This episode seemed to draw parallels between Kim and Jimmy's defense mechanisms when they are confronted with harsh truths. Jimmy launches into a crazed, maniacal rant about his Godliness when he's called out. Meanwhile, Kim gives a calculated, pointed speech. They are both incredibly ego-driven this episode, but their methods for defending their ego differ greatly. Impeccable analysis as always! I was laughing at how brilliant some of your observations were in this episode.
@@skatefan9495 “We are talking about a man who has no control of himself.” Howard said that while Kim was laughing uncontrollably…right in front of his face.
I’ve recently been realising that the “electricity” Chuck is really allergic to is the electricity and magnetism that is Saul Goodman’s antics. And once you realise that you start to see more clues around the place. Thank you for another wonderfully insightful analysis, there’s always some treasure to be found ❤️ I check my phone every morning to see if another is out yet. Looking forward to the next!
Morgan Freeman I wouldn’t call them anxiety attacks, but it’s things like when Jimmy lies about the newspaper, Chuck is forced to run out and grab one and then sees Jimmy on the cover. He then huddles up with his space blanket and on the surface he just seems to be suffering the effects of the electricity from outside, but it’s more likely to do with what he’d just read about the billboard stunt. I think Jimmy is aware that it’s directly correlated to his actions too. There’s a great scene in s01e02 (I think that’s the one) where Jimmy passes out drunk on Chuck’s couch with his phone still in his pocket. Chuck has to get the phone and throw it outside, but also finds the hospital admission slip from when Jimmy took the twins in. So again, he knows Jimmy has been up to something, but has just handled a phone and thinks his symptoms are caused by that. But the next morning Jimmy keeps repeating “Take the space blanket off Chuck, I didn’t do anything wrong, take it off” and is working really hard to convince Chuck he’s not up to his tricks. He knows it causes Chuck’s mental health to deteriorate. The space blanket reminds him of the harm he does to Chuck, and I think that’s why he didn’t want to wear one in the desert. Anyway, once you start making connections between Jimmy’s behaviour and Chuck’s mental health, you see it everywhere. Theirs really is a sad relationship.
@@georgialilley4316 Not just that, but he had to discharge himself every time he went to see chuck, with an image of the first episode of the show being a bolt slipping through jimmy´s fingertip, the first time we saw him going to see chuck. i guess the choice of words in that scene were very conscious about the power jimmy had, but before it was something he has to rid off, now he embraces it.
In S1E02 Jimmy question's Chuck use of a space blanket and he persists that he take it off despite Chuck's excuse of it helping with his recovery from the presence of Jimmy's phone he had carried into the house the night before. Jimmy goes on to say 'Take off the space blanket, I didn't do anything wrong.' implying that he knows Chuck's condition is linked to Jimmy's own irresponsibility and everything else that comes with the emergence of Slipping Jimmy. I also noticed how Jimmy's charm over Rebecca affected Chuck's mood during their little dinner party. Chuck specified to Rebecca that Jimmy can be rather erratic before the dinner. But by the end, Rebecca was insisting Jimmy was great and she didn't see what Chuck was talking about. The flashback ends with a shot of Chuck's irritated face right after his lawyer joke had flown over Rebecca's head. Chuck never had the charming sway Jimmy had over others (their mother most of all). To rationalize this inferiority, he began to convince himself that Jimmy was nothing BUT a helpless con-artist (who later dared to become a lawyer which ultimately brought Chuck's condition to debilitating levels which brought him out of work) -- Rebecca his latest 'victim'. At the end of their relationship in S3E10, Chuck cons himself into believing he had found the remedy to Jimmy's electricity that made him feel so small. He delude's himself into believing Jimmy never really mattered that much to him, despite all the care and friendship Jimmy had offered him. After hearing his brother's sentiment, Jimmy shuts down, not saying another word. Chuck convinced himself just enough to turn the lights back on and to get the words out. But the delusion passed shortly after he heard himself aloud, and the relapse ensued. Anyway, those are the scenes I've been reading into since I started watching these S5 breakdowns. This one in particular, of course.
FallopianJones terrific reading! Makes a lot of sense. I noticed as well the other night, at the start of S04e01, after the Gene scene, we begin with the embers of Chuck’s house drifting through the darkness, past the Mesa Verde boxes in Kim’s house (making a direct link between those boxes and his death) and then into the bedroom where Jimmy awakes. The clock reads 6:19 and there is a relevant bible verse: Matthew 6:19-20 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” Then, when they get the call about Chuck’s death, the clock reads 6:42. Luke 6:42 “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” I’ve been watching out for numbers ever since! 🤯 These show makers really know how to leave clues and symbols for us to emphasise the story!
The distorted mirror effect beforehand (the image of which was used gleefully and often by the unfortunately silly Better Call Saul forum I used to frequent - as a meme) also recalls Walter's more straight-up horror experience of a mirror. When he learns that his cancer no longer threatens his life, Walt stares at himself in the blurry bathroom mirror and attacks it, denting the reflective metal. The resulting distortion of his face has been described as the visual representation of Walt's shadow self, Heisenberg-as-inner-reality. And this face-distorted-in-the-mirror happens for Jimmy too, seemingly as a way of signalling that Saul is more active now, or waking up. Perhaps because of my server using it as a meme, I almost thought this was more of a nod to the fans by the showrunners, a wry acceptance that they are essentially telling the same story in its basic thrust, and laughing at their earlier seriousness. Jimmy's mirror-distortion does look more silly and comedic, or wonky/zany, compared to Walt's more private, more shadowed and uncanny distortion. But perhaps it is more of an acknowledgement that Jimmy is not Walt and Saul is not Heisenberg.
