☆ [Br]eaking [Ba]d ☆

[GTA-King]

 

Gray Matter

 

Great episode! Really shows alot of characteristics of Walt and Jesse... mostly how prideful they both can be. It starts with Jesse trying to get a job, which I thought was pretty awesome. After learning it's not what he expected, he sees Badger, and starts to wonder if he should get back in the meth game. After looking through the job ads, he decides to. It's all he really knows, which I thought was pretty sad. Poor guy. He tries to better himself, but gets pulled back in.

 

Next we see Walt and Skyler driving to a party. His old lab partner Elliot is having a birthday. Upon arriving at the party, Walt and Skyler notice how they are the only ones not wearing beige, and their present is smaller than the rest. Walt is disgusted by this, and I really think he was just trying to impress. Elliot greets them, and Walt seems humbled seeing him... but when Gretchen steps over, Walt's eyes widen... but he seems indifferent to her presence. There's definitely some animosity between them two. I think Walt still likes Elliot, but for reasons unknown... we still don't know why he doesn't like Gretchen. Even now in season 5... we have no clue. Anyway, next we see Walt stumbling into Elliot's private library... and he's just in awe. He looks at the rewards on the wall, and my guess is that he feels so overwhelmed with emotion (or rage) and just starts coughing. He then walks out of the room, with a pissed look on his face.

 

Next we see Walt and Elliot talking about old times. They really do seem to be on a friendly basis. Elliot mentions that Walt should come work at Gray Matter. Now, I think when Walt said he couldn't work there because of "personal issues" I don't think he was talking about the cancer, because when Elliot mentions that they have great health insurance Walt's face changes almost immediately . No, I think he just so bitter at them stealing his research and becoming rich off it. We know now from season 5 that he took a buyout of $5,000 and left the company... but we still don't know exactly why. Still, my guess is that it has something to do with Gretchen.

 

We then see Jesse and Badger cooking in the desert. It's funny how Jesse is basically superior over Badger, just as Walt is superior over Jesse. Anyway, after their first cook, Jesse examines the product and say's "we can do better." This pissed Badger off, because for him it's "good enough" and Jesse won't stand for that. I think after finding that old test from Walt's class that said "Ridiculous! Apply yourself!" really changed the way Jesse thinks. He now takes pride in himself and the product, and will only settle for perfection. This is apparent to the story he tells us in season 4 about the wooden box, and how he wanted to make it perfect.

 

Quick note: Walt Jr. was pretty much peer pressured into buying beer. We know how things eventually come back in future episodes (cough Walt Whitman book cough), so maybe Jr. getting peer pressured again will come back. Perhaps his friends tell him to speed up in his new car, and he gets in an accident (which might be foreshadowed when Hank tells him to slow down, and Jr. replies "Never"). Or maybe he gets peer pressured into trying the blue meth, and becomes addicted. That would truly be a tragedy for Walt... his own son becoming addicted to his product.

 

Now, we have Walt's intervention. Truly a great scene... all the actors and actresses done such a terrific job here. It ends with Walt wanting to have his own choice, and he chooses to not have treatment. The next morning, he wakes up and notices all the medical books his wife reads on her end table... and then he sniffs her perfume. He realizes how much his wife loves him, and so he tells her he will get the treatment. Now... I thought this was interesting. I mean sure, he loves his wife and he wants to get treatment because of that, but we can't forget how Walt was basically ready to die and leave his family some money. Now, he wants to delay that by getting treatment. I honestly think once he decided to get treatment, is when he first thought to build a meth empire. At the hospital, Skyler asks when they will receive a check from Elliot, and Walt says he will handle it.

 

After the treatment, Walt is parked outside Jesse's house when he gets a phone call. He thought it was Elliot that called, but it was actually Gretchen... and that noticeably changed Walt's mood. He told her that his insurance was now covering it, and that he didn't need their money. I think that's the moment when we should really wonder why we root for him. I mean, this guy would rather cook meth than take money that would absolutely cover everything. We really don't know why Walt is so bitter at Gretchen and Elliot, because we only know his side of the story.

