Ep 8. Fifi

Jimmy McGill continues on his quest to become a formidable lawyer in Better Call Saul season 2 episode 8, titled "Fifi." Following his recent triumph in settling the Sandpiper case, Jimmy's attention shifts to Mesa Verde, a new client that he hopes can help him expand his practice.

Mesa Verde is a bank that needs a new location built, and Jimmy has an idea to get them the land they need on the cheap. However, his scheme involves going behind the back of Chuck McGill, his older brother and rival. Chuck has been a thorn in Jimmy's side since the show began, with his elitism and adherence to the rules of law constantly at odds with Jimmy's more streetwise approach.

As Jimmy sets his plan in motion, he also tries to mend existing relationships that have been strained by his career trajectory. Kim Wexler, Jimmy's former love interest and legal partner, has been pushing him to play by the rules now that a measure of success has been achieved. Their dynamic is tested when Jimmy's actions bring the wrath of Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill down on them both.

As always, the pressures of Jimmy's double life begin to take their toll. With tensions running high, we see some of the consequences of his morally ambiguous decision-making. In particular, we see how much Jimmy's success has been built on what he took from Chuck's own work - an ongoing theme throughout the series. With the finale of season 2 drawing near, Jimmy is poised to make even bigger decisions that will have long-lasting consequences for the rest of the show.

Meanwhile, "Fifi" also features its fair share of action set-pieces. Our titular aircraft is a B-29 Bomber, and the actual plane has been kindly loaned by the Commemorative Air Force. The episode's landing sequence is particularly edge-of-your-seat stuff, with all the pressure of a plane landing - except this one is on fire.

Another highlight is the appearance of Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks), former beat cop turned hitman. Mike has a hand in several of season 2's most harrowing plotlines and doesn't disappoint in "Fifi." His moments of calm, analytical consideration stand in sharp relief to Jimmy's often panicked, often ill-conceived plans.

Overall, "Fifi" is another excellent episode of Better Call Saul, a show that has gone from strength to strength in its second season. The drama is tighter, the writing sharper, and the performances just as mesmerizingly good as before. With only a few episodes left in the second season, the stakes are higher than ever before - and Jimmy McGill is feeling the pressure.