text:
'What Is She Doing??
What Is She Doing??'
Herc Presents The Sunday
BREAKING BAD Talkback!!
The clip suggests Walt is going to survive at least another year and that "Breaking Bad" is about to take a big hop into the future. Last week Mike defined "legacy" expenses, Skyler told her sister to shut up and "Friday Night Lights" fixture Jesse Plemons joined the cast.
AMC says of tonight's "Fifty-One":
Walt celebrates another birthday. Skyler considers her options. An associate complicates Walt and Jesse's plan.
After tonight, only four 2012 episodes left.
10 p.m. Sunday. AMC.
Readers Talkbackcomments powered by Disqus
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Aug. 5, 2012, 1:24 a.m. CST
by cleetdog101
Aug. 5, 2012, 1:24 a.m. CST
by cleetdog101
Kill em all Walt!
Aug. 5, 2012, 1:24 a.m. CST
by Clabog592
Breaking Bad got an article all to itself! Thanks Herc!
Aug. 5, 2012, 1:24 a.m. CST
by Doug Wolf
Have you not watched these last couple of episodes? Usually you drop little hints but we haven't seen them the last two times.
Aug. 5, 2012, 1:32 a.m. CST
by martinprince
Aug. 5, 2012, 1:55 a.m. CST
by Hercules
Yeah, last week's episode was the first in memory that wasn't preceded by an AMC screener. This is not without precedent for AMC, which usually only offers season-opener screeners for its four-time best-drama Emmy juggernaut "Mad Men." I obviously don't have a lot to say about an episode I haven't seen yet, so last week I just merged BB into the regular Sunday talkback. This week's stand-alone BB post is an experiment; we'll see how it flies.
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:36 a.m. CST
Can you fly, BB?
by whatyoufear
I love Breaking Bad. And Robocop, obviously.
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:01 a.m. CST
The final season of BB reminds me of the final seasons of shows of it's ilk where the last episode will be a upsetting disappointment. I hope not but.
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:03 a.m. CST
But the sopranos,lost and recently the killing it seems that their is no sure way to close shows like these with satisfaction to the viewers.
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:05 a.m. CST
And can their trully be satisfaction for all?
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:09 a.m. CST
Remember MASH's last episode? Cheers? Miami Vice? Sure they weren't the dramas of today's caliber but they ended with flair and grace.
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:50 a.m. CST
of everything you mentioned, i was most satisfied with lost. you forgot BSG though...
by la te ral us
Aug. 5, 2012, 4:03 a.m. CST
I loved the Sopranos ending
by Hercules
I also thought three Star Trek series -- TNG, DS9 and Voyager -- all featured satisfying conclusions.
Aug. 5, 2012, 4:12 a.m. CST
Sopranos ending was brilliant
by darth_hideous
The sixth season as a whole, however, was not. Similar arguments could be made regarding Lost.
Aug. 5, 2012, 5:29 a.m. CST
I know it was canned and it pissed off some
by tomdolan04
But I thought Quantum Leap had a pretty nice conclusion. House MD equally had lost its peak viewers by the end but its finale was true to the show and pretty satisfying in its own right. <p> The way season 5s going so far, im suprisingly confident theyll stay the course for quality but I cant guess at all how theyll wrap it up. As long as they pull off a meaty Hank 'discovering' of Walt, and from the short but very cool Hank interviewing Mike the other week Im sure they can, then they can do whatever the hell they want.
Aug. 5, 2012, 5:42 a.m. CST
This show has always been a drug.
by NOBLOODNODALLAS
Halfway through this block of eight already......fuuuuuuuuuck!
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:09 a.m. CST
They're going to have to try hard to top
by Mugato5150
Skyler repeatedly telling Marie to shut the fuck up. Only Gus' demise was more satisfying.
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:49 a.m. CST
Skyler's Options
by mukhtabi
I get the real sense that she does not have all that many options. She's already considered divorce, and stepped away from that. She's already considered fleeing, and decided not to. I wonder what she'll be thinking of doing, maybe she'd have the guts to snag some of Walter's new family fund and disappear herself and holly? I will be very curious to see that.
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:54 a.m. CST
Tonights Episode was directed by Rian Johnson
by Timahh
So there's that....
Aug. 5, 2012, 7 a.m. CST
Mash Cheers + Miami Vice weren't serialized and didn't have any major questions to answer
by tangcameo
Sopranos, Lost and The Killing did but there were multiple possible answers to those questions and some people were satisfied with the answers the creators picked, others were not.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:04 a.m. CST
And FTR, I liked the BSG ending, I didn't like the Lost ending
by tangcameo
I didn't hate it. I just thought the final reveal could have been better done and left to the last ten seconds of the show and probably done through dialogue between Mrs. Hawking and Desmond. The Sopranos needed the muzzle of a gun poking into that final frame, then black.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:18 a.m. CST
So, do we call these TALKBADs?
by I am not a number
Fantastic show. Totally deserving of its own forum.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:36 a.m. CST
Huh, so Walt was 52 in the season premiere flash-forward...
by PotSmokinAlien
So judging from the title of tonight's episode, I guess that stuff in the Denny's happens a year after this part of the series. Wasn't there some dialogue last season about how the series so far has taken place over about 10 months? Holly's age makes me think I'm getting that wrong, but I remember someone saying something that made me go "Damn, this hasn't even been a full year of this dude's life." Also, I think it's cool that Rian Johnson directed this— Fly is one of the series' best episodes.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:42 a.m. CST
by PotSmokinAlien
I think Walt is going to kill one of the exterminators in front of Mike to try and pull a Gus box-cutter move. But he will not consider the effect this will have on Jesse, who will also be present for the killing, and completely freaked out by it.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:49 a.m. CST
The only way BB can fuck up the ending...
by PotSmokinAlien
...is if there are too many "Jesse immediately jumps to the conclusion that Walt poisoned Brock with the cigarette, not that Brock just found it lying around" leaps of logic. That is the one and only moment of the entire series where I've been like "Wait... what? Why the hell would he think that?" It really felt like they were forcing a moment in the service of the plot. Even Aaron Paul's performance seemed tailored to be making excuses for that plot point, like "Oh Jesse's just so distraught and freaked out that he'd jump to this insane conclusion..." If I remember correctly, that scene didn't sit that great with you either, Herc. So I guess I'm saying, as long as the characters do things that make sense, I will be happy no matter what winds up happening.
Aug. 5, 2012, 8:03 a.m. CST
Agree with potsmoking alien
by My best friend
Although I don't think it will wait until the ending. That plot line is definitely not over with. I think Skyler will kill herself or flee. Walt will find a way to live free, he won't get busted. He will get somebody else to take the fall.
Aug. 5, 2012, 8:04 a.m. CST
I think Scarface is a red herring
by Hardboiled Wonderland
Showing Walt getting an assault rifle from Mike, and then the climax of Scarface, is meant to make us think Walt's going out like Al Pacino. This is a red herring, and things are most definitely not what we think they are. Prepare for big surprises.
Aug. 5, 2012, 8:06 a.m. CST
But if Scarface really is foreshadowing Walt going out in a blaze of glory
by Hardboiled Wonderland
Then it's a bit disappointing, the writers are usually more subtle than that. We'll see. Next year, alas. :-(
Aug. 5, 2012, 8:09 a.m. CST
I Predict
by Aquatarkusman
Walt will see a trailer for Total Recall (2012) and bitch about how a great actor like Bryan Cranston is being wasted in a pile of sterile dreck directed poorly by Mr. Kate Beckinsale.
Aug. 5, 2012, 8:22 a.m. CST
The headshaving clip from the promo for tonight
by tangcameo
I think that either means Walt lied about the cancer being in remission and he's given up on treatment and shaving his head to fool everyone. OR the blood we see dripping down his head is from a new cancer (remember that shaving scene in the HBO bio of Roy Cohn starring James Woods?) that will make itself know after this episode.
Aug. 5, 2012, 8:25 a.m. CST
I predict we'll see another movie heavily shown on AMC
by tangcameo
We've seen Three Stooges and Scarface. I predict we'll see that Leopold & Loeb clone with Dean Stockwell and Orson Welles. Or Roadhouse (Roadhouse!). Or some Clint Eastwood movie. Or ID4.
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:04 a.m. CST
Has BREAKING BAD even had a bad episode?
by martinprince
I can't think of one. I anticipate a satisfying finale and would be shocked if they didn't stick the landing.
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:07 a.m. CST
Rewatched Live Free or Die
by mukhtabi
The opening really seems to be a year later. Somehow, the Whites are renamed Lambert and relocated to New Hampshire. I really wonder if the entire second half of the final season will take place in California, or only the last episode? As he says to the weapons dealer when he assures him it won't cross the Californian border, 'It's never leaving town'. Got shivers...
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:09 a.m. CST
Also I'm surprised how many people think Skyler is going to suicide herself
by martinprince
She's going to do something drastic, for sure, but killing herself seems a little too extreme and very dark (even for this show).
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:11 a.m. CST
And yes, we should call these TALKBADS
by martinprince
And we are TALKBADDERS.
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:16 a.m. CST
Breaking Bad never had a bad episode but I wasn't a big fan of the Fly one
by _Venkman
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:25 a.m. CST
THE SHIELD ending - thought was perfect for the show
by rabidrudolph
So it can be done. Think BB won't be a let-down.
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:25 a.m. CST
I think Skyler will...
by tangcameo
...either show up at Hank's door, with the kids in tow, and confess many things (and this will be how Hank and Walt Jr find out) OR Hank will figure out Heisenberg is Walt and will come to Skyler and offer her a way out and she'll take it (along with the kids) and that will be the end of the first half of season 5, with Walt's original motivation for cooking meth completely gone.
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:26 a.m. CST
Not "Talkback, Bitches!"?
by tangcameo
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:30 a.m. CST
by rabidrudolph
Dont think that was meant so much as foreshadowing like some of the other movies on this show, but more as something else that's got skylars wheels turning. I can't wait to see what she's going to pull, she's the more immediate time bomb ticking and also the variable Walter's paying the least amount of attention to.
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:35 a.m. CST
by_venkman: same here on FLY
by martinprince
It was a bottle episode so I felt a little bored by it and didn't totally buy that Walt would be obsessed with killing this one fly. But I've some people say it's one their favorite episodes.
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:11 a.m. CST
mukhtabi: Walt was back in ABQ in the flashforward, no California
by martinprince
He's come back to Albuquerque to settle some unfinished business.
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:17 a.m. CST
Just blew my own mind thinking about the premiere...
by PotSmokinAlien
WHAT IF... Hank doesn't actually find out that Walt is Heisenberg after all? What if Walt is somehow able to convince Hank that Jesse is Heisenberg, and spins it so that it's Jesse who manipulated Walt into helping cook for Gus? Walt throws Jesse under the bus, maybe Jesse goes on the run or maybe he gets taken in by the DEA, and the Whites get relocated to NH under witness protection. But, one year later, Walt can't live with his decision (and, moreover, can't handle the straight life after tasting his true self on the dark side), so he goes back to NM to try and save Jesse somehow. And that's what he's doing in the parking lot with the assault rifle: tooling up for a Quixotic rescue operation.
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:26 a.m. CST
by PotSmokinAlien
I think the reason I like that episode so much is that it's the first time I realized how much I cared about the connection Walt and Jesse have. The scene in Fly where it seems like Walt is gonna tell Jesse the truth about Jane's death was like the emotional equivalent of the parking lot scene in One Minute for me— IE, tense as fuck! Also Walt talking about the moment when he should have died, the window into the way Jesse thinks when he tells the story about his aunt with the opossum... it might not push the story forward the way some other episodes do, but the character stuff is some of the best in the series. I'd put it up there with the episode from season 2 where Jesse is stuck in that house with that kid and the ATM machine. As far as the plausibility of Walt's obsession with the fly goes, I take that more of a sign that the dude is not doing all that hot in the mental stability department.
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:28 a.m. CST
by PotSmokinAlien
I too have been wondering if she will survive to the end of the series. I dunno if I've been thinking suicide, though.
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:30 a.m. CST
potsmokinalien: not a bad theory, though I hope you're wrong
by martinprince
So Walt has a new name/identity at the beginning of Live Free or Die, and a lot of people are thinking it's some sort of Witness Protection deal. But I've been wondering just what kind of circumstances would lead to Walt getting Witness Protection? He's Heisenberg, he's the big dog, there's no one for him to turn witness against. Unless he turns someone else in as you propose...