 

But yeah, I think once he decides to get treatment is when he first gets the idea to build an empire (to make up for his buyout from Gray Matter). I think that idea ended when he learns of his remission in season 2, because then he couldn't justify what he was doing because his cancer was subsiding... and he would have alot longer to live. From then, he just wants to sell off what they had and leave the business. In season 3 though, Gus gives him a speech about how a man is supposed to provide for his family. From then, Walt works for Gus and is basically happy of the money he is earning, until Jesse gets into trouble with the 2 dealers... and Walt has to protect him, which pisses off Gus. Gus then plots to kill him and his family, and after Walt gets the upper hand and kills him at the end of season 4, it puts him on a massive power trip, which made him want to put his idea of an empire fully into action. Something happens at the end of season 5 though that makes Walt not interested in an empire anymore. It could be that it lost it's fun because he no longer has his partner anymore, but I honestly think he got bad news at his MRI... and he decides to leave the business to patch things over with his family before he dies. We will talk more about that stuff when we get there.

 

Really insightful episode, and I can't wait until next weekend to watch Crazy Handful of Nothin'!

Edited October 15, 2012 by GTA-King

[ZerrickiShadow]

Gray Matter

 

Great episode! Really shows alot of characteristics of Walt and Jesse... mostly how prideful they both can be. It starts with Jesse trying to get a job, which I thought was pretty awesome. After learning it's not what he expected, he sees Badger, and starts to wonder if he should get back in the meth game. After looking through the job ads, he decides to. It's all he really knows, which I thought was pretty sad. Poor guy. He tries to better himself, but gets pulled back in.

 

Next we see Walt and Skyler driving to a party. His old lab partner Elliot is having a birthday. Upon arriving at the party, Walt and Skyler notice how they are the only ones not wearing beige, and their present is smaller than the rest. Walt is disgusted by this, and I really think he was just trying to impress. Elliot greets them, and Walt seems humbled seeing him... but when Gretchen steps over, Walt's eyes widen... but he seems indifferent to her presence. There's definitely some animosity between them two. I think Walt still likes Elliot, but for reasons unknown... we still don't know why he doesn't like Gretchen. Even now in season 5... we have no clue. Anyway, next we see Walt stumbling into Elliot's private library... and he's just in awe. He looks at the rewards on the wall, and my guess is that he feels so overwhelmed with emotion (or rage) and just starts coughing. He then walks out of the room, with a pissed look on his face.

 

Next we see Walt and Elliot talking about old times. They really do seem to be on a friendly basis. Elliot mentions that Walt should come work at Gray Matter. Now, I think when Walt said he couldn't work there because of "personal issues" I don't think he was talking about the cancer, because when Elliot mentions that they have great health insurance Walt's face changes almost immediately . No, I think he just so bitter at them stealing his research and becoming rich off it. We know now from season that he took a buyout of $5,000 and left the company... but we still don't know exactly why. Still, my guess is that it has something to do with Gretchen.

 

We then see Jesse and Badger cooking in the desert. It's funny how Jesse is basically superior over Badger, just as Walt is superior over Jesse. Anyway, after their first cook, Jesse examines the product and say's "we can do better." This pissed Badger off, because for him it's "good enough" and Jesse won't stand for that. I think after finding that old test from Walt that said "Ridiculous! Apply yourself!" really changed the way Jesse thinks. He now takes pride in himself and the product, and will only settle for perfection. This is apparent to the story he tells us in season 4 about the wooden box, and how he wanted to make it perfect.

 

Quick note: Walt Jr. was pretty much peer pressured into buying beer. We know how things eventually come back in future episodes (cough Walt Whitman book cough), so maybe Jr. getting peer pressured again will come back. Perhaps his friends tell him to speed up in his new car, and he gets in an accident (which might be foreshadowed when Hank tells him to slow down, and Jr. replies "Never"). Or maybe he gets peer pressured into trying the blue meth, and becomes addicted. That would truly be a tragedy for Walt... his own son becoming addicted to his product.