I wish u had touched on the actor's portrayal of emotions during the wedding more. There were moments of playfulness and actual joy/tear filled eyes briefly. I think it was showing that in spite of this business transaction wedding there was some glimmer of meaning for them and possibly a reminder that there is still love here but they are losing sight of it due to Saul's bad choices and Kim's need to problem solve them away
I love the how Jimmys turning point was visualized in the room with Lalo. He had trouble closing his paper case, looked at the JMM initials, walked away after turning down the offer. Then he remembered; JMM - "Just Make Money". And accepted to get the bail money for a bigger cut. Lalo agrees. Now he's a friend of the cartel.
@@macacoosnofa Red is attributed to the world of crime and the cartel. Blue is attributed to the police and the justice system. Kim and jimmy, being lawyers associated with criminals have to tread the line between both of them.
I really really emjoy these breakdowns so much, i unreasonably demand you make more of them faster and disregard all other aspects of your life to bring these to me sooner. Although i enjoy them so much that im glad that i have to wait for them as there will be more for me to watch in the future ;) thank you so much keep up the good work
Great stuff, man. Note how when J/S stops following Howard, screaming of lightening bolts, Howard passes through the metal detector field, filled with electronic (magnetic?) energy. Jimmy stops on a dime because he has become Chuck; despite his claims of electrifying confidence, he can not move forward into the unknowable fields of dealing with your deepest pains. Howard however, grim but determined, strides through because he’s facing his and into the revelations out in broad daylight.
Youre breakdowns are top-notch. thanks for helping my mind resonate my feelings to this great show. I have a little bit different point of view on questioning the love of Kim and Jimmy. I think besides the legal arrangment that they are making, they really solved or made some progress on a huge problem they had in their relationship. They couldnt trust each other, and now their arrangement is really doing good for their relationship. We see them for the first time after a long period of tension and physical distance kissing and making love.
Your equation of Jimmy's lightning bolts "from my finger-tips" with Chuck's "electromagnetic hyper-sensitivity" is brilliant. Love this show and appreciate it so much more with your breakdowns. I think your new fans would like all the breakdowns you did for seasons 1-3. Maybe you can put a link to them on your program notes? ... And a link for any other video or written criticisms you've done?
@@sheis5358 Yes! A little bit of work to track down, but it's when he worked under The AV Club. "Basement Breakdowns" with John Teti + another writer named Gus.
I always thought that Jimmy/Saul straightening his tie at the end of his rant reminded me of Gus Fring's death in BB. To me it functions as one of many "symbolic deaths" of Jimmy throughout season 5
He refuses to accept that he is responsible too (revealing Chucks illness to the insurance company out of spite) and uses Saul as a shield to hide behind and insult and torment Howard.... he’s clearly internally aware of what he did and is angry that Howard is a stronger man than him and jealous he has moved on from Chuck and accepted and come to terms with his guilt.... Jimmy is ignorant and a fool
@@carson11100 That part pissed me off the most about Jimmy. Where Howard reveals so much guilt of Chucks death and Saul used it to pawn off his own guilt and add it on top of Howards.
You just know the insurance thing is gonna come back to bite Jimmy in the ass. Kim is gonna find out one way or another that Jimmy screwed over Chuck and let Howard take all the blame.
@@TomboTime I don’t know. How can they possibly prove that? Maybe he tells her outright and this finally cases her to leave after they’ve already destroyed Howard.
Amazing as always! One thing I noticed as soon as I saw it, was how the “No rice!”, “No glitter!”, etc. signs on the wall created this illusion of being a staircase. With the colour of the “staircase” being the yellow/gold of the criminal/Saul side of things, and Kim’s head being positioned right at the bottom of it in one of the shots during their ceremony, it leads me to think that she’s just continuing to solidify her ascension into Saul’s world. Also might be worth mentioning that the “staircase” isn’t very long, doesn’t lead anywhere, and like you said, is full of “no”’s. Can’t wait for the next breakdown!
This show never ceases to amaze me with its near perfect filmaking and camera work. And your basement breakdowns just compliments the show's beauty and care. I have been watching your show for a few weeks now and I am more than happy to subscribe the channel. Hope you stay safe and healthy.
I ended up really admiring Howard by the end of this series. Started out as a corporate guy that I vaguely didn't like, but ended up a man that doesn't let anything get him down and earned my respect. And it wasn't done by some twist, it was character development done very gradually and naturally. Just another reason why the show is absolutely brilliant.
This was great, just like the others. One thought I had, not sure if it's correct, is to do with the colours of crime. It seems to me that the yellow/gold colour links to crime as a rational, pragmatic decision: crime as part of a plan; organised crime. The red colour seems to be associated with crime resulting from emotion: opportunistic, committed on a whim due to poor impulse control; crimes of passion.
I'd actually agree, but Jimmy in his bright red tracker handling those kids that robbed him when he was selling telephones may contradict that. When he lured them into his trap, that certainly wasnt poor impulse control, every step of that was planned out
I think yellow at all means that something dirty, or "sulphuric", is going on or being planned (somewhat a link to the parent series). Red seems to be more tied with violence itself in any context.
Goddamn, you make me feel like a csveman, dude 😂 you stop SO MANY things, it's fascinating to watch you speak about this show. I really think I'll be watching it again from a fresh perspective.
Only recently discovered your channel and I have 3 episodes of this season left. I'm just sad I never saw your channel before as it seems I've only been enjoying the show half as much as I could have been and now I'm afraid to proceed with the rest of the season without you!