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:33 a.m. CST
This is show is fantastic!
by kevmoley
but it is going to kill me with this split season
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:36 a.m. CST
His demeanor in LFOD's opening scene is that of a man who has been defeated somehow. The $100 tip hints that he might even have seen the error of his ways?
by PotSmokinAlien
I hope he doesn't have to see a member of his family die in order to have that epiphany, if it's coming at all. Kinda hope it doesn't. Maybe Mike and Jesse edge him out of his own operation, and he turns them in out of spite/pride? Gonna be a long wait til next year...
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:25 a.m. CST
The $100 tip was his ego, his admiration for quality work, and...
by tangcameo
...probably out of his cut of the drug money which I seriously doubt has anything smaller than $100 bills in it.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:28 a.m. CST
A HoJo in Mad Men. A Denny's in Breaking Bad.
by tangcameo
Will we see zombies at an IHOP? Will we see the first Waffle House founded along the Great Railway?
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:39 a.m. CST
by ShadowVision
I was thinking of the Shield's ending as well. There was closure for Lem's murder (Shane suicide), accountability for their actions (Ronnie's arrest), and preservation of the main character who has to deal with the results of his actions on a professional and mental level (Vick relegated to a desk job).
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:41 a.m. CST
So "Bad", it's beyond good.
by Ninja Nerd
I think the litmus test, at least for me, of any long-running series is: how was the first episode and do you still recall it in Season 4, 5, etc.? I thought Bryan Cranston was a good actor with a flair for comedy...having only seen a lot of his work on 'Malcolm'. So, I watched the first episode of BB out of curiosity more than anything. Like a lot of folks, I was blown away. And I can't get the image of Walt's frantic exit out of the RV, in his skivvies and green shirt, sirens in the background, out of my head. Talk about a story grabbing you...wow! While I hate that the show will end, it's like getting to the end of a great book; you can see there are a few pages left and it will be over but at the same time, you look forward to the last page and the last line. That's where I'm at with Breaking Bad. OFF TOPIC comment - got to see 'Safety Not Guaranteed' last night and I give it my highest recommendation. The audience I saw it with applauded wildly at the end. I recently attended a cast & crew screening of 'Bringing Up Bobby', that I play a teacher in. Another low budget film that was shot in 24 days on location like SNG. Even though I loved doing another movie (I was in Heroes with Henry Winkler and Sally Field in 1977 for about 10 seconds), I would go see SNG again before BUB. Famke did a great job, but overall, the movie can't decide what it wants to be. Go see SNG...it is simply great.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:51 a.m. CST
I hope Hank figures out that Walt=Heisenberg soon
by martinprince
I really don't want to have to wait until next year for the other shoe to drop.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:58 a.m. CST
We should call these "Break Backs"!
by Wolfman Nards
Or does that sound like a forum for guys to use to meet up for anonymous gay sex?
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:59 a.m. CST
I just have to say...
by Dale Cleven
I love these Breaking Bad talkbacks most of all. Firstly, because it's the best show on tv, and it's nice to hear other theories. I've only gotten three friends hooked, so we go over the same theories constantly. Nice to hear a fresh idea. Also, I've noticed, there are rarely people getting pissed off at each other in these talkbacks. That's very refreshing.
Aug. 5, 2012, noon CST
by Wolfman Nards
I also do not see suicide in her future. I do think she will wear a wire for Hank though. Once she finds out Walt used the Ted affair as an excuse for her behavior she is going to flip her shit.
Aug. 5, 2012, 12:01 p.m. CST
by martinprince
I wish I could quit you...
Aug. 5, 2012, 12:02 p.m. CST
I bet Vince Gilligan learned a lesson from how The X-Files was handled during the final 3-4 seasons. He wont allow BrBa to go out with a whimper.
by hank henshaw
It must have been frustrating for Gilligan to witness Chris Carter's total disregard for continuity or pre-planning storylines.
Aug. 5, 2012, 12:06 p.m. CST
The witness protection angle is clever
by My best friend
The show is introducing a new bad guy -- big corporate people. Walt may be able to fly under the radar ...the only link from corporate people to Walt is MIKE. On another note, the detail that people seem to be missing about the S5 premiere is that Walt is in Arizona when he is buying the M60. Not New Mexico. So far Arizona has not been a subject area. I do not think that he is going out Scarface style. That would be too predictable. Walt has shown a knack for well thought out plans. That would not be in line with his charachter development. yes, his transformation is a bit Tony Montana, but he is a lot smarter than Tony. I think he will settle into some bulletproof "Gustavo like role" of owning some huge distribution network with a new identity. It will end with a wink
Aug. 5, 2012, 12:06 p.m. CST
by scors54
Very much, Herc.
Aug. 5, 2012, 12:19 p.m. CST
People: Walt is in NEW MEXICO in the season opener
by martinprince
I don't why people think he's in California or Arizona...the waitress asks him if he's going to California, i.e. driving through New Mexico. From the wiki for the episode: We open in a Denny's restaurant, across the street from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Aug. 5, 2012, 12:23 p.m. CST
Bryan Cranston and Vince Gilligan have both said Walt will die in the end
by martinprince
A lot of people seem to think Walt will get away clean in the end and his cancer will go away. I think him surviving the series finale is out of the question. The only questions regarding his fate are: Will he die of natural causes or not? And will he redeem himself before his demise?
Aug. 5, 2012, 12:49 p.m. CST
He will not die for sure
by My best friend
Cranston said he thinks so, but he isn't sure. I think a very basic element to the show is the break up of the season between this and next summer. They are able to change the shows direction. The last 8 episodes aren't done yet. Depending on the ratings, critics and fans reviews, anything can happen next summer. Including adding a season six.
Aug. 5, 2012, 12:58 p.m. CST
St. Elsewhere ending - one of the best...
by Michael Lunney
Aug. 5, 2012, 12:58 p.m. CST
Terminal Lung Cancer
by BeMoreFunny
means he is going to die. Chemo and lucky remission bought him some extra time, but he will die from cancer. You don't survive terminal lung cancer, you cope with it for a few years and then die. Here's what I think will happen: Walt will team up with Lydia to kill the guys in prison getting hush money. Lydia wants them dead because they are loose ends, and Walt wants them dead because their hush money is coming directly from his salary. I think Walt will use the ricin to poison them, and Lydia will use her connections to get the ricin into their food or water or something like that. Of course, it will probably go terribly wrong and the whole prison will get poisoned. The final episode of the season will be Walt killing Mike, because Walt has always had a grudge against Mike, and Lydia still wants him dead.
Aug. 5, 2012, 1:34 p.m. CST
loved the sopranos ending
by jsfithaca
also thought the wire ended really well. i think the machine gun might be for mike, and he'll kill him at the end of part 2 not this first 8.
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:01 p.m. CST
Angel had one of my favorite finales
by Thomas
On topic though, I'm glad to see Breaking Bad is keeping up its level of quality. For no reason at all I was worried about it dropping off.
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:04 p.m. CST
Walt Must Die
by dukeroberts
So it is written. The ultimate satisfaction for me would be Hank gunning him down. He has always kind of looked down at Hank as kind of less than intelligent. I think he likes him as a person but he knows he's smarter than Hank.
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:17 p.m. CST
Walt's death
by ShadowVision
I have a feeling it won't be from gunfire, but he ends up dying due to his lingering cancer.
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:30 p.m. CST
Man, I would be so OK with it if Walt's cancer never made a reappearance...
by PotSmokinAlien
For me the cancer was always the way the show found to get into the much-more-interesting subject of Walt's morality, or lack thereof. When he punches his reflection in the paper towel dispenser, that's the last I ever needed to hear about his cancer. But the coughing-in-the-Denny's would indicate I will not get my wish. Oh well. "Karma's a bitch" and all.
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:35 p.m. CST
Is there an issue with posting on the TBs?
by Monroville
I can't seem to post responses on the BTSPOTD talkback.
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:38 p.m. CST
Hank will be the new Mike
by lowman
I think Hank is going to figure out Walt is Hisenberg and have to make a choice between the family that paid for his recovery or the DEA that scoffed at his ideas. He will have to kill Mike and take his place.
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:44 p.m. CST
I love explanation of the Sopranos ending
by Matthew
http://masterofsopranos.wordpress.com/the-sopranos-definitive-explanation-of-the-end/ you will need a few hours to read this but an astounding insightful reading I have to go back and watch all the Breaking Bad's again. I forgot about the fly, Gus was almost like that fly, Walt just had to get him despite what might happen
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:45 p.m. CST
Thanks for listening Herc.
by dahveed1972
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:47 p.m. CST
Rolling Stone Interview Spoilers
by cleetdog101
It states that Walter has been "in exile" at the opening on S5E1 - and is back in town to "protect someone". Im sure he's been NH all that time. And is back - Walt will redeem himself in the final episode as he returns to save (i assume) Jesse.
Aug. 5, 2012, 2:53 p.m. CST
by cleetdog101
His car has a New Hampshire plate...
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:03 p.m. CST
Flash Forward
by BeMoreFunny
I'm still not sure if I like how they started this season by giving away so much. On the one hand it's bad ass because I doubt they completely know how they're going to get to that point, so it was kind of like a pledge and a challenge to themselves as writers--this will happen, and we'll find a way to make it happen logically. I don't think Walt ever actually lives in New Hampshire or spends time there--he probably just bought a new identity as someone from that state. You don't need to actually live there to have a fake identity from there. I thought it was interesting how Walt more or less convinced Jesse to break things off with Andrea and Brock. Walt was basically saying, look, I don't want to have to be in a position where I will be forced to kill them. Of course, we know Walt almost did kill Brock already, but he didn't like doing it, and knows he will do it again if he has to. It was kind of decent of him in a way--he knows how evil he is, and that he totally controls Jesse, and anyone Jesse cares about will be used against him. So it's better for Jesse to just have no one. At this point in his transformation, that's basically as nice as Walt can get.
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:15 p.m. CST
I dont know why BB talk back would be an "experiment".
by DZ
Readers have been requesting one for weeks. Long over due.
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:18 p.m. CST
The fly
by DZ
was one of the best episodes ever. Perhaps the only stand alone episodes of entire series. If you didn't appreciate for it being Poe's "Tell Tale Heart" (confirmed by Gilligan) and the fly is Walt's last remaining bit of his conscious, you missed the point and something special.
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:23 p.m. CST
Care to elaborate?
by BeMoreFunny
On the connection between Poe and that episode of Breaking Bad? And I think you mean that the fly was the last bit of his 'conscience,' not 'conscious.' So he was trying to get rid of his conscience, but it was sticking around?
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:36 p.m. CST
I don't see how they can wrap everything with 12 more episodes
by Titus05
seems like they are bringing in new characters and starting a whole new story with the Madrigal people and that lady who tried to have Mike killed...then that dude from the pest control business who apparently is more then he appears to be I think the final 8 episodes next summer will be extended to 12 or more...seems like things are expanding versus wrapping up...plus Jesse still needs to find out that Walt killed his girlfriend Jane and poisoned Brock...Hank needs to find out the truth etc...too many major stories to wrap up
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:44 p.m. CST
I Predict
by captzeep
This song will fade out, yes this song will fade out, yes this song will fade out, I predict..... I'm sorry I saw "I Predict" three times and the song is now stuck in my head. The truth is "Breaking Bad" ended with Season 4. There is no topping "Face Off", and that was the climax of the show. All the rest is denouement. I predict we will be disappointed in the ending. TV shows, even really well-written TV shows, don't have a good track record of ending well. In seasons past I thought "Walt as a schlub" angle was overplayed. Now the "Walt as a psychopathic evil genius" is overplayed.
Aug. 5, 2012, 3:47 p.m. CST
From this clip
by superlaser
it certainly seems like we might be getting the old Skylar back. She looks like she might be ready to shake off the shock of what happened with Ted and Gus and be back in a position to fight back against Walt's creepiness. Whether that's a good thing for her or not remains to be seen.
Aug. 5, 2012, 5:01 p.m. CST
BB deserves its own TB through the series finale
by martinprince
It's a fantastic show and there are clearly a lot of fans here on AICN. This is the last season and these talkbacks have been consistently good...no flaming, no spamming, no people taking shots at Harry, no TDKR, etc. Let's make sure this experiment is a successful one and that Herc will continue to post a dedicated TB for the show for the rest of the season. I look forward to reading everyone's reactions and analysis tonight and throughout the week.
Aug. 5, 2012, 5:14 p.m. CST
by mukhtabi
I think it's expanding just enough for a rumored 2 hour movie which will be released in theaters and wrap up all loose ends, as rumored.
