Well hello there fellow Heisenburgs!

I'm going to start a new thread for discussing/analyzing the final 8 episodes of "Breaking Bad" so we don't ruin anything for those who haven't witnessed its blood-soaked hammer.

For those who haven't seen it, beware of spoilers...

And for gosh sakes, go out and watch it already, lol!

What's Breaking Bad?


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe What's Breaking Bad?

It's the unofficial side sequel of "Little Miss Sunshine".

Phil,

It's a series.

It’s the microcosm snapshot of so many things wrong in our society.

I (personally) avoid any and all shows like this as though my viewing them helps their cause.

Before anyone says it, I know viewing it does (commercials…ect…) I meant it on a moral level.

Shawn…..><

I was kidding, Shawn.  I'm very familiar with it and am watching it now.  I agree with what you say about it shows what's wrong with society.


Phil

Oh boy, I'm going to be talking to myself here.

Anyway, not too much of the unexpected here, just giving the audience what they want to see: the showdown between Walt and Hank.

What I continue to love about this, is how the awareness of the writers is spot on.  When Walt brought back the bags of money, it was like Jessie threw something out of the window, and it keeps returning to him.  Good heads up by Jessie putting two and two together that Mike is not with us anymore.

The best part about this episode, was the comparisons to Walt and Fring.  From him blowing off Lydia at the car wash, to even putting a towel down while vomiting.

The final moments were tense, and I can't wait to see what happens next.  Tread lightly...  

Episode 9 is a success. Not as good as Episode 1 last year but that was coming off a whole myriad of events whereas this one comes off basically one colossal event. Said event makes full impact in the final five minutes though. What an ending!

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo The best part about this episode, was the comparisons to Walt and Fring.  From him blowing off Lydia at the car wash, to even putting a towel down while vomiting.

Good call, man. I noticed the towel. That's just something you can't miss. I didn't think about Lydia at the car wash as being referential to Gus but indeed, he and Walt had many a similar exchange at Pollos Hermanos, naturally.

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo The final moments were tense, and I can't wait to see what happens next.  Tread lightly...

When that garage door came down... no words.

"Tread lightly" - Another BB classic. And those words carry a lot of weight as far as the rest of the series is concerned. It's going to be a bumpy ride from here on out.

I almost got a sense from the final scene, that Walt could go back to his empire to prove to Hank that there is nothing he can do to stop him.  Either way, it was classic.

yeah I get a sense of where its going.... hes a man who started this whole thing to leave money for his family after his death. except his fatal flow...ego and powerhunger... will ruin it all...

Walter White will lose everything... his family, his money, his life...

but Heisenberg will live on.

which in the end...means absolutely nothing.

That Episode was pretty bad ass, I'm surprised the Walt vs Hank started on the first episode. I'm cheering for Walter eventhough I know he will have to lose in the end, He is just so awesome! Long live the KING!

Noticed the comparisons to Gus right off the bat. WW has a habit of adopting traits from the people he's killed. This is obviously no different.

Wondering why the word "Heisenberg" was spraypainted on the walls on his house. Was it the work of a vandal? Has Heisenberg become some sort of cultural icon?

Obviously the scene in the garage was a show stealer. Loved how the writers addressed the fans' expectations of Walt handing over his family and Hank banishing Walt. It's pretty obviously that that's not going to happen.

Sad to see the cancer return. We all knew it was back, but still semi-heart breaking.

A few things to think about...

The vacuum cleaning guy who can give people an entirely new identity. Pretty sure Walt contacts him given his flash forward.

Todd and Jesse. Have a feeling Jesse's going to avenge the kid's death somehow.

Lydia. She's still hanging around for a reason. She's a wild card and very unpredictable.

Gomez. He has a goatee. Everyone with a goatee thus far has been a villain.

Watched this three times last night. I have to say at this point, I'm not rooting for anyone. I only hope that Jesse and Walt's family can make it out of this in some semblance of "okay" though that's highly unlikely at this point, especially with Jesse throwing cash all over.

