Let's begin by painting a vivid picture of the episode's intricate plot, as our intrepid narrator, Gilligan and his team, decide to take us on a temporal journey. With this mastermind at the helm, one must always brace for the unexpected!
In the 10th episode of Better Call Saul's sixth season, we find ourselves post-“Smokes,” where Saul, now under the guise of Gene Takovic, experiences a heart attack while toiling at the Cinnabon in Cottonwood Mall. He's rushed to the hospital but, upon his return, is immediately recognized by a cabbie who makes an appearance in this episode. The cabbie attempts a rendezvous at the mall the next day, prompting a police intervention.
We then find ourselves in “Nippy,” where an elderly woman in a mobility vehicle navigates a supermarket. Upon her return home, she encounters a mysterious man stapling a “lost and found” poster for his dog, Nippy, on the trees. The incline poses a challenge for her access to her house, but Gene, with a deft touch, helps her out, cleverly pressing the off button on the engine to facilitate his aid. Her charm captivated by his manners and helpful nature, Marion (Carol Burnett) invites him in for a meal. Her adult son, Jeff—a cabbie—arrives shortly thereafter, and the connection is instantaneous.
Jeff recognizes Gene despite Marion's unawareness. In a private moment, they discuss Gene's visit and Jeff is offered an opportunity: to cleanse his hands with filthy money or face leverage if he chooses otherwise. The plan is still shrouded in mystery. And the entirety of the episode is set up to reveal how Gene stages his con at the mall. As manager, he packs up the store and leaves last, discarding all leftovers outside but saving a few for his ruse. Ascending the escalators to the mall's security room, he greets Nic, one of the guards on duty. Frank, the more seasoned one, calls out from within and Gene enters. Offering them buns as a token of appreciation for calling for medical assistance that day, it's truly a feint for his plan, but they are none the wiser—he's an ace at this game.
Nic departs and Frank sits with Gene. With his back turned to the screens, Frank eats the bun while Gene surreptitiously times him—it takes about 3 minutes. Over the next few days, Gene's confidence and camaraderie with Frank grow as he repeats this cycle meticulously, ensuring there are no surprises on the big day. We also witness him putting in the extra yards behind the scenes. Though not an avid baseball fan, Gene regularly reads the papers, jotting down Frank's favorite team names and following the score to extend their time together.
The next part of the plan is as mundane as it is essential: Gene paces around the department store on the same floor, meticulously noting down details of different luxury brands for sale while counting steps and distances. His meticulousness is part of a larger scheme to ensure every aspect is in place for his masterful con at the mall.
As the sun-kissed snowfield stretches out before him, he rises to the task, re-creating the department store's layout with the aid of sturdy poles and adhesive tape. Wielding a megaphone, he stands tall, rhyming a catchy phrase to Jeff, directing him on the precise sequence of events and their targets. The challenge is daunting, but in this world, nothing comes without its share of hardships.
The day of the heist dawns, and the plan is set in motion. Rick, Jeff's friend, will roll a crate into the loading dock behind the store, and inside that crate lies Jeff himself. Kathy, the store manager, immediately reaches out to the supervisor to confirm the shipment's arrival. Gene, the smooth-talking lawyer, effortlessly slips into his role with his gift of gab. He promises Kathy flowers and gratitude for allowing him to keep the box overnight.
All is going according to plan, save for one tiny detail: a slip mark on the store's floor that maintenance overlooked. But they are yet unaware of its presence—and that's what makes things intriguing. Gene approaches Frank, and their usual exchange commences. This time, he brings enough baseball knowledge to keep them both occupied. Jeff is vigilant to Gene's signal to initiate the heist. He respects the rhyme and the deed proceeds smoothly...until the very end where he slips on the mark and falls to the floor, unconscious.
Frank's cigarette nearly done, and he's about to turn away. But then comes Gene's masterful act of deception—a convincing display of his fabricated (yet partially genuine) existential crisis. He feels alone (literally) and worthless. But as Jeff slowly begins to stir, Gene's guilt and shame intensify. Frank, a satisfied and happy family man himself, looks at him with pity. Jeff manages to get up again, ploughs through the loot in the crate, and hides in the bathroom.
The next morning, business resumes as usual. The store won't know about the theft until they conduct their inventory—giving the trio a clear run as Rick wheels the crate out to Marion's garage. They celebrate their success, but Gene warns them never to contact him again. He has "paid his dues." He enters the store once more, enviously eyeing a pair of shirt and tie that Saul Goodman would look ravishing in. But his nostalgia is short-lived as he puts it down and walks away into his new reality.
