Better Call Saul Season 6: Point and Shoot (ANALYSIS & REVIEW)

[@BustinCider8]

Gus knew that Lalo wanted to prove the existence of the lab more than anything. It makes sense for Gus to plant a gun in the lab just in case, its not that far fetched considering how Gus wants to be prepared for anything.

[@benaiah2119]

I thought it was perfect how some guy mentioned spice curls witch reminded Gus of Germany. That’s when he put it together that lalo was looking for proof in Germany and went to the lab to plant the gun. Thought it was great writing

[@benaiah2119]

@Dan De Miranda naw I’m being serious I thought it was a cool way to give Gus the upper hand connecting back to a scene from the previous season.

[@losangelesnefastvs]

Exactly. Lalo gives himself away to Gus when he asks him about the "south wall".

[@Avital4414]

There was no reason for Lalo to assume that Kim’s attempt on Gus’ life would cause Gus to go to the laundry. None.

[@jakethesnake7917]

@@Avital4414 He knew that neither Kim nor Jimmy wouldn't be able to pull the trigger. He knew Kim would fail and they would give up Lalo's fake plan to Gus, which is what ultimately led Gus to the laundry so there WAS a reason for Lalo to assume that.

[@TecHDynamic]

Are we all forgetting the monologue that Gus gives to Lalo right before he breaks for the gun? He walks around the lab getting himself to the perfect spot, and goes for the gun in a way he has practiced. Additionally it is not too far fetched to believe that Gus would not want to tell Mike about planting the gun there. Gus brags about how he kept Hector alive in an effort to ensure that he kills every single Salamanca. Gus would want to be the one to ultimately kill and shoot Lalo, and not let Mike do it.

[@RogueAOV]

Yeah but since the gun Gus hid in the lab is his gun from his ankle holster the only difference from him killing the lights as he seeks cover then drawing his gun then what happened is 3 episodes ago he put that gun in the lab so he could get to it if needed, and he has no way of knowing how that will play out, if it even ends up there. Gus disarmed himself for days on the off chance that he would end up in the lab, have the chance to get to the hidden gun and kill Lalo.

[@TecHDynamic]

@@RogueAOV With Mike around at all times and being in the house as far as we know for the entire time except being at the fundraiser, I dont see this as too far fetched

[@EruditeMMA]

@@RogueAOV ya that was one of the things that bothered me it’s like he could see future events. Another thing that bothered me is I think from what I know of Lalo he would’ve killed Gus as soon as he revealed the lab or killed him halfway through his speech, he didn’t seem like the type to give af about what he was saying and he had all the evidence he needed to kill him or give him a leg shot to immobilise him & then KO him if he planned to give him to Don Eladio. Bothered me how he went out it felt cheap.

[@princeperegrinezamora6667]

For someone as smart in a fight as Lalo, ( he survived getting ambushed and outsmarted 5 assassins), he was dumb enough to not take any precautionary measures, such as tying Gus's hands behind his back. Also, having your entire family killed by those assassins, where is the hate that Lalo felt when he was walking out of his yard injured? He didn't express any emotions of anger towards Gus at all. He was so wrapped up in this concept of proving Gus was building a lab, wherein he could have just killed Gus and recorded the lab whenever he wanted afterward. Overall, for someone as smart as him, these are very stupid mistakes, he gave Gus so many chances and allowed him to seize that opportunity. I knew Lalo had to die but I was expecting a better play rather than tripping the lights and running towards the gun, something like when Walt installed a machine gun on his trunk. If you watched the gunfight in darkness, Lalo shot 6-7 times, whereas after missing a few shots he could have ducked or found cover instead, especially when it's pitch black darkness and you don't see your opponent, you just don't shoot around and hope it hits. Again these are mistakes that are not fit for his character as they have built Lalo's character to be cunning, deadly and ruthless.

[@princeperegrinezamora6667]

What's underwhelming is that, Lalo outsmarted 5 assasins during the ambush, while Gus never really showed any expertise in handling guns, and was able to hit Lalo in partial darkness. I was expecting that in order to really beat Lalo in a gun fight, Gus needs to pull something bigger rather than turning off the lights and running towards the gun. But I am also considering the fact that Lalo gave too much opportunity to Gus but it's still not enough for him to beat in a gun fight like that.

[@magnusdnr1668]

While I do definitly understand the critism of Lalos death specifically the hidden gun, I would like to offer another take on it. The hidden gun always struck me as more of insurance, than anything else. An ace Gus could play, if it ever came to a showdown down in the "lab".(emphasis on if here) If you look at the revolver through this lense, Frings Victory over Lalo was because of the sheer(and quite frankly nearly comical) amount of Gusses preparation for all the different feasible scenarios, that might take place when Lalo makes his move. So from my point of view Gus didnt necessarily need the forsight to predict how everthing would exactly turn, but only how things might turn out.

[@personanongratis]

I can forgive the gun being put where it was put by Gus, because of Gus paranoia, but I can't forgive the guard convenientley missing Lalo on camera, that was a hatchet job IMHO!

[@sithlordmikeyp]

​@@personanongratis Yeah, that was pretty weak tbh. Seems like Lalo had an extra bit of plot armor to get inside. Still, I think Lalo's death was fucking amazing, I just hate that it was so soon. I was expecting him to stick around till episode 3 or 4.

[@donedeal69]

Lalo was waiting outside the laundromat for the bulk of the security to leave and he walks inside strategically when the guards are taking instructions and departing from the laundry..only momentarily before coming back on the monitoring..Lalo has been super careful knowing how wired the laundromat is that he didn't even risk being seen outside of it and snuck in the sewage.. so the Only time wknsk for him to go inside was the time the guard's are fooled into believing where he is currently n he played thsr card. Not that onsite security camera warchers would be w great threat to him seeing what he was capable of

[@adamantiiispencespence4012]

@@personanongratis it makes sense Lalo's plan from the outset was to disrupt normal operations and he did. They evacuated all but a few personnel which means they likely gathered everyone up for head count then picked the team. The others returned posts when they weren't picked. We only even see them just miss Lalo so no one one could make the argument that it's stupid the place wasn't being watched.

[@personanongratis]

@@donedeal69 How did he know the exact moment when the guard looked away? I'm fine with Lalo breaking in, but the way he did it, was pretty convenient!

[@mukundgupta2959]

The reason Gus figured out Lalo would target the lab is because Lalo kept hinting that he knew about it in S5. Plus he understood sending Kim to his house was a distraction after he talked to her. Had Lalo destroyed the laundromat or left the place alive, it would be a major dent in Gus’s plans or maybe even death by Eladio and the Cartel. Also, the show is about Saul and as much excitement as there is in the cartel stuff, we need to see how the story wraps up for him. Plus seeing the rest of the lab get built will also take up some of the available show time. With only 5 episodes left that’s a lot of things to wrap up.

[@RobinHerzig]

Cartel may be back in another episode, but it doesn't ever resolve. Cartel is still a nemesis in BB We don't need to see the lab being built either. We know it'll be finished before Gus shows it to Walt. Can't waste valuable storytelling screen-time - especially with Gene's fate + even more importantly Kim's fate still hanging!!

[@xD-ui5mt]

​@@RobinHerzigWell there is still the thing that at this poInt neither Bolsa or Eladio knows about the lab, they do in Breaking bad. I agree 100% with @Mukund Gupta, this show is about Saul and Kim not the cartel. The cartel is just a ¨side character¨ in this show and so was Lalo. Remember that Lalo didnt even appear on the show for more then 1,5 seasons. I know alot of people liked Lalo and so did i but he was not a main character. His death was really good and worthy in comparison to the characters part of the show.

