Connections
EXT. EMPTY PARKING LOT - NIGHT
A car drives into an empty parking lot before it parks. The headlights turn off. Jimmy McGill (Alias: Saul Goodman) steps out of the car, looks around nervously, and checks his watch.
JIMMY
(explicitly to himself)
Where the heck are they...?
EXT. EMPTY PARKING LOT - A CAR APPROACHES
Another car pulls into the parking lot, parks near Jimmy's car, and turns off the headlights. We see Pryce, a previous client of Jimmy's who was involved in drug dealing, exiting the car.
JIMMY
(interrupts and mutters)
Oh, this guy.
PRYCE
(smirky)
You remember me, huh? Slippery Jimmy!
JIMMY
(wary)
What brings you back? Need my help again?
PRYCE
This is bigger than both of us. You've been pulled into something deep.
JIMMY
(annoyed)
Great. What now?
EXTREME CLOSE-UP of Pryce, who looks around before whispering to Jimmy.
PRYCE
(whispers)
I'm back in the game, man. I need your connections. You're the lawyer everyone loves to deal with, and I'm in deep.
JIMMY
(leans away)
Nope. I am not getting into that mess again. Found my niche, and it's not drugs.
PRYCE
(desperate)
Please help me! You're the only one who knows both sides. Who else would understand?
JIMMY
(irritated)
You're really not helping your cause.
PRYCE
(sincere)
I'll let go of your debt if you get me a connection. Come on, do the Jimmy thing!
Jimmy looks around then sighs.
JIMMY
(reluctant)
Fine. I'll try to set something up.
PRYCE
(grins)
Music to my ears, Saul!
Jimmy winces at the name Saul, then nods reluctantly.
INT. KIM WEXLER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Jimmy enters and throws his keys on the table. He joins Kim, who's working on her laptop at the dinner table.
KIM
How was your day?
JIMMY
(vents)
The past comes back to bite me.
KIM
(slightly concerned)
What happened?
JIMMY
(a bit hesitant)
Pryce. He needs me to find somebody. On the other side.
KIM
(incredulous)
You're not doing it, right?
JIMMY
(searching for an excuse)
He said he'd let go of my debt.
KIM
(stern)
Jimmy, think. You've come too far to backslide.
Jimmy glances away.
JIMMY
(uncertain)
You're right.
Kim gets closer to Jimmy and puts her hand on his.
KIM
I'll help, but be careful.
INT. SAUL GOODMAN'S OFFICE - DAY
Jimmy puts a list in front of Pryce.
KIM
(from the background)
Everyone on this list.
PRYCE
(appreciative)
This will work. One condition though, I want to meet them in person.
JIMMY
(resigned)
Fine. I'll arrange it. But, strictly business.
Pryce nods, shakes Jimmy's hand, and exits. Kim stares at Jimmy, concerned.
KIM
Be safe.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Resurrection of Saul
EXT. CINNABON - MORNING
Camera zooms in on the CINNABON shop. Customers are enjoying their breakfast treats; JIMMY MCGILL aka SAUL GOODMAN aka GENE works behind the counter with a forced smile.
GENE (V.O)
Albuquerque. A city and a life I left far behind. And yet, here I am, back where it all began.
INT. CINNABON - MORNING(30 minutes earlier)
Gene reviews the shop's cash register, carefully ensuring every transaction is accounted for. A young woman, JASMINE, walks by flipping through her phone.
JASMINE
Hey, uh, boss. I gotta leave early today... my mom's sick and –
GENE (interrupting)
Uh huh. Sure thing, Jasmine. Family first.
Jasmine nods and walks away. Gene's phone buzzes; a text message. It reads: "Meet me at the park. We need to talk." With growing unease, Gene checks the contact information.
GENE (V.O)
An unknown number. But something's familiar.
EXT. CITY PARK - MORNING
Gene walks cautiously, scanning the area for potential threats. From a distance, he spots a man named VINCE sitting on a park bench. Vince doesn't notice him.