Aug. 5, 2012, 5:14 p.m. CST
Senor Spielbergo
by mukhtabi
Watched it again, you're right. Still fascinating thought, a gun that can't cross the border of a state.
Aug. 5, 2012, 5:19 p.m. CST
As to the Denny's
by mukhtabi
Had a girlfriend in Albuquerque for a while. Used to eat breakfasts at that Denny's every now and then. Well that and Hurricane's. The breakfast burritos with the green and red salsa was the best. *happy memories*
Aug. 5, 2012, 5:53 p.m. CST
Time shift and a theory
by Manatee
I think we will see the time shift take place between the two blocks of 8 episodes. Of course, I don't know where that leaves the flash-forward we saw at the beginning of the season. And I have a theory. I'm not sure if this is a spoiler since it's just a theory, but... Has anyone else noticed how Walt always has Holly on his chest (or at least in front of him)? This can't be accidental. It's almost as though he's using her as a human shield. That makes me think about other implications where he might use her as a human shield. I'm just thinking out loud here...
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:01 p.m. CST
by tangcameo
According to Wikipedia (ya ya I know) this last season is 16 episodes long. Plus I'm pretty sure things will start falling apart for Walt, probably in this episode or the next.
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:18 p.m. CST
The fact that Jesse is the voice of reason shows that Walt is breaking down
by Mugato5150
Walt kept giving Mike shit about all the money he had to take out for various reasons and Jesse stepped in before Mike just lost it and blew Walt away. Jesse's the level headed one in the duo now and that's going to catch up to Walt eventually.
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:24 p.m. CST
by DZ
I think your Holly prediction is unbelievably horrific, which also means it also might be right.
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:29 p.m. CST
my best friend
by DZ
Ending with a "wink" would be lamest ending ever and go against everything the creator said he wants to do with Walt. Only an ass clown or a corporate executive would think that Walt going off into sunset making meth without facing his mortality is was a good idea.
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:44 p.m. CST
Walts conscience and the Fly
by DZ
The Fly was Walts conscience and it was keeping him awake and preventing him from cooking. In the episode he shared his regret that he hadn't died at his "perfect moment" before everything (he) changed forever and he went to Jessie house and let his GF die. He also nearly confessed to Jessie as to letting his GF die and said he was "sorry about Jane", then Jessie killed the fly Then walt finally went to sleep. If you don't believe me then read some Poe, watch it again and look up one of Gilligan's fan Q&A's on the web.
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:54 p.m. CST
Abou Holly
by superlaser
I read an article about numerous instances of the color pink on the show being associated with death: the pink bear, Walt wearing pink when the plane crashed, Jane left a cig with pink lipstick in Jesse's car. Possible foreshadowing of a bad end for Holly?
Aug. 5, 2012, 6:57 p.m. CST
by BeMoreFunny
I want to take you seriously, but you broke the first rule of Talking About Breaking Bad on the Internet: spelling Jesse's name 'Jessie.' Immediately disqualifies you as someone worth listening to.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:01 p.m. CST
Walter's character arc...
by scors54
has been a lot like Michael Corleone--I'm certainly not the first one to point that out. In the GF2, Michael asks his mom if, in trying to protect your family, could you actually lose them. His mom says that you can never lose your family , and Michael says "times change". I have a feeling, whatever happens, the irony will be that the very reason Walt became Heisenberg, at least the overt reason,was to provide for and protect his family. With what some are saying now about Holly, and the tension with Skylar, I just have a very strong feeling that things are going to be very shocking along that line between now and the point where he is taking possession of the automatic rifle in the Denny's bathroom.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:14 p.m. CST
by ataraxia999
People are not letting Walt win for a bit. He's acting like a smug prick yeah, but I'd rather have proactive Walt than 4th season "schlub Walt," as someone sad... He's NOT gonna get caught from shit he's done: Jane/Brock etc. I don't think he's gonna get caught in a major way for awhile. I hope not. My major thought from last episode was that Mike was skimming. Not the legacy costs, but the $275,000 for UNSEEN transporters of 50lbs of crystal? That's as much as Jesse AND Walt's cut combined. That's utterly ridiculous. Walt was totally right. No? My guess for what's coming is that methylamine becomes intensely watched, they can't get it from Lydia, and they have to come up with a plan. I'm picturing a great train robbery, with Walt proving he IS Jesse James... I dunno...
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:16 p.m. CST
I LOVE LOVE LOVE BrBa but I thought The Fly was freaking retarded.
by AshokForgiven
Seriously, what a LAME episode. It's the only episode in the whole series I have ever disliked tho. Otherwise imho the whole show is perfect.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:25 p.m. CST
They're not going to kill a fucking baby
by martinprince
I'm sorry but I can't see baby Holly getting killed off. Just too much, man, too much.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:30 p.m. CST
Tell that to Gage Creed
by Kyle DeMattio
Pet Sematary reference
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:31 p.m. CST
If Walt does die, I hope the Cancer doesn't do him in
by Kyle DeMattio
Cause that would just be pathetic
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:33 p.m. CST
I hope Walt doesn't have a last act of goodness
by animas
or some attempt at redemption. It would be seen as preachy and moralizing, negating the whole series in a same way that LOST did. Fuck morality , it has no place in fiction.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:39 p.m. CST
The cancer isn't just an inciting event
by martinprince
Walt essentially gets a death sentence in the first episode, and the rest of the series is what he does with the time he has left. He has to die in order for the series to properly pay off (Chekov's gun and all that). I don't think the cancer killing him would be pathetic. In fact, if he manages to avoid getting gunned down I'd say that's not pathetic at all.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:43 p.m. CST
Since people are talking about "Fly"...
by jaymallad
Was anyone else struck by the contrast of season 3 Walt ( completely obsessed with the contaminating potential of a single fly), and season 5 Walt (cooking in spaces that are literally infested with insects)? I think it underscores Walt's arrogance and recklessness since killing Gus. Maybe we'll have a bad batch of meth getting out there soon. Anyone else see the shot of the bug crawling around in the cook tent? I really like dickiezipper's fly-as-conscience explanation though...makes perfect sense.
Aug. 5, 2012, 7:57 p.m. CST
@ jmlads
by scors54
VERY nice pick up between the fly and the roach close up. I like it.
Aug. 5, 2012, 8:20 p.m. CST
This season is already light-years better than Season 4
by CountryBoy
No multiple episodes of Jesse weeping over his videogames, no Walt vowing "This time I'm really gonna kill Gus! Okay, no, this time I'm REALLY gonna kill him! Okay no, THIS time I MEAN IT!;" no unthinkable dimwittedness like "Hi, criminal kingpin who'd do anything to destroy me -- what's that? Share a drink from that bottle your brought? Sure, I'd love to!" No, now it's just believable, high-stakes storytelling, cool visuals, great dialogue... It's like a different show. I guess having an end-date really focuses the concentration.
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:05 p.m. CST
by Mike Fornes
I still wouldn't buy the Aztec.
Aug. 5, 2012, 9:37 p.m. CST
skylar going into the pool
by Chris Hansen
cringe worthy. almost laughed out loud.
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:01 p.m. CST
Ricin's right there, Walt
by Mike Fornes
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:17 p.m. CST
Damn, Walt and Skylar throwing the threats back and fourth was intense.
by Gordon Bombay
Amazing episode.
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:18 p.m. CST
The pool scene, cringeworthy?
by Clabog592
What?! The directing was so intense, not to mention Skyler's weird behavior was totally leading up to something like that. This episode was ridiculously intense, and that scene was one of the highlights.
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:18 p.m. CST
Sorry Animas, but Walt/''
by paulloch
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:18 p.m. CST
Sorry Animas, but Walt[[[[[[[[[[''
by paulloch
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:22 p.m. CST
Wait a second herc....
by Doug Wolf
I think the quote for the title of this thread was during the pool scene, which wasn't in the embedded clip....are you just not supposed to write reviews like you used to anymore?
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:22 p.m. CST
Delicious babies
by Larry_Sanders
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:25 p.m. CST
Whoa, ataraxia999 has psychic powers
by mr.underwater
Pretty spot on predictions
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:25 p.m. CST
Sorry Animas, but Walts redemption has been foreshadowed
by paulloch
In the first scene, he has changed his identity to Lambert. If you wikipedia it, he's a physicist best known for illumination or light or good or going back to White. (Lambert cosine law has to do with luminous intensity) It used to be Heisenberg, as we all know, is the physicist best known for uncertainty. So he won't be uncertain anymore, he will be illuminated
Aug. 5, 2012, 10:31 p.m. CST
Great one.
by NOBLOODNODALLAS
Lady MacHeisenberg It would be perfect if they get their methylamine from Grey Matter.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:12 p.m. CST
by dancinggopher01
That explanation of Lambert was great, thank you, I never caught that.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:17 p.m. CST
This Episode
by dancinggopher01
I usually watch an episode a few times before posting, but I just love these type of episodes. Walt at this point is getting too confident, too showy, and definitely too brave. The cars just show he isn't anyone's lackey anymore, especially Skyler's. Season one he would have never challenged her. Now he's daring her to try something. I am intrigued by Walt's new idea with the barrels. A simple syphon into a new barrel would have been a lot easier but who am I to tell the writers that?
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:18 p.m. CST
That was not an easy episode to watch
by heyoucantlaughatthat
But Breaking Bad is rarely happy-go-lucky! I must say that as someone who once rolled their eyes every time an episode transitioned back to Skyler's storyline, Anna Gunn is really earning her paycheck now and the dynamic between her and Walt has become pretty interesting to watch. I think the "good" guys are now Jesse, Hank and maybe Mike. Don't really care about Walt getting out ok anymore, and from the looks of that machine gun in the trunk of his car (in the flash forward), I doubt he will.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:23 p.m. CST
@paulloch: Lambert
by cleetdog101
Lambert also happens to be Skylers maiden name... pretty sure that's the relevance.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:25 p.m. CST
Great episode, I like that Skylar finally grew some balls
by _Venkman
This is one those rare shows that I find myself truly disappointed when the credits appear. This show is some horrible drug like Meth.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:31 p.m. CST
Final shot was killer
by martinprince
These episodes go by so quickly. Time is ticking down for Breaking Bad.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:35 p.m. CST
My wife & I are still rooting for Walt big time...
by Melanie Griffiths Sour Patch
...and I don't know what he can do that can make us stop rooting for him. Even after tonight we were rooting for him to kill Skylar and make it look like a suicide on her part. Hank & Marie would certainly believe it after her pool stunt. The fucked up part with this show is we're Walt fans in my house. Seeing him pull this off makes us happy and if you choose to stand in his way we want to see you crushed. Even killing Jesse if that were to happen wouldn't make us turn on Walk because the show would have to have Jesse do something to cause Walt to want to take him out. I don't know if that's how anyone else watches the show, but my wife & I are in total agreement that we want to see Walt win. It's a fucked up show and I love it.
Aug. 5, 2012, 11:35 p.m. CST
OK, wow...do some of you talkbadders have an inside scoop on whats coming?
by martinprince
People here predicted that Walt and co. would stage a heist to secure more methlamine and therefore secure his position as Jesse James, and based on the preview for next week that's exactly what's going to happen.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:27 a.m. CST
The watch...
by LastButNotLeastNinja
contains a bug?
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:38 a.m. CST
Why will BB end well?
by MrD
1) They have the lessons of Lost, Sopranos, , etc and should know to avoid their fates. 2) There is no weird mystery at the center ala Lost, XFiles and BSG. No need for metaphysical mumbo jumbo, no need to concoct a dozen answers to inexplicable events to satisfy fans. 3) They aren't writing themselves into a corner. Most ofthe aforementioned shows were heaing to one inevitable conclusion. Here, there are a wide range of possible "satisfying" endings. Could be Walt learns his lesson, makes amends, survives the final big bad. More likely he dies. Or goes to jail. But who brings him down? Skyler? Jesse? The Germans? Hank? Himself? Any one of these can be done in a satisfying manner. 4) Have you watched the damned show? When have they ever failed to stick the landing?
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:42 a.m. CST
The GPS tracker...
by LastButNotLeastNinja
was put on the barrel by the Japanese supplier? Explains the German guy's seppuku/harakiri like suicide upon failure?
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:55 a.m. CST
Walt's wife is such a pig. I hope something terrible happens to her before the series ends.
by Fries Against
Aug. 6, 2012, 1:18 a.m. CST
Walt Jr. denied breakfast?
by Mike Fornes
The sheer look of panic as he was denied the bacon = emmy.
