001 | video

[mcgill]

[The man seated uneasily in front of the camera probably looks familiar to anyone who knew or knew of Saul Goodman, ex-defense attorney and daytime TV judge extraordinaire. He has the same face, mostly, save for the abundance of hair on his head (which is sticking up just slightly, like he's been exposed to a stiff breeze or, in his case, static electricity) and fewer wrinkles around his eyes than anyone who got close enough to him might remember. And his smile, just like Saul's, is playfully crooked — though it's laced with a nervousness that doesn't really fit the image Saul projected whenever he had an audience. This man isn't as confident as his older lookalike, that much is clear, nor is he as brightly dressed. (A white dress shirt and a bland, striped tie are all that's currently visible.)

But he has that same ol' sparkle in his eye, and he straightens up a bit as soon as he's ready to speak, which is a habit anyone would recognize: that sudden shift from casual to professional Saul made any time he approached the bench or a business meeting.

And as for his voice — that's the same, too.

This is almost definitely Saul Goodman, but:]

Hiya. The name's Jimmy McGill. James, technically, but — I prefer Jimmy.

[He lifts his hands into view. Saul's trademark (fake) Rolex and gold pinky ring are missing, but that's because they're obscured by a pair of heavy-duty electrical gloves.]

I've got a little problem on my hands, pun only halfheartedly intended. [A laugh, one quick huff of air. Saul's laugh: Heh.] Seems the powers that be decided I should have the ability to manipulate power itself. Electricity, I mean. More specifically — [A brief pause, a swallow. He tries to play it off; there's no reason this word should bother him.] Electromagnetism. So, since I have no idea how to control an honest-to-God superpower because they're not really real where I come from, this is... uh, it's an issue. Anyone got any tips? Tricks? Ways to wake up, maybe?

[He smiles again, this time thin-lipped and a little desperate. It looks like he's on the verge of panic.]

Please?

Comments

[ferrisbuellean]

Why not go private?

[mcgill]

That's the plan. It just — starting your own practice in this economy, y'know, it's... it takes time. I'm close.

[no you aren't, bro]

But now I'm here, so... yeah, we'll see, I guess.

[ferrisbuellean]

Trying to start one in the place isn't much easier, but at least we've got a level of fame behind us already.

[And attention is the best thing ever.]

[mcgill]

Well, you do. Maybe I'll attain some by association.

[Or maybe he'll find a billboard with his face still on it soon. Who knows!]

[ferrisbuellean]

All imPorts do, to some kinda level. We're like real life heroes to some of these folks.

[One day Jeff is gonna catch reruns of that show and be pretty jelly of that Saul dude.]

[mcgill]

[One day, Jimmy's going to be approached by some elderly women on the street who will want his autograph.

And it'll be awesome.]

That's what we're supposed to be, though, right?

[ferrisbuellean]

Sure, if you're into parading about in spandex in public.

[mcgill]

Hey, judge not lest ye be judged.

[ferrisbuellean]

So you are into it. I dunno what the public would think of a judge in spandex but hey. worth a shot, right?

[mcgill]

[He hides his face, feigning embarrassment.] Gosh, mister, I'd rather not discuss what I'm into with someone I only just met. That's third, fourth date material.

[ferrisbuellean]

Yeah, I guess I'll wait until our first date, at least. [You will go on a date with him, Jimmy. You will or else.]

You honestly want to get into that hero crap?

[mcgill]

Nah. If I were invincible, maybe. Or if I had super strength. Or better knees...

[Although let's be real he probably wouldn't get into that hero crap even with all those things.]

[ferrisbuellean]

The joys of getting old, huh? Maybe all we need is fast healing or something. Keep the bad knees at bay.

[mcgill]

[Oh man. Healing! Why couldn't he have gotten that.]

If only.

[hey wait]

I'm not old, though.

[ferrisbuellean]

Not now, maybe. But you will be without some kind of healing power.

[mcgill]

Maybe I'll find someone around here who can help. You know any healers?

[ferrisbuellean]

Nope. I don't ask people about powers. Seems kinda private unless they're waving it around for all to see.

[mcgill]

Makes sense.

[Jimmy feels a little exposed, now. Maybe he shouldn't have told the entire network what he can do, but he didn't really have any other choice.]

[ferrisbuellean]

[Oh. Jeff is making the connection between what he just and what's going on here, and now he's realising maybe he could have put that better. Not that he cares all that much.]

Don't worry, most people are pretty showy with what they got. And hey, just so we're on even ground...

[Angling the camera just a little better so Jimmy gets to see Jeff's free hand aiming at the glass in his other. With a soft pftt and a splat there's a small explosion of paint against the tumbler, a paintball fired straight out of his hand.]

Not exactly up to electromagnetism standards, but it's something.

[mcgill]

[... wait, what.]

Did you just shoot that out of your finger?

[ferrisbuellean]

Yyyyup. That's exactly what I did. I'd say you got the better deal.

[mcgill]

You know, I'm kinda starting to see the silver lining.

[And he's smirking.

SORRY BRUH]

[ferrisbuellean]

Yeah, screw you. [Flicking what paint he can off his glass, totally pretending he doesn't care!!!1 Which he mostly doesn't because he's got other powers he'd just rather not share.]

You'll find someone with experience in all that electrical crap, I'm sure. If not, you'll just have to do your judging in rubber gloves.

[mcgill]

[Jimmy holds his hands up. HE'S SORRY IT'S KIND OF FUNNY, JEFF. Don't hit him. Or fire a paintball at his crotch, please.]

I'm sure the people around here have seen weirder.

[ferrisbuellean]

[A paintball to the balls is exactly what will be happening if Jimmy isn't careful.]

Actually a pretty valid point. Some of us aren't even human looking. Pretty sure rubber gloves are the last of their worries. You sure you aren't some hidden alien type?