GENE (V.O)
A ghost from my past...
Gene approaches Vince, looking nervously around before sitting down.
VINCE
It's been a while, Saul. Or is it Jimmy? Gene? No matter. I bring grave news; your cover's been blown. And trust me, it's just a matter of time before you meet a brutal end.
GENE (aghast)
C-come on, Vince, you know I'm out of the business. I don't need this!
VINCE
Well, Saul, you do now. You see, there's someone coming for you. Someone who ties a loose end to your past. And only you, Saul Goodman, can make it right.
Gene looks visibly scared, clutching his chest in panic.
GENE
What do I have to do?
VINCE
You know the drill. One last 'assignment' to clean up the mess. Then, maybe, just maybe, you'll be off the hook. Meet me tomorrow, 4pm, at Frankie's Diner. Details will follow.
Vince disappears, leaving Gene bewildered.
GENE (V.O)
One more job. Is it really worth risking it all just to stay on the sidelines?
INT. GENE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Gene sits alone in his dimly lit apartment, pouring himself a drink. The TV plays a commercial for a car wash, the tagline: 'Have an A1 day'. Gene nearly chokes on his drink.
GENE
A1 car wash…?
Gene realizes the gravity of his situation. He's come too far to back down now. He downs the rest of the drink.
GENE (V.O)
Last chance. Saul Goodman. Time for a resurrection.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Dead Man's Switch
INT. KIM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
The episode starts with Kim WEXLER sitting on her couch, researching information on the computer. Jimmy MCGILL aka Saul GOODMAN enters the living room.
JIMMY
Gotta love this new case, huh?
KIM
(sighs)
It's overwhelming, to say the least. But, we have to be thorough if we want to successfully defend our client.
JIMMY
(grinning)
Look at you, always the diligent lawyer.
KIM
(smiles)
Well, somebody's got to be. What have you found so far?
INT. LAW LIBRARY - DAY
Mike EHRLANTRAUT sits at a table poring over documents, taking notes.
MIKE
(low, serious tone)
The switch our Michael has is like an old guy with Alzheimer's. On and off whenever it wants.
NARRATOR
Mike is referring to a mysterious device called 'Dead Man's Switch' embedded in Michael's car that could be used as evidence in their case.
INT. LALO's CAR - DAY
Lalo SALAMANCA drives his car, annoyed at something on his radio.
LALO
(speaking to himself)
I'm so tired of these stupid gringo commercials.
INT. HOWARD's OFFICE - DAY
Nachos VARGAS, Howard HAMMEL and Ernesto are discussing a shady deal as Ernesto distributes some money to Nachos and Howard.
HOWARD
(whispering)
If this ever gets out...
NACHOS
(interrupting)
Relax, Howard. We're all in this together. We sink or swim.
INT. KIM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Back to the first scene. Kim is asking Jimmy details about the case. Jimmy's phone rings. It's MIKE.
JIMMY
(surprised)
Mike? What's up?
MIKE
(chunk of dialogue muted)
Jimmy looks at Kim, worried.
JIMMY
Got it. We'll be right there.
INT. ABANDONED RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Jimmy and Kim meet with Mike and see the 'Dead Man's Switch' in front of them, glowing with a small red light.
KIM
(whispering)
What now?
MIKE
(normal voice)
Now, we have a choice. Disabling it would be illegal and tampering with evidence.
JIMMY
(matter-of-factly)
And if not?
MIKE
Then, that little red light may just be the death sentence for 'Slippin' Jimmy'.
JIMMY
(re-signated)
Saul. Call me Saul.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Better Call Saul: Unfinished Business
INT. NAIL SALON - SAUL GOODMAN'S OFFICE - DAY
Saul, aka JIMMY MCGILL, in his early days as a lawyer. He's on the phone, clearly annoyed.
SAUL: (into phone) No, you listen! You owe my client five grand! You better pay up or I'll...
The person on the other line hangs up. Saul sighs and mutters.