Aug. 6, 2012, 1:21 a.m. CST
@ lastbutnotleastninja
by LF Martinez
I thought the same thing: Jesse might have just just given Walt a bug. This episode was well written but painful to watch because you can see just how badly Walt is hurting his family. I feel badly for Skyler, one can really sense her desperation to protect her kids, even going so far as to manipulate her family into thinking she is suicidal/having a nervous breakdown in the pool just so she can get them out of the house and away from Walt.
Aug. 6, 2012, 1:34 a.m. CST
during the pool scene
by jon pertwee
there it is, the hat, right under hank's nose. i expected hank to see it and make some remark and walt to explain it away as a gift from the carwash employees. maybe next week hank will see the heisenberg drawing at work and he'll remember the hat on the table....
Aug. 6, 2012, 1:45 a.m. CST
The watch was a last minute belated birthday present.
by Shermdawg
There's no fucking way the DEA was following Pinkman to a jeweler, slipped in an undercover agent as a fellow customer, planted a bug on a watch, and had the shop owner push it on Jesse. And why would Jesse put a bug on it himself? He's back to trusting Walt. Sure Mike could've slipped it in, but that would've had some form of foreshadowing to it, like the flower shot last season. Plus if Mike wanted White, Jesse,or anyone bugged, they're probably already bugged.
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:04 a.m. CST
Jesse is in...
by LastButNotLeastNinja
kahoots with FBI/Interpol who have circumvented the DEA due to suspicion of corruption. Or Jesse didn't buy the whole ricin thing.
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:20 a.m. CST
by BeMoreFunny
is going to fall in love with Lydia.
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:25 a.m. CST
Ok, the FBL/Interpol theory is interesting, but Jesse doing it on his own?
by Shermdawg
C'mon, now......not a chance.
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:28 a.m. CST
Bug in the watch...
by SuperXY
Least likely theory in the history of this show. It's more likely that I will go lease a challenger and a 300 tomorrow.
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:35 a.m. CST
It really is, superxy......but after seeing so many great shows end badly...
by Shermdawg
...I wouldn't rule out them revealing Hank's former boss was on Fring's payroll throwing a twist into the mix. Still, like I said highly doubt there is a bug.
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:41 a.m. CST
Amazing how most see Skylar as the bad guy and Walt as a hero. One should consider their ethics and priorities when one sides with one who sells poison from children to adults.
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:45 a.m. CST
Even though it's entertainment what does it say about the psyche of modern society where we constantly root for the villain to win. But when one commits these same acts in real life we are shocked and horrified.
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:51 a.m. CST
Breaking Bad is a great show for entertainment. But if one finds that what Walt is doing is for the good of his family then you should have no problem with the tragedy in aurora. The underline of BB questions ones morality if you side with Walt other than
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:39 a.m. CST
The beginning of Walter White's downfall
by dcsmith
I think the ricin that Walter hid behind the electrical outlet has a very dark future ahead of it. I imagine an episode called "Baby-Proof" where Walter has to set up protections in the house since Holly has started crawling. He makes a concentrated effort to put plastic plugs in the electical outlets. And then, from a shot from Holly's point of view, we see her picking at one of the outlets and the entire plastic cover coming loose revealing the ricin taped inside. Holly dies from the ricin. Walter is devestated since he got his baby daughter killed. He dousn't even realize when Jesse hears that he now knows Walter had the ricin cigarette. The end draws near.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:51 a.m. CST
A baby isn't going to be able to pull a screwed on electrical outlet cover from the wall.
by Shermdawg
Just sayin'.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:55 a.m. CST
Now it coming into contact with Skyler is another story.
by Shermdawg
They sure have been focusing on her addiction as of late. If she pushes Walt too much.....he might just push back.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:55 a.m. CST
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?" "I'M WAITING FOR YOUR CANCER TO RETURN" Skyler is a cold bitch!
by glodene
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:59 a.m. CST
The corrected beginning of Walter White's downfall
by dcsmith
Ok, so the baby doesn't have the strength to pull an electrical outlet cover off, I grant you. But it could just as easily be the she knocks something over that hits the outlet and cracks the plastic cover open. Whatever the case may be, I see that ricin being hidden there backfiring on Walter and Holly seems the most dramatic & shocking possibilty if Walter needs to be at the end of his rope in a year.
Aug. 6, 2012, 4:08 a.m. CST
Having a baby knock something over in a impossibly perfect angle to crack an outlet cover revealing the ricin is ridiculous.
by Shermdawg
The ricin will not be stumbled upon, it will be used and then possibly fall into the wrong hands.....and more than likely, those hands will be Walt Jr's.
Aug. 6, 2012, 4:14 a.m. CST
The Shield's finale was pitch perfect
by Truxton Spangler
it can be done... Another fantastic episode. It's a joy to watch when the various elements...acting, writing, photography, direction...all come together. Have we really seen the last of the Aztek? It may be going away, but Walt in his skivvies is an iconic TV image. Loved Lydia's little expression with the pillow. She's going to make things very interesting. And no offense to y'all, I like this show too much to allow anyone other than Gillian to tell me his story as he sees fit. A lot of the wild speculation will remain just that, but some of it could be close enough to taint the experience.
Aug. 6, 2012, 4:15 a.m. CST
So was that a gun trigger being pulled back at the very end as the watch ticked?
by Griefo
I think it was. Is Skylar going to try to kill Walt or is she going to kill herself?
Aug. 6, 2012, 4:24 a.m. CST
Walter Jr.'s Bacon
by dcsmith
Did Skyler foreshadow doom for Walter Jr. by taking the bacon (1 year) from him and giving it to his dad?
Aug. 6, 2012, 4:49 a.m. CST
cedhollywood it says that the psyche of Americans is that they know the difference between fiction and reality you asshole. When real people die its a tragedy when fake people die its cool because even though we care about the fake people We know they are
by and
Aug. 6, 2012, 5:54 a.m. CST
The comments wasn't about real vs. fantasy ignoramus but about ones one morality for rooting for a villain over a hero. And obviously there are and will be some that can't make that distinction when they color their hair and calls himself the joker.
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 6, 2012, 5:58 a.m. CST
For the record to future "I know better than anybody" assholes,the question is why is rooting for people who murder and destroy "cool" in fantasy? What does that say about you?
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:06 a.m. CST
The constant need to play violent video games and to watch violent movies says something about all of us. I have no answers but clearly this validity for violence in fantasy cant be overlooked as harmless "recreational" hobbies?
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:10 a.m. CST
I say this because like many I looked at breaking bad and rooting for Walt. Why? Because a part of me sees myself in Walt? That if times were that bad I too would sell my soul to make sure I'm provided for and fuck the rest?
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:14 a.m. CST
It was just to get some responses about ethics and violence in our culture of fantasy.
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:20 a.m. CST
no mention of rian johnson???
by la te ral us
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:46 a.m. CST
cedhollywood: this isn't twitter. You can type more in the "comment" box.
by Executor
Don't be a moron and use six entries just because you want to make your point using only the subject line. Get with the program.
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:50 a.m. CST
Only a long winded idiot would think to compare Breaking Bad to the real life shooting in Colorado.
by Fries Against
And the possibility that I may not be a moral person doesn't bother me one tiny bit.
Aug. 6, 2012, 7:15 a.m. CST
This TB was going so well until cedhollywood showed up
by martinprince
Don't ruin it for the rest of us, OK?
Aug. 6, 2012, 7:25 a.m. CST
RE: Jesse giving Walt a bug
by martinprince
I'm not one of those viewers who latches onto details in the show and assumes it must be foreshadowing. However, since people here have floated the theory that Jesse is setting Walt up: near the end of the episode when Walt returns home after checking on the kids he tells Skyler that they were watching Ratatouille. Someone on another forum pointed out that this is a movie about a RAT who COOKS. Personally I think that may be reading too much into things but it was an interesting connection. Also, I loved how when Mike decided that Lydia must have planted the tracker he immediately said "Well, she's dead" and headed for the door.
Aug. 6, 2012, 7:27 a.m. CST
Also, BUGS seem to be a recurring theme this season
by martinprince
The tracker on the barrell, the nanny cam in the house, and of course the whole VAMANOS PESTS operation.
Aug. 6, 2012, 7:30 a.m. CST
Making us root for the bad guy is the genius of Breaking Bad
by StevenScorsese
Gilligan and co. have done such a masterful job of taking an everyman, making him relatable, and slowly having him cross lines (in a seemingly justifiable way), until we are fully rooting for the bad guy and on edge wanting him to get away with whatever he's doing. Crackpot mini-theory: In the flash-forward, Walt is getting the gun to confront Lydia, who somehow gets the drop on Mike and kills him. Once again, it's up to Walt to tie up the loose end so she doesn't flip on them to save her own skin. Wouldn't be surprised if Hank gains leverage on her and puts the squeeze on to reveal the identity of Heisenberg.
Aug. 6, 2012, 7:35 a.m. CST
I LOLed when Walt said it had been a year since his diagnosis
by martinprince
and Marie said "It feels a lot longer than that."
Aug. 6, 2012, 7:58 a.m. CST
To spiel b.o. enjoy your oblivious way of thinking. If such things aren't discussed in EVERY forum and isolated elsewhere then you and people like yourself will stay blind as long as it doesn't concern you.
by Cedric Ford
Aug. 6, 2012, 8:14 a.m. CST
It's a noir, you don't got to fucking idolize the main character
by Don_Drapers_Acid_Trip
The whole appeal is watching bad people mess up their lives even further. Do you wrestle with yourself over enjoying movies like Double Indemnity? I don't why this gets brought up so much with Breaking Bad. The people who say Skylar is a bitch, annoying, etc. are disgusting and pieces of shit though, yeah, and have been since the beginning. I never got that.
Aug. 6, 2012, 8:20 a.m. CST
All the plot theories people bring up here
by Don_Drapers_Acid_Trip
have helped me realize how most tv comes to be as shittily written as it is. Stick to your day jobs guys. How do you watch this show as long as you have and come up with this corn ball nbc show bullshit? Like your dumb shit would fit right in with the show up to now. And half of you ask questions that were answered in the episode you just watched and the other half of you can't even seem to tell that that the opening of the premier took place in new mexico. Geniuses.
Aug. 6, 2012, 8:46 a.m. CST
Walter White dies...
by D_T
...but Heisenberg lives. I'm thinking VG will "kill" Walter, and he'll lose everything but Heisenberg will live on, the King of a new drug empire that he realizes means nothing - especially when his cancer comes back and ho doesn't even have his family to comfort him. Another fantastic episode. I can't believe were half way through, only four more till the break.
Aug. 6, 2012, 9:30 a.m. CST
In the clip from next week Hank asks Walt Jr. if he wants to watch HEAT
by martinprince
and next week is a heist episode. Looking forward to it!
Aug. 6, 2012, 9:57 a.m. CST
I think Hank knows
by Drew
Gus's cooks are making more meth.
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:06 a.m. CST
Wow there sure is a strong breeze in here. Wait, it's just that long winded idiot cedhiollywood.
by Fries Against
Do you feel better now that you got some attention? You're such a little princess.
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:09 a.m. CST
by martinprince
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:15 a.m. CST
I DO recall when Walt was on edge around Hank talking to him, but now he talks to him very casually. I don't want Walt getting found out just b/c he's getting sloppy. The character has been established too well for that kinda end.
by Dogmatic
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:19 a.m. CST
Selling the Aztek was Walt saying goodbye to old fuddy duddy Walt and hello to Scarface Walt!
by Dogmatic
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:20 a.m. CST
And no offense but who is being the good parent here? Walt is taking care of his family, spending quality time with Jr., caring much for little baby girl (her name?) while Skyler is a mess to be around. So I say Walt is the better parent here now!
by Dogmatic
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:21 a.m. CST
As far as walt's wife knows, a cartel wanted Hank dead. So was that really a better place for the kids?
by Fries Against
She doesn't care about their safety as much as she wants to hurt Walt. Such a bitch.
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:26 a.m. CST
Was the gun he bought in the Future episode the same as the one Al Pacino uses in Scarface?
by masteryoda007
Looked a lot like it. Maybe Walt has some little friends to say "haylo" to before the series ends.
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:41 a.m. CST
Episode 8...
by jmdaulton
I'm betting that with Walt Jr. and Holly out of the house, Walt tries to use the ricin to poison Sklyar via her cigarettes (which she was shown smoking prominently last episode) - but that his plan misfires, and he accidentally winds up killing Marie instead. When Skylar quickly realizes what Walt did, she immediately blows his cover, and that's what makes him go on the run.
