[Huell and Jimmy talk in the courthouse after Huell assaults the plainclothes officer]
Yeah, they always go for the max. Come on now, they'll calm down.
[snorts] PD didn't make it sound promising.
Heh, the guy, he's—he's just a burnout. He's trying to soften you up for an easy deal, alright? There's no way you'd do that kind of time!
You're goddamn right... wait. What—What do you mean?
I'mma bounce. I got places I can go.
No. Uh, no, that's not a good idea, Huell.
C'mon, you'll have a warrant on you, and that shit doesn't go away! You know, three years from now, you're pulled over for a broken tail light, and now you're not just a guy who shoved a cop; you're a guy who shoved a cop and ran.
Well, I just won't drive with a broken tail light.
Sooner or later, they're gonna catch up to you.
They didn't catch D.B. Cooper.
[Frustrated, Jimmy sits next to Huell]
Why don't you—Why don't you give me a shot at this? I... I think I can fix it.
Yeah. What if I told you, you're not going in?
Like, not at all? Not never? 'Cause that's what it's gonna take.
Yeah, never, alright? Just don't skip.
How you gonna do that? You ain't even a lawyer!
[scornfully] "A lawyer." Dude, I don't need to be a lawyer, alright? I'm a magic man. Will you have a little faith in me?
See, now I would help Huell myself if I could, but I don't think he's going to wait around a month for me to be reinstated.
You've been selling drop phones? On the street?
Kim, I... I just–if we could... Look, Kim. Here's what I'm thinking. I did a little recon, and the arresting officer, he has a DUI. Eight years ago. And he's been put on desk duty twice. I know he has anger issues, I can attest to it, right? So... We get him... smelling like a distillery and we piss him off in court. Now, he won't take the bait. He will lose his cool in front of the judge. A little stumble in there just for dramatic effect, and I have some thoughts on how to engineer that. But, you get the gist. Next thing you know, case dismissed.
[beat; walks back to her desk and dials a number on her phone] Viola, can you get me case material for Penal Code 34.22, sections 22-27? Yeah, battery on a P.O. Thanks. [hangs up phone]
Great. What's our first move?
I'm not tearing down a cop.
That's okay! You tell me.
I will look into this. I'm not making any promises, but if it is as bad as you say it is... I don't know. Maybe there's something I can do. Maybe.
Thanks, Kim. Listen, I really appreciate it.
[pause] And tell me if there's anything I can do.
[Jimmy spends the night in his nail salon office stressing about his relationship with Kim when Mrs. Nguyen finds him]
NMrs. Nguyen
Leaving now. You stick around?
Oh, yeah. I have—I'll be here a little longer. I'll lock up when I go. Is that alright?
NMrs. Nguyen
[pause] Wife mad at you?
She's not my wife... I don't know.
NMrs. Nguyen
Yeah, she's mad at you. [pours wine into a glass and offers it to Jimmy] Go on. [Jimmy reluctantly takes a sip] You take her to dinner. Nice place with a waiter. Cloth napkin. You bring flowers. You say sorry. Then, say sorry again. Whatever she says, you say sorry.
I think we might be past that.
NMrs. Nguyen
[pause] I'll leave the bottle.
[Mike comes up to Werner after the crew's night off]
Everyone seems much improved! This "R&R" was a good idea, Michael. [chuckles, looks around] Something the matter? [Mike hands him the coaster he sketched on] This? Oh, don't be concerned, I said nothing! Men at a bar, talking to make talk, and look: no details, no scale at all. Could be a skyscraper, could be a box for shoes. [beat] I said nothing about the construction that would not be true for thousands of others. By now, they have forgotten me entirely.
[sounding skeptical] "They forgot". The German national in the middle of Albuquerque, talking about pouring hundreds of tons of concrete at a secret underground location?
Eh, you're right. I'm sorry, Michael, I had too much beer... and I may have said more than I should have.
Listen to me. Carefully. The man we're working for is very serious; think about the precautions we take to keep everything that goes on here quiet. Think about how much money you're making. Think about what happens if something goes wrong. Do you understand what I am saying to you?
...I do understand. And I'm sorry to cause any problem. You have my word. Nothing like this will happen again.
Okay. [takes the coaster] Let's get you to work.
Nothing... just driving around, thinking about things.