[@devzeppilin]

@@xD-ui5mt A better term for Lalo is “reoccurring character”, “side character” is like a one-off whereas Lalo played a very important role throughout his appearances. Even if this is Saul’s spin-off, take Lalo out & you have a whole different show & story.

[@RobinHerzig]

@@devzeppilin A supporting character would be the actual role Lalo played - however the Emmy's calling KIM a supporting character is a slap in the face! She's a co-star!!

[@RobinHerzig]

@@xD-ui5mt The cartel is a subplot

[@devzeppilin]

Lalo’s death kind of reminded me of Omar’s death from The Wire; because they killed off these resilient, hard to kill badasses in such a anti-climatic yet unexpected fashion.

[@curtisjackson4090]

_I didn’t think of [Gus's speech] in terms of “Salud,” honestly. I thought of it in terms of taking what he saw Nacho do before he died and using it as a tactic. He saw that as Nacho was standing there spilling out all that stuff, Hector, all those people who could have killed him right then, they didn’t, because they all wanted to hear it, so their hate could be justified. So I wrote it in terms of Gus having learned a trick from that show, and using it to his best advantage. Giving Lalo everything he wants and more until he can maneuver himself to that precise, perfect moment, and then acting._

[@princeperegrinezamora6667]

Where is the hate that Lalo felt when he found out that Gus murdered his ENTIRE family? That scene, where he was walking out of their own property, with a wounded foot? That HATE Lalo felt wasn't expressed when he had Gus on his own hands.

[@guyrub1441]

Two things: 1. Gus didn't have super power and his planting of the gun in "the right spot" is some crazy luck. He leads Lalo there. He gives a long speech (which Lalo, in his arrogance, allows him to do) and walks to where he needs to walk while doing it. We saw him practicing this move exactly a few episodes ago. 2. Comparing the fall of Lalo to the fall of Gus in BB season 4 or Walter in season 5 is absurd. Lalo was neve this level of a character. he is a tier-2 tier02 character in the BB-BCS universe. You can't just decide that a character is a main character and then complain that he is actually not. He never was. He participated in 16 episodes, quite a few of them for just a few moments. We know very little of him, because, at the end of the day, he is NOT a main character.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

Gus got extremely lucky. He knows it too. It was literally a SHOT IN THE DARK.

[@guyrub1441]

@@pain8123 that's a fine line. But that explanation similarly shows that Gus outsmart Lalo.

[@MrBuzzBill]

When Gus placed the gun at the construction site it did appear to be overly simplistic story telling. But it wasn't clairvoyance that prompted Gus to place the gun. It was an understanding of the wicked need for Lalo to force a "tour" of the construction site at gunpoint. For me this was not a stretch. Gus, of course, did not plan on the way they would both end up down in the lab construction. But Gus knew wherever he ended up confronting Lalo he could extend his life a little longer by offering a personal "view" of the lab construction. "I will show you the lab!" would automatically stop a certain imminent execution. Because of the sadistic nature of Lalo, Gus knew he would want to terrorize Gus Fring and could not resist the chance to let Gus live just long enough to reveal it. The gun itself was simply wishful, but weak insurance. Now, whenever we watch Breaking Bad, when Walt tastes the lab coffee, when he falls while trying to kill a fly, when he watches in horror with Jesse and Mike while Gus slices a man's throat, there, less than 10 feet away are the remains of Howard and Lalo. No doubt the ironic closeness of those bodies were on Mike's mind during all of those scenes. Whatever honor he employed as a corrupt cop forward these events helped to cause him to decend even further.

[@b9y]

This episode is by far one of the best in TV history, from the script, to the cinematography, to the music. AMAZING.

[@kdizzle901]

7,8, and 9 have all been amazing television

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

People ask why Lalo smiled as he died and to me it's obvious. Lalo didn't care. He wasn't afraid, he wasn't disappointed, he wasn't even angry. He never gave Gus the satisfaction of winning.

[@princeperegrinezamora6667]

Lalo's character was built by always outsmarting his foes, but they made him completely stupid at the end. A guy as smart as him would never give Gus too much chance, a guy as smart as him would never shoot in a pitch black room knowing he would miss. He would have ducked and cover and outsmarted Gus, he just stood there shooting crazy withouth even realizing he is open for any attacks. A killer like him only pulls trigger when he has a clear vision of the target. His death was underwhelming.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

@@princeperegrinezamora6667 I also believe that Lalo smiled because he had a contingency in place.

[@princeperegrinezamora6667]

@@flightofthebumblebee9529 I was expecting that Gus would pull a trick to beat Lalo. Like, how "Walt used a machine gun on a trunk to beat the cartel". If Gus made a plan like that or anything like that, it would have made sense that Lalo went down. I'm disappointed how they made Lalo look so powerful, menace, psychopath, dangerous, man but too stupid to make these stupid mistakes at the end. It doesn't fit in to the character that they built.

[@UDreviews]

I think you’re not alone in your disappointment. I feel it could have been done in a more surprising way. But Gus placing the gun there felt like it made sense. I just wish it was a little more tricky to get to it.

[@michawkwalter4205]

I agree

[@holdenthompson1449]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that felt like Lalo's death wasn't satisfying enough. Compared to Gus's death, it really falls flat.

[@davidmcqueen3010]

At least Lalo went out with a smile on his face!

[@LifeIsAStory]

True!

[@muskulpeasent]

The only thing bothers me with the episode is the moment when Lalo sneaked into the lab while the security guy was taking a dump or something. It was so random and convenient for Lalo. They were in an emergency situation. Lalo could make a move any second that night yet security wasn't in his place in that very small time window. Yikes.

[@BustinCider8]

They showed that guard outside talking with the others at the landrumat before they leave for the apartment. Lalo sneaks into the building as the guard is walking back to the security room from outside. Lalo could see them all standing outside talking from his car before he went it.

[@LifeIsAStory]

Yes true, that was a little too convenient.

[@uraigroves7898]

@@LifeIsAStory no, they showed the guy coming back from the gate...wyatt kern is right.

[@Magnific0giganticus]

@@uraigroves7898 No. How would Lalo know there isn't a guy sitting inside watching the perimeter? Too much randomness and "luck". And why would he expect his little ruse to work so well to make Gus dispatch all but one man from the laundry?

[@uraigroves7898]

​@@Magnific0giganticus stranger things have happened. would you have ever believed 17 cops would stand outside a classroom for an hour while some guy murders 20 kids?

[@Magnific0giganticus]

Lalo's death was underwhelming and this is my take. Once we see them going to the underground we know EXACTLY how it's going to end. And it all happens exactly like that. If you're a writer worth your ink you can't kill the suspense and anticipation like that by having it play out just the exact way the spectators expect it to be. There was no surprise, no tension. We knew exactly like it was all going down. In hindsight, I wonder if they shouldn't have shown Gus hiding the gun. But I think there were so many ways they could have had a worthy final showdown between those two. For instance, what if,as planned, Gus gets the gun and shoots in the dark, but when he turns the lights back on Lalo is gone. There's blood on the floor, his lifeline worked out but it wasn't enough to put an end to it. And then suddenly a badly injured Lalo surprises Gus from the back, Gus is not a fighter but Lalo is in real bad shape, and in their struggle you can insert any kind of development that fits the scene and makes it a little more "earned" for Gus if you will, like electrocute him, use the tractor, or something else entirely that could have been foreshadowed in that scene when he hid the gun but none of us would have paid much attention to because the focus was on the gun.