A fantastic breakdown, really interesting points, for example the decaying ceiling above Jimmy. In breaking bad in school classroom scenes Walter would often be standing and speaking but there was a poster of a decomposing human in the background.
When you finally get to an analysis of Bagman, please be sure to hit on the music before and during the shootout. It is utterly perfect. I hope you notice that and talk about it. I would love to add my thoughts on this.
Holy shit usually in these types of scene by scene reviews I usually have a few objections or roll my eyes and say yeah sure that's a stretch But I literally agreed with everything you said that's never happened before you have a very keen eye for analysis
@13:40 I think that I would add on the possibility that Jimmy might feel that he has too much power. He was able to get a murderer out on bail, he is creating stunts in court that are working seamlessly to reduce his client's sentences. The whole "I can shoot lightning from my fingertips" might stem from a realization of how much control he has now.
This has nothing to do with this video specifically but after finishing this season, I think it's fair to say the opening song of the season has a second interpretation. The lyrics of welcome to my world appear to be indicative of Kim stepping in to the criminal realm along side Jimmy.
14:00-14:37 Wow, for some reason I had never made this connection during any of the three times I've watched the entire BCS series so far. Thank you so much for this beautiful gold(!) nugget and for all your analyses so far. It really enhances my enjoyment of the show - and it was already my favourite show of all time before I discovered your channel
I cant wait to see the remaining takes on the rest of the season. This channel is by far the best one for reviewing BCS. I only wish he did other shows as well. Would love to see his take
Just brilliant man. Ive never seen an analysis as good as this, especially for just one episode. I know u really understand the show and all the beauties it presents to the audience and for that, you've earned a viewer thats gonna binge all your analysis vids. Bravo Ological👏👏👏
Was so excited to see this pop up in my notifications today, and am really looking forward to your insights on the next few episodes. Your analyses are miles above any other ones that I've seen, and i definitely watch the show differently now and i can't believe i never picked up on themes like the colors, that in retrospect seem so obvious... Love your speaking/presentation style as well, easy to listen to :)
Love it! In depth on symbolism, character motivation and film craft. This is a nice mix of confirming some things I was already thinking and adding new thoughts I had not even considered.
Dude for real your breakdowns are awesome. I'm pretty savvy when it comes to spotting theming in writing, but how you point out Camera work and color theming is always a treat or me. Looking forward to the next few Basement Breakdowns.
I always saw this rant as jimmy's version of heisenberg's "I am the one who knocks" speech, as both speeches reflect the massive ego of both Saul and Heisenberg, but also reflect the character of both. Both are used as a defense mechanism when their ego feels threatened, and both speeches attempt to make Saul/Heisenberg appear more menacing or in control of the situation than they actually are. However, the way in which they differ show the difference between Saul Goodman and Heisenberg. Heisenberg's speech is cold, menacing, and quiet. He never yells at Skylar, even though his tone changes. He wants Skylar to see him as Heisenberg, the cold, silent, strong and ruthless drug lord. However, Saul's speech is more grandiose, and uses powerful supernatural imagery, which displays Saul as a powerful and evil man, but in a different way than Heisenberg. Saul's speech reflects his great showmanship, and ability to manipulate/con people. Brilliant writing
Regarding the lightning bolts, I also remember a similar remark by jimmy when first entering the conference hall of HHM and the huge table separating Howard and him.
You are so incredibly insightful!!!! I thought I saw all the symbolism in most episodes but your insight is mind blowing and I love it!!! Keep your basement breakdowns coming!!
Thanks so much for your analysis. I never quite understood the symbolism of the stained ceiling in the courtroom until you explained it. Jimmy's line, "God in human clothing, lightening bolts come from my finger tips", is similar to a scene in the movie Network. There was another scene similar to one in Network during season 1 where Jimmy is in the HH& M boardroom and he says, "You will atone". I bring that up because in Network, the news anchor Howard Beale (?) became mentally ill and stated he would kill himself on air during a future broadcast. Chuck was mentally ill and committed suicide, and imho, his eventual death was foreshadowed by the common issue of the two characters (Howard Beale and Chuck) within those scenes. I interpreted part of the meeting in the hallway between Jimmy and Howard as two separate expressions of guilt in relationship to Chuck's death and how each one contributed to his mental illness. Jimmy knew he had pushed Chuck to the edge by getting the firm's insurance rate raised after the court case, but his anger for the disbarment would not allow him to mourn Chuck, so he expressed his pain in an angry outburst. Howard forced Chuck out of HH&M once the insurance rates were raised, but he internalized his remorse because he knew he could have done more to address Chuck's condition. He chose to kept it to himself by buying Chuck out, which silenced Chuck and the problem, but not his own guilt. We finally got the show down between the two lawyers who were in Chuck's shadow and neither could live up to Chuck's legendary skill in the courtroom while he was alive. Now that Chuck's gone, they will face off in a new duel to see who is the better lawyer that can live up to Chuck's stature in the legal community. I feel the battle of Saul and Howard is a form of sibling rivalry where two younger brothers or childhood friends are vying for the approval or acceptance of their older brother/father figure. They see each other as an interloper who has encroached on the others territory. Howard doesn't want Jimmy/Saul to effect any thing related to Chuch (his partner, mentor, law firm, and family name). Jimmy may feel Howard is not entitled to anything Chuck built and he is the rightful inheritor of Chuck's reputation and good name. I feel they are going to face off in the courtroom next season and we will see who is the best litigator between the two. Will it be Howard, the golden boy who was forced into being an attorney by his father's nepotism or will it be Jimmy, who had to secretly fight on his own to earn an online law degree because his upstanding brother didn't think he belonged in the courtroom? This is a tale of two little guys who want to knock off their competition. Kim Wexler McGill will be the winner because she is the best lawyer.
