I was incorrect about the car model, and according to the helpful timeline below, it should be late 2008 on the show. Commenters have points out posters with references to 2010, though, and I doubt the show is going overboard to make itself 2008-authentic.

It is a good point, NLI Guy. But one could equally well argue that Walter is following Bogdan's example. Instead of wiping down the car himself in the pilot, Bogdan told Walter to do it. The hard work is being tough, Bogdan said to him, not manual labor. The hard work is bossing somebody around. Walter now has no…

It was fabulous to finally see Gus again, and to have him show up in the shadows with no fanfare (until I saw the glint of light on his glasses in the diner, I thought it was Tyrus who had just walked in).

Keep that sweet hush money coming, FX!

I meant it as the first time we've heard him speak on the show, but y'all are right that Gilligan identified him as the voice on the phone telling Walt to stand down at Gus's house. So, the first time we've *seen* him speak, not the first time we've heard him (possibly).

The plan wasn't necessarily that Jesse would drive off — just that he would save the day. The driving off was unexpected, and Mike had no idea if he would come back (thus calling to be picked up).

He may end up wanting to be caught, and that already may be driving him subconsciously, but it's low in the mix. Pride and the desire to exert control over his surroundings is the proximate cause.

Perfect observation.

Yep, pater as in father, patriarch. Thanks for the catch on "Make" — fixed.

Yep, pater as in father, patriarch. Thanks for the catch on "Make" — fixed.

Thank you so much, BPILI. I like to tell my students that thinking about art or entertainment and trying to express yourself about it doesn't have to kill your enjoyment of it. I appreciate your assertion that these recaps have managed to demonstrate that occasionally.

And thanks for reading the NewsRadio recaps!

Best wishes to your friend. Hope the time is easy.

Whenever you guys need anything from Noel, you know who to call.

I'm perversely glad that I'm not the only one who's sad. Thanks for mourning with me, Miles.

I remember that Spy piece — I was a devoted reader back in the early 90's. You've reminded me that the Google Books archive exists, and now I have to go look for the chart comparing various cafeterias in New York which included a column to rate how easy it is to steal the sour cream (one entry I still quote:…

Mustache from "President" would be my first choice, too. Here's how I described it in the write-up (if you'll allow me to quote myself):

Catherine Duke: "They eliminated half-and-half and made the staff eat cold cuts!"

I see you, I Stole Your Cane *meaningful Avatar gaze*.

I'm glad you stuck with us, KalebH. I think we've all had the experience of remembering and reinforcing just how brilliant the show was, which is a bonding experience and should give us hope for humanity (it does me, at least). Thanks for your very kind words.