SAUL: (frustrated) Jerk.
KIM WEXLER enters, holding a batch of mail. She smiles.
KIM: Rough day?
SAUL: You could say that, Kimmy. Just another sleazebag client who won't pay up.
She hands him the mail.
KIM: Well, maybe these will lift your spirits.
Saul notices a thick, official-looking envelope.
SAUL: This is a cease and desist letter from Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill. What the hell?
He opens the letter and starts skimming through the legal jargon.
KIM: Jimmy, you shouldn't worry too much about it. It's just a scare tactic.
SAUL: Oh, don't you worry, Kim. I'm not scared. I'm just pissed off.
Kim, concerned, puts a hand on Saul's arm.
KIM: Let me take a look at that letter. Maybe I can help.
INT. MIKE EHRMANTRAUT'S HOUSE - DAY
Mike is cleaning one of his many guns when his phone rings. He answers.
MIKE: (into phone) Yeah?
VOICE: (O.S.) I got a job for you. A guy's been stalking my family. I just want him gone.
MIKE: Name?
VOICE: (O.S.) Hector Salamanca.
INT. NAIL SALON - SAUL GOODMAN'S OFFICE - DAY
Kim studies the cease and desist letter.
KIM: Looks like they're accusing you of stealing their clients, but their claims seem baseless.
SAUL: (smirking) You should know, Kim. You're Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill's employee of the month.
Kim rolls her eyes but then gives him a reassuring smile.
KIM: Just keep doing what you're doing. They're probably threatened by you.
SAUL: (grinning) Thanks, babe. I love it when you play good cop.
They share a brief, private moment.
SAUL: (serious) Now, am I supposed to respond to this letter?
INT. EMPTY WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Mike meets with the man who called him earlier - NACHO VARGA, a high-ranking member of the Salamanca drug empire.
MIKE: Are you aware who Hector Salamanca is?
NACHO: Yeah. I've been working for him.
MIKE: Then you know taking him out would ignite a turf war.
Nacho hesitates, visibly conflicted.
NACHO: Look, he's been targeting innocent people. There must be another way.
Mike grimaces.
MIKE: I'll do some research. See if there's another angle.
Nacho nods, clearly relieved.
INT. NAIL SALON - SAUL GOODMAN'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Saul is preparing a response to the cease and desist letter when he gets a call from MIKE.
SAUL: (into phone) Hey, Mike. What's up?
MIKE: (O.S.) I need you to dig up some dirt on a Hector Salamanca.
Saul pauses, taken aback.
SAUL: Uh, sure. I can do that. Why Hector Salamanca?
MIKE: (O.S.) That's between me and my client. Just find me something we can use.
Saul nods, but Mike can't see him.
SAUL: Alright. I'll see what I can do.
He hangs up the phone, intrigued.
TO BE CONTINUED
Better Call Saul: Sole Survivor
INT. SAUL GOODMAN'S OFFICE - DAY
Saul Goodman (aka JIMMY MCGILL) sits at his desk, shuffling through paperwork. Kim Wexler enters the room. Jimmy looks up at her.
KIM WEXLER: I just got off the phone with Howard. He wants to talk about settling the Sandpiper case.
SAUL GOODMAN: Howard… still holding onto that old behemoth, is he? Well, let's see what the ever-optimistic Mr. Hamlin has to say.
Kim hesitates for a moment.
KIM WEXLER: It’s worth hearing him out, Jimmy. We're talking about a potential seven-figure settlement. That could change...everything.
SAUL GOODMAN: (grinning) Seven figures, huh? Well, alright sis! Let's hear him out!
INT. HHM CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
KIM WEXLER, SAUL GOODMAN and HOWARD HAMLIN sit at a conference table, each with a stack of documents in front of them.
HOWARD HAMLIN: So, after considering the factors involved, we believe taking the settlement option would benefit all parties greatly. It's a win-win, Jimmy.