Dude you're content is awesome. I was really surprised when I went to your channel and saw how recent you are! The branding is there, the editing is great and you seem really focused and purposeful with your scripts. I knew this show had a lot of details I was probably missing but you've blown my mind with the amount I didn't even pick up on, I'll definitely be watching all you're content and am really excited to see more! I know it's a ton of work to put all this together but your videos are fantastic. Like I can tell you have frames picked out and ready to go to pan through as visual examples and it really helps focus in on the scenes you're about to go in depth on. This might sound kind of cynical but if you can fit in a video on trending things now and again I think that really helps put you into people's recommended videos. I happened to be watching a lot of BCS analysis stuff and your videos showed up, maybe fitting that in might help push you over the edge algorithm wise. That said I'm not trying to tell you how to make your stuff. I just like what I've seen a lot and think more people should see what you have made.
Wow, your capacity in analyze a scene is unbelievable. Thank you for the video, it makes me feel really stupid for how i didn't noticed a lot of details of this amazing show, that i personally love.
Fantastic analysis!! I always noticed the dagger earrings but never associated any meaning to them, and then what you said with the earrings and the light fixture WOW. It's great how while watching I can enjoy the show as one of the best on television simply because of the content, and then watching your analyses I realise just how much more incredible it really is with all the little details. Thank you so much for your insight, you make a great show even better. Can't wait for more!!
Wow, your reviews are by far the best I've watched so far. Especially the in-depth analysis of the color and sound design and the editing is absolutely fascinating. Thanks so much, it really improves the second viewing of the series a lot!
Love your videos, thanks for making them! I wish my teacher would show your videos in my literature class. You make these things make so much sense! Keep it up!
Nice analysis. You remind me of a “cool” English teacher. Also, great point about the period-technology: I remember how disposable cameras were EVERYWHERE in the early 2000s, then all but gone completely by the 2010s.
ive been looking for your channel for a few hours. i remember i watched your videos on s5 bcs and it compleatly changed how i watch all media. no one else does it like you do and ive been re watching bcs with my new gf and she loves these analysis too. you really deserve to be bigger. you do good stuff keep it upppppppp !!!
@ological your breakdowns are amazing. Been a BB and BCS geek for years but only found this channel recently. I'm rewatching as much as possible using your insights to see even more of the genius of the BCS/BB "universe". In particular, the use of colour by the creators is remarkable. I'd never even noticed it before watching your vids. Please come back for Season 6, you knock the socks off all the other reviewers I've been looking at.
This episode seemed to draw parallels between Kim and Jimmy's defense mechanisms when they are confronted with harsh truths. Jimmy launches into a crazed, maniacal rant about his Godliness when he's called out. Meanwhile, Kim gives a calculated, pointed speech. They are both incredibly ego-driven this episode, but their methods for defending their ego differ greatly.
Impeccable analysis as always! I was laughing at how brilliant some of your observations were in this episode.
Yes, but when Howard gives her unsolicited advice about Jimmy, her method is closer to Jimmy's.
@@skatefan9495 “We are talking about a man who has no control of himself.”
Howard said that while Kim was laughing uncontrollably…right in front of his face.
The lightning bolts analysis nuked my brain, bravo
Especially with Episode 10 in Season 5. Gold is going to be on Kim now.
I’ve recently been realising that the “electricity” Chuck is really allergic to is the electricity and magnetism that is Saul Goodman’s antics. And once you realise that you start to see more clues around the place. Thank you for another wonderfully insightful analysis, there’s always some treasure to be found ❤️ I check my phone every morning to see if another is out yet. Looking forward to the next!
So is he having extreme anxiety attacks every time he finds out about Jimmy’s antics?
Morgan Freeman I wouldn’t call them anxiety attacks, but it’s things like when Jimmy lies about the newspaper, Chuck is forced to run out and grab one and then sees Jimmy on the cover. He then huddles up with his space blanket and on the surface he just seems to be suffering the effects of the electricity from outside, but it’s more likely to do with what he’d just read about the billboard stunt. I think Jimmy is aware that it’s directly correlated to his actions too. There’s a great scene in s01e02 (I think that’s the one) where Jimmy passes out drunk on Chuck’s couch with his phone still in his pocket. Chuck has to get the phone and throw it outside, but also finds the hospital admission slip from when Jimmy took the twins in. So again, he knows Jimmy has been up to something, but has just handled a phone and thinks his symptoms are caused by that. But the next morning Jimmy keeps repeating “Take the space blanket off Chuck, I didn’t do anything wrong, take it off” and is working really hard to convince Chuck he’s not up to his tricks. He knows it causes Chuck’s mental health to deteriorate. The space blanket reminds him of the harm he does to Chuck, and I think that’s why he didn’t want to wear one in the desert. Anyway, once you start making connections between Jimmy’s behaviour and Chuck’s mental health, you see it everywhere. Theirs really is a sad relationship.
@@georgialilley4316 Not just that, but he had to discharge himself every time he went to see chuck, with an image of the first episode of the show being a bolt slipping through jimmy´s fingertip, the first time we saw him going to see chuck. i guess the choice of words in that scene were very conscious about the power jimmy had, but before it was something he has to rid off, now he embraces it.
In S1E02 Jimmy question's Chuck use of a space blanket and he persists that he take it off despite Chuck's excuse of it helping with his recovery from the presence of Jimmy's phone he had carried into the house the night before. Jimmy goes on to say 'Take off the space blanket, I didn't do anything wrong.' implying that he knows Chuck's condition is linked to Jimmy's own irresponsibility and everything else that comes with the emergence of Slipping Jimmy.