[@BustinCider8]

Not everthing has to be a twist.

[@Magnific0giganticus]

@@BustinCider8 true. But no surprise and no tension is worse.

[@BustinCider8]

@@Magnific0giganticus Not really. It's a prequel, idk what you expected. It was always gonna end this way. This show has strongly focused on the journey, not the destination.

[@Magnific0giganticus]

@@BustinCider8 Ok. Whatever

[@WatchMaga]

@@Magnific0giganticus This is the nature of KZbin commentators. You make a reasoned, thoughtful post and someone immediately follows up with an inane, mindless, knee-jerk dismissal. It’s such a bore. But many of us appreciate your taking the time to contribute something of value.

[@MisterLumpkin]

The thing that bugged me about this episode is a tiny detail; Gus turning out the lights by kicking that connector that was laying on the ground. Those things are stout and a kick would not pull them apart IRL.

[@mikiastmichael4199]

I think he made it loose when planting the gun

[@PeterMoore66]

@@mikiastmichael4199 Yes - he was shown loosening it in the episode the planted the gun.

[@ziggystardog]

Twist-lock power connectors of the NEMA L- series are pretty easy to disconnect with a tug or a kick once you undo the twist.

[@sterling4294]

I Actually like this ending to Lalo’s arc way more. He underestimated Gus’ ruthlessness. As all of the other cartel bosses did. No matter what they don’t see him as much more than the gay chicken man. I don’t think that’s Gus being a Mary Sue I just think it’s his one superpower that no one can match. His facade. But I think your point Is valid.

[@LuxsorFlare]

I think it made sense for Gus to plant the gun. He knew Lalo knew something about the lab so he might go there. Its not unreasonable for Gus to plant a gun there for insurance. My problem was that Lalo should have expected this as well. He should've known Gus had homefield advantage and may have planted something. If he figured that out, he would've known not to let Gus have his speech.

[@LifeIsAStory]

I don’t know, man. If Gus knew there was a possibility that Lalo would have him at gunpoint down there, I think he would do a lot more than plant a gun. He’d at the very least let Mike know where he was going. If he was that paranoid, he shouldn’t end up a moment away from death in the first place imo. It just seem contrived.

[@liamtreat5194]

@@LifeIsAStory My interpretation of Gus going in person to the laudromat was his paranoia getting the better if him and him only being satisfied if he checks it out himself. The major contrivance is Gus not telling mike or the laundromat security about the possibility of Lalo going to the laundromat and only bothering to plant the gun. What I think the writers are going for is this encounter to cause Gus to feel invincible, setting up the confidence and hubris that we see in breaking bad. Lalo’s character flaw in this is him wanting to see Gus grovel at his feet, and therefore dragging out killing him, which is what allows Gus to cut the power.

[@LuxsorFlare]

@@LifeIsAStory Good point, he should've had at least one guard there. Still, it bothers me more that Lalo just let him monologue. Also, if your idea happened where Eladio takes out Lalo for getting too powerful, it would've been a good callback to Lalo's first conversation with Gus where he said "you'd be crazy to go up against Eladio"

[@RobinHerzig]

@@LuxsorFlare Nah Lalo was loving the Gus monologue, that's Lalo, he's dark that way

[@AmirJKhan2006]

I think the reason why Lalo wasn't as aware or prepared for Gus to have a plan was because he was to caught up with the fact that he finally found out what he was looking for, he achieved his goal. Lalo got to swept up with his obsession, pride and curiosity and it all accumulated in the form of Lalo's showmanship towards Eladio which Gus realised and took advantage of to take the upper-hand. It's not their intelligence or intellect which prohibits their ability or skill, it's their nature, their personalities.

[@brankozlicar9246]

The scene is not very believeable. Lalo giving Gus time for last words and taking the time to shoot a video for Don Eladio, while he is alone against an entire crew looking for him doesn't make sense. Also, Lalo knew how to fight, shoot and react in these situations way better than Gus, so the idea of Gus outsmarting him in that area is far fetched.

[@bh8365]

I'll agree that the hidden gun used successfully at just the right time and circumstance was too contrived. But because this is a series so well crafted and thought out, I can go with the flow.

[@andreseh87]

how is it contrived? Gus hid the gun there knowing he would likely have to lure Lalo into the lab. He even counted his steps from the power cable to the construction vehicle. Gus knows Lalo can't kill him without proof. When Gus realized Kim arriving at his house was a distraction, he went to the laundry knowing Lalo would be there, in spite of him telling Mike he did not know. He knew it was now or never. Gus used himself as the lure, down into the lab. to his planted gun.

[@bh8365]

@@andreseh87 you said that the facts as the occurred in the episode. However it still seems contrived. Everything had to fall into place.. I love the show, it's not a complaint about it.

[@alvin6879]

@@bh8365 Everything falls into place due to planning. You don't simply get success by everything falling into place

[@bh8365]

@@alvin6879 Not everything. Maybe most.

[@alvin6879]

@@bh8365 How would you explain it to be luck for him to just run towards the gun and shoot accurately? Some planning and practice must have taken place

[@runthenumbers9698]

I think Clifford Main is gonna die. He's going to be the first person to know that Howard's disappearance just has to have something to do with Jimmy and Kim considering the incident that took place that day. Problem is, Mike isn't going to have Howard's car and shoes planted at the beach for a few days yet, so Clifford is going to be quite sure quite early that Jimmy and Kim have done something terrible. He's probably going to start digging around and find something. The car full of cocaine, sure... it'll help sell the story that Jimmy and Kim set in motion, but can Clifford stay out of it long enough to see the car? I say no. He already hates Jimmy, and he's in a position to also notice that Kim didn't show up to the meeting Cliff had arranged for her... on the day that Howard died... after accusing Jimmy of all kinds of stuff. Maybe Howard's private investigator finds out Howard is dead and preemptively comes clean... and so Cliff finds out about the original pictures that Howard was raving about... thus putting Cliff in the ultimate position of knowing better than anyone that Howard WAS set up and WAS right about Jimmy and Kim. If Cliff does see the original photos from the PI, you can bet he will no longer be swayed even by seeing Howard's car with cocaine in it. If he knows that Jimmy drugged Howard, framed him for drug use, compromised a class action lawsuit, and wrecked Howard's career... what does the car even prove anymore? It's perfectly consistent with Jimmy's shennanigans. And Jimmy may or may not have it in him to put an end to Cliff if his sniffer gets him too close... but what if Cliff starts poking his nose around and Mike finds out? I don't see a way for Cliff to survive this. He already knows too much to be just hanging around the Breaking Bad Universe for years and years. God knows if he were to report Jimmy to the DA, she's already got it out for him. She'll be on him like ugly on a possum. If Jimmy is going to survive, Cliff has got to go... but Jimmy doesn't necessarily know that yet.

[@mrwatcherman1124]

I don't think Cliff is gonna make it either. I think he's gonna believe Kim & Jimmy had something to do with Howard disappearing and blame them. Maybe he won't be able to prove it but he'll know. And your idea about the PI. I never thought of that. I don't know if it'll come true. I don't think he will because I get the feeling that he's a one time character. But if he did come clean he's gonna have to die for sure. It would be so unexpected.

[@Avital4414]

Mike tells his guys to be quiet when they enter the apartment, so as not to alert the neighbors. Then he and his guys spend hours cleaning up the crime scene, and leave with a refrigerator. The least with-it neighbors in town would notice something strange, and tell the police. Plot hole the size of WW’s ego.