SAUL GOODMAN: (smirking) Howard, my dear, when does anything ever go as smoothly as a win-win? Life's got a way of giving you the ole one-two punch when you least expect it.
KIM WEXLER: Actually, in this case, it could be worth it, Jimmy…
As they discuss the merits of the settlement option, the camera pans out of the conference room to reveal MIKE EHRMANTRAUT standing outside, talking on a payphone.
MIKE EHRMANTRAUT: Yeah, something seems off. I'll keep an eye on him. Don't worry.
INT. SAUL GOODMAN'S OFFICE - DAY
Saul and Kim return to the office. Saul slumps into his chair and starts rummaging through a drawer.
SAUL GOODMAN: You know, in my experience, nothing ever comes without a catch. So, pardon my pessimism, but I want to be prepared for when the other shoe drops.
KIM WEXLER: This could be different, Jimmy. If we take the settlement, we could both leave this place and start a firm together. No more struggling. We can leave all this behind.
Saul looks at her for a moment, considering her words.
SAUL GOODMAN: Alright, but let me do some digging first. Trust me, Kim, if anyone can find the stains hidden in the floorboards of this deal, it's me.
INT. SAUL GOODMAN'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Saul sits on the couch with a CONFIDENTIAL FILE in his hands. He flips through the pages, a look of disbelief growing on his face.
SAUL GOODMAN: (whispering) The bastards...
He makes a phone call.
SAUL GOODMAN: Mike? I think I stumbled upon something you might be interested in.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Better Call Saul: Endgame
EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
A broken-down warehouse surrounded by empty, flat land. The sky is filled with stars, giving an eerie feeling.
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
JIMMY MCGILL (aka SAUL GOODMAN) stands behind an old desk, with stacks of papers, scared as he talks to a group of dangerous-looking THUGS, all dressed in black, their faces obscured by bandanas.
JIMMY
(voice trembling)
Gentlemen, I assure you, we can find a peaceful resolution to this...misunderstanding.
THUG #1
You've got 24 hours, or we'll find you, and it won't end well.
The thugs turn to leave the warehouse.
JIMMY
(and with desperation)
Wait! Is there any way to speed up this process? I'm a problem solver, after all.
THUG #1
(smiling menacingly)
Fine. Ten hours. Just because we like your style.
The thugs exit the warehouse, leaving JIMMY alone, sweating and nervous.
JIMMY
(soothing himself)
You've been in worse situations, Jimmy. Just breathe.
EXT. JIMMY'S OFFICE - MORNING
JIMMY rushes to his office, gripping his briefcase tightly.
INT. JIMMY'S OFFICE - MORNING
JIMMY'S assistant, FRANCES, checks her watch as JIMMY enters.
FRANCES
(reprimanding)
Saul...I mean, Jimmy, you're late again. Did something happen?
JIMMY
Trying to keep a low profile, Frances. You don't need to worry about it.
JIMMY enters his office and shuts the door.
INT. JIMMY'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
JIMMY picks up the phone and dials a number.
JIMMY
(whispering)
Mike, I need you. Now.
EXT. A SECLUDED PARK AREA - DAY
JIMMY waits nervously while MIKE ERHMANTRAUT, a man not to be messed with, walks towards him.
MIKE
What's the situation?
JIMMY
Well...uh, there's a group of dangerous men after me. So, I'm in a tight spot.
MIKE
(eyes narrowing)
You have ten hours, huh? Let me make some calls.
MIKE walks away from JIMMY, pulling out his phone.
INT. JIMMY'S OFFICE - LATER
JIMMY is pacing, FRANCES observes him through the door's blinds.
FRANCES
(feigning nonchalance)
So, who exactly are these people that want you, Jimmy?
JIMMY
(suspicious)
You ask a lot of questions, huh? Just keep your head down and do your job. If all goes well, we won't need to worry about it.
The SOUND of a clock TICKING intensifies as the ten-hour mark approaches. JIMMY'S eyes fix on the clock.
TO BE CONTINUED.