I also noticed how Jimmy's charm over Rebecca affected Chuck's mood during their little dinner party. Chuck specified to Rebecca that Jimmy can be rather erratic before the dinner. But by the end, Rebecca was insisting Jimmy was great and she didn't see what Chuck was talking about. The flashback ends with a shot of Chuck's irritated face right after his lawyer joke had flown over Rebecca's head. Chuck never had the charming sway Jimmy had over others (their mother most of all). To rationalize this inferiority, he began to convince himself that Jimmy was nothing BUT a helpless con-artist (who later dared to become a lawyer which ultimately brought Chuck's condition to debilitating levels which brought him out of work) -- Rebecca his latest 'victim'.
At the end of their relationship in S3E10, Chuck cons himself into believing he had found the remedy to Jimmy's electricity that made him feel so small. He delude's himself into believing Jimmy never really mattered that much to him, despite all the care and friendship Jimmy had offered him. After hearing his brother's sentiment, Jimmy shuts down, not saying another word. Chuck convinced himself just enough to turn the lights back on and to get the words out. But the delusion passed shortly after he heard himself aloud, and the relapse ensued.
Anyway, those are the scenes I've been reading into since I started watching these S5 breakdowns. This one in particular, of course.
FallopianJones terrific reading! Makes a lot of sense. I noticed as well the other night, at the start of S04e01, after the Gene scene, we begin with the embers of Chuck’s house drifting through the darkness, past the Mesa Verde boxes in Kim’s house (making a direct link between those boxes and his death) and then into the bedroom where Jimmy awakes. The clock reads 6:19 and there is a relevant bible verse:
Matthew 6:19-20
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”
Then, when they get the call about Chuck’s death, the clock reads 6:42.
Luke 6:42
“How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
I’ve been watching out for numbers ever since! 🤯 These show makers really know how to leave clues and symbols for us to emphasise the story!
Season 5 has been my favorite so far. How am I supposed to wait a year for Season 6?!?!
@@Ballislife32 That was before Corona as well....
I’m sure we will get it August 2021
Wish he covered the last 3 episodes.
@@Ballislife32 Maybe 2 years now because of this stupid quarantine
@@Ballislife32 Yes and social distancing. No intimacy from Saul/Kim
This is Jimmy’s version of Walter’s “I’m the one who knocks” speech.
I like to think of it more like his "Chicanery" speech. Howard got to see the meltdowns of both McGill brothers firsthand
@@TrueRetroflection "I'm the one who knocks" was a meltdown too
The distorted mirror effect beforehand (the image of which was used gleefully and often by the unfortunately silly Better Call Saul forum I used to frequent - as a meme) also recalls Walter's more straight-up horror experience of a mirror.
When he learns that his cancer no longer threatens his life, Walt stares at himself in the blurry bathroom mirror and attacks it, denting the reflective metal. The resulting distortion of his face has been described as the visual representation of Walt's shadow self, Heisenberg-as-inner-reality.
And this face-distorted-in-the-mirror happens for Jimmy too, seemingly as a way of signalling that Saul is more active now, or waking up. Perhaps because of my server using it as a meme, I almost thought this was more of a nod to the fans by the showrunners, a wry acceptance that they are essentially telling the same story in its basic thrust, and laughing at their earlier seriousness. Jimmy's mirror-distortion does look more silly and comedic, or wonky/zany, compared to Walt's more private, more shadowed and uncanny distortion. But perhaps it is more of an acknowledgement that Jimmy is not Walt and Saul is not Heisenberg.
Your videos are absolutely filling the hole remaining since I finished the series
I wish u had touched on the actor's portrayal of emotions during the wedding more. There were moments of playfulness and actual joy/tear filled eyes briefly. I think it was showing that in spite of this business transaction wedding there was some glimmer of meaning for them and possibly a reminder that there is still love here but they are losing sight of it due to Saul's bad choices and Kim's need to problem solve them away
I only remember that Kim seemed truly happy during it
I agree. They both were affected by the vows and it became more than just a strictly-business transaction.
Kim was truly happy.
Jimmy not so much.
He’s only here for crazy symbolism lol
Right? :) That little laugh after they kissed was very meaningful I think
I love the how Jimmys turning point was visualized in the room with Lalo. He had trouble closing his paper case, looked at the JMM initials, walked away after turning down the offer. Then he remembered; JMM - "Just Make Money". And accepted to get the bail money for a bigger cut. Lalo agrees. Now he's a friend of the cartel.
After so many years sifting through hundreds of so called “scene analysis” videos,.. THIS is what I call a scene analysis! This. Is. It.
Subbed
I agree. This guy is the best there is.
"Red and blue were the guests of honor at their wedding." OMG
I didn’t get the red and blue colours meaning. Someone help?
@@macacoosnofa Red is attributed to the world of crime and the cartel. Blue is attributed to the police and the justice system. Kim and jimmy, being lawyers associated with criminals have to tread the line between both of them.
You don't belittle Jimmy in front of Kim. She rushes to his defense every time.
Your take on the scene shot from beneath the mesh table symbolizing a cage was illuminating. I thought it also looked like a confessional as well.
amazing pick up about the bolts of lightning and chuck. love these so much!!
2:30am basement breakdowns hell yeah
I really really emjoy these breakdowns so much, i unreasonably demand you make more of them faster and disregard all other aspects of your life to bring these to me sooner. Although i enjoy them so much that im glad that i have to wait for them as there will be more for me to watch in the future ;) thank you so much keep up the good work
+1 Keep up the good work
Great stuff, man. Note how when J/S stops following Howard, screaming of lightening bolts, Howard passes through the metal detector field, filled with electronic (magnetic?) energy. Jimmy stops on a dime because he has become Chuck; despite his claims of electrifying confidence, he can not move forward into the unknowable fields of dealing with your deepest pains. Howard however, grim but determined, strides through because he’s facing his and into the revelations out in broad daylight.
