Better Call Saul: Season 1, Episode 6 - Five-O (2015)

The episode "Five-O" begins with a cold open featuring Mike Ehrmantraut, who is seen at a gas station. He is approached by a man who recognizes him and asks for help. The man is a former police officer, and he is in a desperate situation. Mike listens to him but ultimately decides to walk away, showing his reluctance to get involved in the past.

The scene shifts to Jimmy McGill, who is in the middle of a meeting with a potential client, a woman named Mrs. Nguyen. She is seeking legal help regarding a dispute with a company that has wronged her. Jimmy tries to charm her with his usual tactics, but she is not easily swayed. He offers her a low fee, but she is still hesitant. This interaction highlights Jimmy's struggle to establish himself as a legitimate lawyer while also showcasing his persuasive skills.

Next, we see Mike at a diner, where he is approached by a group of men who are looking for trouble. They recognize him as a former cop and start to taunt him. Mike remains calm and collected, but the tension escalates when one of the men gets physical. Mike quickly assesses the situation and, with precise movements, he takes down the aggressor, demonstrating his combat skills. The other men back off, realizing they are outmatched.

The narrative then shifts to a flashback of Mike's past as a police officer. We see him in a tense situation involving a drug bust. He is working alongside his partner, who is more reckless and impulsive. During the operation, things go awry, and Mike is forced to make a split-second decision that leads to a tragic outcome. This moment weighs heavily on him, revealing the emotional burden he carries from his past.

Returning to the present, Jimmy is still trying to win over Mrs. Nguyen. He decides to take a more aggressive approach by creating a commercial to promote his legal services. He enlists the help of his friend, who is a filmmaker, to produce a flashy advertisement. The commercial is over-the-top and showcases Jimmy's flair for the dramatic, but it also reflects his desperation to attract clients.

Meanwhile, Mike is dealing with the aftermath of the confrontation at the diner. He is approached by a man named Gus Fring, who offers him a job. Gus is impressed by Mike's handling of the situation and sees potential in him. Mike is initially reluctant but recognizes the opportunity for a fresh start. This moment marks a significant turning point for Mike as he contemplates his future.

As the episode progresses, we see Jimmy's commercial air on television. It garners mixed reactions, but it ultimately leads to an influx of clients. However, Jimmy's success is overshadowed by his internal conflict about the ethical implications of his methods. He grapples with the idea of whether he is truly becoming the lawyer he wants to be or if he is simply resorting to gimmicks.

The episode culminates in a powerful scene where Mike confronts his past. He visits the grave of his former partner, reflecting on the choices he made and the consequences that followed. This moment of introspection reveals the depth of Mike's character and the emotional scars he carries.

In the final moments, Jimmy receives a call from a potential client who is interested in his services. He answers the phone with renewed enthusiasm, ready to embrace the challenges ahead. The episode ends on a note of uncertainty, leaving viewers to ponder the paths that both Jimmy and Mike are on as they navigate their complicated lives.

In the ending of "Five-O," Mike Ehrmantraut confronts the emotional weight of his past as he deals with the aftermath of his daughter's death. He visits the grave of his son-in-law, Matty, and reflects on the choices he made that led to the tragic events. The episode concludes with a poignant moment as Mike, filled with sorrow and regret, walks away from the grave, leaving behind a bouquet of flowers.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with a flashback to a time when Mike is still working as a parking lot attendant. He is approached by a group of men who are looking for a way to intimidate him. This scene sets the tone for the emotional turmoil that Mike is about to face. The narrative then shifts to the present, where Mike is grappling with the loss of his daughter, who has recently passed away.

In a series of poignant scenes, we see Mike visiting the grave of his son-in-law, Matty. The grave is adorned with flowers, and Mike kneels down, visibly shaken. He reflects on the choices he made that led to Matty's death, revealing the deep sense of guilt and regret that haunts him. The camera lingers on Mike's face, capturing the pain and sorrow etched into his features.

As he stands at the grave, Mike's internal struggle becomes palpable. He recalls moments from the past, including his daughter's life and the circumstances that led to her tragic end. The weight of his decisions bears down on him, and we see him grappling with the consequences of his actions.

In the final moments of the episode, Mike places a bouquet of flowers on the grave, a silent tribute to the life lost and the love he still holds. He stands up, takes a deep breath, and walks away, leaving behind the grave and the memories that haunt him. The camera follows him as he walks away, emphasizing the solitude of his journey and the emotional burden he carries.

The episode concludes with Mike Ehrmantraut, a man shaped by his past, walking away from the grave, embodying the themes of loss, regret, and the complexity of human relationships. The fate of Mike is one of continued struggle as he navigates the consequences of his past decisions, leaving viewers with a sense of unresolved tension and emotional depth.

In "Five-O," the sixth episode of Better Call Saul's first season, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional footage or scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main narrative and character developments throughout the episode, particularly highlighting Mike Ehrmantraut's backstory and his emotional struggles following the death of his son, Matt. The episode ends on a poignant note, emphasizing the weight of Mike's past and his motivations moving forward, but it does not include any extra scenes or teasers.

In 'Five-O', we delve into Mike Ehrmantraut's past, particularly his relationship with his granddaughter, Kaylee. The episode reveals the emotional depth of Mike's character, showcasing his protective nature and the lengths he will go to for his family. The flashbacks to his time as a police officer highlight his moral code and the tragic circumstances that led him to leave the force.

Mike's loyalty is a central theme in 'Five-O'. After the death of his former partner, he grapples with the betrayal he feels from the police department and the need to protect his family. His decision to confront the corrupt officers who were involved in his partner's death illustrates his unwavering commitment to justice, even when it puts him at risk.

Detective M. D. serves as a representation of the corruption within the police force that Mike once trusted. His interactions with Mike reveal the systemic issues that led to the tragic events surrounding Mike's partner's death. M. D.'s dismissive attitude towards Mike's concerns further fuels Mike's sense of betrayal and drives his quest for retribution.

The relationship between Mike and Kaylee is portrayed with tenderness and depth. Their interactions are filled with warmth, showcasing Mike's softer side. He is deeply invested in her well-being, and this bond serves as a stark contrast to the violent world he inhabits. The moments they share highlight his motivations and the sacrifices he is willing to make to ensure her safety.

The flashback scenes in 'Five-O' provide crucial context for Mike's character, illustrating his past as a police officer and the personal losses that shaped him. These moments reveal his internal struggles and the moral dilemmas he faces, enriching the narrative by showing how his past informs his present decisions. The emotional weight of these memories adds layers to his character, making him more relatable and complex.

"Better Call Saul," Season 1, Episode 6, titled "Five-O," contains several elements that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable aspects:

1. Violence: The episode includes scenes that depict violence and the aftermath of violent events, which may be distressing.

2. Death: There are themes surrounding death and loss, particularly related to family dynamics, which can evoke strong emotional responses.

3. Emotional Trauma: Characters experience significant emotional pain and trauma, which may be upsetting for viewers, especially younger audiences.

4. Language: There is the use of strong language that may not be appropriate for children.

5. Mature Themes: The episode explores complex themes such as morality, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions, which may be difficult for younger viewers to fully understand.

These elements contribute to the overall tone of the series, which is more suited for mature audiences.