 

Now, we have Walt's intervention. Truly a great scene... all the actors and actresses done such a terrific job here. It ends with Walt wanting to have his own choice, and he chooses to not have treatment. The next morning, he wakes up and notices all the medical books his wife reads on her end table... and then he sniffs her perfume. He realizes how much his wife loves him, and so he tells her he will get the treatment. Now... I thought this was interesting. I mean sure, he loves his wife and he wants to get treatment because of that, but we can't forget how Walt was basically ready to die and leave his family some money. Now, he wants to delay that by getting treatment. I honestly think once he decided to get treatment, is when he first thought to build a meth empire. At the hospital, Skyler asks when they will receive a check from Elliot, and Walt says he will handle it.

 

After the treatment, Walt is parked outside Jesse's house when he gets a phone call. He thought it was Elliot that called, but it was actually Gretchen... and that noticeably changed Walt's mood. He told her that his insurance was now covering it, and that he didn't need their money. I think that's the moment when we should really wonder why we root for him. I mean, this guy would rather cook meth than take money that would absolutely cover everything. We really don't know why Walt is so bitter and Gretchen and Elliot, because we only know his side of the story.

 

But yeah, I think once he decides to get treatment is when he first gets the idea to build an empire (to make up for his buyout from Gray Matter). I think that idea ended when he learns of his remission in season 2, because then he couldn't justify what he was doing because his cancer was subsiding... and he would have alot longer to live. From then, he just wants to sell off what they had and leave the business. In season 3 though, Gus gives him a speech about how a man is supposed to provide for his family. From then, Walt works for Gus and is basically happy of the money he is earning, until Jesse gets into trouble with the 2 dealers... and Walt has to protect him, which pisses off Gus. Gus then plots to kill him and his family, and after Walt gets the upper hand and kills him at the end of season 4, it puts him on a massive power trip, which made him want to put his idea of an empire fully into action. Something happens at the end of season 5 though that makes Walt not interested in an empire anymore. It could be that it lost it's fun because he no longer has his partner anymore, but I honestly think he got bad news at his MRI... and he decides to leave the business to patch things over with his family before he dies. We will talk more about that stuff when we get there.

 

Really insightful episode, and I can't wait until next weekend to watch Crazy Handful of Nothin'!

I thought the scene of Jesse trying to get a job and failing was one of the saddest scenes in the entire show's run. Season 5 lacked a lot of emotional Jesse moments, in fact I feel it lacked a lot of Jesse screen time in general. Jesse's role in the show reminds me of the quote from Godfather III "Everytime I try to get out...they pull me back in."

 

The way Walt reacts to Gretchen makes me wonder if he despises Elliot or just her. I really wish we would get the full story of Grey Matter soon, and I hope we see them play a key role in the next 8 episodes. Grey Matter seems to be a key role in Walt's transformation but we still don't know the full story. I was dissapointed on how Gus' full story was never revealed, which I thought it would be touched on in the DEA scenes in Season 5. It just seemed weird that such an important charcter like Gus was swept under the rug. But back to Elliot and Gretchen, I think he might be envious of how much money Grey Matter has made and how he as a founder has barley received any of that.

 

My guess is it either has something to do with Gretchen or Walt has pride issues. I think Walt doesn't want a handout or to be too dependent on someone so he does whatever he can to make cash himself.

 

At this point I knew Jesse was starting to look up to Walt, but he possibly didn't know it yet. Because at this point it wasn't like they had that unbreakable friendship/strange relationship they have.

 

Hmm interesting you bring that up, as I have always wondered what the fate of Walt, Jr. will be. Those two fates are something I have considered as well. It's possible it will be a mix of both.

 

The intervention scene was one of the best scenes of the season.

 

Yep, it will be interesting to see if they bring back that storyline which I think we all hope they do.

 

 

Alright cannot wait to see your review

[GTA-King]

This is absolutely amazing:

 

Edited October 17, 2012 by GTA-King

[Vormek]

That was mindblowing!!

[Da_Lurker]

Hey guys!

 

I want to apologize as I won't be doing the Re-watch after all.