[@willscott8923]

Lalo and his death worked for me. Yes it is mainly just Gus waiting for Lalo to make a move but it parallels the coyote story Gus told Hector. Gus prepared for everything that Lalo might do. He could have died in the lab in episode 7 or 8 and he was meant to die at the end of season 5. Lalo has no allies he can rely on. Juan Bolso hired the men in bagman and Don Eladio needs proof. I think that Lalo and Howard and they're ghosts so to speak will be haunting a lot of the characters in the next episode. Gus is going to Mexico to speak to both Juan Bolso and Don Eladio.

[@princeperegrinezamora6667]

If I was as smart as Lalo, I would never given that much chance to Gus. The point is, if he is too smart to outsmart 5 assasins, how come he can't outsmart Gus knowing Gus doesn't have any firing skills? Why would someone as smart as Lalo, shoot like a crazy in a pitch black dark room? When he missed a few times, he could have ducked and taken cover. His death was underwhelming, I was expecting the feeling that I get when I watched "Walter pull out a machine gun out of a trunk." If Gus, planned anything like that of some sort, then it would be reasonable. There's no way Lalo, can make these mistakes knowing how smart he is, they made him look dumb at the end.

[@epicfan1598]

@@princeperegrinezamora6667 Gus is just as smart as lalo though? He didn't expect Gus to plant a gun there and probably thought he was trynna run. Besides this happens in a split second no way he could have ducked for cover when Gus starts firing back at him. He simply didn't expect it

[@princeperegrinezamora6667]

@@epicfan1598 If the same assassination happened to Gus (like when 5 assassins tried to kill Lalo) Gus wouldn't have survived. Gus is smart but not in a gunfight. My point is Lalo really impressed me with what he did to those assassins, then he was so dumb to give so many chances to Gus. For someone as smart as him, he could've taken precautions like tying both of Gus hands or something. A smart person especially in a fight never gives opportunity to his enemies.

[@Cc-hc4ig]

Totally agree with you on the Gus/Lalo showdown. I too was rather disappointed because firstly, Gus won mostly because of dumb luck (he had the gun placed, but he didn't have a plan figured out), and secondly, it felt like Lalo was somehow "sacrificed" to show a new shade of personality of Gus - he took things into his own hands instead of relying on his team; he took the highest risk possibly; he seemed to be led by emotion/intuition/instinct rather than by ratio/logic as usual. The episode of Lalo's death felt much more about Gus than about Lalo, and given the outstanding performance of Tony Dalton throughout the show I feel like they didn't really give him a worthy ending, ALTOUGH he made up a lot with his excellent final performance and that SMILE 😱🤐

[@princeperegrinezamora6667]

Lalo never expressed his ANGER of his family being murdered by Gus. Lalo's character was built by always outsmarting his foes and yet he looks completely stupid at the end.

[@kennethchung1918]

The biggest leap is gus being in the right place in that big ass lab, more than having the gun there at all. You can argue that leap is comparable to the one that allows walt to grab the keys in felina.

[@PeterMoore66]

In the episode where he planted the gun he was shown loosening the cable and then pacing out the distance to where the gun was hidden. Then, in 608 while he was ranting about Don Eladio, you see him move around until he's next to the cable connector so that he knows exactly where he needs to run to get the gun.

[@zapify6999]

another problem i have with lalos death is it followed a very overused cliche which is, a character points a gun at the other, he should just kill him but he gets greedy and decides to do something else before and then it backfires. Same thing happened with hank and the cousins. this caused his death to be really generic and cliche and not satisfying considering it was a really important moment. Instead of this, why not make it so that gus didnt kill lalo immediately, rather it couldve been a gun fight in the dark which would be way more suspensful than the immediate death killing all suspense. gus killing lalo immediately also felt forced just because the writers knew they had to kill lalo

[@lordmortimer8055]

The four others are mike’s guys, their families will be compensated and will receive their bodies. Mike takes care of his people.

[@redhood444]

I don’t think Mike has that status yet with Gus to have his own team of guys

[@nickmadura249]

@@redhood444 are we watching the same show? He constantly references “my guys” and even gets into a verbal confrontation with Tyrus about where Mike is moving his men. Mike was also shown coordinating and leading his men in this very episode.

[@Ashas.Garden]

@@nickmadura249 Back when they were planning the workforce to watch the engineering team, Mike says to Gus “I’ll need to vet them, no offense” Gus responds, “of course” hence those are Gus’ men. Too bad they died, but at least their families were given money to ease to loss of income. Mike’s guys who died after Gus lost everything; money seized, in jail awaiting trial, reputations shot, and viciously murdered to cover Walt’s involvement in drugs.

[@nickmadura249]

@@Ashas.Garden shit, I stand corrected. Thank you very much!

[@uraigroves7898]

I understand your points but its easy to be critical of the writing when we are not the writers. the only way to have made lalo's death better would have been to have spent more time on that part of the story - and the writers made the call to focus on jimmy and kim - which makes sense since the story is about saul goodman - not lalo or even the cartel.

[@marmac83]

its easy to be critical of the writing when we are not the writers well... who ELSE would be critical of the writers? lol

[@uraigroves7898]

@@marmac83 then write and produce your own tv show. i'll watch it!

[@marmac83]

@@uraigroves7898 That's not how this works. Writers produce their works, and are open to consumers criticising their works. Otherwise, the only people allowed to criticise works would be fellow writers/ artists/ whoever, effectively making them immune to criticism. Piss off.

[@uraigroves7898]

@@marmac83 why so hostile? what are you so angry about? perhaps your life isnt what you had wanted it to be and you take out your frustrations on strangers online? chill out a bit and maybe focus on the positive a bit more? hope you have a better day mate...

[@melissas7980]

Your assessment of the final Gus/Lalo confrontation is spot on....great video! Thank you!

[@rootbeer543]

I think it makes sense that Gus would hid a gun in the lab. He knew Lalo was after proof of the super lab, so it only makes sense for him to try making his way there. He can’t tell anyone that he’s alive because as of now he has no proof that Gus is the one Nacho was working for or that Gus orchestrated the attack, and his only advantage in this scenario is that he’s largely believed to be dead. Naturally Gus is paranoid, he got himself into a tight situation and won’t rest until he sees Lalos corpse with his own eyes. Remember up until now Gus has widely used cartel tactics like fear and intimidation to use people to his advantage. Mike shows him how establishing some sort of trust or honor among his pawns ultimately works better. I think Breaking Bad Gus is so much more cunning because of how close of a call it was with the Lalo situation and Gus now sees how useful of an ally Mike is so he trusts his instinct a lot more.

[@LifeIsAStory]

I take your point but if Gus was very sure Lalo would go to the lab, why did he not inform anyone about it? Why didn’t he give it special priority to never leave? And for Lalo, why didn’t he explain the situation to Eladio and just say, "give me time and I’ll find proof." Gus knew he was alive anyways, so Lalo cut himself off from the recourses the cartel could have offered him. And if he told told the cartel (Eladio specifically) the situation, they could have avenged him if he was killed. Now Gus walks away with no consequences. The whole decision of not informing the cartel just didn’t make sense imo. Thanks for the comment!

