Fair is Foul, and Foul is Fair: Better Call Saul 6x07 "Plan and Execution" Breakdown and Analysis

[@nont18411]

Kimmy shooting finger guns and Jimmy saying “lightning bolt shoots from my fingertips” to Howard are the great examples of “Everybody gangsta until someone with a real gun walked in”.

[@kell_checks_in]

Everyone "gangsta" until someone willing to die for to protect the innocent marched in. (Memorial Day observant remark.)

[@andre_santos2181]

The reference to Macbeth was spot on. I also saw a reference to the Opera Don Giovanni. The Ghost of the Comendatore comes to take Don Giovanni to atone for his sins. Leporelo and Dona Elvira see the ghost in panic, Leporelo begs for Don Giovanni to run away. Don Giovanni not go, challenges the ghost and he is carried alive to Hell... When Kim and Saul saw the omnious Lalo, bang, Don Giovanni.

[@judithf9297]

Andre _ Santos : Your observation absolutely brilliant, as someone who is not only very familiar with Don Giovanni,but also performed it(I’m a violinist) your comparison is absolutely spot on; but I’m afraid it’s not over yet,Kim will suffer some kind of consequence also , we just have to wait and see 🙁

[@peterpirate8163]

Kim Wexler is indeed Lady Macbeth. Her pro bono work is her attempt the rub out the damned spot on her soul.

[@historaedireito]

Salve, Professor!

[@kevinmoore4237]

@@judithf9297 The Mozart/Da Ponte trilogy of Figaro, Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte is the operatic equivalent of BCS/BrBa/El Camino. These three will win the hearts of even the most venomous opera haters. Gilligan and Gould could have improved on the swiss cheese plots, but the characters are great and the music is beyond sublime, even by Mozartean standards. And if overwrought vibrato drives you nuts look for the versions with Kiri Te Kanawa - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmLHe6ito8p1mMU

[@Buford_T_Justice1]

Lalo’s fate of being entombed within the super lab was foreshadowed this episode by showing Lalo underground in tight spaces within tons of concrete. When he cursed the sewer in the Eladio selfie video it cinched it for me. Get used to being underground trapped in concrete buddy.

[@Ulyssesrodetotown]

It was foreshadowed with the pouring of Werner's measuring device into resin.

[@Hondo0101]

Judy Holiday won an Oscar. Patrick Fabian should win an Emmy for his acting.

[@bobbo0616]

Not discounting Patrick’s role in this episode/season, but Michael Mando was the star of the first three episodes so for that reason I’d give him the nod in the Emmy race. Nacho’s passionate speech will go down as a BCS classic.

[@Calebe_Sagaz]

*An important detail is how Howard teaches the boy to contain the soda explosion, calmly swirling the soda. It's the same thing Lalo does with the silencer, turning it calmly as well, but to cause the explosion: in this case, blowing up Howard's head. D-Day is the Death Day. And I think if Kim had told Jimmy that Lalo was alive, maybe he wouldn't even have tried to make a plan against Howard and HHM. And it's very sad because first Howard helped Jimmy get a job with Cliff, a car, an apartment, then he asked Jimmy to work at HHM and he refused. Not to mention that Chuck's death affected him so much that he started going to therapy to get better. I'm sure they'll make his death look like a suicide, and everyone will believe it because the fake story about the drugs.* And Courtney, I love your analysis. I would love to see some videos of you recapping past seasons of BCS or a video about your favorites episodes of the series. ❤

[@tangyorange6509]

I mean yea but I think you are stretching the first part too much lol

[@apromarcus]

Thanks for not feeling the need to show Howard's end. Almost every other video shows it at least two or three times. I don't need to see that until I watch the entire episode again

[@carolinechatfield5032]

I love your breakdowns! You do so much more than summarize the episodes and I appreciate the extra mile you go.

[@dennischapman3164]

What is remarkable, Courtney, is the vast improvement of your videos in a month's time; your monologue, personal choreography and delivery are fantastic. I watched your first and subsequent videos a week ago, and surmised "this young lady is very talented"; the improvement is stunning. Can't wait to see what your next video covers. Well done, Courtney.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you! It has been a steep learning curve for sure with lots of technical issues along the way. Still room for improvement but I'm happy with how much I've learned and grown 2 months!

[@dennischapman3164]

As a former TV producer you have a fan! Good luck.

[@sinequanonn]

That you figure out even the smallest details and foreshadowings the other youtubers don't is unbelievable. Keep up the great job! Cant wait for extended breakdowns during the break!

[@scrubstrr]

When the knock at the door was Howard and not Lalo my heart rate went to like 160bpm instantly

[@courtneysreviews438]

🥺💔

[@keciabailey818]

Great breakdown, I really enjoyed the depth of your analysis. What this piece brought out to me is how monstrous it is that Saul and Kim KEPT that painting. Despite the fact that Howard's skull contents had been on it. We see it removed in ep1. Unreal. Also, the clip you pulled re Howard addressing Kim. Seehorn had an interesting reaction, it may be a continuation of the overall smugness that she had. Her eyebrow raise was amazing. Like she was either surprised that he was even going to say anything directly to her. I am trying to juxtapose that to how she reacted when Howard last talked to her re Jimmy's antics but more importantly how she reacted when she got dressed down in the store manager's office. Did her eyebrows raise because she wanted to know precisely what Howard thought of her since she was so put off at Howard's seemingly missing her agency when he told her Jimmy was dragging her career down. Amazing little bits and actor beats.