 

A thing Vormek said a few pages back put me on the right track. I kind of want to let the series sleep for a while, forget as much as possible, so I can marathon the whole thing later. Watching one ep per week would be agony, after all, I've seen the whole series up to S4 in just a week.

 

I just dreamed of Breaking Bad the other day, so just imagine how obssesed I am with this.

 

 

Good luck to you all, though. I'll be reading (and occasionally commenting) for the rest of the year, until the start of S5 B.

 

 

 

Edit: The thing about "loose ends" is totally awesome!! And from what I can tell, they are right about everything they notice! Lol Great fans there.

Edited October 17, 2012 by Da_Lurker

[GTA-King]

^ I understand man. A marathon closer to season 5B would be good. I however, enjoy doing the Rewatch. It keeps things in perspective for a longer amount of time. If we was all to do a marathon close to season 5B, it will be just a clusterf*ck, & we may miss things. With the Rewatch, we can take it slow and discuss each episode on a weekly basic, just like we do with the new episodes.

 

But yeah, I totally understand your decision. Hell, I'm pretty much the only one doing this anyway, but I intend to see it through to the end. Feel free to still comment on my reviews though. I kid you not, I actually take notes during each episode about important things to discuss here with you guys. I may just be the biggest Breaking Bad nerd around!

 

EDIT: You know... I may just start a poll and see how many people actually read my reviews. I intend to finish season 1 , but if not enough people read them, than I am just not going to bother anymore.

Edited October 18, 2012 by GTA-King

[onefreeman]

For me Breaking bad is one of the greatest TV show of our time. Bold statement I know but it how I feel. Bryan Cranston & Aaron Paul are fantastic and the show just gets better season after season. I can't wait for the final 8 episodes.

[RARusk]

Aaron Paul in "Need for Speed" movie.

[unopescio]

Talk about wasted talent. He can do better than that.

[El Dildo]

Aaron Paul in "Need for Speed" movie.

oh my god....

seriously??

 

do we really need a Need For Speed movie?

I'm pretty sure they already made NFS into a movie. it's called THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS

 

[GTA-King]

Edited October 20, 2012 by GTA-King

[ZerrickiShadow]

^ I understand man. A marathon closer to season 5B would be good. I however, enjoy doing the Rewatch. It keeps things in perspective for a longer amount of time. If we was all to do a marathon close to season 5B, it will be just a clusterf*ck, & we may miss things. With the Rewatch, we can take it slow and discuss each episode on a weekly basic, just like we do with the new episodes.

 

But yeah, I totally understand your decision. Hell, I'm pretty much the only one doing this anyway, but I intend to see it through to the end. Feel free to still comment on my reviews though. I kid you not, I actually take notes during each episode about important things to discuss here with you guys. I may just be the biggest Breaking Bad nerd around!

 

EDIT: You know... I may just start a poll and see how many people actually read my reviews. I intend to finish season 1 , but if not enough people read them, than I am just not going to bother anymore.

Nooooo keep up with the reviews. I love them. There have been a few I haven't read because I am pretty busy with school and what not.

 

You ARE the biggest Breaking Bad nerd there is. I am a huge TV/Movie Junkie but you are really dedicated to this show.

[GTA-King]

^ Meh, we'll see. It just seems a bit pointless when there is only like 3 people participating.

[BullworthAcademy]

In Borderlands 2, a bald hairstyle is called 'Breaking Bald' xD

[Girish]

I can't believe I hadn't watched this show until two weeks backs. Went through all 5 seasons in 14 days. Mind=blown!

 

I can hardly wait for the final part.

[Johnny Playert]

^ You should've joined the rewatch man! Watching it all in 2 weeks seems like such a waste!

 

Anyway... i just caught up with 'Gray Matter', and i don't really have much to add to the review.

Except for one thing. You guys seem to feel 'bad' for Jesse and the whole job thing, but come on! 'He just gets dragged back in'? Seems a bit exaggerated. For all we know this was the only application he replied to, and it was a job he isn't even qualified for, duhhh. Sure i wouldn't take the promotion-job either, that's for sure, but he seemed to give up quite easily. And Badger being there just made him take the easy way out. Just because you have experience with selling dope sure as hell doesn't mean you can just apply for a sales position without the proper credentials... Damn.