[@uraigroves7898]

agree

[@devontemoericke493]

@@LifeIsAStory the main thing Lalo risked was Eladio physically stopping him. Gus was bringing in boat loads of cash and Eladio had no reason to distrust him. Lalo was already Warned by Bolsa to stop meddling

[@Hjy84]

@@LifeIsAStory Lalo using his cartel connections would make more sense in this situation if it was more in line with what his character was. Throughout season 5, he doesn't rely on his cartel links and investigates on his own. If anything, the cartel holds him back, Bolsa telling him in no uncertain terms to lay off Gus. The Salamancas as a whole seem to be at odds with the higher ups of the cartel. Hector is constantly disrespecting Eladio's authority when out of earshot. The twins act on their own volition in BB attacking Hank. Tuco is, well, Tuco. Lalo seems to be in the same vein, putting little value in Eladio while calling Hector to tell him he's still alive and consulting HIM, a person who can't even speak, over any one else in the cartel. This is what Gus relies on. His instincts tell him that Lalo could work his way through ALL the safeguards he put on place to make the superlab without help from the cartel and puts in one last piece of his already expansive security because of it. Gus knows that Lalo is Sherlock Holmes, and Sherlock doesn't go running to Scotland yard for help til he's cracked the case. (Don't quote me on that, it's been years since I've read any of the books)

[@paillote]

Really bad how they killed Lalo, didn't deel earned at all. Lalo would't loose an encouter where he is pointing a gun at a person, he was the physical force that took 11 assasins in his house, a 1v1 encounter is NOT how you kill him. Really sad but now there is no way this is better than BB. Also felt stupid that he took so much time in the lab.

[@RobinHerzig]

Agree about the way they did the Lalo/Gus confrontation Lotta conveniences ie, guard watching the monitors taking a perfectly-timed break, apparently coinciding with Mike calling Tyrus off the laundry to go find Lalo at Kim + Jimmy's apt, then Gus managing to situate himself exactly where he'd planted the gun + the lights plugs Also how did Gus NOT have guns on him before he left for the laundry?? We know he's been wearing 2 holsters in anticipation of Lalo. Tie, or no tie, he had the bullet-proof vest on… no gun in his pocket? Nothing? (As Lalo's shooting his guys) Planting the gun doesn't seem out-of character for Gus who was already exceedingly paranoid + is compulsively detailed in his Lalo-preparedness When the actual shootout happened in the dark it was still terrifyingly thrilling, when Gus runs out of bullets + he's still going… that was beautiful Maybe you underestimate the power of Lalo's trip to Germany. That was incredible + integral to the confrontation's story arc

[@RobinHerzig]

also when Gus saw the fan was bent, that was pretty great too

[@adamantiiispencespence4012]

Less that planting that gun is out of character and more that finding the exact spot it was at in that giant lab being very unlikely. The guards perfectly timed break is shown in close chronological proximity 5o the call to Tyrus to show that the guys were out because they'd gone with Tyrus so he could pick who was going and who was staying.

[@superman1875]

I was disappointed by his death but am kinda ok with it now because he wasnt trying to lure Gus out he was just trying to get in the laundromat and find proof of the lab. Gus was smart enough to go there after seeing what was really going on and risk his life to end this. Lalo laughing for me was like shit you got me but also look at how scared I made you feel.

[@RobinHerzig]

Gus knew to go to the laundry when Kim said ‘her husband talked Lalo out of’ sending himself + to send Kim - tipping Gus off that Lalo was buying time - who was sent to shoot Gus didn't much matter, just kill Gus or keep him (+ his crew) busy, leaving Lalo enough time to move

[@quasi-intellecual3790]

I completely agree with you. Lalos death felt slightly underwhelming.

[@victorcritelli5790]

Kim has 2 possibilities or maybe combo of both, 1) Understand they were told Lalo was out of the picture before, It would be understandable they don't believe it now, Clearly Jimmy thought it possible he was alive in BB, Kim could be so fearful now and decides to go the disappearer route and Remember, She had seen and held the card when visiting the vet. The 2 nd is Kim has always looked at the bad activities in the way of means towards some type of Justice, Jimmy was more about getting ahead, being on equal ground with those he felt were above him., Now that the Justice of it has been stripped, Kim will no longer justify or feel at peace with their actions or at all continuing this path, But Jimmy will be very much ok with continuing this path to feel good about the prize, the Sandpiper settlement for instance, This is where the divide will begin

[@andymathieson8698]

I don't understand why Lalo left Saul tied up instead of killing him. Lalo had no more use for him and has a history of tying up loose ends by killing them. Of course Saul was never in danger of dying because he is in Breaking Bad.

[@BCSBB]

Yeah but Gus knew Lalo was so smart he was going to make it to the lab. So Gus won this one. Plus Lalos pride for to him and took him to his own death. What he lived for was his death. He lived to find profe and it lead him to his death.

[@woops9076]

Anyone else absolutely FREAK OUT for a second when lalo reminded kim to put on her shoes

[@BonJoviBeatlesLedZep]

I think the bodies of Mike's guys who Lalo killed (and we only know one of them is dead for sure) are going to their families. Mike takes care of his guys. But Howard and Lalo's bodies need to disappear.

[@theresamoore7623]

The story has been headed toward Kim eventually breaking bad. In Howard's words: she has a piece missing. Episode Something Unforgivable: Jimmy: Kim doing this...its not you...okay? You would not be okay with it. Not in the cold light of day. Kim: Wouldn't I?

[@deathofamailman]

In season 5's opener, when Nacho is on the roof trying to get the stash before the cops do, and they cut back to Lalo who is now eating from a bag like he's watching a movie, is the hardest I laughed at BCS.

[@thedudeWG]

I was surprised to see how many people raved over this episode as well. I definitely agree that there were many great aspects of it, but the way Lalo’s death was handled so predictably I was amazed they actually went there. With no possible villains left to appear in the Gene timeframe, I wonder if they’ll have time to craft one going forward. Also, I wonder if by moving to the BB timeframe so early (I’m writing this after seeing episode 9) does that mean we could see a Walter, Saul, and Jesse backstory that plays into the Gene years? Perhaps a new villain rises up from that story. I suppose the best thing we are left with is that they can take this series in almost any direction they want. I have a feeling we have a lot of surprises in store for us.

[@2serveand2protect]

After that "flickering candle scene" and Lalo reappearing almost "back from the dead", and shooting Howard, I think Jimmy will always be haunted by the possibility he might come back yet again, no matter what they tell him. He's HAUNTED. Afterall Mike told him already once that Lalo would not come back, that he was dead and he believed them all - including his wife, who knew he was alive. One of the first memory I have from years ago when I started watching "Breaking Bad" was the scene with Saul on his knees - scared to death and - while seeing a hole in a desert dug for him - he cries out "Did Lalo send you??" then trying to explain in a half-broken Spanish: "Yo soy sempre... - sempre... amigo del cartèl!!" in an absolute panic... but!... the very first name that pops to his mind when he sees the grave ready to embrace him is not "Tuco" or anyone else, but "Lalo" (an unknown name to me back then). Since then I always thought "Who TF is this Lalo"?? ...I thought his nephew was bad enough, but Jimmy was more scared of some "Lalo" than him.

[@adeajuwon931]

Great analysis 🧐. I will give the writers a pass on Gus planting the gun before the event because we have also known Gus to be the most paranoid person on the show. A perfectionist always planning and thinking ahead.

[@farvertex]

Great analysis! Agree with all!!!

[@MajorityFFA]

Very fair assessment of the episode, I agree. as for Gus’ super powers, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen him have this odd intuition; the car bomb Walt planted on Gus‘ car in the hospital parking garage.

