Review: Better Call Saul, "Axe and Grind" | Season 6, Episode 6
Kim knows what she wants, but she's also holding on to the slippery proposition that she can have it all
If you thought not much happened last week in “Black and Blue,” you might not be much happier tonight. “Axe and Grind” sets up the midseason finale on every front, from the dawn of Jimmy and Kim’s D-Day to Lalo chopping his way into Gus’s secrets.
But I see a theme holding this all together -- relationships. Let’s take a look first at the scenes that bookend the episode. After the cold open (more on that relationship later), we get a poignant glimpse into Howard’s home life. He sleeps above the garage, then comes into the main house to make a perfect latte for Cheryl. We heard about their marital problems when Howard went to see his counselor in “Hit and Run.” Howard is making an effort to be extra considerate; he draws a peace sign in the foam, suggests they might go to an event together rather than dividing up the social labor, and promises her he’s taking care of the threat posed by Jimmy McGill. She’s cordial, businesslike, and a little heedless. Instead of enjoying her coffee, sh…