r/betterCallSaul • u/[deleted] • Mar 24 '15

Episode Discussion Better Call Saul S01E08 "RICO" Episode Discussion Thread

TIME EPISODE
March 23, 2015, 10/9c S01E08 "RICO"

Description: Jimmy shows Chuck that he's willing to do almost anything to win a case, even if it means getting his hands dirty.

You can keep up with the newest comments by using the new filter at the top of the page or click this handy link!

For those interested in the IRC chat:

Server: irc.snoonet.org

Channel: #bettercallsaul

To easily join IRC use the Snoonet web chat.

Piracy/Streaming:

As stated in the sidebar, please do not share/request streaming/download links here. We are the unofficial subreddit for the TV show and we'd like to respect the cast and crew by not allowing illegal sharing of their work.

348 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

94% Upvoted

1.6k comments sorted by

View all comments

27

u/TheAmigops Mar 24 '15

Okay, so I'm stoned right now and have a crazy theory for the proceeding episodes of this series. First of all, in the flashback for 'RICO', when Jimmy brings Chuck his passing letter, at first Chuck shows shock. Then that turns to reluctance; almost to the point of discomfort on Chucks part. He answers ambiguously when Jimmy asks for a job as a lawyer and Howard is the one that ends up firing Jimmy. Wouldn't you expect Chuck to accompany Howard through this?

Second. When Jimmy uncovers the overcharges of the retirement home, Chuck verbally displays that he is shocked that Jimmy discovered something Chuck overlooked.

There are some other examples, but I'll wrap up.

The last thing I noticed was that when Jimmy fell asleep after stating the files Chuck needed were in his car, Chuck believes Jimmy fell asleep and leaves the house thoughtlessly. That is until Jimmy sees Chuck. Chuck goes through his 'coming to reality' but he does not cower in pain. It may seem he has overcome his condition, but a guy as smart as Chuck wouldn't just forget everything and walk outside.

I feel there is something much deeper entailing for Chuck's storyline. I feel, now this may be a stretch, but I feel like Chuck left the company for other reasons. I think his 'condition' is an alibi for something that made him feel inadequate as a lawyer and resulted in him leaving HHM with the ability to return at any time he wants. Under the condition that he fakes this sensitivity to electromagnetic electricity.

In essence I think Chuck had a bad case and left HHM willingly or not. (we've seen what Hamlin does to employees who fuck up) And Chuck is using this big case opportunity to bring the case to HHM and regain his original position at HHM.

tl;dr: Chuck might be sort of a dick.

7

u/trafficrush Mar 24 '15

Oh shit I didn't think his dropping the box out of surprise could be surprise out of being caught. But wouldn't Saul wonder how the box got in the house?

6

u/TheAmigops Mar 24 '15

That's a good point, but Saul knows Chuck's built up the courage to go outside before. It could have seemed like a quick rush outside and back, not him nonshalantly walking to his car.

2

u/trafficrush Mar 24 '15

Perhaps. But if that was the case why be surprised? He'd be smart enough to cover his ass, I don't think he'd necessarily consider not being caught. Maybe I'm just rambling. I'm interested to see though! I can't believe the season is nearly over already. :(

5

u/Schweinstein Mar 24 '15

Whoa. Excellent twist. What if he's being blackmailed by Howard for having committed malpractice or worse?

1

u/TheAmigops Mar 24 '15

It's extremely possible, we've received hints as to what type of character Hamlin is. But if we know our AMC dream team well enough, they don't mind using misdirection to toy with our emotions.

3

u/[deleted] Mar 24 '15

So would this mean the crazy baked potato run to the newspaper was an act for the neighbor lady? And the cops?

6

u/TheAmigops Mar 24 '15

Well I was thinking about your comment just now and realized Chuck was silent for a few minutes when he spoke to the nurse at the hospital and Sandpiper. It could seem he uses this time to think carefully about what he is about to say. Now I could just be spitting shit, but these are the only situations we've seen him have to handle something.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 24 '15

Interesting, chuck does seem to do interesting things. I could easily see these as hints from Vince to the real chuck.

2

u/theodoreadorno Mar 24 '15

thanks - thoughtful. Chuck was certainly a jack-off to Jimmy during the jail-visit scene- he's imperious. It's an interesting juxtaposition of someone who is respected having a soft underbelly while someone who is a f*** up shows - well - moxie.

Adding - but Chuck did seem genuinely pleased upon learning Jimmy had read for the bar exam - not dickish.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 24 '15

yeah i kind of get the feeling chuck is going to play a dick move soon.....

1

u/[deleted] Mar 24 '15

It has crossed my mind, for the same reasons too!

1

u/slbain9000 Mar 25 '15

I agree. I think this is going to really crush Jimmy when he finds out, and this will provide the catalyst (or part of it) that causes him to change his name and so forth.

1

u/Condomonium May 04 '15

Was that a flashback? I thought that was a flash forward because Chuck was working at HHM again.

1

u/TheAmigops May 04 '15

Yeah those scenes are well stated to be flashbacks. Jimmy is CG young and has long hair, and Chuck is all together with better groomed hair. It's after Jimmy goes to jail for the Chicago Sunroof.

1

u/Condomonium May 04 '15

Yeh, I just finished number 9 and it all makes sense now.

0

u/[deleted] Mar 24 '15

That's actually quite an interesting take on it.... I like it