Inflatable (Better Call Saul)

In a flashback to 1973, Jimmy is working in his father's store when a grifter enters and attempts to pull a con on Jimmy's father by claiming to be a father in financial need. Jimmy disbelieves him and tries to warn his father, but his father is more concerned that suspicion could lead him to turn away someone in need. When Jimmy's father is distracted, the grifter admits the con and tells Jimmy that there are only wolves and sheep in the world, and he will have to choose which one to be. Disillusioned by his father's gullibility, Jimmy steals money from the register.

Jimmy represents Mike when Mike tells the prosecutor that the gun found after the fight between Mike and Tuco was not Tuco's. Jimmy decides to quit D&M, but learns that if he quits, he will have to repay the signing bonus he received when he joined. Jimmy finds a loophole in his contract which permits him to keep the money if he is fired without cause. While waiting at a stop light, he sees an inflatable tube man outside an oil changing shop. Inspired by the colorful display, he executes a plan to get fired by doing everything he can think of to be irritating at work, from dressing in flashy suits to playing bagpipes in his office to not flushing the toilet after trips to the bathroom. Cliff finally fires Jimmy and tells him losing the signing bonus is worth it just to be rid of him.

Jimmy approaches Kim and attempts to convince her to partner with him in their own law firm. Kim agrees, but only on the condition that Jimmy play it "straight and narrow". Jimmy admits that he can only be himself, which means pushing the envelope on what's legal and ethical, so Kim politely refuses. Jimmy then moves back to his old office at the nail salon.

Mike promises to buy Stacey a new house in a better, safer neighborhood and begins scouting Hector's restaurant. Kim proposes a compromise to Jimmy, suggesting they start separate solo firms, but share office space to save on expenses and support each other if needed. Jimmy considers her offer, and doesn't immediately respond.

Upon airing, the episode received 2.03 million American viewers, and an 18–49 rating of 0.8.[2]

The episode received very positive reviews from critics. It holds a perfect 100% positive rating with an average score of 8.88 out of 10 on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consensus reads: "Rich in character (and colorful suits), "Inflatable" is a funny and profound turning point for several key figures with life-altering decisions to be made."[3]

Terri Schwartz of IGN gave the episode a 9.3 rating, writing "Jimmy decides to set out on his own solo path – but Kim isn't willing to fully walk it with them."[4]