[@woodducknation844]

Great review. You are my "go to" reviewer from here on out. Glad I found you this season. Hope you can find some time to give us some more analysis between now and July 11. Thank you for taking the time to treat us to your insight and knowledge of this series. Cheers!

[@secondcomingofbast9908]

Howard has a "guest house" on his estate where he had spent the "better part of a year." I wonder if they'll try to sneak Howard's body out there and stage it to look like a suicide. Jimmy might call Mike for help. If he does, Lalo might be hiding somewhere watching when Mike shows up.

[@James-Purdy]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure Mike is the only one that's going to be able to clean that mess up. I imagine taking Kim hostage is going to be Lalo's plan moving forward, which will keep the audience on the edge of their seat questioning Kim's fate. This would also allow him to force Saul to create several diversions so he can enact his plan to out Gus's mega meth lab in progress to the cartel, which the cartel knows about in the Breaking Bad timeline. I kind of get the feeling though that Lalo won't kill Kim, especially if he kidnaps her, she might actually help him navigate his plan better, or convince him of a better plan, because she's much smarter than him (and he knows it).

[@Aldairion]

I've been asking all of my friends who are BCS fans if they're okay. I legitimately felt dirty after watching the mid-season finale. Ironically, it was also one of the funniest episodes in the series, which made the end hit that much harder. I figured Howard would die, but as this episode carried on, right up before Lalo shows up, I was convinced that Howard would get drunk, crash his car, die in the accident, or if he survives, he permanently ruins his reputation and validates all of the suspicions about him. I never ever saw this coming. I got so used to these being two separate stories. This is easily one of the hardest character deaths I've seen in a show or movie.

[@michaelcurtis925]

Love how detailed these breakdowns are. Nobody does it better. I can’t wait to see what they have cooked up for us next. It’s going to be a long 6 weeks.

[@bobbo0616]

Even worse….7 weeks

[@virtualmachine5467]

@@bobbo0616 actually currently its about 6.42857143 weeks

[@bobbo0616]

@@virtualmachine5467 minutes, my man. I need it in minutes 🤣.

[@virtualmachine5467]

@@bobbo0616 65,550 right now

[@bobbo0616]

@@virtualmachine5467 darn it. That’s longer than I had expected. Oh what to do.

[@LumilusD]

I was just watching Season 4 episode 1 and was surprised to see Jimmy staring at the water in his sink spiral down the drain after learning Chuck died. I've connected a lot of dots going back to previous seasons after watching the first half of this season. It's so satisfying to see such high level of detail!

[@trashketchum9782]

and in Breaking Bad, Skyler watched the water drain down her sink before fully realizing her plan to con Bogdan. Skyler is supposed to be the voice of reason, a similar role to Kim, but what she did to Bogdan was the worst thing she had done the entire series. other mistakes she made were to help Walt, but the Bogdan thing was purely her ego l.

[@Calebe_Sagaz]

*I think the end of the last episode of season 5 is a foreshadow to Howard's death. Is when Kim have the idea to destroy Howard, the title is 'Something Unforgivible' and the last scene of her is pointing fingers and shooting. Plus, I think the Howard's death makes me more sad than Nacho's. Nacho was in the Game, but not Howard.* After this episode I was like: ''Ok, they both (Jimmy and Kim) don't deserve a happy ending.'' They literally build the bridge that led to Howard's death. But I felt Jimmy felt sorry for Howard when he talked about his marriage falling apart, he looks at Kim with an 'I didn't know that' face. He looked almost regretful. I think Howard's death will affect Jimmy more than Kim, and he will definitely be angry with her for hiding the fact that Lalo was alive from him.

[@krisweinschenker598]

There's actually a reference in Season 1 when Jimmy is the mailroom. He predicts Howard's End will sweep the Oscars😏😏

[@James-Purdy]

Yeah, I've been wondering if part of why Saul acts the way he does in breaking bad is that he fell out of love with Kim and he's just ok with her not being in his life anymore. Probably something different happens though since the money laundering operation "Ice Station Zebra" is shared between Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and it's shown to be a reference to a movie that Kim introduced to Jimmy.

[@joejones8776]

I’ve watched a lot of reviews for this episode over the last few days but this is honestly one of the best. Glad it showed up in my feed….

[@kell_checks_in]

Some other movie references that I've been seeing this season include, of course, the opening and its echoes of Citizen Kane and The Great Gatsby (the cascading ties reminded me of the scene where they throw Gatsby's shirts in the air). There's the Planet of the Apes reveal of the Statue of Liberty inflatable. They're probably others but I can't remember them right now. In this particular episode, we also had the head on view of the shower as is seen in Psycho -- now an instant symbol of impending doom. An unrelated note, Lalo's flip-flops allow him to sneak into the apartment silently in the final scene.