 

And Gray Matter? We don't know what happened in the past, but it must be about Gretchen. They were definitely into each other (the 'chemistry' flashback) but Elliot married her... so safe to say, those issues revolve around Gretchen for sure.

[Johnny Playert]

GTA-King... come on bro... I know i have said it a couple times before, but don't stop writing the reviews now man. We just started this ReWatch thing and now you want to stop writing about it? I sure as hell enjoy reading them and other people as well. It kicks off every episode's discussion round... i personally don't really know how many people are doing the rewatch (it seems to be ZerrickiShadow, you and me at least) but others read them as well.

Having a poll is a good idea though, you should also make one to make sure who's joining the rewatch.

 

 

Anyway... i'll be back later tomorrow for the next episode 'Crazy Handful of Nothing'... which is DEFINITELY in my top 5 greatest BB episodes! Can't wait to watch it!

 

 

Edited October 21, 2012 by Johnny Playert

[ZerrickiShadow]

GTA-King... come on bro... I know i have said it a couple times before, but don't stop writing the reviews now man. We just started this ReWatch thing and now you want to stop writing about it? I sure as hell enjoy reading them and other people as well. It kicks off every episode's discussion round... i personally don't really know how many people are doing the rewatch (it seems to be ZerrickiShadow, you and me at least) but others read them as well.

Having a poll is a good idea though, you should also make one to make sure who's joining the rewatch.

 

 

Anyway... i'll be back later for the next episode 'Crazy Handful of Nothing'... which is DEFINITELY in my top 5 greatest BB episodes! Can't wait to watch it!

I can see where he is coming from though, because not a whole lot of people seem to be paying attention to it and are coming here and posting random stuff. But..I do think he should continue with it because at least SOME people are paying attention to it. One of the reasons it doesn't seem like a lot of people are coming to these boards is because Season 5A is over.

[Johnny Playert]

GTA-King... come on bro... I know i have said it a couple times before, but don't stop writing the reviews now man. We just started this ReWatch thing and now you want to stop writing about it? I sure as hell enjoy reading them and other people as well. It kicks off every episode's discussion round... i personally don't really know how many people are doing the rewatch (it seems to be ZerrickiShadow, you and me at least) but others read them as well.

Having a poll is a good idea though, you should also make one to make sure who's joining the rewatch.

 

 

Anyway... i'll be back later for the next episode 'Crazy Handful of Nothing'... which is DEFINITELY in my top 5 greatest BB episodes! Can't wait to watch it!

I can see where he is coming from though, because not a whole lot of people seem to be paying attention to it and are coming here and posting random stuff. But..I do think he should continue with it because at least SOME people are paying attention to it. One of the reasons it doesn't seem like a lot of people are coming to these boards is because Season 5A is over.

Yes i understand as well... it would be annoying when people just ignore it alltogether and decide to post a random pic. But keep in mind that the reviews are only interesting for the 'rewatchers' instead of everybody who comes in. Even though 'real' fans would always find something interesting to comment on... i wish more people did... but ok.

I guess it's up to him. I also think he might be disappointed that there are only 3 of us doing this rewatch, but that's what it is. That should be enough for some great discussin' though... i don't know about you, but i sure as hell intend to keep watching. I'm loving it already

[Leve-O]

[GTA-King]

 

Crazy Handful of Nothin'

 

So, the episode starts off with Walt laying down the ground rules to Jesse. He's decided to cook some more in order to pay for his treatment. Now, we can't forget that he would rather cook than take money from some old friends... which would have absolutely payed for his treatment. To still root for Walt at this point is a wonder, but I can understand why he's doing it. He's trying to feel the void of taking a buyout from Gray Matter, and he's trying to build his own thing. I don't think he intends to build his empire just yet, but that's definitely at the back of his mind. I think his main priority at this point is providing for his family but in the back of his mind he knows his product is superior... and he takes pride in that. I think that pride eventually leads to his desire to build an empire. That lecture he gave his class was rather informative. "When a reaction happens quickly, it produces enormous bursts of energy." An explosion could be a reference to Walt's new personality. The faster the change, the more violent the explosion... something we will see at the end of this episode.

