“Better Call Saul:” Episodes 301-302

By Luke Oldham, Staff Writer

“Better Call Saul” is back, picking up where the nail-biting drama left off last season. The “Breaking Bad” spin-off has come into its own, earning a name for itself with its deep and complex characters, gripping storyline, and addictive nature.

As Jimmy deals with the aftermath of sabotaging his brother Chuck, which resulted in the highly sought after Mesa Verde case being reassigned to Kim, things get tense. Chuck seeks to expose Jimmy and punish him for what he did. Jimmy manages to evade Chuck’s efforts, until an altercation at the print shop where Jimmy forged the paperwork, left Chuck passed out on the floor with a head injury. Jimmy’s morality kicks in and he looks past their disputes to rush to his brother’s aid. Even though he saved Chuck, his cover is blown and he is can no longer keep up his story of innocence. Chuck recovers and employs an elaborate scheme to catch Jimmy in the act of destroying the only shred of evidence that can be used against him. Jimmy falls for the ploy and gets caught in the act; he has no leg to stand on now. Chuck is a mean-spirited man, and even though he is technically right about the situation, the fact that he is so quick to sell out his brother is sickening. Their relationship is very sad because Chuck constantly works against Jimmy, and he is too blind to see that Jimmy admires him.

Meanwhile, Mike is on a mission of his own. As he finds out that he is being tracked by unknown cartel affiliates, he traces it back to the source. He uncovers a ring of shady business, all leading back to one particular chicken restaurant. “Breaking Bad” fans were waiting for this moment! Los Pollos Hermanos is back, and fan favorite antagonist, Gus Fring, returns to the screen. As Mike investigates the underworkings of the restaurant, it is clear that the Fast-Food/Crime Empire that fans love will not be going away any time soon, and will become a major influence in the show. I, for one, could not be more excited to see the intense and often action-packed drama that comes along with Gus Fring to return to the small screen.

As we look forward to another epic season, filled with new stories to be told and the same intense drama to be had, the epic crime show solidifies its place as a great stand-alone series. Be sure to catch up with “Better Call Saul,” Monday’s at 9 p.m. on AMC.