Better Call Saul: Season 1, Episode 2 - Mijo (2015)

The episode begins with Jimmy McGill, a struggling public defender, in a dimly lit office. He is on the phone, trying to convince a potential client to hire him. The conversation reveals his desperation for work and his determination to make a name for himself. He is interrupted by a call from his brother Chuck, who is bedridden and suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Chuck expresses concern about Jimmy's latest legal tactics and urges him to be more ethical in his practice.

After the phone call, Jimmy heads to a local nail salon where he meets with a group of women who are potential clients. He tries to pitch his services, but they are skeptical and uninterested. Frustrated, he leaves the salon and heads to a nearby parking lot where he spots a group of men, including a young man named Nacho Varga, who is involved in criminal activities. Jimmy observes them from a distance, intrigued by their behavior.

Later, Jimmy visits a local courthouse to check on his cases. He encounters a fellow lawyer, who informs him about a recent case involving a drug dealer named Tuco Salamanca. The lawyer warns Jimmy about Tuco's violent reputation, which piques Jimmy's interest. He decides to seek out Tuco, hoping to make a connection that could benefit his career.

Jimmy tracks down Tuco's location to a fast-food restaurant. He enters the establishment and approaches Tuco, who is sitting with his associates. Jimmy tries to introduce himself and pitch his legal services, but Tuco is initially dismissive and aggressive. The tension escalates when Tuco's associates begin to mock Jimmy, leading to a confrontation. Jimmy remains calm, using humor to diffuse the situation, but Tuco is not amused.

As the confrontation intensifies, Tuco suddenly becomes violent, grabbing Jimmy and slamming him against the wall. In a moment of desperation, Jimmy pulls out a bag of methamphetamine that he had previously obtained from Nacho, claiming it belongs to Tuco. This unexpected move catches Tuco's attention, and he becomes intrigued. Jimmy uses this opportunity to negotiate, suggesting that he could help Tuco with legal issues in exchange for a favor.

Tuco, intrigued by Jimmy's boldness, decides to take him seriously. He orders his associates to let Jimmy go and agrees to hear him out. Jimmy proposes a plan to help Tuco avoid legal trouble, emphasizing his knowledge of the law and his willingness to work for him. Tuco, impressed by Jimmy's audacity, agrees to consider the offer.

The scene shifts to a tense moment where Tuco's associates are skeptical of Jimmy's intentions. Tuco, however, defends Jimmy, showcasing a mix of respect and amusement for his unconventional approach. This moment solidifies Jimmy's position as someone who can navigate the dangerous world of criminal law.

As the episode progresses, Jimmy's internal conflict becomes evident. He grapples with the moral implications of aligning himself with a violent criminal like Tuco. Despite his reservations, he recognizes the potential for personal gain and the opportunity to elevate his career. This internal struggle is mirrored in his interactions with Chuck, who continues to express disapproval of Jimmy's choices.

The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation when Nacho, who has been watching Jimmy's dealings with Tuco, confronts him in a parking lot. Nacho expresses his concerns about Jimmy's involvement with Tuco and warns him to stay away. However, Jimmy, emboldened by his recent encounter, stands his ground and insists that he can handle the situation.

In the final moments of the episode, Jimmy receives a call from Chuck, who is worried about his safety. Jimmy reassures him, but the tension between them remains palpable. The episode ends with Jimmy reflecting on his choices, caught between his desire for success and the ethical dilemmas that come with it.

In the ending of "Mijo," Nacho Varga confronts Jimmy McGill about the situation with the Kettleman family. Tension escalates as Nacho reveals his intentions to eliminate the Kettlemans, believing they are a liability. Jimmy, desperate to save the Kettlemans, devises a plan to protect them. The episode concludes with a dramatic standoff, where Jimmy's quick thinking and negotiation skills come into play, ultimately leading to a tense resolution.

As the episode unfolds, we see Jimmy McGill, still reeling from the events of the previous episode, trying to navigate the dangerous world of criminal law. He is approached by Nacho Varga, who is a member of the drug cartel and has a menacing presence. Nacho is fixated on the Kettleman family, who have stolen a large sum of money from the cartel. He believes they need to be dealt with, and he sees Jimmy as a potential ally or obstacle in this plan.

In a dimly lit warehouse, Nacho and his associate, a hulking figure named "Mijo," confront Jimmy. The atmosphere is thick with tension as Nacho explains the situation. He is calm but intimidating, and Jimmy, feeling the weight of the moment, tries to maintain his composure. He understands the stakes involved and the danger that the Kettlemans are in. As Nacho lays out his plan to eliminate the Kettlemans, Jimmy's desperation grows. He knows that if he doesn't act quickly, the Kettlemans will be killed.