[@Sigma_Virus]

It seemed like Howard's body fell the same way as Chuck's when he fainted at the copy center during Jimmy's Mesa Verde stunt.

[@jogabrielcosta4788]

Precisely

[@virtuouspyromaniac4467]

nice!! on the spot, what Howard tells kim and what Hank tells Walter, both have literally the exact same subtext.

[@jonortiz9002]

Courtney is the heir apparent to #ological’s Basement Breakdown analyses: Incredible depth, attention to detail, and forward-looking insights that have become my must-watch after every BCS episode! God bless you for enriching my experience of the Breaking Bad universe.

[@carlosandres7006]

Loved that channel. Why he stopped making videos?

[@BCSBB]

@@carlosandres7006 ugh I wonder why he hasn’t made any videos as well!!

[@SayMy_User_Name]

Courtney, PJG productions and ological are the best BCS analyzers on KZbin for sure.. there r a lot of good ones I enjoy listening to but no one breaks it down and puts the pieces together quite like the aforementioned 3..

[@moniquep8680]

Agreed, this was a thorough thought provoking analysis, transcends just a review.

[@rs5352]

@@carlosandres7006 - John Teti (Ological) promises he'll be back. He's just got several projects going on, plus his family.

[@KevinPrimus]

Deciding not to show the final scene? Classy.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Yeah... I haven't been able to rewatch it yet. When I rewatched to get clips for the breakdown and notes, I clicked off before that moment. Not even close to ready yet. I think current events have made me more sensitive to graphic displays of gun violence, but I also just don't feel it is is necessary for the breakdown. I didn't include the moment Nacho dies in the breakdown of 6x03, either. If people want to see the clip, it has been posted dozens of times to KZbin and they can find it elsewhere.

[@brianice9846]

Easily the best reviews online. So much attention to detail

[@geeimbored08]

I've been looking forward to your review for the past couple of days, keep up the great work!

[@ClintSprayberry]

Yep yep 😁 I too have checking my phone since Monday night waiting for this KZbinrs review 😊

[@EgWyps]

Same. So many other videos just say the same stuff you read on reddit lol

[@mattmontgomery8999]

I have been subscribed to much larger channels like Pete Peppers and TheVividKiwi who do BCS and BB breakdowns, and I have to say you have noticed and connected things they didn’t that is much more interesting! You got me as a subscriber. Can’t wait for your next video. Great work and attention to detail. I’m glad you mentioned the IT connection. I forgot who said that in the BCS Insider Podcast. I think it was Kelley Dixon. It’s an awesome connection!

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thanks for the comment! And yes! I love Kelley. I feel like she is a surrogate for the whole fandom on the podcast. I was tickled that she thought that, too.

[@mattmontgomery8999]

@@courtneysreviews438 Yeah, she’s great! She’s passed the reigns onto Chris McCaleb for BCS, but she’s the OG podcaster in this universe having led the BB podcasts. I really enjoy her takes and journalistic approach by writing down questions ahead of each podcast to ask the group. She’s very thoughtful, which makes her a great editor as well.

[@krisweinschenker598]

Great job with all the MacBeth references (Lots of Toil and Trouble) and I missed a few of the circle references you observed. I'm in Saul Withdrawal until July😵😵😵😵

[@LesterBrunt]

Thanks so much for these videos! So many BCS channels are pure clickbait. They say they are doing breakdowns but end up reciting what happens in the episode moment for moment with zero insight or predictions. Thanks for the content!

[@dancersrhapsody3157]

I really enjoy your reviews on Better Call Saul because they offer a new and fresh perspective on the subject matter and are rich with detail too. Your reviews are entertaining yet informative. Keep up the good work.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@TanmaiKhanna]

When talking about culpability, there's one group that I haven't heard people talk much about: the film crew students. They're portrayed as lovable innocent people who are just being hired for their services, but they're far from innocent. Time and time again they've helped Jimmy in schemes that are clearly not only illegal but also immoral by any standards. Breaking into air force bases is one thing, but the whole scam to save Huell was clearly not legal, plus this particular scam, the writers did slip in from time to time that while they aren't fully aware of what's going on, they do realise it's wrong and yet go with it. The make up girl knows they're trying to impersonate a judge, the money hand-off to a judge is a really serious thing and for all they know they could be bringing down a judge through fake evidence. The camera guy even asks what they're putting on the photographs but stops asking questions once Jimmy says it's only need-to-know. Now I'm not sure if they'll actually suffer for their actions in this show, but people much less culpable than them have, so I wouldn't be surprised if they do. The show seems to be big on actions and consequences, and the sin of ignorance is as big a sin as any other. I think Walt Jr. for a while was shown as the stand-in for ignorance, not once asking how his dad suddenly can afford all of this as long as he gets what he wants. People might argue that they don't know the full extent of the plan so the consequences aren't on them, but to be honest that's true for Jimmy and Kim as well. I don't think they could've ever predicted that Howard would die as an indirect outcome of their scheming. But that's what happens when you take everything in your hands and realise you don't control the universe.

