Short Summary is an original series in which I write brief reviews of movies, TV shows, video games, books, and more. Spoilers ABOUND!

“Breathe”

While “Smoke” focused on the aftermath of Chuck’s death, “Breathe” mostly switches over to the ramifications of Hector’s stroke, some of which prove to be fatal in a different way.

Hector has gone into a coma and, most likely, won’t recover. Yet, as fans well know, this isn’t the end for Hector; we’ll eventually see how he transitions from comatose to being unable to speak and bound to a wheelchair. What’s chilling about Hector’s current state is Gus’ involvement in it all. It’s interesting to see Gus dictate Hector’s care, going so far as to say, “I decide what he deserves,” even if that means keeping him alive. Gus goes so far as to procure a doctor from another hospital to make sure that Hector survives.

But Gus doesn’t stop there. He also gets to the bottom of who did this to Hector in the first place. Remember how he suspected that Nacho was the perpetrator? Well, in typical Gus fashion, he moves quickly and violently, taking matters into his own hands. When Nacho and another Salamanca associate (apparently named Arturo) make an exchange with Gus’ people, Gus himself shows up and suffocates Arturo with a plastic bag. Nacho, on his knees with his hands up, can only watch in horror as Arturo dies. Gus threatens Nacho and tells him, “From now on, you are mine.”

Gus had already solidified himself as Breaking Bad‘s greatest villain. We’ve seen the lengths he’s gone to to remain in control of his drug empire and crush his competitors. However, in this case, we learn how Nacho ended up in his employ and the measures he took to make it so. Gus is frightening and intimidating, capable of unspeakable acts to ensure that things go his way. And poor Nacho! He freed himself from Don Hector, only to fall right back in line, serving under a much worse master. During this very episode, he told his father that it was all over, and it most certainly isn’t.

On Jimmy’s side of things, everything seems to be hunky-dory, although that’s never really the case. Jimmy is out interviewing for jobs, and he comes across a photocopier store. He talks with management and they tell him that they’ll think about it, saying that they’ll come to a decision later in the week. But instead, Jimmy turns on his heel, facing them again and going all out to sell himself with the perfect pitch. He convinces them to stop looking for other candidates and choose him, which they eat up. They offer him the job then and there.

Saul Goodman has baited them hook, line, and sinker, and Jimmy is disgusted, not by his own scummy behavior but their downright stupidity and naivete. He calls them suckers and leaves to visit other companies.

With Jimmy occupied, Kim represents him at the settling of Chuck’s estate at HHM, which involves Howard and Chuck’s ex-wife, Rebecca. The terms of Chuck’s will contain as much love for Jimmy as Chuck did in life, which is to say hardly any. Jimmy receives $5,000, anything recoverable from Chuck’s house, and a parting note. The terms concerning Rebecca are addressed, and she leaves. Once it’s only Howard in the room, Kim unleashes hell on him. It’s completely unexpected coming from her, since Rhea Seehorn has been playing Kim as rather tight-lipped and level-headed for 3 seasons. Honestly, I still feel bad for Howard as she berates him (don’t shoot the messenger, jeez!), but it’s also amazing to see just how much Kim loves Jimmy and how loyal she is to him. It’s equal parts endearing and concerning.

Jimmy and Kim reunite back at their place, and each keeps their secrets from the other: Jimmy doesn’t tell her the details of his job search, and Kim doesn’t tell him about Chuck’s letter. She hides it in some folders, though. I’m sure that, inevitably, it’ll be found and come up again in a later episode.

As for Mike, he meets up with Lydia, who, to me, has always been an uninteresting character, and she continues to bore me. Basically, she’s uncomfortable with him skulking around Madrigal facilities and sees no point to it, even though his reasons for doing so are perfectly sound. Mike goes through the trouble to explain them to her outright. When she complains to Gus about it, he basically tells her to get over it and at least give Mike his own badge.

It’s intriguing to think about what will happen in episode 3! See you all then!!