In a moment of quick thinking, Jimmy proposes a different solution. He suggests that instead of killing the Kettlemans, they should be persuaded to return the money. He argues that it would be easier and less messy than murder. Nacho, intrigued but skeptical, listens as Jimmy spins a tale about the Kettlemans being scared and willing to cooperate if they feel threatened.

The scene shifts to the Kettleman home, where Jimmy arrives to warn them. He finds them in a state of panic, realizing the gravity of their situation. He urges them to leave town immediately, but they are hesitant and confused. Jimmy's urgency is palpable; he knows that time is running out. He tries to convince them that their lives are in danger, and they need to act fast.

Back at the warehouse, the tension escalates as Nacho and Mijo await Jimmy's return. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and danger. When Jimmy finally returns, he brings the Kettlemans with him, hoping to broker a deal. The standoff is intense, with Nacho's patience wearing thin. Jimmy's negotiation skills are put to the test as he tries to convince Nacho that the Kettlemans can be reasoned with.

In a climactic moment, Jimmy manages to convince Nacho to let the Kettlemans go, but not without a final warning. Nacho's demeanor shifts from menacing to contemplative as he weighs Jimmy's words. The episode ends with a sense of relief for the Kettlemans, but the danger is far from over. Jimmy's quick thinking has saved them for now, but he is left to grapple with the moral implications of his actions and the world he is becoming increasingly entangled in.

In summary, the episode concludes with Jimmy successfully negotiating the Kettlemans' safety, but it leaves a lingering sense of unease about the choices he has made and the dangerous path he is on. Nacho, while momentarily appeased, remains a looming threat, and the Kettlemans are left to ponder their precarious situation. Jimmy's fate is uncertain as he continues to navigate the treacherous waters of his new reality.

In "Mijo," the second episode of Better Call Saul's first season, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main narrative, which centers around Jimmy McGill's attempts to navigate the dangerous world of criminal law and his interactions with the drug dealer Tuco Salamanca. The episode wraps up with significant tension and character development, particularly highlighting Jimmy's resourcefulness and moral dilemmas, but it does not include any extra content after the credits.

In this episode, Jimmy McGill confronts Tuco Salamanca in a tense and dangerous encounter. After witnessing Tuco's violent behavior, Jimmy tries to negotiate with him regarding the debt owed by his client, but Tuco's unpredictable nature escalates the situation. Jimmy cleverly uses a combination of bravado and quick thinking to diffuse the immediate threat, ultimately showcasing his ability to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

Jimmy's relationship with his brother Chuck is a significant influence on his actions in 'Mijo.' Throughout the episode, Jimmy grapples with his desire to prove himself and gain Chuck's respect. Chuck's disapproval of Jimmy's methods weighs heavily on him, pushing Jimmy to take risks that he might otherwise avoid. This internal conflict drives him to confront Tuco, as he seeks validation and a sense of legitimacy in his legal career.

Nacho Varga plays a crucial role in 'Mijo' as Tuco's right-hand man. He is the one who initially brings Jimmy into the dangerous world of Tuco's drug operation. Throughout the episode, Nacho exhibits a level of pragmatism and caution that contrasts sharply with Tuco's volatility. He recognizes Jimmy's potential as a lawyer and tries to steer the situation in a way that minimizes violence, showing his own conflicted loyalties between his boss Tuco and his desire for a more stable life.

The episode 'Mijo' vividly depicts the theme of survival in a dangerous environment through its intense scenes of confrontation and negotiation. Jimmy finds himself in a life-threatening situation with Tuco, where his quick wit and ability to think on his feet become essential for his survival. The episode illustrates the lengths to which Jimmy must go to navigate the treacherous world of criminal law, highlighting the precarious balance between his moral compass and the need to protect himself.

The scene where Jimmy uses a 'fake' phone call to manipulate Tuco is significant as it showcases Jimmy's resourcefulness and cunning. In a moment of desperation, he pretends to be on the phone with a fictional associate, claiming that he has connections to powerful people who would retaliate against Tuco if he harms Jimmy. This clever ruse not only buys Jimmy time but also highlights his ability to think creatively under pressure, setting the stage for his transformation into the morally flexible lawyer he is destined to become.

"Better Call Saul," Season 1, Episode 2, titled "Mijo," contains several elements that may not be considered family-friendly. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

1. Violence: The episode features scenes of physical confrontation and threats, which may be intense for younger viewers.

2. Drug-related themes: The storyline involves drug dealers and the criminal underworld, which may be inappropriate for children.

3. Strong language: There are instances of profanity that could be upsetting to sensitive viewers.

4. Moral ambiguity: The characters often operate in morally gray areas, which may be confusing or troubling for younger audiences.

5. Tension and suspense: The episode builds significant tension, particularly in confrontational scenes, which could be distressing for some viewers.

These elements contribute to a tone that is more suited for mature audiences.