Better Call Saul 2x5 FULL REACTION!!
Added 2020-06-05 07:06:37 +0000 UTC
Comments
We've seen the damage that Jimmy has done to Kim in just a few episodes even when she was very clear that he needed to do things correctly and that not doing so would reflect back on her. And yet for all of Jimmy's "caring" he still did what he did. Imagine being the brother of that kind of person and dealing with that kind of behavior for decades. I don't think that Jimmy is a monster by any means, but Chuck's disapproval and unwillingness to accept that his brother can change is at least understandable, even if you don't believe that Jimmy outright stole all of that money from his father's business. I feel like the Jimmy/Chuck dynamic isn't a good vs bad scenario like some people make it out to be, but an incredibly messy and muddled relationship resulting from years of disappointment and pain and repeated cycles of backtracking. Doesn't mean that Chuck isn't an asshole because he absolutely is, but Jimmy is also not off the hook just because he's incredibly likeable.
Shadoe Price
2020-06-07 20:05:40 +0000 UTCI was going to post something along these lines. But you've put it better than I could have.
Foaming Clean
2020-06-06 02:41:56 +0000 UTCNot that you should watch it now (spoilers!) but there's a great video of Jonathan Banks and Mark Margolis (Hector) interviewing each other about their lives and storied careers. It's such a worthwhile watch.
Jarrod Wild
2020-06-05 19:57:39 +0000 UTCLike Isaac said, I don't think you're really missing anything major (at least not about the story as we know it so far). But I will say that I think it's really important to try to look at things through Chuck's eyes from time to time. Chuck has a deep history with his brother. And he's seen the way that Jimmy has hurt the people around him time and time again...including Chuck himself. I think what Chuck relays regarding their father's store is very revealing. We don't get all the details, but it seems to be implied that their father's death was, directly or indirectly, caused or at least connected to the shutting down of that business. I mean, think about that. You have this brother who continually gets involved in schemes, rips people off...and now that brother does something that not only leads to the toppling of the one thing your father had in life, but maybe ultimately led him to lose his actual life as well. I can't imagine what it would be like to be put in that kind of position with someone you love. Don't get me wrong. I don't think Chuck always makes the right choices. He clearly doesn't. But I think his general motivations have been sincere. For whatever reason, he feels a responsibility to protect other people from the damage Jimmy inevitably causes. And he's not wrong. That's really what Jimmy does. It's who he is. I think that scene between Chuck and Kim was probably the most honest and forthright Chuck has been to anyone about that whole situation and where he stands. In fact, I thought it was pretty interesting that you thought he was trying to somehow manipulate Kim for some ulterior reason. Not because I think Charles is pure and never makes mistakes, but because if any character in this show/series/world is manipulative.....it's Jimmy, to the letter. I mean, look at the story-line from the last couple episodes. Both Jimmy and Kim are in hot water and suffering the consequences because why? Because Jimmy never does anything on the straight-and-narrow. He lies, manipulates, and goes behind the backs of others to do what he wants. Even the people he loves. It doesn't mean Jimmy is a completely awful person. I adore Jimmy. He's one of my favorite TV characters of all time. And, like Chuck, I think Jimmy actually has a good heart. If you can look past all the things Jimmy does...to his friends, to his loved ones, to his family, to himself...to see the good in him, I think it's at least worth considering that Chuck might just have a good heart too...even if he, like Jimmy, is a flawed human being. In any case, I'm really enjoying your reactions. Thanks so much!
Ryan Wills
2020-06-05 17:55:51 +0000 UTCI tend to root for Jimmy despite his flaws, but I see Chuck's side and I sympathise with him a lot. I agree with you about different kids needing different kinds of care and how that applies to Jimmy, but it's also important to see how it applies to Chuck. Chuck was clearly a kid who was never in much trouble. He's the type who's very concerned about looking like he's got his shit together outwardly, which is probably the main reason that he won't accept the idea that he's mentally ill. The thing about this personality type is that it leads to a lot of suffering in silence. It was never in Chuck's nature to act out to get attention, but he needed that attention just as much as any other kid. So, while Jimmy is breaking rules, and winning people over with jokes, it's bound to look to the parents like Jimmy needs attention and Chuck is doing just fine, but in reality, I think growing up with Jimmy ended up depriving Chuck, which led to this complex he has about his brother. Chuck does a lot of things wrong when it comes to Jimmy, and Jimmy does a lot of things wrong in general, but what's so great about this show is how rooted their flaws are in a real sense of humanity. I genuinely believe that Chuck loves Jimmy. But from Chuck's point of view, Jimmy is someone who doesn't learn, even when confronted by the consequences of his actions. Keep in mind that it was Chuck who repeatedly bailed him out when he got arrested. He has watched Jimmy for years as he messes up, causes damage, feels awful, then goes right back to doing what he was doing before. I think this is the important point in the story about their dad. As far as Chuck is concerned, Jimmy stole, witnessed firsthand the effect that stealing can have on people through his father, was incredibly broken up when his father died not long after, and then continued on to a life of stealing and conning anyway. It's this kind of thing that makes Chuck believe that Jimmy can't change. The tragedy is that Chuck is probably the only person who could help Jimmy to change. Apologies for the wall of text, but this is a show I don't get to talk about much and there's so much to it. Anyway, I've been loving the reactions so far. Can't wait for Season 3 in particular.
Don't Mock The Shocker
2020-06-05 17:12:09 +0000 UTCI don't think you're missing anything! It's really sad to see. The way I always saw it, Chuck really did want Jimmy to change for the better. He put a lot on the line to rescue Jimmy from becoming a sex offender and helped him get his fresh start. I just don't think he was emotionally equipped to handle Jimmy entering the profession he loves and respects so highly. He can't trust that Jimmy won't make a mockery of the law after the things he witnessed growing up. IMO, at that point, Chuck should have just withdrawn from his life. He's no good for Jimmy, anymore. Too much jealousy and mistrust. I think his reliance on Jimmy being his caretaker made things really muddy.
Isaac
2020-06-05 10:07:47 +0000 UTCI just want to say ever since you guys started this show I've been wanting for you guys to see the next episode. That's all I'll say. Loved your reaction on realizing it was Hector, notice when the scene starts you hear a very familiar DING! Now you guys get to speculate how he becomes how he is in Breaking Bad, enjoy the ride ladies :) Also yes it was Hector who killed Gus' friend/lover/whatever.
Daniel R
2020-06-05 08:53:02 +0000 UTC
