Black and Blue

Many reviews here already have used the term "buildup;" I've yet to see one review, even the low ones, to say "filler." That's because every story has to have some level of slower, more detailed, less explosive storytelling that brings the story along its path, otherwise the Ozymandias's of the world would not be 10/10's. Big, explosive, pay-off episodes are that way because they have weight behind them, weight created by disciplined, careful storytelling that slowly raises stakes until everything comes to a head (hence the term "pay-off"). BCS and BB will forever be masterclasses for this kind of storytelling, which essentially every writer/showrunner should reference since they're all trying to tell some type of story... the difference between filler and buildup is the writer of a filler episode doesn't know how to get where they're going let alone where they're going at all, but needs to fill space to fill quota so they can "get to the good part." The writer of a buildup episode understands where they want to go and how to get there and is willing to take the time necessary to get there organically and realistically, through character development and careful plot details that some less patient viewers might call "slow." BCS has never been a victim of filler episodes. This is classic and perfect buildup.

Don't get me wrong, I think Lalo is a wonderful and thrilling villain. Having watched the entire BB 'verse, initially he gives me the awe feel that Gus first struck.

I guess Lalo may eventually suffer "villain decay" as the Tropes people say, just like Gus, but Lalo feels very much like a real person you could meet.

Anyway, I do think they have veered a few times into making Lalo a character with 007 level skills.

That strains credulity, but more importantly, Lalo doesn't need it. Note that almost no character sees his most extreme abilities.

What makes him so effective is Dalton's performance. He swings from charming life of the party to terrifying at his whim.

Not a very strong episode but needed, it's these smaller episodes that build up for the bigger conclusive arcs. Like quiet mist before a total storm.

I have to say the pacing in this episode was far stretched but certain points were still shown greatly. Decent but average for this weeks.

8.5/10.

Cinematography is unique as always,soundtrack is good but the episode is not a 10/10 at all as people here voting on autopliot,the buildup is good but a bit obvious and easy to predict in my opinion,hope i'm wrong,the execution will be phenomenal no doubt about that.

Howard confronts Jimmy, whilst Lalo does some investigation.

This is a strong episode with some entertaining moments and suspense.

There is not huge amount of plot development but it feels like the writers are laying some important foundations for what is to come, particularly involving characters like Kim, Howard, Gus, and Lalo.

I particularly like the scenes with Howard, which are humorous and also change the dynamic of Jimmy and Kim's campaign against the him. Patrick Fabian is great as ever. I love his speech to the Sandpiper crowd; very slickly written and delivered.

The other interesting part of the story is the appearance of Lalo, whose scenes are intriguing and at times very uncomfortable. There is some decent suspense generated towards the end of the episode. Tony Dalton is suitably charming and creepy as always.

As always the cinematography and editing tell the story with great visuals and set the appropriate tone.