[@EgWyps]

Great comment

[@firewoman2863]

I think you're being too hard on them. They're not the only ones who haven't realized charming Slipping Jimmy chicanery has rolled into full-on Saul Goodman crime. - They don't know anything about the D-Day scheme: Maybe the actor's character's look is based on a real judge only because of the eccentric mustache! Maybe the stuff Jimmy and Kim put on the photos is itching powder to prank someone with! - The Air Force base? It's not unusual for film students or low budget productions to trespass or film somewhere without a permit (ditto the schoolyard flag stunt and TV-studio radar-dish field locations) - Huell/Conchatta church scheme? For all they know, Jimmy was pranking someone. - Slip-and-fall at the music store? Those crummy twin store owners were trying welsh on an deal! They're threatening to take away Jimmy's fee and our jobs! Before this last episode, I was really looking forward to seeing them film the classic late-night Saul Goodman commercials, but I might not have the stomach for it any more. That's not the students fault.

[@firewoman2863]

The students are a take on the charms -- and anti-charms -- of the film and media industry, aren't they?

[@JohnnyBallGame100]

An unbelievable TV moment. Howard’s death shook me. I had a hard time sleeping. Don’t know how Jimmy and Kim recover from this.

[@lermberl]

I'm glad to be vindicated in the knowledge I wasn't alone. I watched the episode just after midnight, and spent the next few hours sitting in darkness, shocked and contemplative. I still am a little shaken up if im honest.

[@iluvanimals4evr]

I had a hard time sleeping after that episode; it was all so well done. Howard’s speech was amazing! I am going to miss Howard!

[@Dblk97]

Courtney, another great review! I must ask, dressed in black in honor of Howard? I hope you do provide a separate video on all the various references to the show. You're certainly the person knowledgeable enough to put it together. I felt Howard's death was inevitable, but it still upset me on many levels this is the route the writers chose to bring about Jimmy' demise. A couple of random observations; I like how we've always been presented a contrast between Jimmy and Kim, Jimmy's life is fate and Kim's is choice. I'm glad you provided the shot of the stairwell. Nice catch with Vertigo! I thought that shot perfectly captured Howard's predicament. He's caught in a maze he can't get out of. He's trying to climb his way out, but the situation is spiraling downward. The candle flickering right before we see Lalo (the monster) is definately a Spielberg type of shot. I guess we'll be seeing more of Cliff. If I only I had listened. . . It was you all along! Sigh, too many thoughts.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Ha! Black happens to be my favorite color but yes. Let's say it was in memory of Howard 🖤🕯🖤 I also found Howard's death upsetting. Unpopular opinion: Personally, I was sadder over Nacho -- that episode actually made me cry and I LOVED Nacho 😢 💔 This episode was depressing for me because it heralds the end of the show and also, as you say, that the transformation into Saul is almost complete. The love scene actually made me feel kinda sick. I imagine that was intentional-- they want us to start turning on the characters like we did on Walt. I hope there is still some Jimmy left him that we didn't really get to see in BB and will perhaps make an appearance in Gene's final act. I'm most upset about Kim. I hope there is redemption there for her...

[@Matt16006]

Just goes to show how destructive Lalo is to the "mundane" world Kim and Jimmy reside in. They dedicated more than half a season to this incredibly grand and elobarate plan to "take Howard down" ... only for Lalo to swoop in and instantly resolve it without so much as a second thought. I love how intricate the situation with Lalo & Gus is. It's like two geniuses trying to outsmart each other. Episodes 4-6 have been a little slow but this episode showed that the build-up was well worth it. The second half of this season is gonna be crazy. I couldn't be more excited to see what happens next

[@Joe-zi4wp]

This is one of the best breakdowns I’ve seen. This deserves way more views! Nice work

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thanks!

[@RiceUEat]

So excited to see your analysis video out since you basically called nearly everything that happened (aside from Lalo being the one to do in Howard, which I think everyone kinda thought was a meme theory -- like Kim being Wendy).

[@smoker-ku1er]

Great analysis, so many things I didn't even noticed and also beautiful signing at 13:11

[@courtneysreviews438]

Haha thanks. I actually sang the whole song but cut it out 😅

[@smoker-ku1er]

@@courtneysreviews438 Great, hope to hear more singing on future analysis 😊

[@57hound]

I love how you see connections with movies, literature, etc. looking forward to your future content. Thanks!

[@franklaudicina9786]

Thomas Schnauz is so good. He's the most underrated writer/director in the Gilliverse. This was his masterpiece imo.

[@davidwright1205]

New favorite review channel. Excellent, thoughtful, creative insights, clear commentary.... Really looking forward to how you fill the next 6 weeks, so subscribed and will stay tuned!

