JMM (Better Call Saul)
"JMM" is the seventh episode of the fifth season of the AMC television series Better Call Saul, the spinoff series of Breaking Bad. The episode aired on March 30, 2020 on AMC in the United States. Outside of the United States, the episode premiered on streaming service Netflix in several countries.
| "JMM" | |
|---|---|
| Better Call Saul episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 7 |
| Directed by | Melissa Bernstein |
| Written by | Alison Tatlock |
| Original air date | March 30, 2020 |
| Running time | 47 minutes |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
| |
Plot
Jimmy and Kim marry in an impromptu ceremony at the courthouse; with spousal privilege, Jimmy can tell Kim about his cases without lying.
Lalo is arrested under an alias and charged with murder. Nacho calls Jimmy to represent Lalo at his arraignment and Lalo is remanded to custody. He directs Jimmy to obtain his release on bail so he will not go to trial, promising that if successful, Jimmy will become wealthy as a "friend of the cartel". Jimmy tests his new relationship with Kim by telling her about Lalo, including his intent not to fight for Lalo's release. Kim tells Jimmy she is happy he told her.
Rich and Kim meet with Kevin and apologize for the outcome of Acker's case, and Kevin indicates he will let them know whether he decides to retain them. After leaving, Kim leads Rich back to Kevin's office and tells him he consistently ignored their advice. She tells Kevin that whether he retains them or obtains new lawyers, she hopes he will be more willing to listen. Kevin indicates his approval by telling Kim and Rich he will see them at their regular Thursday meeting.
Mike spends time with Kaylee and tells Stacey he is past the problem that caused his recent anger. Nacho tells Mike that Lalo wants Nacho to burn down one of Gus's restaurants. In a meeting in Houston, Gus and other Madrigal subsidiary owners provide reports to CEO Peter Schuler. Gus later meets with Peter and Lydia to update them on the status of the meth lab and warns them that Lalo remains a threat even while incarcerated. Peter panics and Gus calms him by reminding him of an experience they shared in Santiago. On his return, Gus and Nacho protect Nacho's role as the mole inside the Salamanca organization by vandalizing Gus's flagship restaurant, then setting an explosion that burns it down.
Gus wants Lalo released, so Mike provides Jimmy details about the investigative work he did under an assumed name. Jimmy uses the information at the bail hearing to accuse police of witness tampering. The judge grants bail of US$7 million cash, which Lalo tells a shocked Jimmy he can pay, but that Jimmy will have to pick it up.
Howard approaches Jimmy at the courthouse about working at HHM and Jimmy says he is still considering it. Howard realizes Jimmy has been toying with him, including damaging his car and disrupting his recent business lunch with Clifford Main, and rescinds the offer. Jimmy angrily blames Howard for Chuck's death and loudly proclaims that as Saul Goodman, he has grown too big for the constraints of an HHM job.
Production
"JMM" is the directorial debut of Melissa Bernstein, an executive producer on Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and El Camino.[1]
Several Easter eggs referencing Breaking Bad were included in this episode. Bernstein created a bookend scene for the character Peter Schuler, the CEO of Madrigal, to contrast with his death scene in the Breaking Bad episode "Madrigal", with both scenes starting with Peter tasting sauces from Madrigal's restaurant subsidiaries.[2] They also brought in the use of the phrase "friend of the cartel" which Saul utters in desperation to Walt and Jesse when they abduct him in his introductory Breaking Bad episode "Better Call Saul", believing that Lalo provided a good way to introduce that phrase to Jimmy/Saul.[2] Other such references include the allusion to Jimmy's previous two marriages prior to Kim, and Lydia's trademark red-soled high heel shoes.[2]
Alan Sepinwall for Rolling Stone and Melanie McFarland for Salon both observed that the episode's title, "JMM", could be taken three ways: as Jimmy's own initials (James Morgan McGill), as an initialism for "Justice Matters Most" (which Jimmy coins because Kim gave him the monogrammed briefcase after he decided to use the Saul Goodman name), and as an initialism for the phrase "Just Make Money" (the phrase Lalo uses to persuade Jimmy to obtain his release on bail).[1][3]
Reception
"JMM" received acclaim from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 100% Certified Fresh rating, with an average 9.08 out of 10 review score from 14 reviews. Its summary of the critical consensus is "Jimmy ties the knot, but Saul Goodman is hanging a noose over everyone's future in this diabolically satisfying installment."[4]
Ratings
"JMM" was watched by 1.30 million viewers on its first broadcast.[5]
References
- Sepinwall, Alan (March 20, 2020). "'Better Call Saul' Recap: Just Make Money". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- 'Saul's Marriages' Easter Eggs Ep. 507. AMC. March 30, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
- McFarland, Melanie (April 1, 2020). ""Better Call Saul" and the two faces of JMM". Salon. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
- "JMM". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- Metcalf, Mitch (March 31, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Monday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.30.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 31, 2020.