I think really Hank is the one who deserves to win. Walt's really fucked him over at this point and even after dropping out of the meth business, he's still trying to deceive people even when they've got him figured out (both Hank and Jesse when he figures out about Mike). "Tread lightly." What a thing to say to someone who's family and has always had your back when your cards are completely on the table.

I think the only "happy" ending feasible at this point is that Walt goes to prison and the rest of the characters can get on with their lives. Walt's entire goal throughout the series has been to do something big and be validated for it and better believe if his actions are outed to the world, he'd get what he wants. Not so much validation as notoriety but I don't think he'd make the distinction.

Secondly, I think the big showdown hinted at for the ending is related to Lydia somehow. She's the final tie in the series to the criminal underworld and Walt's M60 is designed to kill a lot of people. Hardly something you'd take to a Mexican standoff.

I think it's safe to say that Walt won't be going to prison. Then again, the flash forward is approximately 6 months ahead of the current timeline, so either he's knocking on death's door or he beat the cancer entirely.

Something else I forgot to mention (which you reminded me of James), Walt knows Hank's tricks. Since he helped Hank spy on Gus, he knows Hank's thinking and plan of action. So he really has the one up on Hank. Furthermore, drug money paid for his rehab (although you could argue it also put him in the hospital). At the same time, Hank is going to look like the world's biggest dumbass if he reveals that Heisenberg was his brother in law. So I'm curious about Hank's plan of action.

Quoted from albinopenguin I think it's safe to say that Walt won't be going to prison. Then again, the flash forward is approximately 6 months ahead of the current timeline, so either he's knocking on death's door or he beat the cancer entirely. Something else I forgot to mention (which you reminded me of James), Walt knows Hank's tricks. Since he helped Hank spy on Gus, he knows Hank's thinking and plan of action. So he really has the one up on Hank. Furthermore, drug money paid for his rehab (although you could argue it also put him in the hospital). At the same time, Hank is going to look like the world's biggest dumbass if he reveals that Heisenberg was his brother in law. So I'm curious about Hank's plan of action.

All good points. But what's the point of Hank finding out at all if he isn't going to do anything about it? Not to mention Hank couldn't possibly let this go. Walt played him like a fiddle and almost got him killed (by both sides). You could argue Hank's involvement in the cartel's attempt on Hank's life, I suppose, but Gus had to act because Walt brought a lot of heat on his operation on account of a DEA agent being his brother-in-law.

Naturally though, Walt won't be going to prison in the time elapsed between now and the flash-forward unless Gilligan and co. didn't to insert a mini-Prison Break homage in the middle of the season, which, of course, would be completely stupid and impossible. I'm not even saying I think Walt will go to prison. That's just what I think would be the "happy" ending for everyone (or as close as they can get to one).

But that final episode, man... who knows what'll happen. Could be anything.

there's no happy ending here for anyone. I believe Walt's family will violently pay for what he's done.

in the end I think Walt gets Vic Mackey'd!

This is a case of Walt getting too big for his britches. I believe Lydia and her European friends will do the biggest number on Walt... not the DEA.

I have no ides where the story with Jesse is going...other than yes.. it had to do with the kid. .



  

Episode 10, "Buried" was a solid setup that brought Marie into the storm.  The scene with Marie and Skyler fighting over the baby was pretty intense.

The standout for me was Walt in the desert burying his treasure.  I found the music selection hypnotizing and humorous at the same time.  Pretty clever putting the coordinates on a lottery ticket...what if he won? LOL!

Crushed. One of the darkest episodes yet. Without a doubt, we are in the downfall segment of the classic crime drama template with certain scenes reminding me of Goodfellas in the third act. Walt and co. are on a veritable raft of shit at this point and it's showing no signs of slowing.

My favorite scene was with Lydia and Declan. From the very start, it had that distinct suffocating air that someone is going to get offed very soon. The payoff is executed in a somewhat unconventional fashion but it's done so well, I'm glad they didn't show us what happened in full. The scene with the baby was also very intense indeed.

Really, no filler this time around. One of the best yet.

I feel bad for Hank and Marie. Just watch.

They will fall harder than anyone.

