Nippy (Better Call Saul)

"Nippy" is the title of the tenth episode of the sixth season of the AMC television series Better Call Saul, a spin-off prequel to Breaking Bad. The episode marks a significant shift in the series' narrative, taking place entirely after the events of Breaking Bad and focusing on Gene Takavic, the alias adopted by Saul Goodman (Jimmy McGill) while living in Omaha, Nebraska.

"Nippy" depicts Gene's attempt to break free from his monotonous and fearful existence by orchestrating an elaborate scheme to rob a department store at the mall where he works at a Cinnabon. He enlists the help of Jeff, a taxi driver who recognized him as Saul Goodman, and Jeff's friend, Buddy. The plot involves memorizing the security guard's routines and exploiting a blind spot in the security camera coverage.

The episode is notable for being shot entirely in black and white, visually distinguishing the Gene Takavic timeline from the color-saturated flashbacks and earlier events of the series. This stark visual style emphasizes the bleakness and isolation of Gene's post-Breaking Bad life.

"Nippy" showcases Gene's (Saul's) continued aptitude for planning and executing complex cons, even in his diminished circumstances. The success of the heist, however, ultimately leaves the viewer questioning whether it truly brings him any lasting satisfaction or freedom, or if it simply reinforces his inherent nature as a con artist.