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:47 a.m. CST
If you paid attention you'd know Walt's wife knows it was Fring
by Don_Drapers_Acid_Trip
There's nothing about any cartel that Skyler knows about. That sounds like some bullshit justification just like Walt would come up with to make being a dickhead to her okay. "Skyer just wants to 'hurt' Walt!" What are you guys, idiots? Walt is a fucking maniac drug lord, if anything Skyler has been more than reasonable the whole show. I think you guys are probably just misogynistic mouth breathing nerds who've never touched a woman or connected with another human being on any substantial level.
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:48 a.m. CST
I don't think Walt will kill Skyler. He is cocky enough now that he really thinks she is gonna come back around to him...evidenced in using the Jesse "from gun to my head to watch on my hand" reference
by Dogmatic
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:55 a.m. CST
The final ep - my wish
by tomdolan04
They open with no credits or titles and just show Hank, Jessie and Walt getting dressed and ready for the last showdown / day at work whilst the full three minutes or so of 'The ecstacy of gold' plays at full blast from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. <p> I have faith Gilligan and co will do something more original and inspired. I just heard the track earlier and it got me pumped imagining Walt donning 'the hat' as the 'waaaah waaaah woooawww' bit plays
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:02 a.m. CST
One word
by LastButNotLeastNinja
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:23 a.m. CST
One word
by tomdolan04
No. <p> No more antagonists necessary. The ingredients are all there for a epic final run.
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:27 a.m. CST
Please Jebus let BB have as good and smart an ending as the Sopranos. Amen. And please continue to watch over the half-wits who still dont "get" the ending. Thanks.
by dahveed1972
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:27 a.m. CST
Please Jebus let BB have as good and smart an ending as the Sopranos. Amen. And please continue to watch over the half-wits who still dont "get" the ending. Thanks.
by dahveed1972
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:31 a.m. CST
by dancinggopher01
I agree with you to an extent, but I don't think it's misogynistic to not like Skylar. I can see how people get annoyed with her. From the very beginning she has been set up to as an annoyance. From the first handjob while playing on ebay to cheating with Benneke to make Walt jealous, to using her womanly wiles to get out of 1., a shoplifting charge, 2. an IRS audit, 3. into Walt's condo, she has been an easy character to dislike.
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:31 a.m. CST
And to those who think Skylar's a meddling bitch and Walt is a hero: Yes, you are at heart a bad person. And so is your husband/wife/kids.
by dahveed1972
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:34 a.m. CST
Hank not on the case
by dancinggopher01
Hank's promotion will take him off the Heisenberg case. He's been the guy that thought out of the box and was the guy that figured everything out with Fring. He obviously took the job, but where is the DEA's case going to go with the best field man sitting behind a desk? I don't see Gomez figuring everything out. Hank will need to continue with the Heisenberg thing off the clock and as he figures things out, will need to drop hints to Gomez again. However, when he figures out it's Walt, he's going to need to protect his own ass.
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:36 a.m. CST
The ricin
by calrabjohns
Am I missing something that happened so early? I thought Walt tampered with the electrical socket and hid the ricin at Jesse's house followed by feverish searching for the rogue cigarette and then Brock w/mother came into the house. I might be blending a couple episodes together. Ataxras999 (not sure if that's the spelling), tell us what you know! I read through the entire TB and was gobsmacked at calling the pulls for next week. I don't want to try my hand at divination. I'll just scratch my arm like a man itching for his fix.
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:40 a.m. CST
Hey dahveed...
by Red Ned Lynch
...what about those of us who don't think of Walt as a hero but also regard Skylar as a pretty bad person?
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:44 a.m. CST
by ataraxia999
Wow... I don't have any inside scoop; I was just connecting Jesse James and Walt's train comment in the last promo. My feel from this episode, besides the great irony of Walt scoffing at the thought of his son being told he's a "wife beater," while pretty much verbally beating her down. Great scene. Is Gomez working for Mike? Mike told Lydia the DEA (being only Gomez and Hank) were 30 seconds away. Mike's 900 miles away. Unless Mike has his own Fringy-type laptop with a dozen camera feeds, then he was tipped off. --Awhile back, Mike reported word from inside that Hank was a rogue and Gus wasn't under suspicion. --Gomez searched for the lab, but found nothing. --Gomez tell Mike that Lydia probably is innocent. So, either he's a shabby detective, or he's Mike's inside guy. No? ehh whatever
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:48 a.m. CST
Yeah, at this point it's in Hank's best interest to protect Walt if he finds out.
by blackmantis
If it's revealed his own brother in law was Heisenberg the whole time and he was clueless about it, it makes him look either really stupid, or complicit somehow. Either way his career in the DEA is finished.
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:49 a.m. CST
As for the ricin and Skylar...
by Red Ned Lynch
...it seems really obvious that Walt will at least try to use the ricin on Skylar. And given the history of this show that makes me doubt that he will.
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:52 a.m. CST
by Red Ned Lynch
...I had always thought the inside guy (if there was to be one that paid off in-show) was Hank's boss. But given the developments of this season Gomez is the only DEA we know left standing.
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:53 a.m. CST
by dancinggopher01
I've always said that there is someone in the DEA that was helping Gus. I always thought it was the bossman and not Gomez, but now you got me thinking.
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:53 a.m. CST
Hank can't see the forest for the trees
by Beebop
He's SO damn smart. I loved that he picked up on Lydia wearing mismatched shoes, so he questions "how together" she really is. Yet, Walt is the man who he's been chasing for a year now. And it's almost understandable why he wouldn't realize it - for 99% of the time that Hank's known Walt, Walt has been a weak, meek, unassuming dork. Walt is Hank's "Perloined Letter." Great episode again last night. Walt is more contemptible than ever, and worse, his hubris has reached epic proportions. The cars, the hat, the "nothing will stop this train" comment...he really, truly believes he's The Man now and no one can take it away from him. He's reckless in his hubris and we know, from the flash-foward, that he's going to face a downfall.
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:57 a.m. CST
by dancinggopher01
The only thing I thought of during the bedroom scene was how close the ricin was. The watch being on the exact end table that the ricin is hiding behind, ticking away... that's what I took from that.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:02 p.m. CST
Never considered Gomez might be an inside man
by martinprince
But I can't think of any reason that would NOT be possible...hmmm... I was disappointed last night when Hank got the promotion taking him off the Fring case. We've been waiting for that situation to come to a head since the first season!
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:02 p.m. CST
Jesse has to found out the monster Walt truly is. He just has to. The writers owe him that much. And on a sidenote, anyone else find it comical just how warped Walt has been thinking things will get better with Skylar, when she's been closemouthed and tre
by A. Garcia
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:03 p.m. CST
mbling at his very presence? Dude has lost his goddamn mind.
by A. Garcia
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:03 p.m. CST
Gomez is definitely the mole
by John Doe
piece together all of his conduct about Lydia, the laundry etc. He's it for sure. How this comes out in the wash is the real question.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:04 p.m. CST
And if the DEA is dirty or complicit in the whole MADRIGAL or meth scene
by martinprince
That could be a reason for Hank to go rogue and team up with Walt
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:07 p.m. CST
And about the morality...seriously...
by Red Ned Lynch
...the show initially presented us with a man of whom great things were once expected, who had failed to achieve those expectations, who had been confronted with the threat of his own imminent death. He made an initial choice (immoral by societal standards) that offered the hope of allowing him to provide for his family after his death. There are two tracks here, though. The first is the classic noir slide into ever murkier moral ground. The second is the equally classic notion of the fatal flaw, which in Walt's case is his pride. Walt's pride, as much as his desire to care for his family, steered him down the path he has taken. A man only concerned about his family would have swallowed his pride and taken the help he was offered. That help, if accepted in the form of the job he was initially offered, would have extended to his family, and probably not just in terms of Silicone Valley style death benefits. It would have been easy to make this show without including Grey Matters and if that had been done, if Walt had not had another possible, if unpalatable option, then I would have a great deal more sympathy for him. Without that option nearly every terrible thing he has done would have represented the most logical solution to the threats he faced, the solutions best designed to meet the imperative of protecting and providing for his family. Now whether that imperative is sufficient to excuse some of the things Walt has done is a different matter.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:09 p.m. CST
When did people start putting their entire post in the subject line instead of the comment box? I love the 2-part nature of the TBs
by martinprince
^see above^
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:13 p.m. CST
by Amfpsych
You really are a moron. Since the beginning of time human beings have enjoyed the fantasy of all consuming power. That's why people enjoy scarface, the godfather, even citizen cane. It's actually a very healthy outlet for the destructive impulses we are all born with. Just because your impulses are a little more on the surface and scare you a bit doesnt mean you need to be an asshole so please stop embarrassing yourself. And no, it didn't start with tv - read Greek mythology and you'll see it there too.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:13 p.m. CST
Skyler using her "womanly wiles" to get out of a shoplifting charge
by Don_Drapers_Acid_Trip
(when she hadn't even shoplifted) or into Walt's apartment when she's worried he might be DEAD seem like pretty silly things to bring up as an example of how she's a "bad person" when she exists in the same show as Walter White. Walter brought a bomb into a hospital, sent his old neighbor lady into his house to spring a death trap meant for him, poisoned a child, and blew up a an old folks home all in a single episode. What's Skyler's worst crime? Helping a guy cheat the IRS? She made all the decisions in Walt's like up to the point the show started because Walt was a meek loser high school teacher. When the whole dynamic of her relationship with Walt gets completely turned around practically over night as he becomes a criminal and ego maniac and she doesn't just roll over, so grateful and thankful to her husband, Walt, along with the majority of the viewers apparently just react with complete obliviousness and confusion to her actions. It's hilarious and depressing how much the viewer and Walt are similar in that regard.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:19 p.m. CST
Walt has already poisioned a little boy. Hes not the family man here.
by Lovecraftfan
For all you who actually believe that its all for his family and hes looking out for his family please. Those days are long gone. He can play the family lip service all he wants but he really just wants to throw his ego around and be the bad guy. He likes it. If Walt Jr. got in the way I wouldn't count on all the I love my family platitudes to hold up.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:27 p.m. CST
by dancinggopher01
I didn't say that using her womanly wiles made her a bad person, I just said I can see how people could be annoyed by them. (For the record, I personally am not annoyed by them, but my friends who watch are) She seems like a very bipolar character to me sometimes, though. Last season she was getting a hard-on when there was money coming in. She was on wikipedia trying to figure out how to launder the money. She made a huge ordeal out of the car wash, tricking old eyebrow guy out of it, and hiring goons to get Benneke to pay the IRS. She put her feet in the water of the drug business, liked it, and when shit got real, and Walt did what he had to do, just like her with Benneke, she freaks out. I know it's apples and oranges (getting someone to pay the IRS by intimidation and blowing up three people in a nursing home) but you have to be able to see how that would add confusion. On the other hand, I can see your point too, but I feel like just because I don't like her character sometimes, it doesn't mean I hate women.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:27 p.m. CST
don_drapers_acid_trip is an over analyzing self absorbed twat.
by Fries Against
I don't need to rant for twenty minutes to make my point you debate stirring attention whore.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:29 p.m. CST
BTW all those "anybody who disagrees with me is mysoginistic and has never been touched by a woman and has no morals" lines are used up talkback cliche.
by Fries Against
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:30 p.m. CST
Skyler isn't NEARLY as bad as Lori on WALKING DEAD
by martinprince
There's a woman we can all agree to despise.
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:32 p.m. CST
by dancinggopher01
Aug. 6, 2012, 12:58 p.m. CST
by tomdolan04
Aug. 6, 2012, 1:02 p.m. CST
Episode Review
by Jeremy Sollie
Here's a review of last night's episode. I'm hoping to build up a great comment section on the weekly reviews for people to discuss the episodes: http://t.co/Y2mtSxcV
Aug. 6, 2012, 1:15 p.m. CST
if someone gave me a choice
by tomdolan04
To either have sex with the hottest celebrity or girl of your choice 12 times and never see the final 12 of BB or the option to see the final 12 now, that bitch would be sent packing and Id be breaking out the popcorn
Aug. 6, 2012, 1:28 p.m. CST
There is no rationale for either Walt or Skyler to kill Skyler at this point
by bah
Skyler is the only one able to protect the kids from Walt. Even if she wanted to die, she couldn't for that reason. Walt needs Skyler to launder for him, if nothing else. Plus, I believe he does still love her. And really, he has no motivation to kill her. The only reason would be to protect himself, and he does not believe she can kill him or turn him in. Future events may change all of this, but this is where it stands now.