Starting to wonder if Todd might be the character that Walt really has to look out for.  The kid's an opportunist and a cold-blooded killer.  And now that he's allied with Lydia, he's truly dangerous.  But if Walt has to die, I'm hoping Jesse is the one to do it.

I have a rising suspicion that Walt's M60 will be reserved for Todd's biker gang relatives.

Lydia + Todd = disaster. This will be the downfall of it all. In fact, I wouldnt be suprised if the two killed Marie and Hank.

Another solid episode. Addressed a lot of concerns/predictions (like could Walt kill Hank).

im still getting used to Landry Clarke as a cold blooded killer.

Quoted from Penoyer79 im still getting used to Landry Clarke as a cold blooded killer.

That's the thing that's so weird, his presence is so deceptively innocent.  We know he's not dumb, but is he?  His character is like a bad soup with expensive ingredients.  His cook is just alright, about 70%?  That's fucking horrible!!!  Who is this guy?!?

It was one of those episodes...

I love how it all starts, fitting for "Confessions", Todd telling ol' sea stories to his crew about Walt and the heist.  Also, Uncle Jack used the term "head" instead of toilet, which implies he has a military background.

Walt planting the seed in Jr. about the cancer was classic Walt.  I think the biggest con the writers are pulling is to lead us to believe Walt's cancer is actually back.

When Walter said down in front of the camera, at first I thought he said, "This is mine to finsh." but I hit rewind and he said, "This is my confession."  Wow! Walt has stooped to a new low!  That video is downright crazy!

That's a wrap Walt! Jessie found the cat in the bag...

...and the bag's going in the river.

Wow... this show is out of control.

Can someone please explain the timeline of Jesse and the ricin? I know he lost it. But does he know that Walt has the ricin? And how did he think he got it back? If memory serves me correct, Walt told Jesse he found the ricin in his roomba and took it back.

I hope they explain this a bit more since it seems like a bit of a leap.

Besides that, a solid 10. Just fanastic. Walt's video was the highlight.

Also, it just occured to me that if the house goes down, Walt's lottery ticket is lost forever...

Quoted from albinopenguin Can someone please explain the timeline of Jesse and the ricin? I know he lost it. But does he know that Walt has the ricin? And how did he think he got it back? If memory serves me correct, Walt told Jesse he found the ricin in his roomba and took it back. I hope they explain this a bit more since it seems like a bit of a leap. Besides that, a solid 10. Just fanastic. Walt's video was the highlight. Also, it just occured to me that if the house goes down, Walt's lottery ticket is lost forever...

Toward the end of season 4, Jessie is patted down by Huell before entering Saul's office.  It's implied that this is the moment where the ricin cigarette was lifted from Jessie.

Jessie always knew Walt poisoned Brock, but Walt convinced him he would never do such a thing.  Walt has been on Jessie's bullshit radar for awhile now, so it doesn't shock me that Jessie was able to put two and two together to know Walt is the blame.  I would like to think that a flashback of Walt poisoning Brock will be coming up soon.

This episode has really got me wondering about how it will be disclosed to Jessie about the death of Jane.

Just speculating here, but I strongly believe that Walt, his ego runneth over, will tell Jessie something like this:

(Walt dominates, Jessie weeps -- defeated)

You betrayed me, for what?  I didn't poison Brock, I saved you -- us.  Don't you know who I am?  Do you think Jane's death was an accident?  Clearly, you don't know who I am Jessie.  I'm Heiensburg, and I choose who lives and who dies!

LOL!  Just saying...  

Well, we know the house doesn't burn down, because we see it abandoned in the flash-forward.   Regarding Jesse's epiphany, yeah, I was struck by his Sherlock Holmes-level deductive reasoning when he stared at that pack of cigs.  He was able to suddenly realize that Huell lifted the ricin-containing pack from his jacket, just like he did with the bag of weed.  But, he knows there was no Ricin found in Brock's system, so I was confused why he thought Walt poisoned him.  I suppose Jesse had enough doubts about Walt at that point to have all these puzzle pieces suddenly fit together for him.