[pause] Listen, Kim. I—I know what's on your mind. The thing that we did: I mean, it was nuts, and I dumped it in your lap. Ex parte communication, contempt of court... I mean what, talking about a couple hundred counts of mail fraud? I could've wrecked you at Schweikart; I could've boned me, too. I mean, I'm this close to being reinstated. I mean, come on. [Kim stares off vacantly] Kim... don't worry. No one's gonna know about it, it'll be like it never happened. And, also, I agree—We are totally done with all that, over and out, no more.
[Nacho arrives at El Michoacano to the sound of loud music and an unfamiliar face cooking in the kitchen. He looks at Krazy-8 before walking into the kitchen. The dialogue switches between Spanish and English throughout]
Oh, hey! [in Spanish] You're here! Right on time. [in English] Hold on, one second. You are going to love this. I made this just for you! [in Spanish] Never in your life have you tasted something so delicious, it's true. Wait, wait... You're gonna die. [offers plate of food to Nacho]
[beat; in Spanish] No, thank you.
[in Spanish] Smell it! You can't say no, are you crazy? [in English] I used epazote, man! Come on! [pause; in Spanish] Very well. You're not hungry. That's your problem. This is a special recipe... a family secret.
Them! [in Spanish] I am Eduardo, [in English] but you can call me Lalo. [in Spanish] And you must be Varga, no? They told me you were smart. And look... Here you are, and you are.
I'm just here to lend a helping hand, you know? Make sure the business is running in order. I got a— I got a good head for numbers, but listen... Don't even worry. It's gonna be like I'm not even here. [sits down besides Krazy-8] Come on, Varga, let's go!
[Lalo tells Hector about a previous incident with a hotel owner during his and Nacho's visit. The dialogue is in Spanish.]
You know what I was thinking about this morning? The smell of burning leather and horsehair stuffing. Do you remember? Hotel Tulipan? [chuckles] You were so polite to that guy. And he turns his back on you? Makes that big deal to show he's not scared? [shakes his head] He was a professor before he opened that place, remember? He'd always bring that up. The big college professor. [pause] You took your time with him... and his wife listening from the side. That asshole was so proud of his beautiful Spanish, his books, his antiques. But when it burned, it all smelled like shit. I never told you this, but... I went back inside. I went through the flames, the smoke. It was so hot the rubber on my shoes melted a little. Yes, I know it was very stupid, but... I'm sentimental. I wanted a souvenir. I kept it all these years. I brought it. [takes out present] Do you want to see it? [Hector taps his finger on his wheelchair]
[Lalo unwraps the present to reveal... a call bell. He places it on the right arm of Hector's wheelchair]
Brings back memories, yes? Remember that guy hitting this, calling for his bellboy? Ding, ding, ding! [chuckles] And you? Teaching the teacher! There you go, Uncle. Perfect. Give it a try. [Hector rings the bell] Again, Uncle. [Hector rings the bell] That's it. Again. [Hector rings the bell repeatedly while Lalo laughs] That's a Salamanca!
[Both Lalo and Hector look briefly at Nacho, then at each other]
[to Nacho, in English] Hey, why don't you... Why don't you go get some Jell-O?
[Lalo meets with Gus in his office]
Now, what may I do for you, Señor...
Salamanca. Eduardo Salamanca, but you can call me Lalo... and you're Gustavo Fring. I've been an admirer of yours for many years. You have how many of these restaurants?
Seven. And starting from nothing. It's incredible.
I come here on behalf of my entire family, to give you our deepest thanks.
For what? For saving Don Hector's life. I just visited him. You know, seeing a man like that: can't speak, can barely move, I wanted to weep... but it could have been worse. Varga tells me that while everybody else was picking their asses, you rushed to him, struck him in the chest and brought him back.
It was a simple instinct.
But still, with all the history between you two... what you did was a gesture of peace. At least, that's how we see it.
I'm very pleased to hear that.
[pause] And here we are, getting along. [leans in, begins speaking in Spanish] You ever think, maybe Don Eladio is one shrewd bastard? Hm? Maybe he likes the bad blood between us? He sits by his pool, baking in the sun, giving orders...but your trucks move the products, and Salamanca muscle keeps everyone in line.
[also in Spanish] I don't consider that there's bad blood.
[in English] Really? Still, if we were to get along too well... I'm sure Eladio wouldn't like that, would he?
[takes a deep breath] I am satisfied with the current arrangement.
...I'm just shitting you! You would be crazy to go up against Eladio. [stares at Gus] Look, I'm gonna be in town for a while, so uh- y'know, we'll talk some more! We owe you. If you need a favor, I'm your man.