[@personanongratis]

I hated how Nacho died, I was expecting Lalo to hunt Nacho, not the Salamanca's to kill him(although the actor interpreting Vargas acting the hate for the Salamanca's was awesome), Lalo's death was OK in my opinion, plot convenience and all!

[@eyeojo]

Pretty sure Gus Would have been gone after even a twitch too. Lalo would have pulled the trigger immediately when he moved…agree, could have been way better!

[@jakethesnake7917]

Here's my thoughts: So many shows set up a really good final season to close off their series in the right way but almost all of them leave barely any time at all for them to wrap up everything and tie all their loose ends until the very final episode and that's why so many shows endings feel rushed. I appreciate the fact that the writers gave themselves enough time (5 episodes to be exact) to not only wrap up Better Call Saul but also tie a bow on Breaking Bad as a whole. Let's also not forget that the writers needed to wrap up the Kim and Jimmy storyline and the Gene storyline so I don't think it was the worst thing to kill Lalo off in the midpoint of the season. I've seen people say they should've saved Lalo for the final episode of Better Call Saul and that would have just been incredibly stupid. I also think there were a lot of little moving parts throughout the season that hinted towards Gus' and Lalo's fate at the lab that nobody paid that much attention to the first time around so I don't think it's far-fetched to say that Gus thought ahead for every possible outcome since this season has done nothing but show us how thorough and cautious he is. He knew Lalo knew about the lab, he knew Lalo needed proof before he straight-up kills him, he knew about Germany, and he knew how clever Lalo is. It all ties back to the lab so to say Gus has superpowers because he planted a little gun in the lab just in case is the far-fetched thing imo. Everything worked for me and it didn't have to be the most climactic death ever, it's less about being earned and more about being necessary.

[@nuckynelson]

I wonder what the time period will be between the end of BCS and the moment Sault meets Walter and Jesse. It must be some time because of the luxury home from Saul that got emptied and the totaly different interior of Saul's office

[@danielmorgan9504]

Here’s the thing about Lalo’s death. He gave Hector the bell, which was later used as the detonator that blew Gus away. A detonator hidden in plane sight, that Gus would have never suspected. In a way, In Breaking Bad S4 E13, Lalo is there is spirit. His smile before his death could be interpreted as, “You will fail. One way or another, we are gonna get you.”

[@yanchan17]

I found this video a bit late, but at least I did. Here's my few cents on this episode: Lalo died because of his greed and ego. In the flashbacks, he is shown not only giving money to Don Eladio, but also throwing in a luxury car with the "frunk" as an extra, to satisfy him. I can't recall other earners doing similar things to him. He went the extra mile to try to improve Eladio's views on him and to possibly set himself up for a better position in the future. After the assassination attemp failed on Lalo, but he himself eliminated the attackers, he could have just went back to Eladio and called for reinforcements and funding. The Cartel has so much money and connections, that even if Gus keeps hiding out in his home, they could have just forced him out of there over time probably. Lalo is greedy, he wants to impress Eladio even more, so he goes on to find out the location of the meth lab, but only surviving by plot armor, as the german woodcutter man takes him down with the flat edge of his axe, but then hesitates on killing Lalo for some dumb reason, even though he came at him with a gun, and they're in the middle of nowhere, so there would be pretty much 0 consequences for taking out Lalo there... Anyway, moving on, now Lalo knows where the lab and Gus is. The fact that Lalo still won't call in help from the Cartel, and is vlogging his revenge plot on Gus with a camera, obviously, just to show it off to Eladio later, again shows his blinding greed and ego. Lalo comes up with the idea to use Saul or Kim to take a shot at Gus. I don't know if he actually thought it might work, but probably he didn't and just wanted them to be a distraction. It doesn't really matter, because what comes after is so retarded on so many levels, I just can't make sense of it. Lalo wants Saul to go and shoot Gus, and Saul begs for him to send Kim instead, no matter what. The problem with this is that if Saul was sent out to Gus, he could have easily got his hands on a phone and called Mike right away about what's going on. Lalo would have been sorrounded by an elite army of killers in no time and he wouldn't even have seen it coming... Holy shit.... WHAT And the rest of the episode is some more dumb ideas: Gus was completely safe in his bunker, untouchable with all his men, but he decides to leave anyway, because he has a feeling about going to the laundry. With only 2 guards by his side, his safety is much reduced. He could have just sent out dozens of mercenaries to search the laundry, if he worried about it. Lalo infiltrates the laundry just by dumb luck, because the security guard missed a few seconds of him on camera. Okay. Gus is captured, because he was dumb. Okay. It doesn't occur to Lalo, that Gus, the golden egg laying "Chicken Man" he is, would probably have a tracking/listening device on him, especially in these times, and instead of just killing him and running off, takes his time by slowly vlogging Gus showing him the lab. The lab, that has no other exit, except where they went in. Again, Lalo is just infinitely greedy, egotistic and dumb and even if Gus wouldn't have taken him down with a strategically placed gun, the mercenaries would probably have been coming after him, tracking after Gus, but he just had to keep filming for Eladio... That's the logical idea anyway. Thanks for reading, if you went through all this text.

[@Jouzou87]

Mike instructing Jimmy and Kim how to deal with the aftermath of Howard's death is a throwback to his first appearance in BrBa.

[@johnrains2339]

Kim’s in it for keeps. How in the world do they break up, after one was willing to die, and the other to kill, for their relationship? No, I think they move on together, and being Saul becomes the new con keeping their relationship exciting. Fun and Games, hence the intimacy coordinator, then 610 or maybe 611 starts in Breaking Bad, while 613 and maybe 612 is Gene

[@briano7986]

ya if she disappears it was not her decision.

[@Hoplite9]

Sweet Analysis Dude.

[@neil8964]

the hidden gun is convenient yes but its also very reasonable. Gus knew that Lalo would not simply shoot him in the back. Not before he found the underground lab to have proof. He also wouldn’t be contempt with holding some underling at gun point to show him the lab. He wanted to be the one to triumphantly present the traitor to Eladio and skin him alive at the pool. Gus knew that Lalos extreme confidence and fearlessness was his strength but also his biggest weakness. so the scenario that played out, a showdown in the lab was very reasonable to assume for Gus

[@johnrains2339]

Gus’s guys that died were treated with more respect, I’d imagine. Remember that if you get arrested as a Gus guy, you get hazard pay. It would be easy to fake some machinery accident, let the guy have a funeral, and pay off the family to prevent an autopsy.

[@victorcritelli5790]

As far as Gus and Lalo, I didnt see it that way at all, Honestly Gus has always been known as overly prepared, OCD in fact about it, I would imagine there is a million other things he would have done in preparation for any situation, some on screen, like the using the neighbors house, I am sure we are to assume much off screen as to show to much of it would negatively effect the watching, However they did enough to show this was who he is OCD over preparing with a militant attitude on it, As far as Lalo his downfall was his arrogance, Gus played on it, he bought extra time and distracted him enough to make his play,

[@violetasuklevska9074]

Honestly this is my pick for the best episode in BCS thus far, exactly for the last 10 minutes. This is the first time we see Gus show fear (after the shoot-out), he composes himself after Lalo shoots him and keeps his composure till the moment Lalo dies to hide vulnerability. There's a smaller moment after that when Gus phones Lyle on the hour to check when he entered the restaurant which reassures him that Lyle is of Pollos standards. I would love for Giancarlo to get an Emmy for this performance, but they will probably nominated Tony for this episode.

