Ep 1. Magic Man

In season 5, episode 1 of Better Call Saul, titled "Magic Man," viewers are re-introduced to the character of Jimmy McGill, played by Bob Odenkirk. After the dramatic events of the previous season, Jimmy is still processing the loss of his brother Chuck and struggling to come to terms with his grief.

The episode begins with a flashback to Jimmy's past, showing him working as a street magician in the early days of his career. This scene is intercut with shots of Jimmy in the present day, working as an attorney under the name Saul Goodman. Through the use of clever editing and visual themes, the episode draws parallels between Jimmy's history as a magician and his current work as a criminal lawyer.

As the episode progresses, we see Jimmy (as Saul) become involved in a scheme with his new associate Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), who has been trying to get a new client for her law firm. The plan involves staging a car accident in order to create a legal case, and requires Jimmy to employ all of his skills as a con artist and smooth talker.

Meanwhile, we catch up with other characters from the show's ensemble cast. Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) is shown working for drug lord Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito), and struggling with his conscience as he carries out increasingly violent tasks. Nacho Varga (Michael Mando), the skilled drug dealer, is also shown working for Gus, and is dealing with the consequences of his actions from the previous season.

Overall, "Magic Man" is a strong start to the fifth season of Better Call Saul. It builds on the themes and storylines established in previous seasons, while also introducing new conflicts and challenges for the characters to overcome. With excellent performances and expertly crafted writing, the episode leaves viewers eager to see what happens next in this captivating series.