Better Call Saul: Season 2, Episode 2 - Cobbler (2016)

The episode "Cobbler" begins with Jimmy McGill in his office, where he is trying to establish his new law practice. He is struggling to find clients and is feeling the pressure of his financial situation. He receives a call from a potential client, but the conversation does not go well, leaving him frustrated.

Later, Jimmy visits a shoe repair shop owned by a cobbler named Mr. T. He is intrigued by the cobbler's craftsmanship and the unique shoes he creates. Jimmy strikes up a conversation with Mr. T, who shares his passion for shoemaking and the artistry involved. This interaction inspires Jimmy, and he begins to think about how he can use the cobbler's skills to his advantage.

In a parallel storyline, Kim Wexler is shown at her job at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill. She is working hard on a case and is determined to prove herself. However, she feels overshadowed by her boss, Howard Hamlin, who is dismissive of her contributions. Kim's frustration grows as she navigates the corporate environment, and she begins to question her place in the firm.

Back at the cobbler's shop, Jimmy has an idea. He decides to create a commercial for Mr. T's shoe repair business, believing that it will help both of them. He films a quirky and humorous advertisement, showcasing the cobbler's skills and the unique shoes he makes. Jimmy is excited about the project and believes it will bring in more business for Mr. T.

As the episode progresses, Jimmy's commercial is completed, and he presents it to Mr. T. The cobbler is initially hesitant but eventually agrees to let Jimmy air the ad. Jimmy is confident that this will lead to more clients for both of them. However, he soon realizes that the commercial may not be as effective as he hoped.

Meanwhile, Kim continues to deal with the pressures of her job. She is approached by a client who is unhappy with the way her case is being handled. Kim feels the weight of her responsibilities and is determined to make things right. She works late into the night, trying to resolve the issues and prove her worth to the firm.

In a pivotal moment, Jimmy's commercial airs, but the response is underwhelming. He watches the reactions of potential clients and realizes that the ad did not resonate as he had anticipated. This disappointment weighs heavily on him, and he begins to doubt his abilities as a lawyer and a businessman.

The episode culminates with Jimmy visiting Mr. T again. He finds the cobbler in a state of distress, as the commercial did not bring in the expected business. Jimmy feels guilty for not delivering on his promise and tries to reassure Mr. T that things will get better. However, the cobbler's frustration is palpable, and Jimmy is left feeling defeated.

In the final scenes, Kim receives recognition for her hard work on a case, but it comes with mixed feelings. She is proud of her accomplishments but is also aware of the sacrifices she has made. The episode ends with both Jimmy and Kim at a crossroads, each grappling with their own challenges and the uncertain paths ahead of them.

In the ending of "Cobbler," Jimmy McGill finds himself at a crossroads as he grapples with his moral compass and the consequences of his actions. He successfully executes a plan to help a client, but the victory is bittersweet as he realizes the lengths he is willing to go to for success. Meanwhile, Mike Ehrmantraut continues to navigate his own challenges, dealing with the fallout from his past decisions. The episode concludes with a sense of tension and uncertainty for both characters, highlighting their struggles with ethics and ambition.

As the episode unfolds, we see Jimmy McGill in his office, where he is trying to establish himself as a legitimate lawyer. He is approached by a client, a cobbler named Mr. T. who is facing a lawsuit from a large corporation. Mr. T. is desperate and believes he has been wronged, but he lacks the means to fight back. Jimmy, motivated by both compassion and the potential for a payday, decides to take on the case.

In a series of scenes, we witness Jimmy's resourcefulness as he devises a plan to help Mr. T. He visits the corporate office of the opposing party, where he uses his charm and cunning to gather information. He learns that the corporation is not as invincible as it seems, and he begins to formulate a strategy to turn the tables in favor of his client.

