Expert Critiques Mike's Subpar Survival Skills in Better Call Saul

Summary

An expert criticizes Mike's survival skills in the Better Call Saul episode "Bagman," specifically his flawed attempt at creating a solar still.

Instead of rationing water, the expert recommends that in desert survival situations, it is more effective to drink and store water in your bladder. The idea of drinking urine for survival is mainly psychological and the way it is depicted in films and survival shows can be misleading.

Better Call Saul's Mike Ehrmantraut receives criticism for his lack of desert survival skills from an expert. Jonathan Banks portrays Mike in Breaking Bad and its spinoff Better Call Saul, where he serves as Gus Fring's practical problem solver. Known for his ability to navigate tough situations, Mike relies on patience to see his plans through. This trait is similar to Bob Odenkirk's character Saul Goodman, although their methods and goals often differ.

In a video for Insider, survival expert Les Stroud critiques the desert-focused episode "Bagman" from Better Call Saul season 5. Stroud, the host of Survivorman, takes issue with Mike's approach and explains how the typically resourceful character falls short. He also points out flaws in some of Saul's actions. To hear his full comments, watch the video below.

Mike's attempt at creating a solar still is incredibly flawed. The concept involves enclosing materials like plants or saltwater from the ocean, and covering it in direct sunlight. A cup is placed underneath with a taut material secured by a weight in the middle. This setup allows condensation to form on the underside of the tarp and trickle down into the cup. However, the process is extremely challenging and time-consuming. It can only be done during daylight hours and is ineffective at night. Therefore, the characters in this scene have failed to execute it correctly.

I have personally attempted this method exactly as shown in the scene, particularly at the ocean's edge. Even under ideal circumstances, after 24 hours, I only managed to collect a minimal amount of water, at most an ounce. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious about relying solely on this method. When it comes to conserving water in the desert, it is practically impossible. If you have a limited water supply, the best course of action is to consume it and carry it in your bladder rather than trying to ration small amounts. Rationing food is one thing, but rationing water is an entirely different matter. If you have an abundance of water, then rationing it makes sense. It is worth noting that a person can survive without food for about 10 days, but lacking water severely impacts functionality after just three days.

Regarding the issue of urine, it's worth noting that some survivalists claim it is effective. However, its effectiveness primarily stems from its psychological impact. Consuming urine involves ingesting liquid, but it is important to remember that the urine contains toxins expelled from the body, which means that ingesting it actually reintroduces toxins into the system. Additionally, it is crucial to consider how films and survival shows often depict individuals collecting urine. They usually show individuals urinating a large amount when they are severely dehydrated, resulting in a brownish color.

The paradox of the desert is that although temperatures can be scorching during the day, the nights can present a risk of freezing to death. With this in mind, it is vital to be prepared. Space blankets, for example, should not be underestimated in terms of their value. They serve various purposes and can potentially save a life by providing warmth. In my experience, I have found that transforming them into a shelter and using them in that manner is more effective than simply wrapping them around the body, especially considering the noise they make when crinkled.

In terms of rating survival clips, I would give them a 5 out of 10. While they do showcase some interesting activities, such as constructing solar stills, they also discuss the controversial topic of drinking urine.

Better Call Saul's Lack Of Survival Accuracy Works Better

Better Call Saul has earned praise for its astounding accuracy, standing out amidst tough competition as one of the most authentic legal dramas, even garnering recognition from real-life attorneys. The expertise of Mike's sniping abilities, as evaluated by a specialist, has also garnered commendation. Although the episode in question, written by Gordon Smith and directed by series co-creator Vince Gilligan, aptly captures the finer details, its merits extend far beyond mere accuracy. This particular installment, which received three Emmy nominations, delves into the personal dynamics between Mike and Saul, a theme that resurfaces powerfully throughout the show's concluding chapters.

The Better Call Saul finale begins with a flashback to a desert scene featuring Saul and Mike, which occurred around the time of "Bagman." In this scene, Saul asks Mike what he would do if he had a time machine. Saul repeats this question to Walter White and possibly even his brother Chuck in other flashbacks. In this initial scene, Mike reveals that he would use the time machine to avoid accepting his first bribe. Additionally, he expresses a desire to travel forward in time, about five or ten years, to check on the wellbeing of the people he cares about. While Saul responds with bravado and lacks the same level of honesty as Mike, this moment is still significant for both characters as they navigate through a challenging situation together. This scene played out in the desert serves a crucial purpose in the overall narrative of Better Call Saul, and its impact would be diminished if the characters appeared to be experts in this situation.

Source: Insider