 

Next we see Walt and Jesse cooking in the desert. Jesse finds out Walt has cancer because he sees the red dot on his chest. I think now, Jesse has a special bond with Walt because his aunt also had cancer. Also, Walt makes Jesse believe in himself. In this case, he assures him that he can cook the product without him (because he was feeling sick). While it's bad that he's making him believe in himself to do something horrible, but he also gives Jesse a sense of purpose. Jesse's real father wants nothing to do with him, which is why I think he sees Walt as a father figure. Tragic I know... but I think that's what's going on. Definitely a love/hate relationship... but at least Walt is THERE you know?

 

After that great montage of Jesse slinging crystal, we see how unsatisfied Walt is with the return they are getting. Walt's ambition to sell the product in bulk shows us that he wants their drug operation to go big. He wants to provide for his family, but I also believe he wants to go big to satisfy his crave for power. Like I said before, he knows his product is the best on the market... so he wants to make sure he's getting what he deserves. But... the need to provide for his family greatly outweighs his needs to build an empire.... for now at least. We will burn that bridge some more as we cross it. It's crazy how Walt and Jesse need eachother. Walt needs Jesse for his street skills, and Jesse needs Walt because well... he makes the finest meth around. Plus, like I said before, Jesse sees Walt as a father figure. So that's something all in it's own to Jesse. Really sad, if you think about it.

 

Then we see that Hank has found out that the gas mask is from Walt's high school chemistry lab. I honestly think this is one of the dots Hank is going to connect in season 5B. There's alot of dots Hank could connect... especially when he finds out that Jesse was "selling Walt pot" in season 2 (we will talk more about this later). Hank knows that Jesse is connected with the blue meth, and now that he knows Walt is Heisenberg in season 5, he will connect those dots... and possibly interrogate Jesse again at some point. But yeah... we will talk more about all that when it pops up in season 2. Quick note: Does anyone think it's interesting that Walt deciding to break bad is like a physical cancer to those around him? Him breaking bad literally destroys all that is around him... just like what cancer does to the body. But anyway, next we see Walt and family playing a game of poker. Love this scene! It's so symbolic. Walt bluffing hank and going all in is just like the cat and mouse game they are playing in real life. Hank really is a dick to Walt sometimes, even if he don't know it. I think there's a manly side to Walt about wanting to be the alpha dog to Hank. Walt's bluff in real life is him cooking meth, right under Hank's nose. Crazy handful of nothing indeed!

 

And next... the great Heisenberg is born. Risen from his 50 year slumber... and ready to take charge. After Walt shaves his head, Junior remarks how badass he looks. I couldn't help but notice how Walt enjoyed hearing that from his son. In the next scene, we have that famous "This is not meth scene." I honestly think Walt has always been a badass... it just took cancer for that side of him to come out. I mean... you just don't walk into a kingpin's HQ acting like that if you didn't have a little bit of badass deep down within... aka Heisenberg. This is a man who has been scared all of his life, suppressing all his feelings and ambitions. To see it all come out like this is just incredible. Just imagine riding a roller coaster for all your life, and it never reaching it's peak. For Walt, after 50 years, it has finally reached it's peak... and he feels ALIVE. When he starts screaming in the Aztec after he gets the money from Tuco, I believe that's when he became addicted to his new lifestyle. Adrenaline is Walt's drug.

 

Great, great, GREAT episode this was. I bet you all thought I was done with the Rewatch? Well, I must admit I was close to giving up on it. But I decided to still see it through to the end. One day, this will all be appreciated and I will look back and say that I was glad I sticked with it. This is for all the hardcore fans on this forum anyway... and you all know who you are! Can't wait until next weekend to finish off season 1 with A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal.

[BullworthAcademy]

I might start watching this today.

