Yeah they didn't really explain that first scene well. Why was Mike in the back of the truck? Other than a brief mention of the cartel making a point in the episode description, we didn't get much of an explanation.

It's probably a flash forward. We won't probably see the whole context of this scene till later in the year. Similar to how they've done in the past. Like the teddy bear in the pool they kept showing all year before the plane crash. Like showing walt in his underwear in the desert in the first episode of the show only to show how he got there later. etc.

its not really a flash forward tho because of mike's ear

It definitely wasn't a flash forward.

Attention to detail, yo.

When Jesse told Mike why he knew Mike wasn't going to waste the thief, did we see a flicker of surprised respect (for attention to detail) on Mike's face?

I thought that was a look of shock, in that everyone is coming to the realization Jesse killed someone...and not sure that he would be afraid to do it again.

I think you're both right. I've read theories that Mike is taking Jesse out in the desert for some sort of cleaner training. If that look on Mike's face indicates that he sees potential in Jesse, I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case.

I'm kind of crossing my fingers that that's the case. Jesse's got to come to grips with who he has become; why not do it in the baddest-assest way possible?

I think they're just riding out there for a campfire and some smores. Maybe sing some songs and tell ghost stories.

Jesse = Winston Wolf?

http://www.yourprops.com/norm-48a6d1...281994%29.jpeg

My thought on Jesse becoming Walt's version of Mike may just happen yet.

I'd have to guess that things are going to happen pretty quickly.

Interesting, but I don't think this is the case. I took the surprised look on Mike's face as his realization that Jesse has reached the point of nothing left to lose. And when you are in this type of illegal business, you can't afford to work with a loose cannon that has nothing to lose; everyone needs to have a healthy dose of desire and fear.

I believe Mike is taking Jesse out to the desert to try one last time to convince him that if he doesn't snap out of his funk he will kill him. Mike actually has a bit of a soft side, so I expect he will combine the typical fear and violence with a personal story to help relate to what Jesse is feeling. Jesse is in a dark place right now and feels completely alone; just holding a gun up to his head will not do the trick right now.

I'm only into the 3rd episode in season 2. That being said, I can't imagine Jesse being a cleaner unless there are some major changes to his character and capabilities in this season I'm currently watching.

Yes, he's resigned himself to being the "bad guy." That being said (at least at this point in the series)
1) He's kind of a dumb ass.
2) He's a screw up of the first degree. Murphy's Law is always in effect.
3) Never calm under pressure.
4) Addict
5) Immature and emotionally involved.

Walt has much more of the cleaner personality, to me, than Jesse.

I tend to lean to your way of thinking. I don't think they're heading into the desert for a Mister Miyagi moment.

I also don't think Mike's going to go from telling Gus they need to do something about Jesse (paraphrased) to becoming his mentor in the course of an afternoon.

But I've been wrong before.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NO STOP READING SPOILERS NOOOOOOOOOOOOO