[@jdevine42]

I have prepositioned weaponry around my home and have "war gamed" scenarios by which I might funnel potential invaders into the kill zone. That is what it looked like Gus was doing...Still, excellent analysis

[@goklth]

The way lalo dies smiling reminds me of the scene where walt was laughing in the basement

[@23rt2308u24tkhg]

I see Lalo vs Gus as a battle of patience. Gus having to bunker down and Lalo sitting in the sewers. As shown in Breaking Bad, Gus waited what probably felt like an eternity between Max's death and wiping out Eladio and the cartel. When it comes to patience Lalo was outmatched.

[@PeterMoore66]

6 weeks of waiting. Not "over two months". If you don't know how many weeks there are in a month, I'm not sure I trust your analysis of a TV show.

[@arpitsharma8947]

lalo should have lasted one more episode, a cat and mouse episode would have been brilliant.. lalo deserved that

[@zapify6999]

yeah exactly

[@Potato98765]

I think Gus knew that Lalos end goal was to get in the lab. He also knew that if gus was captured by Lalo then Lalo would use him to get in the lab. And he knew if that happened lalo would want to kill him in the lab. Thats why Guss planted the contigency plan for the worst case scenario.

[@legzdiamond2356]

I think you’re missing the fact that Gus’s entire plan - one that he kept secret from even Mike - was to lure Lalo into that basement and shoot him. Since before he planted the gun, Gus knew that Lalo was not only fixated on the lab, but that he HAD to go to the lab otherwise there would be no way to square things with Eladio. So it wasn’t super powers that drove Gustavo, it was an intimate knowledge of his enemy’s position and personality. I grant you, Lalo’s end involved a few coincidences, but it’s a tv show. At some point you need to suspend the ol disbelief.

[@alcorgarcia6753]

Gus knew very well that Lalo was obsessed with his Superlab construction. He knew that Lalo would do whatever it takes to get evidence of it. Lalo also knows that Don Eladio favors Gus cuz of all the money he brings. It would upset Eladio if Gus is killed without good reason. Lalo wants everyone to think he is still dead. Gus knows this and Gus knows he can't use any of the other cartel members to his advantage. There is only one way this would end... Lalo and Gus together in the Superlab. Gus also knows that Lalo has never seen the lab before so if he blinds him, Lalo would be caught of guard and disoriented. Gus has practiced moving around in that lab by counting the paces to the gun he planted. He probably did more of that off screen. When Gus cut the power in that moment, Lalo was lit up with the camera he was holding and with the flash of light from his gun, but he couldn't see where Gus was cuz there was no light emitted from him. Gus only had to fire towards all the flash of light Lalo was creating. There was also a scene after where Mike was concerned that Gus's plan could've easily gone sideways and Gus acknowledged and agreed with this. Gus knew that there was a chance this would've failed badly, but he took it anyway cuz of his confidence in himself. This scene totally worked for me.

[@alcorgarcia6753]

And in an episode of Breaking Bad, Hector referred to Gus as a General during a flashback scene. This maybe hinting that he was a General in the Chilean army. There were sprinkled hints of him being a force to be reckoned with in Chile throughout Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Based on this, I'm sure he was handy with a firearm.

[@XanderShiller]

4:43 The "housecat-bodydouble" looks exactly like a quiet version of Gus/Esposito's character in Do The Right Thing. I BET it was an Easter Egg.

[@SimpleShaun80]

I don't know, every hero film has a long monologue before a death, the death was good and bad, bad because it was quick and given the gravitas of the character of Lalo and the fierce rivalry and hatred, it deserved more than a gun shoot out in the dark. The good was that its consistent, if a character is of a high standing they do get to have their final word, Lalo had been trying to prove that it was the chicken man for a long time, and what better for Don Hector, not only to have gus' head on a stick, but have video evidence as proof of the betrayl, that video would have legitimised the death of everyone under his control and hand ultimate victory to the Salamancas. Its also consistent because gus didn't plan this just for Lalo, he planned this "in the event of". Gus is a thinker and never allows himself to be backed into a corner without a way out. Lalo thought he had the game won, he had no reason to think there was a way out of this checkmate. The only disappointing thing was that it was quick (too quick), but there are only a few episodes left and there is plenty more ground to cover in order to align all elements of Jimmy, Saul, Gene, as well as introducing breaking bad. I don't want to be too harsh, if this were any other series that would have been excellent, because its better call saul, people expect more, and ultimately I think that's unfair. Take it for what it was, a high paced, exciting episode that truly showed the genius of 2 tremendous mobsters :)

[@horoshiyork8598]

I think that Jimmy had set Kim up because of fear for his life, despite her judgement about his motives. And he'll confess to her. That is the cause for their breakup.

[@Professionalhater420]

I doubt they break up and Kim will probably go to jail

[@rootbeer543]

People seem to forget that Kim knew Lalo was alive and allowed Jimmy to go on believing that he was dead. I feel like that could come into play.

[@lpr5269]

Jimmy knew that Lalo just wanted him to create a distraction because there is no way that Mike's boss wouldn't have security at his house. He figured they would just grab and question her and she would tell them what was going on and where Lalo was. He knew that they had already tried to kill Lalo and failed. What Jimmy didn't count on was Lalo tying him up and leaving.

[@horoshiyork8598]

@@lpr5269 there is no way you can know for sure what it wil be in the end in such a situation. Jimmy just feared for his skin more, than about Kim's.

[@personanongratis]

Well, that would be lame, although I think you're right!

[@AmateurAnimator]

I think the thing that most took Lalo by surprise was him turning off the lights. That was enough to not only make it hard for him to hit gus, but it just was a surprise. Also once Gus knew Lalo was looking for the lab he put the gun down there. But more than anything I just think Lalo didn't expect him to turn off the lights. That imo fucked up Lalo more than anything

[@EnjoySackLunch]

I don’t think Mike’s guys would have their bodies just tossed in a grave so haphazardly and desensitized. He probably had convos w their people/families and was able to get their remains to them. They were all fully in the game.

[@이상준-q7v]

You know the writers intentionally made Gus not have a satisfying perfect “earned” kill of Lalo Thats because this Gus is a younger version, more vulnerable, less experienced person than who we see in Breaking Bad In fact, this is directly related to the lines Gus says to Walter “dont ever make the same mistakes twice” This isnt me talking, I heard it in an interview from either the producers or actors

[@spaniyell]

For me, Gus knew the lab was the target, hence the gun stash. On learning Lalo was out and about, a certain Fait Accompli brewed in his gulliver and it was the path he knew he had to walk, or he would die.

[@Johnaldea868]

Basically Walt and Jesse work in that lab which hides 2 bodies underneath the floor.

[@SlipNJimmy]

I do think Lalo’s death was simple and straightforward, but it made complete sense. Neither Lalo nor Gus made any stupid or uncharacteristic decisions. I’d much rather this outcome then to force Lalo’s death to be shocking and/or extravagant just for the sake of it. It was predictable only because the writers showed us Gus counting his steps and planting the gun in the lab earlier. They could have very easily not shown us that in order to make it more surprising, but then it would’ve felt out of the blue and contrived. It makes sense for Gus to realize that Lalo is looking for proof of that lab because he had very nearly caught Werner and discovered the lab back in S4. Gus had to create a cover story to throw Lalo off the trail but it was clear that Lalo didn’t buy it.