[@UdoADHD]

I SAT THERRREEEE… the “American Greed” episode started playing and I was still SITTING THERE! then American greed credits were rolling, I still couldn’t move 😭😭😭😭😭 note - Howard isn’t in American Greed either 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@ACDancy]

Another great breakdown! We're running out of main characters that are original to BCS! 18:07 Well we certainly have plenty of time to recklessly speculate on what happens next, I can't wait to hear your ideas.

[@alvaroff81]

Great breakdown Courtney, can´t wait for the second part of the season. 11:51 that is probably tons of work, many thanks in advance.

[@skygreen5939]

i thought it was interesting that instead of putting the spare glass back in the cabinet, Howard put it face down in a frying pan :(

[@SuperYova]

Excellent use of Shakespeare and the Scottish play (00:38).

[@haydn60]

I thought you'd scooped me. Mine, too, is cued to 38, completely different video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nl6QeYVthbyZppI

[@nont18411]

Hector to Gus: “Look at him. You did this to him. Now, look at him.” Don Eladio to Gus: “Listen to me. The only reason you are alive and he is not is because I know who you are but understand. You are not in Chile anymore.” (Breaking Bad season 4 episode 8) Hank to Walter: “You are the smartest guy I’ve ever met and you are too stupid to see…he made up his mind 10 minutes ago.” (Breaking Bad season 5 episode 14) Todd to Andrea: “Just so you know, this isn’t personal.” (Breaking Bad season 5 episode 15) The Howard scene completed the parallel collection.

[@Armed98]

Great work as usual Courtney! I know you put a ton of effort into this and it’s very much appreciated, but a breakdown of the symbolism of objects and music would be awesome if you do get around to it.Hopefully soon you will get the super thanks button on your videos because the work you put into these breakdowns should be rewarded.

[@howardpritchardjr7488]

New to your channel, and I must say this is the best analysis I heard so far. I appreciated how you touched on every aspect. Not leaning too much to one side. We all agree Howard did not deserve what he got, but I also thought it was a kind of sick karma coming back to haunt him. Case in point... What if Chuck backed Jimmy??? I always felt that was the 1st domino to fall. Continuing through these series of unfortunate events. Again, brilliant analysis.

[@michaelcurtis925]

Let’s go. The streets have been waiting for Courtney’s Review.

[@Spathephoros]

I've watched a lot of reviews of this episode and this one is far and away the best one I've seen.

[@giannithestud1]

I just stumbled upon this channel last week. Courtney does a great job.

[@firewoman2863]

I so enjoy your nuanced take on my favorite show - and your humor - and your shot-in-the-dark theories! Lalo's primary reason for being in ABQ is to harm Gus by getting proof he can use against him with don Eladio. He wants personal revenge for the attack on his home but, also, and purely to please Hector, he wants to return the Salamanca family to favor above Gus in the cartel's pecking order by proving that Gus is disloyal. I doubt he will find that giving "proof" to don Eladio is revenge enough for the attack on his home. The secondary reason for his return is to find out what happened in the desert. He knows Saul was attacked but has no proof and, I think, has always planned to pay Jimmy and Kim a visit. I'm sure he was prepared to threaten either or both of them and poor Howard was just a convenient tool for Lalo to use. What will Lalo learn from what Jimmy tells him and what will he do with the information? (1) that someone from the cartel followed the money and the route Jimmy would be taking with intention to steal it. (2) that Mike on orders from Gus Fring, saved Jimmy's life and ensured that the $7million bail money would be posted on Lalo's behalf. and (3) that Jimmy and Kim are a formidable partnership he may be able to use in the future. Will he figure out that Juan Bolsa ordered the ambush? Will he postpone his vendetta against Gus and pursue Bolsa? What will he do with/to Jimmy and Kim? What will they do with poor Howard?

[@doggald3025]

Thank you! You are the first BCS youtuber I've seen that actually figured out Lalo called hector back because he knew he was being recorded and wanted to mislead Gus. Seems like everyone else totally misinterpreted what was going on there, felt like I was going crazy. Can't wait to see where this season goes next.

[@rs5352]

When you do your Turner Classic Movies side-bar analysis video, remember “His Girl Friday.” In that movie Cary Grant, seemingly the star, walks off-screen eventually, at which point Rosalind Russell surprisingly becomes the driving force of the film (at least for a while). I wouldn’t be surprised if Jimmy is too shell-shocked to handle reality for the next few episodes, so his wife literally runs the show.

[@firewoman2863]

Both Jimmy + Kim AND Mike watch His Girl Friday!

[@lukecockburn1140]

I would love a video on all the references to art in this season Tho it seems it would be very difficult The writers love there references aha even back to the first episode I was actually wondering if you had a informal and or formal education in fiction You had a lot of references yourself that were interesting even going back to the greeks Very impressive & I love the analysis

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you! And yes, I do.

[@wj878]

Courtney, I really love your reviews! You have opened my eyes to much I was not aware of in BCS. The hidden meanings and metaphor that now seem obvious, but to which I was oblivious. The circles, the drain...I wish they had found a way to include the Mr. Rogers' song, "You can never go down the drain". That song even mentions a telescope. Well, Mr. Rogers, all these years I believed you were right, but how wrong you turned out to be...