Aug. 6, 2012, 1:36 p.m. CST
dancing gopher: so Skylar using her "womanly wiles" to lie and get out of trouble...
by Executor
...is annoying and unlikeable? Walt lying and manipulating to stay out of trouble is cool? I think that's what Don_drapers_acid_trip meant as misogynistic thought. I think you proved his point.
Aug. 6, 2012, 1:49 p.m. CST
by jsfithaca
completely agree. and id say anyone who doesn't, is gay.
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:01 p.m. CST
Still don't know why Skyler doesn't go to the police.
by KnowItAllFromCali
If she's afraid for herself and her children, what sense does that make?
Aug. 6, 2012, 2:39 p.m. CST
Jesus people...
by cleetdog101
Skyler isnt a bad vile person... she's just not cut out for a life of drug dealing, killing, and intimidation. she never was - she tried strong arming someone (Ted) and it back fired. She's thinking of the children & the next killer who may come to her home. As far as why she doesnt go to the police - to do so would mean Walt going to jail. Wanting out/wanting safety, and wanting Walt in prison are 2 very different agendas. shes not ready for the kids to see Walt that way...but the more Walt taunts her, the more ready she will get... Walt should just leave again...seriously.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:03 p.m. CST
The Reason Skyler doesn't go to the police
by John Doe
Consider that she's invested in Walt's dirty laundry, no pun intended. Going to the police means rolling the dice that she'll get immunity for all of her own misconduct. She isn't an unwitting accomplice remember. She invested in Walt's drug business to money launder the money she had to piss away to avoid the IRS investigation. I don't think she'd skirt the law. Also, she probably knows she would bring Hank down for doing all of this under his nose (and having paid his health bills with illicit funds). In short, she is along for the ride unless Walt dies. I have to say, Skyler telling Walt she is just hoping for the return of the cancer is one of the most cringe worthy scenes imaginable. Just stunning.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:13 p.m. CST
by dancinggopher01
Well, for one, I never said that what Walt does is "cool". And two, I can already tell that the words "womanly wiles" weren't the best words of choice for an argument about misogyny. I am simply saying that I understand why people dislike the character of Skylar. It has nothing to do with misogyny. I don't think anyone hates her for simply being a woman, but they dislike her for the choices she makes.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:17 p.m. CST
It always makes me laugh when Sopranos lovers call people who didn't like the ending to the show stupid or some other degrading term....
by YourMomsBox3D
Forget about the last 2 minutes, and let's talk about the entire final 20 episodes. Eat a dick you pretentious windbags. We all got the ending. It just sucked. As did the entire final season. A and B.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:18 p.m. CST
Just don't buy it...
by KnowItAllFromCali
I think the fact that she was able to say that to Walt should mean that she's ready to give up on everything turning out okay. If she really cares about her kids, she should be willing to go to jail, if that's what it takes to keep them safe. She's not a bitch, but she is a wuss. :) I'm not saying her behavior is impossible. People do silly things all the time, but it's a far cry from the confident woman she was for much of last season.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:25 p.m. CST
I hate Skyler because she gave hundreds of thousands of Walt's money to that worm she was allowing to spootie inside her. I don't think that makes me a bad person.
by YourMomsBox3D
Walt has turned into an utter piece of shit. So what? We root for him not because we approve of what he does, but in spite of it. Watching the show from the beginning, seeing Walt kicked around by life, makes it somewhat relate-able to understand this snap and sympathize with the corruption of his soul. Just because a viewer decides to go along for the ride with a TV show doesn't make them bad people. I don't have to look deep down inside myself and reflect on my thoughts and outlook because I root for the bad guy once a week. Get a grip.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:29 p.m. CST
Decent enough points, knowitallfromcali, but I don't know that Skyler is a wuss. Her confidence last season was justified, as is her terror now at seeing the consequences and ramification of those kinds of choices.
by YourMomsBox3D
It's a perfect contrast to Walt, who seems to only grow more and more ego-driven and power hungry in spite of the horrible things occurring on his path.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:38 p.m. CST
TALKBAD claims the top Talkback slot
by martinprince
That thing finally updated. So can we officially call this "experiment" a success?
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:39 p.m. CST
Sunday TV TB: 70 posts vs. BREAKING BAD TB: 222
by martinprince
The fire rises.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:40 p.m. CST
friesagainst I get the feeling you've been accused of misogyny and idiocy a lot
by Don_Drapers_Acid_Trip
You're internet comment section moron fodder. Don't take it too hard, we can't all be rocket scientists.
Aug. 6, 2012, 3:44 p.m. CST
Marie = collateral damage soon
by Squinty CGI Flynn
Aug. 6, 2012, 4:03 p.m. CST
Yeah, Walt is Going to Kill Skylar
by _Maltheus_
Every since I heard about a vague Gilligan statement that Walt is about to do something that even he can't forgive (or something like that), I kind of figured that it would be killing Skylar. She's been a ticking timebomb for the whole show and she's also one of the smartest characters. She'll figure out a way to back Walt into a corner and he'll pull the trigger. He'll do anything to "protect his family", and she's trying to take them away from him. It can only end one way for her. Now that he won't listen to anyone anymore, Walt is in full on reckless mode. The two car lease thing will be revealed for a lie, the second Hank gets curious. And why wouldn't he, given his skepticism the first time this happened. Wearing the alter-ego hat around his family, was a nice touch too. Not sure what's up with Jesse. Yeah, I get that he feels bad about not trusting Walt before, but Walt hasn't been all that subtle with the threats since. I'd like to believe that he's working on some sort of plan B. After making a little more money, I'm not sure what his incentive is to even stick around any longer.
Aug. 6, 2012, 4:47 p.m. CST
Skyler made a HUGE mistake...
by A_J_Pennypacker
She will get a cigarette full of ricin and it will be played off as suicide and everyone will believe it since she already tried to kill herself.
Aug. 6, 2012, 5 p.m. CST
by ataraxia999
I see people saying lease, but i'm pretty sure he bought 'em. He gets $137,000, and gets the cars and then gives Skylar $20,000 to launder. I think $117,000 is just right for both cars. He is just such a huge pathological liar now.
Aug. 6, 2012, 5:13 p.m. CST
First mistake of this show IMO
by Extr3m1st
I don't like how things are going down with Skylar and Walt. She is too over the top and him acting like he didn't notice her abject hate for him was not believable at all to me. Her walking into the pool like that, again not something I believe she would do as a mother of a young child. Her thinking the kids can stay away for as long as it takes for Walt to end up dead? Again not something anyone would really think would be a good plan. You want Walt gone that bad, go to the feds tell them you want immunity for yourself and you will give up the guy behind all the blue meth. Have them relocate you and your family and be done with Walt for good. Also I think Walt's descent into this guy who no longer cares what his wife feels or what may happen to his kids because of his meth cooking is really not something I would have ever pictured with this guy who used to be a school teacher. He cooked meth because he thought he would be dead soon and wanted his family to have money. Now he just wants power and doesn't care if his family is destroyed forever.
Aug. 6, 2012, 5:55 p.m. CST
by misterseanp
Who else LOL'd at: Walt: ...the danger is gone Skyler: I thought YOU were the danger Walt is definitely suffering from an invincibility complex. He survived Gus, manipulated Jesse into a 180 degree change in attitude, turned Mike from mortal enemy to business partner etc After surviving all that he has, he isn't sweating the details anymore. He is going to wear the Heisenberg hat, drive the fancy cars and tell Skyler to stick it with any complaints. We are obviously seeing the buildup to a pride comes before the fall scenario, question is what causes the fall? Walt has definitely disregarded or underestimated Skyler, but I don't see her as the one to take him down.
Aug. 6, 2012, 5:58 p.m. CST
by Extr3m1st
Just because I don't agree with the direction Walt and Skylar are heading in doesn't mean I don't think the show is brilliant. I love BB. I just think they laid it on a bit too heavy with the way Skylar has been acting and also I think Walt's descent is just too hardcore. He has no reason to want all that power when he already knows he doesn't have that much time left to spend with his kids and his wife. I do think in time he will bounce back somehow and try and redeem himself and fail.
Aug. 6, 2012, 5:58 p.m. CST
Skyler, peaceful in the pool, then a predator appears...
by David Cloverfield
The way walt appeared to save her - tear her out from her underwater bliss. Awesome.
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:11 p.m. CST
No turning back
by misterseanp
Although Walt's behavior is no longer excusable or at least morally gray, it is still understandable. Think of all that Walt has endured, surviving cancer, living a double life, surviving Tuco, going toe to toe with, and surviving Gus and co, the end of his marriage (essentially). On top of that, Walt has shredded his conscience, his decency and really any semblance of who he was before. He did all that he did to secure support for his family after his death. All of that support is gone. So basically he went through all he did for nothing. How can he turn back knowing he has nothing to show for all of his trials? It is more than that now, as Walt is full of himself and likes the new tough guy / evil genius version of himself and doesn't want to turn back.
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:12 p.m. CST
Walt and Skylar's Direction
by _Maltheus_
Yeah, it hasn't sat well with me either. It's not like Skylar to be so paralyzed with terror, that she doesn't even broach the subject of divorce anymore. I guess it's because Walt wouldn't listen anyway, but that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me either since it would help to protect his family. Pride doesn't explain his complete inability to empathize. The transistion to sociopath seems a little forced and rushed to me.
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:24 p.m. CST
Why does Jesse need a bug?
by paulloch
He's afraid of Walt. The warning from Mike at the kitchen table is being heeded. He wants to know if/when Walt will "go boom". Jesse doesn't need evidence for any law enforcement agency, he's got Walt's fingerprints all over the road cases, and witnesses -- Badger and Skinny Pete to identify Heisenberg. That's more than enough already. This is all about personal security, not ratting to the law enforcement, (even though Walt won't see it that way).
Aug. 6, 2012, 6:56 p.m. CST
That first scene in Denny's is probably not a year later...
by Gorehog
Walt's carrying a false ID. I don't think the birthday is going to be the same. It's probably sooner, maybe later, maybe even a couple of years later.
Aug. 6, 2012, 7:27 p.m. CST
Hey griefo!!! I think you called it!
by eince
My wife and I are pretty sure that is a gun cocking at the end of the episode. Good call!
Aug. 6, 2012, 8:20 p.m. CST
some peeople don't seem to get it--- Skyler was NOT attempting to kill herself in the pool
by Titus05
Aug. 6, 2012, 8:37 p.m. CST
by Truxton Spangler
I'm in the same camp. With so few episodes remaining, they're relying more on dramatic license, so not everything is going to feel organic. Walt has acted erratically in the past, and Skyler's already almost left him once before, but she changed her mind at Four Corners at came back. Now that she's completely aware of Walt's actions, she he even more reason to leave him, and IMO the legal implications of being an accomplice could be dealt with in exchange for her testimony, and with help from Hank. She wouldn't get off scott free, but considering the alternative... Bugs and moles? Shit, people, this ain't 24.
Aug. 6, 2012, 9:11 p.m. CST
Bugs and Moles
by ataraxia999
*truxton, there was a whole episode CALLED Bug last season. As for moles, I'm pretty Emily Rios (who plays Andrea) had a mole on her ass last time she slept over my house. No sex though, damned Jehovah's Witnesses.
Aug. 6, 2012, 9:43 p.m. CST
the best part of this episode...
by yourSTEPDADDY
i literally said "___ is about to lose their shit" twice. the 1st time was when skylar sees the cars the 2nd time was something involving Walt, I forgot exactly but then Skylar actually loses her shit i found that funny
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:04 p.m. CST
Skyer & Risen
by DZ
Someone here nail it, styler will get a ricin cigarette as Walt will do it to save the family from what he will perceive as her recklessness. He is completely addicted to power now, nothing else matters. He didn't even seem fazed by her comment about waiting for cancer to return I loved how she was blowing her second hand smoke all around Walt, lung cancer survivor. Almost as if she was wiling his cancer to relapse.
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:07 p.m. CST
145 posts on BB talk back
by DZ
More than twice the second best. Why this was and experiment is only thing surprising as it has been the best show on TV the last 4 years. Aintitcool, ain't that cool for not doing this sooner
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:09 p.m. CST
flashforward could be Walt running away from his family...
by Titus05
without telling them that his cancer has returned...after Skyler's comment about wanting his cancer to return he is not going to give her the satisfaction of finding out
Aug. 6, 2012, 10:21 p.m. CST
the cars...
by obi_juan
Just watched the first minute. When did Walt stop being uber concerned about driving around in a flashy car and drawing attention?