Nice catch on the typewriter! Great breakdowns as always John, keep them up!
Youre breakdowns are top-notch. thanks for helping my mind resonate my feelings to this great show.
I have a little bit different point of view on questioning the love of Kim and Jimmy.
I think besides the legal arrangment that they are making, they really solved or made some progress on a huge problem they had in their relationship.
They couldnt trust each other, and now their arrangement is really doing good for their relationship.
We see them for the first time after a long period of tension and physical distance kissing and making love.
Your equation of Jimmy's lightning bolts "from my finger-tips" with Chuck's "electromagnetic hyper-sensitivity" is brilliant. Love this show and appreciate it so much more with your breakdowns.
I think your new fans would like all the breakdowns you did for seasons 1-3. Maybe you can put a link to them on your program notes? ... And a link for any other video or written criticisms you've done?
What? He's got 1-3 breakdowns too?!
@@sheis5358 Yes! A little bit of work to track down, but it's when he worked under The AV Club. "Basement Breakdowns" with John Teti + another writer named Gus.
I always thought that Jimmy/Saul straightening his tie at the end of his rant reminded me of Gus Fring's death in BB. To me it functions as one of many "symbolic deaths" of Jimmy throughout season 5
Interesting he blamed Howard for Chuck's suicide.
He refuses to accept that he is responsible too (revealing Chucks illness to the insurance company out of spite) and uses Saul as a shield to hide behind and insult and torment Howard.... he’s clearly internally aware of what he did and is angry that Howard is a stronger man than him and jealous he has moved on from Chuck and accepted and come to terms with his guilt.... Jimmy is ignorant and a fool
@@carson11100 That part pissed me off the most about Jimmy. Where Howard reveals so much guilt of Chucks death and Saul used it to pawn off his own guilt and add it on top of Howards.
You just know the insurance thing is gonna come back to bite Jimmy in the ass. Kim is gonna find out one way or another that Jimmy screwed over Chuck and let Howard take all the blame.
@@TomboTime I don’t know. How can they possibly prove that? Maybe he tells her outright and this finally cases her to leave after they’ve already destroyed Howard.
@@TomboTime but she already knows that since it happened
Amazing as always! One thing I noticed as soon as I saw it, was how the “No rice!”, “No glitter!”, etc. signs on the wall created this illusion of being a staircase. With the colour of the “staircase” being the yellow/gold of the criminal/Saul side of things, and Kim’s head being positioned right at the bottom of it in one of the shots during their ceremony, it leads me to think that she’s just continuing to solidify her ascension into Saul’s world. Also might be worth mentioning that the “staircase” isn’t very long, doesn’t lead anywhere, and like you said, is full of “no”’s. Can’t wait for the next breakdown!
This show never ceases to amaze me with its near perfect filmaking and camera work. And your basement breakdowns just compliments the show's beauty and care. I have been watching your show for a few weeks now and I am more than happy to subscribe the channel. Hope you stay safe and healthy.
I ended up really admiring Howard by the end of this series. Started out as a corporate guy that I vaguely didn't like, but ended up a man that doesn't let anything get him down and earned my respect. And it wasn't done by some twist, it was character development done very gradually and naturally. Just another reason why the show is absolutely brilliant.
Please, PLEASE, go back and analyze the previous seasons (1-3). I recently did a rewatch of the show, and I would love your commentary!
Dude your shit is fantastic. I’m honestly just blown away but I’m also glad I found it now instead of having to wait a year. HaHa! See ya Monday!
This was great, just like the others. One thought I had, not sure if it's correct, is to do with the colours of crime. It seems to me that the yellow/gold colour links to crime as a rational, pragmatic decision: crime as part of a plan; organised crime. The red colour seems to be associated with crime resulting from emotion: opportunistic, committed on a whim due to poor impulse control; crimes of passion.
I'd actually agree, but Jimmy in his bright red tracker handling those kids that robbed him when he was selling telephones may contradict that. When he lured them into his trap, that certainly wasnt poor impulse control, every step of that was planned out
@@StruffyTheClown But it came from a place of emotion. It wan't just crime for profit sake, there was a need to scare them and show who's boss
I think yellow at all means that something dirty, or "sulphuric", is going on or being planned (somewhat a link to the parent series). Red seems to be more tied with violence itself in any context.
Goddamn, you make me feel like a csveman, dude 😂 you stop SO MANY things, it's fascinating to watch you speak about this show. I really think I'll be watching it again from a fresh perspective.
Only recently discovered your channel and I have 3 episodes of this season left. I'm just sad I never saw your channel before as it seems I've only been enjoying the show half as much as I could have been and now I'm afraid to proceed with the rest of the season without you!
Wow, I felt the same way as you did after watching this.
Imagine being as creative as the people who made these two shows.
Man, the show keeps making more sense when I watch your videos.
Seriously, amazing work!
Wow, this deserves so waaay more views. This was by far the best episode breakdown of this show I've seen on youtube. Great job :)
A fantastic breakdown, really interesting points, for example the decaying ceiling above Jimmy. In breaking bad in school classroom scenes Walter would often be standing and speaking but there was a poster of a decomposing human in the background.
nice observation!
When you finally get to an analysis of Bagman, please be sure to hit on the music before and during the shootout. It is utterly perfect. I hope you notice that and talk about it. I would love to add my thoughts on this.