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you!! And lol I will have to look that song up!

[@btnh-9er244]

Great review as always. Your take on the episodes are always in depth and from a unique perspective unlike most channels who just recap the episode. Was waiting specifically for your upload.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you ❤

[@datadeficient]

i think the shower head shot at the beginning with lalo is also a reference to psycho, so more hitchcock this episode

[@firewoman2863]

And "Rope" (Leopold & Loeb)

[@firewoman2863]

And "Gaslight"

[@enemystand2981]

This more casual form analysis from a KZbin with 2K subs is 10x better, more thorough, and a hell of a lot more passionate than the crap the bigger channels put out. Hope you gain more traction and don’t lose your passion

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@peterpirate8163]

Another great review. Courtney did a much better job predicting things than I. Keep making videos during the break. Can't get through the gap without 'em. Kim wasn't horrified Jimmy fabricated evidence. She just didn't want to hear about it. Imo that was the start of her long slide to where she is now.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you! I think the change you describe began when she got off scamming Ken into buying the bottle of Zaphiro and when she realized what Jimmy did with switching the Mesa Verde address on the filings. It was a (weird) romantic gesture and it ultimately helped her. I think her concept of love is seriously skewed. As a child, her mother showed affection by stealing the earrings in the last episode.

[@peterpirate8163]

@@courtneysreviews438 Yes, the KenWins incident is when Kim discovered the thrill of the con. But I think there is another dynamic at work in her. I hope you can check out the videos by Michael Hart Briesch, especially the one about Kim's "reaction formation". He describes how many of Kim's actions are driven by her need to repress bad thoughts and feelings resulting from her association with Jimmy. Her desire to do pro bono work is less about real altruism and more about avoiding the fact that her man is unethical/criminal. I think her encounters with Lalo near the end of Season 5 sent that dynamic into overdrive and that is why she was so dead set on bringing down Howard. One thing Briesch left out that you emphasized is that Kim styles herself as Atticus Finch. I like to say that Kim wants to be Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird but she has turned out to be Atticus Finch from Go Set A Watchman. Briesch has made other videos. I really like the one he made about Chuck. Although he didn't use the term "reaction formation", his analysis of Chuck is very similar to his analysis of Kim. This has me thinking that Kim also going to start exhibiting outward behaviors like Chuck and may very well end up, as you say, a prisoner of her own mind. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@WildHeart7777]

I had to pause halfway through to say how amazing your analysis is. In terms of the cultural references, that sounds like a really cool idea for a video. Time machine by HG Wells was already shown twice in season 6 alone…still trying to figure out the significance of that. Thanks for making these videos, can’t wait to watch more!

[@russellonks8486]

Thank you for the great catch on the Vertigo homage. I'm so glad I found your chanel. You do such astute analysis of this perfect show. . I don't feel like I am watching BCS . I feel like I did when Hank died on BB . Howard is the hero of this story like Hank was in BB.

[@jeffmaehre7150]

I'm impressed, Courtney. You're insanely perceptive, and your visual literacy is way ahead of mine.

[@jeffmaehre7150]

You're welcome.

[@francesray6465]

I forgot to say. Vince could have used Tubular Bells (Exorcist Theme) as a run-up to when Lalo entered the scene.

[@maxxamillz2255]

Wzup Court ! Damn great breakdown ! I havent seen or heard anybody bring up the reoccurence of circles ! only the can and silencer i was wondering about the pair of guys howard called kim and jimmy

[@BrokeSamba]

This is the best breakdown I’ve seen of this episode. Bar none.

[@Roald80irs]

Your analysis is next level.. Thanks for sharing :D

[@mattst.germain4023]

I think it’s a reasonable assumption that Saul has been in Nebraska hiding for quite some time. He’s pretty much bald on top and he wasn’t like that at all at the end of BB. Also as Gene, he has a Kansas City Royals lunch box, and Kim is shown multiple times wearing a KC Royals shirt. Gene has a Missouri license plate, yet works in Omaha? In a Gene flash forward he goes to a diner in Kansas when he’s worried about being identified. Kim has to be in that general area in that timeline. I think the show ends in ABQ, but he’s definitively been in hiding for a while. I think the flash forward scene when he calls Ed then changes his mind, will end up being close to the end of the show/timeline of Gene. Also the bandaid box he keeps the diamonds in, is the same one he kept his coins in at his fathers store. (Hidden in the ceiling).

[@skadoosh6969]

Insightful as always! Thanks for the discussion!

[@Runner2000]

Is it me, or in the scene where Howard is standing in front of Chuck’s portrait, they’re dressed almost exactly the same?

[@MichaelSmith-ts9oi]

This channel and the comments are so incredibly insightful. Thank you for the education.

[@sirtorchington]

dude your reviews are awesome, I love the way you explain things and the language you use. you have a great voice too. stoked to hear your thoughts on the rest of the series as it comes

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you!