Aug. 6, 2012, 11:48 p.m. CST
The DODGE ad was funny for 15s, then they went too far.
by Pixelsmack
Now I'm pissed. Selling out?
Aug. 7, 2012, 12:51 a.m. CST
Two things pretty significant that I don't see too many people mentioning
by heyoucantlaughatthat
Last episode was huge for Walt and Skyler, but it was a pretty big episode for Hank too. First off, Hank looked like he was walking with absolute ease. I know it's been getting better but last night he seemed perfectly fine. Also, he was offered that promotion. Now it would be naive to think Hank would let the job offer get in the way of catching the elusive Heisenberg, but he DID accept it, so he's either gonna have to find some way out of it or continue his investigation on his own time. ONE MORE THING- Hank's direct involvement with the marital trouble of the White's (him being present during Marie's dip in the pool) can only set off more red flags for him, I don't know of he'll be the one to keep asking burning questions about the Whites' relationship, but you can be sure Marie will.
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:10 a.m. CST
Sorry but Skyler is one annoying bitch, she cost Walt 617k!!!
by ganymede3010
Because she was cooking the books for the crooked boss she was fucking. If I was Walt I would of let her ass drown.
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:11 a.m. CST
I'm going to be pissed if this ends up a cancer induced dream.
by Optimus Prime
Like if Walt is in a coma and the cancer is eating away at his brain causing him to have this crazy elaborate dream. Then he wakes up to have his family and everyone back happily in his life only for him to then die, but with a smile on his face. Then just a black screen with the words "Drugs're bad. MMmmkay?"
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:13 a.m. CST
If Skyler goes to the police she'll be an accomplice, and her kids would be gone forever..
by ganymede3010
There's nothing she can do, she can't go to the police, she's fucked.
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:23 a.m. CST
A fly at 42 min mark
by DZ
behind Walter's head when he says the meth flows no matter what, there is a chart behind his head illustrating the house and solider flies. There also was a fly sound effect used in last weeks episode, Nothing in this show is by accident.
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:31 a.m. CST
Skyler's 51 Ashtray
by DZ
She uses a coffee mug with the number 51 on the side
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:34 a.m. CST
Gun cocking
by DZ
yes, you right be right. i listened with head phones and yes, its sounds like a gun cocking at the end of the episode.
Aug. 7, 2012, 5:02 a.m. CST
If I was Skyler I'd kill Walt or turn him in ASAP
by FrodoFraggins
Aug. 7, 2012, 5:02 a.m. CST
Skyler can get immunity for her testimony
by FrodoFraggins
Aug. 7, 2012, 6:35 a.m. CST
Hank's Promotion
by PotSmokinAlien
Was I the only one who immediately thought "Oh shit, this guy offering him the promotion is on the take for Madrigal?" That seems to make the most rational sense to me... It's now very clear that Hank is the engine of the Fring investigation, so if he is removed then the investigation goes nowhere. And it's cleaner to promote him than kill him.
Aug. 7, 2012, 9:27 a.m. CST
Significance of the watch
by Jamie
It's a Tag Heuer Monaco, made famous by Steve McQueen in the movie "Le Mans" - which ends with McQueen's character sacrificing personal glory (a first place finish) for a team win. Subtext is Jesse wants Walt to let his ego go for the good of the team - before they all lose.
Aug. 7, 2012, 10:05 a.m. CST
With no other choice, Skyler will tell Hank
by Dapper Swindler
Walter will go on the run, get large gun.
Aug. 7, 2012, 10:10 a.m. CST
Prediction: Series finale will be either like Roseanne or The Shootist
by TruantOranje
Either Skyler is writing this entire thing as one of her stories and playing with the identities of the characters OR Walt's cancer comes back and he goes to face a certain death and taking out his enemies at the same time a la John Wayne's The Shootist.
Aug. 7, 2012, 10:16 a.m. CST
yourmomsbox3d, sorry dude, you might be a little stupid
by Tim
Sopranos season 6b = one of the best seasons of any show, ever it's an amazing, dark journey And last 20 episodes?? Season 5 can stand up against any other season.
Aug. 7, 2012, 10:33 a.m. CST
immunity maybe, but too much risk
by John Doe
Hank goes down along with everything else remember? Those health benefit payments destroy his career. Skyler won't go to Hank except as the very last resort. Everything about her life is dirty right now. Cant wait to see how this all goes down. I think the TBers above are right and Walt will either kill Skyler or somehow Marie becomes collateral damage and then it all goes to hell.
Aug. 7, 2012, 10:37 a.m. CST
I'm a little stupid? Which one of us can't add to 20?
by YourMomsBox3D
Why are you lumping Season 5 into anything? I said the final 20 episodes of the show sucked. All of those fall under season 6, which was actually 21 episodes long. I enjoyed the final season opener, Members Only, and then it was against downhill clusterfuck from there -- TWENTY EPISODES worth. You find it to be an amazing, dark journey? Awesome. Doesn't make me stupid for choosing to let you take that trip alone.
Aug. 7, 2012, 12:31 p.m. CST
Corrine Mackey survived HER show...just saying.
by Bill C.
Sure, she had to take her kids and go into witness protection (and, to be fair, she wasn't nearly as complicit as Skyler White is in her husband's misdeeds), but she did survive it. So hey...
Aug. 7, 2012, 1:16 p.m. CST
I honestly don't think this is the type of show that would kill Skyler off. It's the easy way out.
by YourMomsBox3D
And while killing off major characters always gets huge buzz in the social and print media, and garners tons of attention, Breaking Bad doesn't strike me as a program that does things for attention. If whacking out Skyler makes sense to the plot, and is organic to the story, sure, but seeing the writing on the wall for a particular character because her relationship with Walt is strained is a bit much. That's the type of plot point that can really come off as contrived as well, and I like to think that Gilligan and Co. are a bit more clever than that.
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:06 p.m. CST
sopranos final seasons
by jsfithaca
i thought 6b was really good (except for all that aj crap). 6a i thought was the weakest season of the show, and i thought season 5 was somewhat weak as well. i mean they're all good, it is the sopranos after all, but it did get weaker toward the end. as for skyler, i don't think she'll die. i do however think something will happen to holly or walt jr. i think they exist for a larger purpose that we haven't seen yet.
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:18 p.m. CST
Nothing in this show is an accident....
by fat_rancor_keeper
With that in mind - what was Mike watching on tv a few episodes back? I didn't recognize it. But I do know 'bridge on the river kwai' was a hint toward the explosion with Gus when it was shown on tv being watched by Hector Salamanca .
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:21 p.m. CST
A few thoughts...
by 1TrueGod
Gomez is not a mole in my opinion. Thinking back to the hunt for the RV - before Walt started working for Gus - Hank was sure the RV would lead to the blue meth and Gomez would always second guess Hank's actions. The contrast between the two are deliberate and help to establish Hank's super-sleuthing prowess. Hank's promotion is actually a good thing. Since he'll have complete control over the office. Meaning he can allocate resources to the Fring case as he sees fit. Sure he's one hell of a bloodhound, but having the ability to assign agents & resources to a case will only give Hank more power not diminish it. Yet, it does put his career future at jeopardy if/when Walt is discovered. To this episodes credit, Lydia may end up being the weakest link, becoming an informant for the DEA? maybe...the decision not to kill her is clearly a mistake. Walt killing Skylar - I wouldn't put it past him but don't think it will happen. Regardless of how far Walt is willing go, killing his family (Hank, Marie, Skylar, the kids)???? can't see it. The ricin can't be smoked while in a glass container. so no ricin cig. however, I see the ricin as Walt's ace in the hole. If anyone (excluding the family) becomes a problem, he has a means of eliminating them. Great episode - loved Walt's voice-over while Skylar was starring at the pool.. the blue on a big screen with Walt's voice.. stunning. Had a few DNA strands from Brick.
Aug. 7, 2012, 2:51 p.m. CST
by mukhtabi
Mike was watching the Caine Mutiny. I strongly suspect Walter if full on Commander Queeg at this point.
Aug. 7, 2012, 4:12 p.m. CST
As long as BB doesn't move to purgatory, end will be fine.
by Flip63Hole
Lost's ending is in a class by itself. I don't think a work of fiction will ever get so "lost" within its cleverness again.
Aug. 7, 2012, 4:14 p.m. CST
My thoughts: Walt kills Hank, Skyler kills Walt before Jr.'s eyes.
by Flip63Hole
Takes the baby and Junior and leaves off into the sunset. The End.
Aug. 7, 2012, 4:25 p.m. CST
My vote
by kstewandthecuntsman
Skylar is an annoying bitch of a character and I hope she dies. I also think Walt kills Jesse, blames it all on him,and then lives the rest of his cancer shortened life in misery. Probably totally wrong, but I will enjoy seeing what actually does happen. Sometime next year.....
Aug. 7, 2012, 5:21 p.m. CST
Jr's ultimate fate
by PotSmokinAlien
I've always thought it'd be the most heartwrenching for Walter Jr to team up with Hank and become instrumental in his own father's downfall somehow. Maybe show he's inherited his dad's talent for lying to his own family in the bargain. It'd be good drama for sure. But then again, I thought that kid would be on meth by the end of season 2 when the show began, so what the hell do I know...
Aug. 7, 2012, 5:25 p.m. CST
What a heavy handed crappy episode
by Rupee88
This season is really disappointing so far...no subtlety at all.
Aug. 7, 2012, 5:26 p.m. CST
Watch stuff
by PotSmokinAlien
Morphatoo, that is an AWESOME catch. Regardless of the reference, I thought Walt's speech to Skylar about 'gun to my head/giving me this watch as a gift' was PURE Gus Fring. Somehow subtle but direct at the same time, and indisputably logical. So awesome to see that Walt isn't too stupid to have taken a few pages from that dude's book. I'd love to see him break out some prepackaged crudite if he ever entertains business contacts in a future episode...
Aug. 7, 2012, 6:36 p.m. CST
Of Course the first day is his birthday.
by paulloch
Aug. 7, 2012, 7:04 p.m. CST
Spartacus had baby murder AND mommy murder in one episode...
by FadedLineVigil
Now that show has some real balls. My point being that infant murder is not completely taboo on TV...I could see the ricin and Holly death plot happening.
Aug. 7, 2012, 7:38 p.m. CST
red ned lynch
by DukeRay
You nailed it, man. The whole story is a Shakespearean tragedy, in which Walt's pride brings down not just himself, but every person he ever loved or could have loved. His rejection of help from Grey Matter was the pivot point of the whole thing.
Aug. 7, 2012, 11:22 p.m. CST
I don't think Gilligan ever killed a character named Holly before, so the baby is safe.
by hank henshaw
Back in X-Files, he used to include characters with names inspired by his wife, never killed any of those.
Aug. 8, 2012, 12:04 a.m. CST
Walter will scheme to make Mike appear to be Heisenberg
by Filbakar
The police already know that Heisenberg is an older man with a bald head. This may be Walter's "out". Walter, who is usually the control freak didn't put up much of a fight when Mike essentially took over operations. He is plotting to have Mike take the fall and walk away scot-free! You know this to be true!!
Aug. 8, 2012, 4:18 a.m. CST
Anyone else find Lydia exceptionally annoying?
by Hardboiled Wonderland
I sincerely hope she doesn't get the screentime she got in this episode in future.
Aug. 8, 2012, 4:26 a.m. CST
wait, the other 8 episodes of this so-called 16 episode season
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
are beginning summer 2013? Wouldn't that make it 2 short 8 episode seasons? fuck that!
Aug. 8, 2012, 4:31 a.m. CST
This was the worst episode so far, by far
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
I thought this season started off awesome, but my biggest complaint with this episode is the new cars he bought. We've been through this before, it's a bad idea, so now he buys not 1, but 2 expensive sports cars. As if his story of being a successful card-counter wasn't suspicious enough. Hank is definitely going to figure out that he's Heisenberg.
Aug. 8, 2012, 4:41 a.m. CST
I just hope Walt runs Lydia over with one of those cars
by Hardboiled Wonderland
Goddamn she's annoying.
Aug. 8, 2012, 6:25 a.m. CST
by tomdolan04
Yes they 'did' the car thing before yet with a difference - Skylar browbeated him down and exerted her control by getting Walt to return it. The contrast here was stark in that he bought two and those suckers werent going anywhere
Aug. 8, 2012, 6:33 a.m. CST
kinda torn on the swimming pool scene
by tomdolan04
A bit heavy handed true but still made contextual sense. Its interesting how divisive this episode has been with fans in regards to empathisizing with Walt and/or Skylar - the aggressive tone of this debate, not so much. Gunn and Cranston are doing stellar jobs irrespective of which camp you land in.