[shakes Lalo's hand] Same, naturally.
Oh, and I'll be back for that chicken, eh? It's too tasty to stay away from.
[Gus frowns when he leaves. Lalo walks to his car with Nacho]
[pause] You say you pick up six keys a week?
He's got a chicken farm way out of town.
[At Jimmy's reinstatement hearing]
LPLead Panelist
Well, Mr. McGill, is there anything you'd like to tell us about the... reasons you were suspended in the first place?
This past year, that's pretty much been the only thing on my mind, and I'm humbled... by the sheer stupidity of my actions. Remorse doesn't begin to cover it. I'm not gonna make excuses, because there's no excuse for what I did, but as I sit here I can assure you: nothing like that will ever happen again. Never.
LPLead Panelist
Well, alright. That would seem to be satisfactory. [a panelist raises her finger] Oh, Meg? You have something?
MMeg
Mr. McGill, what does the law mean to you?
...The law? [pause] Uh, yeah. Okay, um... Listen, growing up? Becoming a lawyer was the last thing on my mind. Even if I wanted to, I didn't have the smarts or the skills or the... "stick-to-it-iveness." But, I happened to get a job with some attorneys, and I couldn't help but think, "maybe I could do that?" Something inside me made me wanna try. Now, listen: My diploma says the University of American Samoa Law School, and that's exactly what it sounds like–that's a correspondence school. I wish it said Georgetown, heh, or Northwestern... but UAS was the only one that would take me. 'Cause let me tell ya, I wasn't a natural. I mean, the classes, the studying, trying to pass the bar—practically killed me. I must have quit ten or twelve times, but I kept coming back to it, and I'm—I'm really glad I did, because when I got to work with actual clients... there was nothing else like it. Our legal system is complicated, and sometimes it could feel capricious, but it's the closest thing to real justice that we've got! And for it to work, it needs vigorous, passionate advocates. Helping my clients, arguing on their behalf—that's the best thing I've ever done, and this past year... I've missed the hell out of it.
MMeg
...That was very eloquent. Was there any particular influence... on your views?
...Um. Credit where credit is due... the University of American Samoa! Go Land-Crabs!
Kristy! Miss Esposito, hold up. Hey, Jimmy McGill, hi. We met inside.
Hi. You didn't get it. You were never going to get it. They— they dangle these things in front of you, they tell ya you got a chance, but... I'm sorry, it's a lie, because they had already made up their minds, and they knew what they were gonna do before you walked in the door. You made a mistake, and... they are never forgetting it. As far as they're concerned, your mistake is just—it's who you are, and it's all you are. And I'm not just talking about the scholarship here, I'm talking about everything; I mean they'll smile at you, they'll pat you on the head but they are never, ever letting you in. But listen, listen—it doesn't matter. It doesn't, because you don't need them. I mean, they're not going to give it to you? So what? You're gonna take it. You're going to do whatever it takes, do you hear me? You are not going to play by the rules. You're gonna go your own way, you're going to do what they won't do, you're gonna be smart, you are gonna cut corners... and you are gonna win. They're on the 35th floor? You're gonna be on the 50th floor. You're gonna be looking down on 'em, and the higher you rise, the more they're gonna hate you. Good. Good. You rub their noses in it. You make them suffer. Because you don't matter all that much to them... so what? So what?! Screw them! Remember, the winner takes it all.
KKristy
...I've gotta go get my bus.
L-Look, you understand what I'm trying to tell you, right?
KKristy
[pause] Yes. I think I do.
Alright. Alright, go get 'em.
[Mike calls Gus after picking up Werner]
Out by an old raceway off 55, about eight miles north of San Ysidro.
Place called Dulce Vega Hot Springs up in Jemez. It's gotta be where his wife is headed. [pause] Something else.
When I found him, he was on the phone with an interested party pretending to be one of your guys.
...What did he tell them?
Yes... you have any idea who it was?
Alright, I'll bring him in now.
No. Keep him there. Wait.
[pause] I'd go another way.
[pause] Let it be a mistake!
This discussion serves no purpose. Wait where you are.
[Mike looks at Werner]
[Gus hangs up. Mike takes a deep breath]
[Mike has taken Werner to the outskirts of Albuquerque to await Werner's execution under Gus' orders, but has volunteered to kill Werner himself]
I want to know your end game. What'd you think was going to happen?
I thought that I would come back, and my friend, Michael, would be very, very angry... but, in time, he would understand and forgive.
