Slip (Better Call Saul)

In the context of the television series Better Call Saul, "Slip" refers to a pivotal episode in the show's fifth season (Season 5, Episode 6). More broadly, the "slip" concept signifies a moral compromise, a transgression, or a descent into unethical behavior, primarily concerning the character of Jimmy McGill (a.k.a. Saul Goodman).

The specific episode, titled "Slip," focuses on Jimmy's involvement in representing a young delinquent named Mateo in a petty theft case. He uses his legal skills and, increasingly, underhanded tactics to manipulate the legal system in Mateo's favor. This culminates in a deal that benefits Mateo but also shields him from facing the full consequences of his actions.

Beyond this particular episode, "slip" represents the gradual erosion of Jimmy McGill's ethical boundaries throughout the series. These slips start small, with minor deceptions and manipulations, but they progressively escalate into more significant moral failings and ultimately contribute to his transformation into the morally bankrupt Saul Goodman portrayed in Breaking Bad. The recurring motif of a "slip" highlights the tension between Jimmy's desire to be a legitimate lawyer, like his brother Chuck, and his ingrained tendency to cut corners and embrace his con-man past. These slips are often triggered by perceived injustices or a feeling that the "system" is rigged against him.

The term also acts as a narrative device, foreshadowing the consequences of Jimmy's actions and the eventual loss of his moral compass. A slip, in this context, is not just an isolated incident but rather a harbinger of further descent.