[RED_]

I might start watching this today.

Do it, I started watching it last month, finished every season and it is bloody fantastic.

[Punk-in-Drublic]

Finally up to season 5 now. It just keeps getting better and better, disappointed that it's going to be the final season (Suppose it's better to not over do something that's perfect though).

[BullworthAcademy]

I finished Episode 1 two hours ago. It's f*cking epic!

[GTA-King]

 

Finally up to season 5 now. It just keeps getting better and better, disappointed that it's going to be the final season (Suppose it's better to not over do something that's perfect though).

Yeah, I hate when shows draw themselves out and become boring. I'm glad BB is going to go out on a high note.

 

In case you didn't know, there are 2 parts to season 5. Part 2 airs sometime next summer. Most likely in July when part 1 aired.

 

@theomenofficial: Hell yeah, brother! It only gets better after each episode!

[BullworthAcademy]

I'm going to watch one episode every day at 3PM.

[Johnny Playert]

Crazy Handful of Nothin'

 

So, the episode starts off with Walt laying down the ground rules to Jesse. He's decided to cook some more in order to pay for his treatment. Now, we can't forget that he would rather cook than take money from some old friends... which would have absolutely payed for his treatment. To still root for Walt at this point is a wonder, but I can understand why he's doing it. He's trying to feel the void of taking a buyout from Gray Matter, and he's trying to build his own thing. I don't think he intends to build his empire just yet, but that's definitely at the back of his mind. I think his main priority at this point is providing for his family but in the back of his mind he knows his product is superior... and he takes pride in that. I think that pride eventually leads to his desire to build an empire. That lecture he gave his class was rather informative. "When a reaction happens quickly, it produces enormous bursts of energy." An explosion could be a reference to Walt's new personality. The faster the change, the more violent the explosion... something we will see at the end of this episode.

 

Next we see Walt and Jesse cooking in the desert. Jesse finds out Walt has cancer because he sees the red dot on his chest. I think now, Jesse has a special bond with Walt because his aunt also had cancer. Also, Walt makes Jesse believe in himself. In this case, he assures him that he can cook the product without him (because he was feeling sick). While it's bad that he's making him believe in himself to do something horrible, but he also gives Jesse a sense of purpose. Jesse's real father wants nothing to do with him, which is why I think he sees Walt as a father figure. Tragic I know... but I think that's what's going on. Definitely a love/hate relationship... but at least Walt is THERE you know?

 

After that great montage of Jesse slinging crystal, we see how unsatisfied Walt is with the return they are getting. Walt's ambition to sell the product in bulk shows us that he wants their drug operation to go big. He wants to provide for his family, but I also believe he wants to go big to satisfy his crave for power. Like I said before, he knows his product is the best on the market... so he wants to make sure he's getting what he deserves. But... the need to provide for his family greatly outweighs his needs to build an empire.... for now at least. We will burn that bridge some more as we cross it. It's crazy how Walt and Jesse need eachother. Walt needs Jesse for his street skills, and Jesse needs Walt because well... he makes the finest meth around. Plus, like I said before, Jesse sees Walt as a father figure. So that's something all in it's own to Jesse. Really sad, if you think about it.

 

Then we see that Hank has found out that the gas mask is from Walt's high school chemistry lab. I honestly think this is one of the dots Hank is going to connect in season 5B. There's alot of dots Hank could connect... especially when he finds out that Jesse was "selling Walt pot" in season 2 (we will talk more about this later). Hank knows that Jesse is connected with the blue meth, and now that he knows Walt is Heisenberg in season 5, he will connect those dots... and possibly interrogate Jesse again at some point. But yeah... we will talk more about all that when it pops up in season 2. Quick note: Does anyone think it's interesting that Walt deciding to break bad is like a physical cancer to those around him? Him breaking bad literally destroys all that is around him... just like what cancer does to the body. But anyway, next we see Walt and family playing a game of poker. Love this scene! It's so symbolic. Walt bluffing hank and going all in is just like the cat and mouse game they are playing in real life. Hank really is a dick to Walt sometimes, even if he don't know it. I think there's a manly side to Walt about wanting to be the alpha dog to Hank. Walt's bluff in real life is him cooking meth, right under Hank's nose. Crazy handful of nothing indeed!