Oh, Michael, look, I know I've made trouble for you and I'm very sorry for the damage I caused. I will repair what I broke with my own hands, but please. Margarethe w-will land any minute. Soon, she will be at the hotel, please. Take me back there. Let us be together for a little, huh? Let her see me and know that everything is okay. [Mike says nothing; pause] Ah, please, Michael. I go back now, I go back in the morning, what difference can it make?
[wavering] It's not going to happen.
Let me speak to Mr. Fring. I'll explain everything. I will make him understand.
You're not gonna talk to Fring.
Werner, nothing you're going to say or do is going to make anyone trust you again.
[Werner pauses. He looks around and realizes what is going to happen]
I will go home. I will never breathe a word of this. Ever. The money? I'll give all of it back. I will tell no one, I s-swear. It will be as if... none of this ever happened. Please, Michael. You know I will keep silent. You know it. Please!
[pause] Does your wife have a cell phone with her?
I need you to call her now. [checks watch] She landed an hour ago.
And you need to keep it that way. She's being followed!
[Werner finishes a phone call with his wife, sending her back home in an attempt to spare her from Gus]
She was very angry, but yes. She will go home. Michael... if she doesn't hear a word from me, she will ask questions. She will go to the police.
There'll be a story. An accident. Lawyers will visit, German lawyers. All her questions will be answered.
They're going home. They'll be okay, they're trusted.
[pause] Is there no other way truly? [Mike says nothing; beat] There are so many stars visible in New Mexico. I will walk out there... to get a better look.
[As Werner walks away, Mike follows him from a distance. Mike takes his loaded gun, and shoots Werner in the back of the head, killing him]
I was just gonna—I was gonna try to move you all with my brother's eloquent words. You know, pull on your heartstrings. But it's not right. This letter is between me and him, and it should stay that way. Listen, my brother Chuck...you—you knew him. He loved me in his own way. He loved me as a brother. He did not love me as a lawyer. Big reason I became a lawyer was Chuck. He was the most brilliant man I ever knew, and an incredible lawyer, you know? And he knew exactly who he was. Exactly. And all my life, I wanted to make him proud, and he was not an easy man to make proud. You know, like climbing Everest without supplies: If you were one of the lucky few who reached that peak, even for a moment, if you made him proud—Wow, what a feeling. And he let you know it, too. But if you weren't one of those people... He—He was polite enough, but he did not suffer fools, you know? And he could be judgmental and difficult, and he knew how to get under your skin. Hmm... could be a real son of a bitch. Chuck was the one who was always right, always. And usually he was, you know? So for a guy like me—I did lousy in school, I lacked ambition, I always cut corners—I mean, for me to live up to the standards of Charles McGill... I mean, look at me. I'll never be as moral as him, I'll never be as smart, I'll never be as respected. I'll never be as good as Chuck. [sniffs] But I can try. I can try. If you decide I get to be a lawyer, I'll do everything in my power to be worthy of the name McGill. And if you decide I'm not a lawyer... doesn't matter. I'll still try to be the best man that I can be. I'm lucky I got this letter. I never had a chance to write him a letter, and to tell him all the things that I should have. But I gotta believe that somehow... somehow he knows. Well, that's... that'll have to do it for me. Sorry... thank you.
I knew you could do it! I knew you had it in you!
I mean, yes! They–they have to reinstate you now! They just have to!
Uh, yeah! Did you see those suckers? [Kim is stunned] That one asshole was crying, he had actual tears! Jesus, Kim! Listen, I started reading the letter, and I just knew it wasn't... I could tell by their faces it wasn't gonna be enough, right? So I just went off on this flow, you know? I had this energy going through me, it was like improv, or jazz, and then boom! Sunk the hook in! [acts pensive] "I'm so lucky I have this letter." God! I could see the Matrix, you know! I was invincible! I could dodge bullets, baby! And you were right, you were right – it was all about Chuck! The whole time!
CClerk
Oh, Mr. McGill, you're still here. There's some good news.
Believe me, I already know.
CClerk
Oh, good. Then if you want to come with me to the office, there's some paperwork for you to sign.
Absolutely! Let's do this thing! Oh, and sweetheart, I'm gonna need one more form: a DBA. Y'see, I'm not gonna be practicing under the name "McGill", so...
CClerk
Shouldn't be a problem. Just down the hall. We have all the forms.
W-Wait, Jimmy, Jimmy—What?!
[makes finger guns] S'all good, man!
