of course doesn't take responsibility and blames his former partners. His answer mirrors Jimmy's about money, and how if he'd stayed with Grey Matter, he'd be rich and on a different path. Of course his family fell apart and Hank died, but in terms of *his* actions, I think his regret is Jesse. (most likely, choosing to not save Jane) The watch that Jesse gave him looms large in frame for that beat, and we hear it ticking, just as that Exit sign loomed large in frame with the sound of buzzing. Walt's choice there danmned him and at that point, he wasn't ready to atone.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Yessss. I have mentioned this to someone (idk it was you or not) but NIN is my favorite group of all time. Kinda want to make a Hurt music video tribute 🥺

[@BenChanNYC]

@@courtneysreviews438 Yes, that was me - when I mentioned that line before. I honestly would never have guessed that's your favorite band. Good to know. 🙂

[@JDubbs921]

Thank you, Courtney!!! You are a treasure. I hope to see more reviews for other tv shows or movies in the future. Nothing will compare to the ride we were on for 6 seasons. I’ll always support you. 🥂

[@kevinwesterlund1495]

Thanks Courtney. Another great review/analysis. For me, the main thing that wasn’t resolved was the significance of the Isotopes air freshener and how it seemed (to me at least) to connect Kim and Jeff. I now think that it was never intended to tie the two characters together, but was instead meant to make viewers consider what isotopes are. They’re variations of chemical elements that are fundamentally the same at their core, but exhibit different characteristics. Florida Kim was an isotope of ABQ Kim. Cartel Gus was an isotope of Pollos Hermanos Gus. Tough guy Mike was an isotope of Kayley’s Grandfather Mike. Jimmy had two isotopes, both of which were radioactive.

[@mshonle]

What about the restaurant Kim’s sprinkler company coworkers mention? It must’ve been a creative choice for the restaurant to be named “Topkapi”, the name of an old heist movie that surely she watched with Jimmy.

[@63rambler66]

For me the slip and fall regret was a set up to expect to hear about a head/brain injury -something that can change a person into more of a sociopath, or criminal. This was how I understood Walt’s response.

[@timkirsten6184]

I've watched so many videos about the finale this week and you somehow find things I and all the other commentators missed. Love your analysis and insights

[@miked9707]

You made me double take when you added your Kim & Walt dolls in last part of the clip. I had to remind to see if they were there tne whole time or not. Great video. Great breakdown. Thank you.

[@clarkesuperman]

One scene not being talked about enough is the final scene of Jimmy and Chuck before Chuck dies - when he tells Jimmy he never cared all that much about him. 1) It’s where Chuck and Jimmy talk about regret. Jimmy tells Chuck he has regrets but Chuck shuts him down and essentially tells him to go be Saul. This really is roots on where Jimmy begins to bury his regrets. 2) When Jimmy is standing there heartbroken and speechless, Chuck fiddles with papers. This is exactly how Saul acted when Kim was signing the divorce papers. 3) Guilt comes full circle for Jimmy. In the finale, it flashes back to the pre-pilot where Jimmy realizes his regret is not to stay and talk. Later on, when Jimmy realizes this and tries to talk with Chuck (in the scene where Chuck is “better”) Chuck absolutely crushes him and essentially causes Jimmy to flee from his guilt into the Saul persona. Only in the finale after trying to win back Kim he realizes his regrets once again.

[@ronburkett1243]

As I mentioned before, Saul uses his time machine, his VCR, to watch his commercials.

[@philvong8273]

been watching your analysis videos on BCS for a while now Courtney and like the show itself, I'm gonna really miss these! Your breakdowns are always in-depth and entertaining! One of my fave BCS commentators for sure

[@seanluby]

Excellent as always Courtney! My Monday evenings are ruined now without BCS. I interpreted the river in the midst of that dry landscape as the chasm between Jimmy & Kim. Water also erodes and creates the canyons and fissures in the landscape.

[@artproper7865]

You're the best Saul analyzer on KZbin by far, thanks for all the great vids! Your reading is so true to the characters and shows an incredible ability to keep the larger picture in mind while working through the minutiae. Loved watching these after each ep.