Simultaneously, we see Mike Ehrmantraut dealing with his own issues. He is approached by a man named Nacho, who is involved in the drug trade. Nacho wants Mike's help in a dangerous situation, and Mike is reluctant but ultimately agrees, showcasing his complex moral code. He is drawn into a world of crime, reflecting his struggle between right and wrong.

As the episode progresses, Jimmy's plan comes to fruition. He stages a dramatic confrontation with the corporate lawyers, using a clever ruse to make them reconsider their position. The scene is tense, filled with Jimmy's quick thinking and charisma, as he fights for Mr. T.'s rights. The corporate lawyers, taken aback by Jimmy's tactics, ultimately agree to settle the case, allowing Mr. T. to keep his business.

However, the victory is not without its cost. As Jimmy celebrates with Mr. T., he is left to ponder the ethical implications of his actions. He realizes that he is willing to bend the rules to achieve success, a realization that weighs heavily on him. This moment serves as a turning point for Jimmy, as he begins to embrace the morally ambiguous path he is on.

In the final scenes, we see Mike in a tense standoff with Nacho, who is now in a precarious position due to their dealings. Mike's fate remains uncertain as he navigates the dangerous waters of the criminal underworld, leaving viewers with a sense of foreboding about his future.

The episode concludes with both Jimmy and Mike at a crossroads, each facing the consequences of their choices. Jimmy's journey into the gray areas of the law is solidified, while Mike's involvement in crime deepens, setting the stage for the conflicts to come. The ending encapsulates the themes of ambition, morality, and the complexities of human nature, leaving the audience eager to see how these characters will evolve in the episodes ahead.

In "Cobbler," the second episode of Season 2 of Better Call Saul, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main narrative and character developments throughout the episode, particularly highlighting Jimmy McGill's struggles and decisions as he navigates his legal career and personal relationships.

In 'Cobbler,' Kim Wexler is portrayed as a supportive yet conflicted figure in Jimmy's life. She is seen grappling with her own professional challenges while trying to guide Jimmy towards a more legitimate path. Her interactions with him reveal her concern for his well-being and her desire for him to succeed, but also highlight the tension between their differing moral compasses.

The shoe repair shop serves as a pivotal setting in 'Cobbler,' symbolizing Jimmy McGill's struggle between his past and his aspirations. It represents a place of craftsmanship and authenticity, contrasting with Jimmy's often underhanded legal practices. The shop also highlights the theme of transformation, as Jimmy attempts to reinvent himself while grappling with his identity.

Jimmy's interaction with the cobbler, who is a skilled artisan, deeply impacts him. The cobbler's dedication to his craft and the pride he takes in his work resonate with Jimmy, who is searching for validation and a sense of purpose. This encounter forces Jimmy to confront his own choices and the ethical implications of his career, pushing him further into the moral gray area.

The episode delves into deception as Jimmy engages in various schemes, including his attempt to manipulate the cobbler's business for his own gain. His actions reflect his ongoing struggle with honesty and integrity, showcasing how he often resorts to trickery to achieve his goals. This theme is further emphasized by the contrast between his charming demeanor and the underlying dishonesty of his methods.

The title 'Cobbler' is significant as it encapsulates Jimmy's journey of self-discovery and the duality of his character. Just as a cobbler repairs and transforms shoes, Jimmy is attempting to repair his own life and identity. The title reflects his desire to craft a new path for himself while also acknowledging the wear and tear of his past choices.

"Better Call Saul" is generally not considered family-friendly due to its mature themes and content. In the episode "Cobbler," there are several potentially objectionable aspects that may be upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Language: The episode contains strong language that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
2. Violence: There are scenes that depict violence or threats, which could be disturbing.
3. Moral Ambiguity: The characters often engage in unethical behavior, which may raise questions about morality and legality.
4. Emotional Tension: The episode explores themes of desperation and manipulation, which could be intense for some viewers.
5. Substance Use: There are references to alcohol and drug use that may not be appropriate for children.

These elements contribute to the show's overall tone, which is more suited for adult audiences.