Inflatable (Better Call Saul)
"Inflatable" is the seventh episode of the second season of the American television drama series Better Call Saul, the spinoff series of Breaking Bad. Written by Gordon Smith and directed by Colin Bucksey, the episode aired on AMC in the United States on March 28, 2016. Outside of the United States, the episode premiered on streaming service Netflix in several countries. [1]
| "Inflatable" | |
|---|---|
| Better Call Saul episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 7 |
| Directed by | Colin Bucksey |
| Written by | Gordon Smith |
| Featured music | "Scorpio" by Dennis Coffey |
| Original air date | March 28, 2016 |
| Running time | 42 minutes |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
| |
Plot
Opening
In a flashback to the early 1970s, ten year old Jimmy is working in his father's store when a grifter enters and attempts to pull a con on Jimmy's father by claiming to be a father in financial need. Jimmy disbelieves him and tries to warn his father, but his father is more concerned that suspicion could lead him to turn away someone in need. When Jimmy's father is distracted, the grifter admits the con and tells Jimmy that there are only wolves and sheep in the world, and he will have to choose which one to be. Disillusioned by his father's gullibility, Jimmy steals money from the register.
Main story
Jimmy represents Mike when Mike tells the prosecutor that the gun found after the fight between Mike and Tuco was not Tuco's. Jimmy decides to quit D&M, but learns that if he quits, he will have to repay the signing bonus he received when he joined. Jimmy finds a loophole in his contract which permits him to keep the money if he is fired without cause. While waiting at a stop light, he sees an inflatable tube man outside an oil changing shop. Inspired by the colorful display, he executes a plan to get fired by doing everything he can think of to be irritating at work, from dressing in flashy suits to playing bagpipes in his office to not flushing the toilet after trips to the bathroom. Cliff finally fires Jimmy and tells him losing the signing bonus is worth it just to be rid of him.
Jimmy approaches Kim and attempts to convince her to partner with him in their own law firm. Kim agrees, but only on the condition that Jimmy play it "straight and narrow". Jimmy admits that he can only be himself, which means pushing the envelope on what's legal and ethical, so Kim politely refuses. Jimmy then moves back to his old office at the nail salon.
Mike promises to buy Stacey a new house in a better, safer neighborhood and begins scouting Hector's restaurant. Kim proposes a compromise to Jimmy, suggesting they start separate solo firms, but share office space to save on expenses and support each other if needed. Jimmy considers her offer, and doesn't immediately respond.
Reception
Ratings
Upon airing, the episode received 2.03 million American viewers, and an 18–49 rating of 0.8.[2]
Critical reception
The episode received very positive reviews from critics. It holds a 100% positive rating with an average score of 8.88 out of 10 on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consensus reads: "Rich in character (and colorful suits), "Inflatable" is a funny and profound turning point for several key figures with life-altering decisions to be made."[3]
Terri Schwartz of IGN gave the episode a 9.3 rating, writing "Jimmy decides to set out on his own solo path – but Kim isn't willing to fully walk it with them."[4]
References
- "Inflatable". AMC.
- Porter, Rick (30 March 2016). "Monday cable ratings: 'Love & Hip Hop' reunion and 'WWE Raw' stay on top".
- "Better Call Saul – Season 2, Episode 7 – Rotten Tomatoes".
- Schwartz, Terri (28 March 2016). "Better Call Saul: "Inflatable" Review".