Aug. 8, 2012, 7:48 a.m. CST
I'm sorry, but this Season so far, is not as good as the previous ones.
by Stalkeye
the pacing is somewhat slow, there's not enough momentum for the impending climax, and Jesse 's scenes looked a bit "phoned in". Now it's all about Skylar. (Yawn) To drag it out for another year, is a bad descision IMO. why not end it and get it over with dammit? Overall, I'm disappointed in this "final" Season. At least Damages season finale hasn't let me down yet.
Aug. 8, 2012, 9:43 a.m. CST
Meh, I just thought the episode was kinda dull.
by Royston Lodge
I suppose you can't have murder and mayhem in EVERY episode.
Aug. 8, 2012, 12:03 p.m. CST
yeah I got that
by WINONA_RYDERS_PUSSY_JUICE
but I still think it was illogical
Aug. 8, 2012, 2:34 p.m. CST
Love the minutia. Love the theories. Love the analysis. Love the show. Anna Gunn needs to set aside a space on her mantle.
by AzulTool
Aug. 8, 2012, 5:33 p.m. CST
Possible mole discussion
by dlp-edwards
In thinking about the discussion about there being a mole at the DEA -- either Gomez or the guy who just promoted Hank -- I don't think that is true. If there was a DEA mole, it seems to me that Mike would have given Lydia more than a 30 second heads up about the impending DEA visit. It seems more reasonable to believe that there are more employees of Madrigal that are involved. They saw the DEA, immediately called Mike, he immediately call Lydia. As for the GPS tracking device issue. IF the DEA was responsible for placing it, Mike would have known about it in advance. He would have not needed to ask Jesse if he checked the other barrels or wonder why they didn't put it in the barrel. That could also explain why he was so quick to say "She's dead." about Lydia.
Aug. 8, 2012, 6:08 p.m. CST
Winona it's not so illogical if..
by Avon
it's working the plot to the point that Mike can't help but ignore Walt any more. It also emphasises how much Walt is losing his grip with reality, his over self-confidence after coming out on top after all that has gone on. The story clearly shows he's beginning to make more obvious silly choices.. the acceptance of the watch... leasing the cars. Ultimately, the writers are still telling a story and I'd rather judge the reasons why behind their decisions when the season is done rater than try and second guess why they did what just yet.
Aug. 8, 2012, 7:59 p.m. CST
Jesse defending the god-awful Lydia didn't wash for me
by Hardboiled Wonderland
It was almost like Jesse was speaking on behalf of the writers and pleading with the audience, "please like Lydia!" Part of the problem is that she's introduced in the final season. But the main problem is she's just so damn annoying and unlikeable, I could easily skip her scenes and just have Mike tell Walt he has an anonymous source.
Aug. 8, 2012, 8:30 p.m. CST
thoughts and predictions
by VoiceOfSaruman
- Lydia is supposed to be annoying, why is this confusing to people - There is no mole - WW's 52nd birthday - Skyler and Junior are gone, out of his reach, maybe witness protection program, maybe he is signed up too but he's come back to go to war one last time, no plans to return, so it's likely he's lost everything he has had at that point, it's a suicide mission - WW is now painful to watch as a character. It's still a great show, I don't mean that as an insult to it. But WW is finally the big cheese he always wanted to be. He starts off the series as a big pussified failure and then he gets cancer. Now he's a badass. And in reality, he's become a delusional, deceptive dick. The saga of the series so far is to show how he was always headed for trouble - he's got too much pride and ego. And he's no Gus. - Hank has gone from being the series premiere-era loudmouth dick to being the hero of the show. It started with Tuco and his El Paso trip and his anxiety attacks - they humanized him. Now he's the real deal, the real good guy of the show. Not that he's the most interesting character. - I don't think we were ever supposed to like Skyler too much. The series started off with her pussy-whipping WW into oblivion. His life was a drag with her running shit. But at least, we see now, it was sane and legal. - I don't know about the watch. It serves as a nice metaphor - WW's clock is ticking for certain. But maybe it's more. - Lydia totally planted that fake tracker. - WW will die but not of cancer, though the cancer will return before the end.
Aug. 8, 2012, 8:40 p.m. CST
@voiceofsaruman There's likeable annoying, and dislikeable annoying
by Hardboiled Wonderland
I know which camp Lydia falls into. And part of the problem is that it feels like this character should have been introduced last season, or even hinted at a lot earlier. Instead the writers have pulled a George RR Martin with a new character, when we all want to watch the established ones. Lydia is fucking awful. The less I see of her the better.
Aug. 8, 2012, 9 p.m. CST
I hear you but
by VoiceOfSaruman
I think she was meant to be disliked, this is why Mike saying he's going to go kill her is pretty funny. I think everyone wants to see her put out of commission somehow. Yeah maybe it feels like she's late to the game story-wise in a last minute way, but I don't think we've seen too much of her yet, only a few scenes. Mike has a whole crew we didn't see before and that's ok, but Lydia is the focus of those for the moment to show how the drug business can continue on a high level. But I hear you, but something tells me you'll be satisfied sooner or later with how they handle her.
Aug. 8, 2012, 9:35 p.m. CST
I hope so, voiceofsaruman!
by Hardboiled Wonderland
Although if Lydia turns out to be the one who causes the downfall of Walt, I'll be sorely disappointed. Hopefully Hank being promoted and taken off the case is a red herring, and we get the storyline we've all been hoping for -- Hank getting more and more suspicious of Walt, and Walt fucking things up in a panic the way we grew to love in the first few seasons!
Aug. 8, 2012, 11:07 p.m. CST
by VoiceOfSaruman
I think based on that flash forward, WW's hair grown back and all, we will get back a bit to Walt the total desperate fuck up from the early seasons. He definitely doesn't finish this series out as bad ass hatted Heisenberg.
Aug. 9, 2012, 11:07 a.m. CST
Speculating form something I heard on the Podcast
by Severelackofconscience
Vince Gilligan said on the Breaking Bad Insider Podcast that the finale for last season was written as a possible series finale. I suppose while the negotiations with AMC for the final season were ongoing and he wasn't 100% sure the show was coming back or coming back to AMC. He said it wasn't exactly how he would have liked to end the series but it would have worked for a series finale. I remember, after watching the last episode of season, thinking that would have been a good way to end the series. Anyway, this got me thinking that season 4 ended on an upstroke for Walter White. Although there were some obvious questions still up in the air, Walter "won", he and Jesse shook hands, his family was safe, the current threat was over, the lab was burned, his cancer was in remission. Based on how that season ended and the fact that Gilligan said it would have worked for a series ender, I think the series may end with the same overall tone. I'm ambivalent as to how I would like to see the series end, if Walter should have some redemption or continue to spiral downward, as long as it's entertaining and seems right or true. Anyway just my thoughts, thought I would share.
Aug. 9, 2012, 6:48 p.m. CST
Walt Got What He Wanted and It's Going to Kill Him
by agnes
The point of the cars is that they are an enormous mistake -- Walt can talk all he wants about "affordable lease rates," the truth is that he's flaunting his wealth in Hank's face. (He KNOWS that Walt Whitman was mentioned in Gale's notebook, and yet he makes a point of holding onto a copy of Whitman's poetry when he moves back home? Goodwill that shit, man.) Walt got what he wanted and now he sees himself as free to do whatever he wants -- and that decision is destroying his life, his family, his marriage. Look at the struggle between Walt and Skyler. I don't know how anyone can call that boring -- is she going to kill him? Is he going to kill her? Is she going to kill herself? Every time Walt cozies up to Skyler in bed, I half expect her to have a knife hidden under the mattress. Did you SEE the ghastly smile on her face as Hank jumps in to save her? She's totally out of options -- and of course, Walt brilliantly just hammers that point home, unable to see that making Skyler feel more cornered is the worst possible idea. A year ago, Skyler wept and begged Walt to seek treatment -- now she's waiting for him to die. Once upon a time, she hid her smoking as something shameful. Now she's almost lighting one cigarette off the next. If that doesn't tell you she's scared, hopeless and willing to do anything to keep her kids safe, I don't know what would. (And by the way, I doubt even the AICN commenters will still think Skyler was a raging bitch who kept her husband pussy-whipped when a decapitated Walter JR is found floating in the pool.) Vince Gilligan isn't telling the story of a guy who finds a way to retreat from his mistakes. A quiet episode like this one is like a cold north wind -- in two weeks or a year, you'll realize that these were the last few moments when Walt could have turned it around, held onto his old life and spend his final days surrounded by family and friends. That makes this week's episode all the more chilling than the dark hours to come.
Aug. 9, 2012, 11 p.m. CST
agnes (of God?) that was a great analysis.
by Queefer Sutherland
You're too smart for this place.
Aug. 10, 2012, 2:58 a.m. CST
by lucky slevin
The eventual Walt & Hank revelatory standoff is my most anticipated moment on television, possibly ever. i wish i had time to read everyone of these theories. best show on tv , well deserving of its own talk back
Aug. 10, 2012, 8:31 a.m. CST
The interests of the audiance are different than Walt's
by David Cloverfield
We want him to continue to become a badass mobster, because that's entertaining. Skyler tries to stop him from doing that. That's why we dislike them. In real life, Skyler would be amendable for the way she tries to protect her family, and maybe even Walt. But to us, she is a foil. That's why it's hard to take her side. He wants the opposite of what we, the audiance want. We want to see Banner Hulk out, and we want to see WW go full Heisenberg. Whoever gets in the way will be met with scorn from the audiance. A part of us will cheer when WW kills Skyler, even if it's the most terrible thing he could do.
Aug. 10, 2012, 1:38 p.m. CST
Per the podcast
by 1TrueGod
I'm overly excited for Sunday's episode - which I watch Monday nights, hate the commercial breaks. It was mentioned on the podcast that episodes 5 & 7 have some surprising 'oh shit' moments. Sunday can't come fast enough. All hail the king...
Aug. 10, 2012, 1:50 p.m. CST
TV Guide review of Sunday's episode: *slightly spoilery*
by martinprince
We've known for some time that the cancer has metastasized in his soul. The shocking end of this week's unbearably suspenseful episode just reinforces how that corruption has infected everyone in his wake.
Aug. 10, 2012, 1:53 p.m. CST
Fuck me...that's what I get for using quotes I guess..here is the link
by martinprince
Aug. 10, 2012, 3:51 p.m. CST
We want the same thing as Walt
by agnes
David, I disagree -- we do want what Walt wants: To see Walt on top, to see him Hulk out. But what neither of us wants are the inevitable consequences of that. (See earlier remarks re: decapitated kid; I think that's the LEAST of what the show could do to break our hearts.) Walt has foolishly convinced himself that day of reckoning is never coming. But we in the audience would not enjoy feeling vicariously that we have destroyed our lives. (Note how many movies have been made about the experience of concentration camp internees in the last 50 years; contrast this with how many biopics have been made about Hitler or any of the top-ranking Nazis. Humans do not enjoy rooting for people they *know* to be monsters.) For this reason, the world of the show is starting to hint very strongly at the evil to come, so that we can start to have second thoughts now, before it all goes to hell, and then convince ourselves later that we, unlike Walt, would have seen the writing on the wall. I know some people mistakenly think that Walt is John McClane, but believe me, he's Hans Gruber, and the show has been WARNING us that he's Hans Gruber for years now. And like Gruber, he's going down, almost certainly not in a blaze of glory.
Aug. 10, 2012, 4:24 p.m. CST
Is anyone willing to crown this as the best series ever? I believe I am.
by Severelackofconscience
Aug. 10, 2012, 4:53 p.m. CST
by Diana Prince
I second that
Aug. 10, 2012, 6:11 p.m. CST
nope not the best series ever unless you have a very short memory
by Rupee88
which I know many of you do
Sept. 4, 2012, 12:37 a.m. CST
by VoiceOfSaruman
The shot of WW being turned upside down in frame (MRI) may be a repeat or reversal of something they did in the first few episodes of the series, I don't remember, but either way, just watching that slow turn, made me think of the symbolism, even before it was made reality - Walt is (or now, was) on his way back now, cancer turned his life upside-down, he made terrible choices, but now he's getting back to who he was, a man with humility and common sense. Seeing Jesse for the last time (that's how it felt he intended it) and giving him his money was part of his redemption. Suddenly, we liked him again. Even Skyler dropped her guard and looked at him for a moment as the man she remembered and loved. But now, it's all fucked. Amazing.
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