 

And next... the great Heisenberg is born. Risen from his 50 year slumber... and ready to take charge. After Walt shaves his head, Junior remarks how badass he looks. I couldn't help but notice how Walt enjoyed hearing that from his son. In the next scene, we have that famous "This is not meth scene." I honestly think Walt has always been a badass... it just took cancer for that side of him to come out. I mean... you just don't walk into a kingpin's HQ acting like that if you didn't have a little bit of badass deep down within... aka Heisenberg. This is a man who has been scared all of his life, suppressing all his feelings and ambitions. To see it all come out like this is just incredible. Just imagine riding a roller coaster for all your life, and it never reaching it's peak. For Walt, after 50 years, it has finally reached it's peak... and he feels ALIVE. When he starts screaming in the Aztec after he gets the money from Tuco, I believe that's when he became addicted to his new lifestyle. Adrenaline is Walt's drug.

 

Great, great, GREAT episode this was. I bet you all thought I was done with the Rewatch? Well, I must admit I was close to giving up on it. But I decided to still see it through to the end. One day, this will all be appreciated and I will look back and say that I was glad I sticked with it. This is for all the hardcore fans on this forum anyway... and you all know who you are! Can't wait until next weekend to finish off season 1 with A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal.

That was a great read. Glad this thing isn't going to end.

I definitely root for Walter but you might know there's not much that can change that for me. I am fascinated with someone like him, age like, what, 60, giant stick up his ass, just decides to break bad No seriously, to stop caring and just go after the big money, by any means necessary? That hits the spot.

 

You've mentioned it before, about Walt always being a badass deep down... i kinda agreed with that but now i'm sure. You're definitely right. The way he went after Tuco like that... with the bravado he shows... Yeah, this guy doesn't mess around. That's why i LOVE LOVE LOVE this episode... man, what a badass. Still love that thing Tuco says though: 'I steal your dope, i beat the piss out of your mule boy, and you come in here and bring me more meth?' From his point of view, that's absolutely hilarious ...

[Johnny Playert]

...Yeah, you can definitely see their partnership evolving. There is a really distinct father-son thing going on, with the way Jesse reacts to his criticism. But isn't Walt being arrogant? He doesn't know sh*t about selling drugs yet he has no problem being so demeaning towards Jesse. But you saw his reaction in the hospital, Walt definitely cares for that kid.

 

Yesss i LOVED seeing Walter be the "top dawg" over Hank. Hank is just that kind of person who (overcompensates by) always putting stuff in phrases which he thinks make him sound impressive. Even though he is real funny at times... f*ck Hank. And yeah, there are so many dots he could've connected, which he will by now, gets his mind blown on Walt's toilet in the process.

 

Other stuff:

- Poor, poor Hugo. Sad stuff man.

- Yeah, go Carmen!! Man... she is sexy as hell!

- And that speech in class, i never noticed it is about fulmonated mercury, which he uses in Tuco's office later on. Never noticed that, pretty neat!

Edited October 22, 2012 by Johnny Playert

[GTA-King]

 

Yesss i LOVED seeing Walter be the "top dawg" over Hank. Hank is just that kind of person who (overcompensates by) always putting stuff in phrases which he thinks make him sound impressive. Even though he is real funny at times... f*ck Hank.

There's definitely some kind of "alpha dog" thing going on with Walt and Hank. Hank really belittles him alot in the 1st season, and he's probably done that for a long time now. I think it actually gives Walt a rush being the drug kingpin Hank is after... constantly evading him and whatnot. He likes feeling superior to Hank I'd imagine.

 

What's interesting though is that Hank wouldn't be in the position of power that he has in the DEA now if it wasn't for Walt. But yeah, now that Hank knows Walt is Heisenberg, it's going to be great seeing how Walt evades him... and how/if he will continue to strive to be the top dog.

Edited October 23, 2012 by GTA-King