Breaking Down ‘Saul’: “Plan and Execution” (Season 6, Episode 7)

“I will be okay. But you? Far from it.”

Lalo (Tony Dalton) has been in the pits. Literally. After returning from his time abroad, the Salamanca has been spending his time underground, keeping a watchful eye over Gustavo’s laundromat now that he knows what it’s really housing. He’s setting kitchen timers for naps, taking showers at a rest stop, and keeping a video record of it all. Lalo’s got a plan for Gustavo (Giancarlo Esposito), especially once he figures out that he’s got Hector’s phone tapped. The man is nothing if not meticulous. He’s got it alllll mapped out.

On the less meticulous side is Jimmy (Bob Odenkirk), who rushes to pull his team of misfits together last minute when he realizes his photos in the plot against Howard (Patrick Fabian) won’t work unless the “judge” has a broken arm. They race against the clock and make magic happen, processing the new photos and getting them into the hands of Howard’s private investigator (who is actually Jimmy’s private investigator – d’oh!). With the photos doused in a few drops of the nifty drug Jimmy tested at the vet last week and Howard’s suspicion piqued, the plan is back on. Kim (Rhea Seehorn) has ditched her big shot at working with a justice reform organization in favor of pulling off their scheme, and she seems content with her choice. They dial into the Sandpiper mediation and get to hear Howard spiral out in real time as he recognizes the mediator (or so he thinks) and appears high and paranoid in front of his colleagues and clients.

When the mediation is called off due to Howard’s accusations and erratic behavior, Schweikart reverts to their original offer, negating the need for any more mediation. Howard tries his best to fight this and desperately explains himself to Cliff Main (Ed Begley Jr.), but the damage is done. Sandpiper is over, the payout is in motion, and Howard’s reputation is in the dirt – just like Jimmy and Kim planned. After falling for Lalo’s declaration of a “surprise” for Gustavo to Hector over the phone, Mike (Jonathan Banks), rallies the troops and moves to get their leader somewhere safe (just in time for him to finish presenting a big ol’ check to a children’s organization). Mike seems prepared for just about anything, but even he doesn’t see what’s coming for Jimmy and Kim that night.

The couple are celebrating their Howard Hamlin victory with some drinks and a couch cuddle when there’s a knock on their door, and they’re less than surprised when Howard himself appears, toting a bottle of his and Chuck’s favorite scotch. He congratulates them on their big win, berating them for their soullessness and trying to figure out why they went to such lengths to take him down. As he continues to monologue about his debt, depression, and broken marriage, Howard resolves to dedicate himself to exposing them for who they really are. That is until they’re joined by another guest. Lalo walks in with an unsettling ease about him, calmly informing Howard that he’s just here to talk to his lawyers. What happens next only takes a moment; Lalo kills the eternally chatty Howard, sending Kim and Jimmy into a devastated panic. As they take in the reality of what just happened, Lalo shushes them. “Okay,” he offers a small smile. “Let’s talk.”

“Plan and Execution” marks one of Better Call Saul‘s most stunning hours yet. Patient and calculated, gorgeously plotted, magnificently performed. And it delivered a fittingly tragic end for one of its most tragic, divisive characters. With just six episodes left in the series, Better Call Saul has once again demonstrated why it has remained one of the best shows on TV these past seven years.

If you need us, we’ll be in fetal position until July…

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines, hogging the mic at karaoke, and thirst-tweeting. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.