Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Better Call Saul Episode 8 RICO


The episode commences with a flashback of Jimmy in his days as a mail clerk for HHM.  Jimmy is friendly in his short sleeves and tie as he delivers files around the office.  He pays a visit to Kim and asks her to open a letter for him.  She opens it and Jimmy gets a hug and a kiss.  He then goes to visit Chuck.  He tells him he’s passed the bar.  Chuck is incredulous; he didn’t even know that Jimmy had finished school.  Jimmy reveals it was a correspondence coarse through University of American Samoa, “Go land crabs!” (His diploma was seen on Breaking Bad, it’s a nice consistency.)  He also reveals to his brother that it took three times to pass the bar. “Little like losing your virginity!”  He asks Chuck to speak with Howard about a job in the firm.  Chuck reluctantly agrees.

There is a celebration in the mailroom for Jimmy complete with cake and balloons. Howard asks to speak to Jimmy in private.  The conversation isn’t audible over the sound of the printer, but it’s obviously a rejection.  As Howard leaves with his piece of cake, he says, “Let’s revisit this topic in six months,” It’s clear why Jimmy dislikes Howard so much. (I could relate to this story, when I was about to get my RN license I was fired from my clerk job at the hospital where I had hoped to start my career.)

The next scene shows Kim unpacking into her new office location. Howard walks in and asks for her to appear with him.  She stands by Howard in a news conference outlining the plea agreement brokered by her for Craig Kettleman.  Howard doesn’t mention her contributions and basks in the spotlight.

Jimmy makes a visit to a Mrs. Landry at the Sandpiper Crossing Assisted Living. He has completed a will for her and she owes him one hundred forty dollars. Embarrassed she’s short of cash, she asks him to wait a week until she gets her “allowance.” Jimmy questions her about the nursing home’s control of her funds and she explains that they control all the residents’ incomes, and then give them the remainder as an allowance. Jimmy smells something fishy is cooking here.

Jimmy returns to the facility and reviews the billing statements from some of the residents. The receptionist overhears this conversation and calls the company’s legal team.

Jimmy visits Chuck’s house. Chuck is looking over the files Jimmy left. He observes that Jimmy did this on purpose so that he could, “Play Tom Sawyer while I paint the fence.” Jimmy is overwhelmed by his workload, Chuck suggests hiring a paralegal. Jimmy asks Chuck to look closely at the statements, which reveal a pattern of over charging the residents for simple staple items. He believes there is fraud occurring and this could become a large, possibly class action lawsuit.

Jimmy returns to Sandpiper only to be blocked by the suspicious receptionist. He pleads to use the bathroom. Jimmy drafts a document accusing them of fraud. The security team attempts to escort him out, he hands the receptionist his statement written on toilet paper.  He yells at them to “Stop shredding!” as he is deposited on the curb.

Mike is working in the parking lot booth. Stacey calls and asks if he could possibly baby-sit his granddaughter. Mike is so over whelmed; he lets a car got through without stickers!  Mike gladly accepts the task and is happy to be able to help his daughter-in-law.

Jimmy waits in the parking lot of Sandpiper until the receptionist leaves. He proceeds to “dumpster dive.” Surrounded by filth, he rummages around for the shredded documents. Two employees arrive and add garbage on Jimmy. With his head literally dripping with filth, the Sandpiper attorney calls his cell phone. Curious to why he’s whispering, Jimmy lies, and “I’m at the opera!” Jimmy is adamant about the charges of elder abuse and fraud. The attorney says he only called to find out if he was related to Charles McGill.  Jimmy affirms his relationship to Chuck. The attorney becomes hostel, and accuses him of “a shakedown.” Angrily, Jimmy hangs up and exits the dumpster. Finally, he sees the paper recycling bins where the documents have been placed.

Jimmy works through the night at Chuck’s house trying to sort the shredded statements. Chuck awakens, surprised at Jimmy’s presence but kindly offers to make him some coffee. Jimmy is asleep before the coffee is done, Chuck kindly places a pillow under his head and begins to piece the documents together himself.

Jimmy wakes up that evening to see Chuck has made amazing progress with the documents.  He points out the “smoking gun” to Jimmy, it’s a statement for supplies from Nebraska.  Chuck begins to quote relevant cases that will assist in their research.  Jimmy is surprised, “You want to work together?”  The brothers embrace.

Jimmy calls Kim at HHM.  He wants her to print articles for him using the office’s database. (Consistent with pre-Internet research, mid-nineties?) She is reluctant to charge the printing expenses to the company.  Chuck lets them use his account number. Kim is surprised the brothers are working together and asks, “Can he handle it?”  Jimmy replies, “Yes, it’s good for him.”   She agrees to help.

Mike is busy with his granddaughter sculpting Playdoh. Stacey arrives home from work pleased to find them both content.  Stacey asks Mike if she can spend the ill-gotten money from Matty.  Mike replies, “If that money does a single good thing, then use it.”  It’s clear she needs more money to survive.

The Sandpiper attorney receives a copy of the shredded “smoking gun” statement. He calls Jimmy and agrees to meet with them at Chuck’s house.  When they arrive Jimmy asks them to leave their electronics outside due to Chuck’s medical condition. A few of the men snicker but agree. Inside, Chuck tells Jimmy, “I don’t know if I can do this.” Like a coach, Jimmy gives him a rousing speech for confidence.

The lead attorney begins by asking Chuck if he remembers meeting him.  He carelessly adds, “I thought you’d be arguing in front of the Supreme Court someday.” Chuck is silent for most of the proceedings. The Sandpiper group haggles and will agree to pay one hundred thousand dollars damages to the residents as an “accounting error.” Jimmy will not take this and draws their attention to the shredded document.  He argues that since the supplier was out of state, it meets the criteria to make this a RICO case.  The Sandpiper team is stunned but ask Chuck how much they are seeking.  Chuck finally speaks; “Twenty million dollars or we see you in court” The shocked Sandpiper lawyers depart.

Jimmy asks what his brother was thinking with that amount.  Chuck reasons, it’s a mulit-state facility involving many parties.  He insists twenty million is a conservative estimate.  Chuck’s brain is active; he needs Jimmy to get back inside the assisted living facility.

Mike visits the vet who stitched him up when he arrived. He assesses the health of a shelter dog Mike has adopted.  Mike asks if he still has a job for him. The vet is evasive, “I still keep in touch with people.” Mike responds, “Tell me what you’ve got and I’ll tell you what I’ll do.” It looks like Mike’s retirement didn’t last long.

Jimmy returns to Chuck’s house, exhausted from working.  He soon is asleep on the sofa. Chuck wants some files out of Jimmy’s car.  Without realizing it, he goes outside and retrieves the files himself. Realizing what he’s done once he’s on the curb, Chuck looks around in amazement.

Only two episodes left! What is going to happen to Chuck?  Will Mike start working with Jimmy again? When will Jimmy change his name to Saul and wear that orange shirt?






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