MovieChat Forums > Better Call Saul (2015) Discussion > Mule Fat

Mule Fat

posted 6 years ago by AnubisRaydeen (7897)
2 replies | jump to latest

California miners in the days of yore happened upon foliage during their prospecting travels that their mules would grub on endlessly. This veggie had zero nutritional value and yet would fatten up their mules since it could not be digested. Their mules would die of starvation while appearing to be well fed. The plant got its name, Mule Fat, from this phenomenon.

I love this show but 30% of it is Mule Fat. I understand director choices that may seem a little slow or drawn out for specific effect and in that regard I forgive (and even admire) much of what is going on in this show. But ... many are the times when what is going on is nothing but slow filler of no value.

This latest episode's Mule Fat was the tooth brushing scene. The split screen effect over time was a nice way to show the gradual silent split between the two of them but it was about three times as long as was tolerable. More stretching.

You know other examples. Door locking scenes, Mike stares out a window, Mike listens to a baseball game, etc.

BCS: grade A
(would be A+ were it not for the Fat)

[–] TheEngineer (199) 6 years ago

I felt this way about much of seasons 2 and 3. Together they felt like a single season that had been stretched to an agonizing length and accomplished little more than meandering and wheel spinning.

It was a shame after the excellent first season, which had a fairly tight story with a clear beginning, middle and end, and managed to wrap well around all the characters. Season 2 erased or reversed much of the development from season 1. That's been this show's biggest flaw. Waffle waffle waffle.

To me it seemed like they had no game plan. Like they didn't really know where they were headed and so of course weren't sure how to get there. I think that gave rise to what you call mule fat. They chose to indulge and linger instead of progressing.

This season has struck a better balance. Not as good as season 1, not as aimless as 2 and 3. I've been impressed by the past four episodes personally. At least with the time skip and all the BrBa crossover it does feel like we're finally moving somewhere.

[–] jasonbourne (1027) 6 years ago

Relax and enjoy. It's a one-hour show, so will definitely have filler. Half-hour shows don't give you enough time and the editing leaves out some of the drama.