Holy shit usually in these types of scene by scene reviews I usually have a few objections or roll my eyes and say yeah sure that's a stretch
But I literally agreed with everything you said that's never happened before you have a very keen eye for analysis
Almost everything you said went completely over my head when I watched the show the first time. What a great breakdown.
always a joy to find a new Basement Breakdown on my inbox. Hope you guys keep going and not leave us hanging for a whole other year
Literally had to pause during the Lightning Bolt/Chuck analysis. Fantastic interpretation I am OBSESSED with these breakdowns. Well done.
@13:40
I think that I would add on the possibility that Jimmy might feel that he has too much power. He was able to get a murderer out on bail, he is creating stunts in court that are working seamlessly to reduce his client's sentences. The whole "I can shoot lightning from my fingertips" might stem from a realization of how much control he has now.
Man you know your shit. It's amazing how much detail they put into every episode. It's like they cram in hour worth of detail in every minute
This has nothing to do with this video specifically but after finishing this season, I think it's fair to say the opening song of the season has a second interpretation. The lyrics of welcome to my world appear to be indicative of Kim stepping in to the criminal realm along side Jimmy.
14:00-14:37 Wow, for some reason I had never made this connection during any of the three times I've watched the entire BCS series so far. Thank you so much for this beautiful gold(!) nugget and for all your analyses so far. It really enhances my enjoyment of the show - and it was already my favourite show of all time before I discovered your channel
I cant wait to see the remaining takes on the rest of the season. This channel is by far the best one for reviewing BCS. I only wish he did other shows as well. Would love to see his take
Gosh, this explanation is So thorough, thoughtful, and insightful. Just Awesome! Impressive. Thank you!
I always interpreted the lightning bolt line as "I'm the one who killed Chuck, Howard! It was me!"
This was such a good analysis. Tons of little things I'd completely missed!
Just brilliant man. Ive never seen an analysis as good as this, especially for just one episode. I know u really understand the show and all the beauties it presents to the audience and for that, you've earned a viewer thats gonna binge all your analysis vids. Bravo Ological👏👏👏
I can see why he didn't deserve an Emmy nomination ..
*said no one ever*
Was so excited to see this pop up in my notifications today, and am really looking forward to your insights on the next few episodes. Your analyses are miles above any other ones that I've seen, and i definitely watch the show differently now and i can't believe i never picked up on themes like the colors, that in retrospect seem so obvious... Love your speaking/presentation style as well, easy to listen to :)
Love it! In depth on symbolism, character motivation and film craft. This is a nice mix of confirming some things I was already thinking and adding new thoughts I had not even considered.
You are freaking amazinggggg
Your analysis are insanely great ! This is amazing work and so satisfying to see details of one our favorite show.
+1 subscriber from France
Dude for real your breakdowns are awesome. I'm pretty savvy when it comes to spotting theming in writing, but how you point out Camera work and color theming is always a treat or me. Looking forward to the next few Basement Breakdowns.
So good. I never thought about the connection between the lightning bolts and Chuck, just devastating.
Really surprises me that this channel hasn't received more notoriety.
Do a breakdown of Lalo entering his house and the murder attempt. Anyways, this one,like usual, was great.
This is by far the best commentary on BCS out there. I'm looking forward to the breakdowns for the last three episodes!
wow, ALL of your breakdowns are the very best. None others compare... Thank You!
Looking forward to the rest of your analysis videos for season 5. This is all I have left to enjoy until season 6 😭
Great observations!
I always saw this rant as jimmy's version of heisenberg's "I am the one who knocks" speech, as both speeches reflect the massive ego of both Saul and Heisenberg, but also reflect the character of both. Both are used as a defense mechanism when their ego feels threatened, and both speeches attempt to make Saul/Heisenberg appear more menacing or in control of the situation than they actually are. However, the way in which they differ show the difference between Saul Goodman and Heisenberg. Heisenberg's speech is cold, menacing, and quiet. He never yells at Skylar, even though his tone changes. He wants Skylar to see him as Heisenberg, the cold, silent, strong and ruthless drug lord. However, Saul's speech is more grandiose, and uses powerful supernatural imagery, which displays Saul as a powerful and evil man, but in a different way than Heisenberg. Saul's speech reflects his great showmanship, and ability to manipulate/con people. Brilliant writing
Watching these analyses of episodes I've seen is almost like seeing brand new, unaired episodes.
My god, what a surgical precision of the analysis of the episode, just perfect!
That you for your time to share this little detalles that make better call Saul more enjoyable
WOW. Such an insightful, well-spoken, yet approachable analysis. I'll definitely be coming back for more!
Shockingly carthatic analysis, I'm subcribing just from this.
Regarding the lightning bolts, I also remember a similar remark by jimmy when first entering the conference hall of HHM and the huge table separating Howard and him.
You are so incredibly insightful!!!! I thought I saw all the symbolism in most episodes but your insight is mind blowing and I love it!!! Keep your basement breakdowns coming!!
Thanks so much for your analysis. I never quite understood the symbolism of the stained ceiling in the courtroom until you explained it. Jimmy's line, "God in human clothing, lightening bolts come from my finger tips", is similar to a scene in the movie Network. There was another scene similar to one in Network during season 1 where Jimmy is in the HH& M boardroom and he says, "You will atone".
I bring that up because in Network, the news anchor Howard Beale (?) became mentally ill and stated he would kill himself on air during a future broadcast. Chuck was mentally ill and committed suicide, and imho, his eventual death was foreshadowed by the common issue of the two characters (Howard Beale and Chuck) within those scenes.