[@UltraDoug]

The real problem with Lalo’s death was that it was….fine, and in the world of BB & BCS, “fine” just doesn’t measure up. “Fine” is ok for other shows, but in this universe we’ve been wonderfully spoiled and when something happens that’s “fine” we complain, but only because we’ve learned to expect more. For me, in this case, an occasional “fine” conclusion is…..fine. 😏

[@prestowitch]

still, gus faced the challenge of having to deal with lalo without the help of his typical man power. and gus knew that coming out of hiding was the only way to bring lalo out of hiding since lalo NEEDS video proof with gus inside the lab, so gus coming to the superlab with a hidden contingency is actually the perfect plan

[@rudyc79]

I never thought Lalo’s death would be at the end of the series wrapping up Better Call Saul. I think Tuco being released from jail will be the end

[@losangelesnefastvs]

Not so much clairvoyance. Lalo gives himself away to Gus when he asks about the "south wall" some episodes back.

[@vinczerobert1472]

Werher Lalo's death is satisfying or not is subjective but it is not true that Lalo had no weakness. His weakness was that he wanted to show off to Eladio, to impress him more than it was necessary. He already had video footage of the lab and Gus starting to talk shit about him and even ahen Gus says that his plan is to burry all Salamancas, Lalo still wants to hear more. He could've shot Gus in the head and escape before Mike and his men come. Now the thing with hiding the gun can be interpreted in more ways. Gus has OCD, he probably was thinking 24/24 hours what Lalo is trying to do and since he saw that Lalo is not attacking and is faking his death, the only other option he has is to discover the lab. So Gus hid a gun there just in case, he had no way of knowing this is exactly how things will go down. The only problem is that the way Lalo dies is predictable since you see Gus hiding the gun there and in this show everything showm has a purpose. But if we didn't get that scene and Gus would've just pulled out a gun of nowhere, it would've felt like a plothole, which this show doesn't really have. I agree that it may have been more interesting if Lalo doesn't fake his death or if Gus doesn't find out he is alive but then a lot of other things would have been different and maybe the writers thought of these but couldn't find a way to make it all make sense.

[@ZapatosVibes]

Agree. Lalo's death is certainly not the worst, but compared to Gus/Hank, it's certainly not the best.

[@Foudedanse]

I liked the Lalo death scene. It made sense and Gus’s terror was unnerving. I think I didn’t breathe the entire time.

[@willisverynice]

No one gets what they deserve because no one truly deserves anything

[@acd839]

Did anyone else expect Gus to strangle lalo with the tie he took off earlier in the episode and placed in his jacket ?

[@Magnific0giganticus]

I was sincerely disappointed and upset by the poor writing in this episode. Kim goes to kill Gus and Mike and Gus of all people don't find this suspicious and an obvious bait right away? So out of character for those two.

[@BustinCider8]

The writing was not poor, that's a reach. Mike expicitly told Gus to stay put while he went to get Jimmy. Gus then figured out rather quickly what Lalo's plan might be and brought multiple men with him to the laundrumat. Lalo got the jump on his guards but Gus ultimately won in the end by being prepared.

[@Magnific0giganticus]

@@BustinCider8 out of character. Poor writing. I could see the bait in plain sight, anyone could, but you're telling me that idiotic plan fooled both Mike and Gus? Laughable. Kim tells everything. This woman, not a killer by any stretch of the imagination is sent by Lalo, to knock on the front door and she's expected to not only kill Gus, but also take pictures and then escape....it all checks out alright, lmao. And then after Mike left, the part of Kim's story that uncovers the trap to Gus is when she mentions "Jimmy convinced Lalo to alter his plan" Oh no, that's just unbelievable! To think someone would make Lalo Salamanca alter his genius plan of sending some sorry-ass cannon fodder to kill him! That sure blew everything up! Lmao. Made Gus look like a moron.

[@romulus_]

Gus did figure out that it was obvious bait. That's why he immediately headed to the laundromat to bait Lalo into his trap. He'd had enough of the stress of letting Lalo's specter terrorize him. It was the time to put up or die.

[@BustinCider8]

@@Magnific0giganticus I disagree with your take. I don't see how Gus realizing Lalo's plan fairly quickly makes him a moron. He took multiple men with him and knew that he had to gun planted in the lab just in case. It might not have been their strongest writing but I certainly don't think it's poor as you're describing it. No need to be an asshole just because someone disagrees with you.

[@ev1Lsect]

Lalo needed proof. Couldn't just kill Gus without going down to the lab

[@irishpotatothief531]

I care less about how Lalo met his end and more about why. For me, Lalo had everything. Patience, intelligence, fighting ability, charisma. The ultimate dangerous villain. However, he had what almost every one has, being hubris. He could have quietly taken out the guards there, documented the lab, gone into hiding, taken it to Don Eladio, and brought the full weight of the cartel down on Gus. Instead, he wanted to finish it himself, in his own way, both for pride and for vengeance. Instead, his inability to let someone else administer the finishing blow got him killed by a simple handgun, one he couldn't plan for, fired in a way that perfectly parallels his instructions to Jimmy and Kim on how to kill Gus in the beginning of the episode.

[@HeatyFrog]

Lalo was pissed off. As he puts it, "they killed people I care about". Up until that happened he was doing everything like you say, planned, methodical. Then the assassination attempt happened and a flip switched for Lalo, it became personal.

[@irishpotatothief531]

@@HeatyFrog Exactly. If it had been anyone else they killed, people he didn't care for, he probably would have been able to stay completely objective. It goes to show in this show, you truly don't get credit for being good or bad, you stay alive by always being calculating and not focused on a vendetta.

[@icebough4191]

Definitely agree on Lalo’s death feeling cheap and unearned

[@RogueAOV]

No one can really say that his death was too early as we do not know what else the show has to do, for all we know the next episode is a 3 year time skip.

[@fgdj2000]

I also felt something was missing to ensure Mike‘s unshakable loyalty to Gus. Maybe Gus saving Mike‘s family from Lalo or something. But alas, series over and still amazing, just not as flawless as it could be, which for me is still the best show ever made alongside Breaking Bad. And I‘m usually a Sci-Fi guy. Shows set in the present real life usually don’t interest me.

[@goklth]

The a holes that spoiled his death before the episode aired, ruined it a bit, lalo is the best vilain in the entire breaking bad universe

[@TheValhalla1989]

Lalo’s death was a fine scene. But unless they got something insane lined up the last 5 episodes the show could of used Lalo up until the end of the series. It could of been a lot better.

[@jamesmmcgill]

Not every show is perfect, even Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

[@berlin990]

They wouldn’t have to get rid of the bodies of employees, I’m sure their families are compensated and stuff lol they wouldn’t have to disappear them.

[@sleeve-tv]

I heard Vince was resistant to brining someone like lalo to life maybe too risky to intertwine I think is super fans may have lacked intensity becuse we know gus doesn’t die. But I appreciate Vinces directing in this to make it feel like a modern western. The shoot out the face off. I only wish they went super slow mo or something. Overall this is still only a piece of the landing that is BCS landing of the series so I’m a leave my judgment till we know how the rest plays out. But ultimately I think it’s was cool seeing Gus be so paranoid that his plan worked out. I even thought Gus was suspicious of Mike. Also how to Lyle play into this?

[@marilynmanord1790]

I agree Lalo’s death was a complete letdown. In fact once Lalo told Saul and Kim what he wanted one of them to do I sadly guessed the rest of the episode. It was a complete letdown and nowhere near the brilliance of Breaking Bad. I will miss Tony Dalton. Definitely my favorite character in BCS. He added anticipation and excitement to the entire story line. Excellent character. Second only to Walter White.

[@oscarsmack141]

I really hoped that Mike would have had more of a hand in taking down Lalo.