[@BenChanNYC]

2 random details and overanalysis: 1) The PVC piece that Walt takes out and starts using to bang on the water heater looks just like one of the pipe fittings on the giant poster of pipe fittings on Kim's wall in her office. 2) Interesting that Chuck told Jimmy he could change his path, while Walt told Saul to stay in his lane. (bad-choice roads being a recurring theme)

[@Yan_Alkovic]

About the Walt scene: At 20:54 you seem confused that Walt would regret leaving Grey Matter, when it's pretty obvious to me that Walt sees that as the pivotal point, the bifurcation that lead him to that basement. Had he stayed in the company he would not have needed to get into the meth business and NONE of that would've happened. Also as a science buff I appreciate Walt invoking the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics but time travel doesn't actually contradict it. The 2nd Law says that you can't _wind back_ time, doesn't say you can't travel to the past.

[@EverSinceMyExorcism]

I came to the comments section to address the Grey Matter issue too but you nailed my thoughts in your comment.

[@MC-810]

Same, came to address WW! Though the truly bad didn’t didn’t happen immediately, leaving Gray Matter put WW on Bad Choice Road.

[@Yan_Alkovic]

@@MC-810 precisely

[@Yan_Alkovic]

@@EverSinceMyExorcism I imagine a lot of people did :P No offense to Courtney she’s lovely and this was just one teensy nit-pick in a wonderful heartfelt review

[@BenChanNYC]

I can't speak for Courtney, but I had a similar reaction to Walt's answer. It's not that he's not right. Of course none of this would have happened if he hadn't left Grey Matter, but his response showed no sign of self-awareness and NO sign of taking responsibility for his bad choices.(a big theme for this show) He deludes himself by saying he "stepped away like a gentleman" then blames them for manipulating him. With all the horrible things Walt did, that answer showed his inability to address his sins.(especially since the camera was pointing out the watch Jesse gave him)

[@slothDAMN]

Thank you, Courtney.

[@michiganjack1337]

The Jimmy water connection reminded me of when we first see Jimmy in season 1 he’s in a empty pool with the skateboarders. You know your stuff. I completely wept been following this franchise since 2008 - crazy to think about that.

[@mattrichardson4329]

Beautiful, Courtney. 👏👏👏

[@cecillegravelle2590]

Yes. I noticed all what you mentioned.. and all I can say is how this BB, BCS ,and EL CAMINO UNIVERSE has sure taught me how to pay attention to EVERYTHING shown. OR SAID.. all other tv shows will NEVER compare to this.. BRAVO to you COURTNEY for such great reviews over the past few months. Worded in such a perfect way.

[@deanmaxbrooks]

Absolutely loved the finale. Even though a part of me was hoping Saul would somehow beat the rap and reunite with Kim, it was far better that he proved everyone wrong, and showed he could change and take responsibility, and become Jimmy again. It was so awesome to see Saul run rings around the government lawyers, and create a seven year deal for himself out of nothing. It was like watching Batman take on some low-level henchmen. It showed how brilliant of a lawyer and talker he really was--maybe even better than Chuck. What could they have accomplished together had they been able to get along? Saul's confession in the end actually reminded me of the ending of Flight, starring Denzel Washington as an alcoholic pilot, when he finally confesses that he was drunk while flying, when he could have easily avoided taking the fall. The admission lands him in prison, but it earns him the repsect of his only son. Similiar to how Jimmy ends up "86'd" but having earned Kim's respect, and cleared his conscience. Jimmy is exactly where he needs and deserves to be in the end. However, I like to think he eventually gets out of prison in 10-15, writes a tell-all book, and remakes himself as a celebrity ex-criminal lawyer. Like a lawyer version of Jordan Belfort. I do see Kim writing Jimmy a lot, and a Shawshank-esque reunion years down the linein Belize. At least that's what I'm willing to accept. Jimmy's not dying in prison seperated from Kim! Great break down and analysis, Courtney. As Bob Odenkirk says in the podcast, he'll never play another character as good as Saul Goodman. Doubtul we see a show with the pedigree and talent like Better Call Saul come our way again either. But what a ride it was.

[@ChristmasKathy]

It was such a great finale! 👏🏼 Best wishes! 🥰🥰🥰

[@johnny2920]

34:58 Haha oh my god, I just realized that this little action of turning around to check on Kim reminds me of when he did the same thing waiting for the guy's cue to fall off the billboard in season 1. I don't know if that was intentional to call back to such a funny scene. But I knew it felt familiar in the moment, lol.