[@Constantinople-uh9zg]

Sometime this season I started thinking that Kim was Walt to Jimmy's Jesse. Both Kim and Walt seem driven by some irrational rage where they'd rather pass up a good opportunity to help the people they say they want to help -- Kim working with the Jackson Mercer Foundation to help criminal defendants, Walt going back to Gray Matter to pay for his medical treatment -- so they can give the finger to someone while showing off how smart they are. If I recall, Walt also came from a humble background, though not like Kim's. And I recall Gretchen once saying Walt freaked out when they dated and he saw how rich her parents were. Jimmy and Jesse are both kind of goofs initially. They're smart and can apply themselves when they want to, but they'd rather by shysters or low level criminals than be office drones, even if that requires more work. They may also feel bad about hurting people, but then they keep behaving the same way. Jesse hates it when children are hurt, but doesn't stop making meth after seeing what meth did to Spooge and Skank and, by extension, their son. Both Jimmy and Jesse appear to need someone like Kim or Walt to make the jump into major criminality. Jimmy and Jesse were also disowned by their living family members. It makes me wonder if Jimmy, now Saul, thought of Chuck when he coerced Jesse's parents into selling the house at a price far below market price. Jesse took care of his aunt in that house just as Jimmy took care of Chuck in Chuck's house. In Season 3 of Breaking Bad, Jesse acknowledges he's the bad guy and largely goes along with that until Drew Sharpe is killed and decides it's too much. We'll see if Jimmy/Saul/Gene has the same realization.

[@PERC_-ANGLE]

Great job Courtney! Another very insightful breakdown.

[@murphy_artz9326]

You can see the Painting with howards blood on, in the first episode of the season. Jimmy still had it.

[@courtneysreviews438]

So gruesome...

[@Iconoplastt]

Great channel Courtney, I love your reviews and analysis are very insightful Courtney, keep 'em up!

[@oluseunakinwale4187]

[0:40] "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. Fair is foul, and foul is fair."

[@barbraseville8984]

Courtney, I've been sharing your vids in the BCS FB group. I was so happy to see you in there!

[@tees5065]

Another great review. A shocking ending is what we look forward to in the Gilliverse. Your predictions hit the mark. You mentioned you will be creating a video with your thoughts and predictions for the second half of the season. I am looking forward to it. PS: How do you think Saul Goodman acquires the Inflatable Statue of Liberty? Do the Kettlemans get whacked! 😳

[@kevinpotts123]

What an episode! Thanks for the review.

[@CWYMAN77]

I just don’t know how they allowed Odenkirk to post that picture on Instagram with Patrick clearly showing the side of his head bloody and damaged. Ruined the ending for me. Lesson learned. 16:29 this is so great.

[@ACDancy]

Yeah right? That was sort of in the back of my head (no pun intended) as the season went along, but I also felt that It wasn't going to go down that way because I didn't believe they would actually post such a spoiler.

[@CWYMAN77]

@@ACDancy Same

[@bobbo0616]

And it kind of took “jumping off the roof” off the table.

[@bobbo0616]

@@ACDancy according to a few articles I read, Bob admitted “I screwed up” by posting that picture. To me it didn’t have any serious effect on an outcome.

[@tomaitoe]

Wow, loved the film references. You spotted things no other reviewer I listened to has.

[@jaredsheldon3496]

In a few ways I’d say Howard’s death is sadder than Hank’s. Hank was constantly told by his bosses to lay off the Heisenberg case but he was going in it pretty much alone. That alone put him in a lot of danger. Howard just wanted to confront Jimmy and Kim for almost ruining his life.

[@calengr1]

Yes, by definition a public servant who carries a gun assumes risk in exchange for greater pay/benefits. However, Howard is not knowingly assuming such risks, and Mike would say that Howard was not in the game. Howard might have begun to believe the rumors of Jimmy as the Salamanca lawyer, but Jimmy inserting his own pseudo PI in place of a real one, deprived Howard of the intel and that sucked Howard unwittingly into the game. Howard needed to evaluate the risks of dealing with Jimmy-Kim, but Jimmy-Kim blinded Howard. Howard's blindness was foreseeable and KJ had to know how reckless they were acting.

[@bernhardriemann1563]

Iam a german and really loving your analysis of Better call Saul. They are precise and very interesting. I love watching them and improving my english 🙂 Greetings from the country, Werner Ziegler lived in 👍

[@courtneysreviews438]

Hallo, danke ihnen und willkommen!