I interpreted part of the meeting in the hallway between Jimmy and Howard as two separate expressions of guilt in relationship to Chuck's death and how each one contributed to his mental illness. Jimmy knew he had pushed Chuck to the edge by getting the firm's insurance rate raised after the court case, but his anger for the disbarment would not allow him to mourn Chuck, so he expressed his pain in an angry outburst. Howard forced Chuck out of HH&M once the insurance rates were raised, but he internalized his remorse because he knew he could have done more to address Chuck's condition. He chose to kept it to himself by buying Chuck out, which silenced Chuck and the problem, but not his own guilt. We finally got the show down between the two lawyers who were in Chuck's shadow and neither could live up to Chuck's legendary skill in the courtroom while he was alive.
Now that Chuck's gone, they will face off in a new duel to see who is the better lawyer that can live up to Chuck's stature in the legal community. I feel the battle of Saul and Howard is a form of sibling rivalry where two younger brothers or childhood friends are vying for the approval or acceptance of their older brother/father figure. They see each other as an interloper who has encroached on the others territory. Howard doesn't want Jimmy/Saul to effect any thing related to Chuch (his partner, mentor, law firm, and family name). Jimmy may feel Howard is not entitled to anything Chuck built and he is the rightful inheritor of Chuck's reputation and good name.
I feel they are going to face off in the courtroom next season and we will see who is the best litigator between the two. Will it be Howard, the golden boy who was forced into being an attorney by his father's nepotism or will it be Jimmy, who had to secretly fight on his own to earn an online law degree because his upstanding brother didn't think he belonged in the courtroom? This is a tale of two little guys who want to knock off their competition. Kim Wexler McGill will be the winner because she is the best lawyer.
Dude, you’re amazing.
That was the best explanation of how a jump cut really works I've ever heard!!
Beautiful analysis; thank you
Keep em coming sir, this is really pure gold
Dude you're content is awesome. I was really surprised when I went to your channel and saw how recent you are! The branding is there, the editing is great and you seem really focused and purposeful with your scripts. I knew this show had a lot of details I was probably missing but you've blown my mind with the amount I didn't even pick up on, I'll definitely be watching all you're content and am really excited to see more! I know it's a ton of work to put all this together but your videos are fantastic. Like I can tell you have frames picked out and ready to go to pan through as visual examples and it really helps focus in on the scenes you're about to go in depth on.
This might sound kind of cynical but if you can fit in a video on trending things now and again I think that really helps put you into people's recommended videos. I happened to be watching a lot of BCS analysis stuff and your videos showed up, maybe fitting that in might help push you over the edge algorithm wise. That said I'm not trying to tell you how to make your stuff. I just like what I've seen a lot and think more people should see what you have made.
Excellent review I been missing your reviews but now that the season is over I'm glad to be in your audience once again.
Incredible work. So many nuances I hadn't noticed. Thank you
The amazing side of UA-cam.
Wow, your capacity in analyze a scene is unbelievable. Thank you for the video, it makes me feel really stupid for how i didn't noticed a lot of details of this amazing show, that i personally love.
Fantastic analysis!! I always noticed the dagger earrings but never associated any meaning to them, and then what you said with the earrings and the light fixture WOW. It's great how while watching I can enjoy the show as one of the best on television simply because of the content, and then watching your analyses I realise just how much more incredible it really is with all the little details. Thank you so much for your insight, you make a great show even better. Can't wait for more!!
Another great video. Commenting to boost your engagement because these videos are criminally underrated.
You're really smart this is one of the best analysis I've seen
Wow, your reviews are by far the best I've watched so far. Especially the in-depth analysis of the color and sound design and the editing is absolutely fascinating. Thanks so much, it really improves the second viewing of the series a lot!
Love your videos, thanks for making them! I wish my teacher would show your videos in my literature class. You make these things make so much sense! Keep it up!
You make the best and most encompassing review/analysis! Thank you!
Wow i loved your video,i'm watching all of them for sure!
And i look foward for the next episodes!!
Nice analysis. You remind me of a “cool” English teacher. Also, great point about the period-technology: I remember how disposable cameras were EVERYWHERE in the early 2000s, then all but gone completely by the 2010s.
Superb video
Another great video as usual. Maybe you could go back and review seasons 1-3 pretty please?
I've been watching your BCS episode's analysis for a while and your work it's just marvelous..!!
ive been looking for your channel for a few hours. i remember i watched your videos on s5 bcs and it compleatly changed how i watch all media. no one else does it like you do and ive been re watching bcs with my new gf and she loves these analysis too. you really deserve to be bigger. you do good stuff keep it upppppppp !!!
Mr and Mrs Undertaker! I love it. Thank you for continuing to do the Breakdowns, even in these strange times.
So glad you're still making videos. Can't wait for your take on the rest of the season!
I'm eating these breakdowns up like cotton candy
@ological your breakdowns are amazing. Been a BB and BCS geek for years but only found this channel recently. I'm rewatching as much as possible using your insights to see even more of the genius of the BCS/BB "universe". In particular, the use of colour by the creators is remarkable. I'd never even noticed it before watching your vids. Please come back for Season 6, you knock the socks off all the other reviewers I've been looking at.
We need more :(
Great analysis! Eagerly waiting for your take on the remaining episodes.
When Kevin says Jimmy can do better, is he referring to the case or Kim lol
Kim, that's why it bothers her so much. He got too personal.
I cannot wait until your season end breakdown!!!!
any chance you'll go back and do a breakdown to every episode? I'd love to watch the whole show again with one of these after each ep
You have such great analysis that I'm DYING for more videos. Keep up the great work.