Alpine Shepherd Boy

While this episode is the most deliberate thus far in its illustration of the results of our central characters' decisions and their dynamics (yielding a bit of a duller viewing experience), on rewatch its made remarkably clear how much foreshadowing was packed in here. Dr. Cruz's analysis of Chuck's condition is practically faultless, with both his and Jimmy's insecurities being its root cause. From the moment Jimmy decided to look past the danger Chuck and his lifestyle posed to himself and others, the writing was on the wall. We can sympathize with him and understand his thought process however, as it's apparent he desperately craves the approval of his older brother: a paragon of justice and in essence his savior (see S1E3).

The tedious consultations serve to illustrate the closing of a vicious loop that plagues Jimmy throughout the series. He utilizes underhanded methods to compensate for the universe's slights against him (as he sees it). This way he can prove to Chuck that he can be a legitimate lawyer and dutiful citizen, thus repaying the debt he owes Chuck for giving him a second lease on life. Unfortunately, this "chicanery" always yields unintended consequences, and never gives Jimmy the satisfaction he impatiently yearns for. It's as if the mistakes of his past life bleed into his new one in the form of karmic retribution. This premonition is almost palpable for Chuck, manifesting in his condition and his compulsion to insulate himself within his "space blanket".

Kim's role as a mediator in Jimmy's relationships with Chuck and Howard is also made more apparent. She urges him towards more noble pursuits where she believes he can thrive and satisfy his brother's aspirations for him (ie. Elder law), and makes an effort to defend his honor when Chuck and Howard antagonize him. While her initial intentions are certainly respectable, she sees herself become an enabler of Jimmy's self-destructive tendencies while also being corrupted by them herself (symbolized elegantly in their smoking scenes). Their relationship is one of the more beautifully tragic I've seen in television, and this episode explores an interesting aspect of it.

We also see hints at the depth of Mike's character. For unknown reasons (as he said, "Nobody wants to leave home,") he was forced to abandon his life as a Philadelphia cop, and now lives a modest life as a parking booth operator while keeping careful watch over his estranged daughter-in-law and granddaughter. At the episode's conclusion his past literally comes knocking at his door, and it seems like his connection with Jimmy might come in handy.

While not the most riveting first watch, it becomes much more engaging with subsequent viewings. 8.5-9/10.

This episode is very funny. That's all I can say 😀😀

"Alpine Shepherd Boy" is the midpoint of Better Call Saul's first season. It's a calm, collected, and very informative episode. The pacing is slower from previous episodes, but that's okay because its essential for the viewers to see Jimmy McGill at practice. I also like the dynamic between Jimmy and his brother, Chuck. With Chuck in the hospital for the majority of the episode, its proven to us how much Jimmy cares for his elder brother. There are moments of hilarity, sweet lines of dialogue, great direction from Nicole Kassell, and an unsuspecting ending.

After the publicity stunt Jimmy pulled, he receives voicemails from potential clients. It turns out these clients are not useful. There's a psycho political client and there's an inventor who is trying to invent a toilet designed...with a purpose. His last client is an older lady who wants to create a will. Kim offhand suggests to Jimmy elder law is a thing, so Jimmy decides to pursue that line of law. Meanwhile, Chuck has the police called on him because he stole the newspaper from his neighbor. He is taken to the hospital because of his disorder where the audience still needs to figure out if the disorder is psychological or not. Finally, the episode ends when Mike's past comes to haunt him.

Despite the slower pace, Vince Gilligan created another engaging episode. The dynamic between the two brothers is on point. There are some moments of humor, especially when the police break down Chuck's door and used their tasers on him after he said please don't use them. Poor Chuck! Of course, I also thought Tony the Toilet is a crazy, amusing invention...in the worst way. On the whole, a very enjoyable episode!

My Grade: A-

I actually enjoyed this episode even more on rewatch! It has some great humor, while also giving us drama, and deeper dive into Chuck's condition!

This episode struck me cause you start to get a glimpse of that the relationship between Chuck and Jimmy, might be more complicated than you think! I like thise subbtle hints to what Chuck thinks of Jimmy, cause I know how important that will be, as the show goes on!

The rest of the episode offers some hilarious moments, as Jimmy visits different clients, who has one outrageous request after the other!

The end offers a calm build up towards next episode!

The first half made me uncomfortable (not actually). I think it's the 'Tony the Talking Toilet Buddy' scenes, but otherwise, the second half was actually pretty great. I was thinking about giving this one a lower rating, but I honestly enjoyed it at the end. Better Call Saul has been pretty consistent with its fair quality during its first season thus far.