[@bernhardriemann1563]

@@courtneysreviews438 Vielen Dank und liebe Grüße in meiner Muttersprache 🙂😇

[@prestely]

Great video Courtney, It's Always a plus getting the visual echoes from previous episodes ! Whatever happens next with Lalo, this confrontation has given some new depth to Saul's "Lalo didn't send you? No Lalo?" and the relief that ensued... Also, anyone correct me if I'm mistaken but Lalo knowing Kim's adress...I didn't pay attention to that detail in 5x09 (and i believe Lalo doesn't know Saul's Real name...) So my Guess is Lalo only knows about the adress because Kim visited him in prison? In that case, wow...although her intentions were from love and concern, well that sure did backfire... @Courtney perhaps some far fetch observation matching the Macbeth angle ...i had never really noticed that three light bulbs hanging over their kitchen isle...looks a bit eerie...and of course well, made me think of the witches... I really enjoyed how different Howard's visit felt to the last one, after Chuck died, this time walking around (in circles?) and having the upper ground, like the"exact reverse opposite" mirror to Lalo pacing the floor and bothering the fish. Looking forward to your next video !

[@MaxwellBurkeBell]

one of the best analyses I've seen! keep up the good work! hope your channel blows up soon!

[@ChrisJensen23]

Know I’ve mentioned this to you before, but I watch a lot of the BCS analysis videos - your’s are the tops! 💯

[@CustomBPS]

This is the gateway for Saul. He'll give up Caldera as his connection to Mike. Lalo will unsuccessfully try to work that angle with Saul and Caldera will get killed. Saul ends up with Caldera's book. He may or may not disappear Kim, but after Howard's death and getting access to all of ABQ's criminal underground, he'll commit to Saul, unable to examine, or forgive himself for what he's done. The happy ending eluded to in the end of episode teaser is he stops running. Like Raskolnikov in 'Crime and Punishment' he does his time, because getting away with it was worse. He begins to find himself, and peace. The only possible happy ending to this story.

[@teacherman6347]

You are good - Alt-Shift-X good. Too bad the series is coming to an end. You deserve a much bigger following.

[@NuanceOverDogma]

To all people who review shows.This is how you do it. Most people just repeat what happens in the show. Great job Courtney

[@iconoclast137]

you have the best BCS breakdowns. THE BEST

[@EzaneeGires]

this is REAL analysis, excellent

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thanks!

[@DavidTheCVINFECTI]

Nacho knew the rules of the game, in some moment he will die and he knew it, but poor Howard was new in the underground plays and he didn't recognize the scam P.I.

[@dancersrhapsody3157]

I really enjoyed your analysis of the Mid-Season Finale. Your commentary on this particular episode felt like a combination of both a Shakespearean Tragedy and a Stephen King novel. Looking forward to future podcasts.

[@courtneysreviews438]

Thank you!

[@arenavisionTV]

It's not normal to watch the final five to six minutes of this and not feel the exact same way, eery time you see it. I went about 48 hours and I watched it again on KZbin and felt just as mortified as I did the first time I watched it. And now I've got that lingering static feeling in my stomach and body. This has got to be the best piece of writing I've ever seen in the movies or TV

[@courtneysreviews438]

I can't rewatch it yet. I clicked off before the final moments when I was rewatching to get clips. Not close to ready yet... I had a hard time with Nacho, too, and chose not to include the moment in my breakdown of that episode. I think recent current events have also made me more sensitive to graphic displays of gun violence. I am having a difficult time watching the US news right now after what happened this past Tuesday.

[@WillowbeeJim]

I love your predictions on e7 . You were spot on. 2 things I’m thinking of: why would Ziegler’s crew know they were building ‘the mother of all meth labs’ Right? You’d think Gus was smart enough to just hire them to build that empty room without that particular disclosure? Also, why couldn’t Lalo just wait for Howard to leave before he came in? He’s more calculated and patient than that. Prob to shake them up and get them to do what he needs from them for e8

[@courtneysreviews438]

I doubt they were ever told what they were building, but they were probably able to make an educated guess... they were tasked with building an underground space below an industrial laundry with state of the art ventilation that receives large deliveries of chemicals. And they had to do it all in secret. But even if Casper wasn't able to piece that together, by describing the space, Lalo was probably able to figure it out. I doubt Lalo knew Howard was there when he walked in, and he killed Howard for effect. I think he wants Jimmy to tell him what really happened in the desert and killing Howard like it was nothing will probably make them more cooperative with his demands.

[@mariafaccio8667]

And the teaser for 608 with Jimmy talking about good news

[@barrriwa]

I just discovered a gem channel ! I'd like to see you explore another show called Mr Robot, it is a very well thought show with intricate details and lot of pop culture references

[@teribradshaw-milling3164]

Holy Moly !! Profound analysis!!!

[@christheghostwriter]

Excellent analysis. You've made a new fan.

[@my.dumpling5557]

I think Howard's wife might find his body she said she wasn't going to be home that night he's been shot through the head, in the same way, nacho did, so it's possible for people to think he shot himself since she's not home there is a good opportunity for his body and evidence to be planted without witnesses Chuck killed himself after his career was pretty much over, it's not wild to believe that Howard could do the same, both of their deaths are on Jimmy's hands. not to mention his personal life wasn't doing too hot since his wife has just been introduced, and I don't see how else they could use her character within the remaining time and story, I think this could be a way for them to wrap up Howard's and her character.

[@ludwigmises]

The biggest problem with that is forensics: Lalo’s gun, blood spatter, bullet hole in wall of it exited the body, etc.