I found this timeline at IMDB which does a pretty thorough job of laying it out:

1)In "End Times," to get Jesse back on his side in the war against Gus, Walt arranges for Huell to steal the cigarette pack with the ricin cigarette out of Jesse's pocket and replace it with a different pack. Saul calls Jesse to his office on shaky reasons, and Huell pats him down in a way that gets Jesse's attention. Walt doesn't use the ricin to poison Brock, but rather a lily of the valley plant that will have a similar but less dangerous effect on the boy.

2)When Jesse hears that Brock has been poisoned, he realizes that the ricin cigarette is missing, then (correctly) puts two and two together that Huell stole it, on Walt's orders. He storms into Walt's house and threatens to kill him for poisoning Brock; Walt convinces Jesse that it was Gus, not him, who wanted to hurt the boy — specifically so Jesse would come to this conclusion and murder Walt for him — and that Tyrus must have lifted the cigarettes from Jesse's locker at the Super Lab. Jesse accepts that Mr. White would never hurt a child, whereas Gus has a history of hurting children, and lets go of the theory about Huell.

3)Doctors later figure out that Brock was poisoned by a lily of the valley, not ricin, making Jesse doubt Walt's theory about Gus manipulating Jesse into shooting Walt, and leaving him to wonder what really happened to the ricin cigarette. Walt stages a phony search of Jesse's house and plants a fake cigarette (containing salt, not ricin) inside Jesse's Roomba. None of this sits well with Jesse, but he once again believes Mr. White.

4)Over the course of season 5, starting around the murder of Drew Sharp, Jesse has begun to realize that he shouldn't believe anything Walt says. Walt claims to be broken up over Drew's death, then whistles while he works. Walt claims that Mike left town alive, when Jesse knows that Walt would've never taken out Mike's guys unless Mike was dead. Walt gives Jesse a whole song and dance about how leaving town will be good for Jesse, when Jesse knows that it will be even better for Walt.

5)Having been primed to disbelieve any word out of Walt's mouth, Jesse goes to Saul's office, lights up a joint and gets scolded by Saul, who knows his relocation expert won't pick up anyone who's high. Saul orders Huell to again pick Jesse's pocket to get rid of the marijuana.

6)At the pick-up spot, a nervous Jesse reaches for his pot, and can't find it. He frantically checks all his pockets, but all he finds is a cigarette pack. Staring at the cigarette pack, and realizing Huell dipped into his pocket without him noticing, Jesse realizes that his first suspicions about the ricin cigarette were correct, and that Mr. White was manipulating him into turning against Gus, endangering Brock's life in the process.

yeah i realize the house wasn't completely burned down in the flashforward, but even a small house fire could destroy the ticket. i doubt this would happen however.

and thanks for the recap guys. super helpful. so much s hit has went down the past three seasons, that it's easy to forget where everyone's at.

also vince has said that it was saul who put the lilly of the valley into brock's juicebox. i'm hoping they actually show this next episode.

Some interesting discussions going on. There were a few more similar leaps of conclusion through this whole season I felt. The ending was tense, but it kind of takes away from everything when you know he doesn't burn down the house. Maybe Walt Jr. is still there, and Jessie tells him everything - or maybe not, I don't know.

I like the suggestion about Walt buying the guns to kill Todd and Lydia's 'gang', that probably makes the most sense.

Anyway, here's the ending spoiled for anybody that wants to know what happens. Tread lightly...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNZI_QgKkzY

So Skyler's in it to win it...and Santa almost put her on his naughty list.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Not much to say about this episode.  I loved Hanks reaction when Jessie says Walt is smarter and luckier than them.  I wonder what Jessie has in mind...

I thought the guy at the park was kinda lame.  Whatever, Uncle Jack is back.

theyre just showing the fragile and paranoid state of mind jesse is in.

its funny how Walt is just sucking everyone down into his vortex...
the way he is just poisoning everyone around him...
he got jesse to kill gale
Skylar now is willing to resort to murder...
Hank willing to let jesse get killed in a public plaza... just to get walt...
what else will he do...or let happen...just to get his man?
even Marie's psyche is deteriorating into constant thoughts of murder...

Walt doesn't just have cancer... he is cancer.

To be honest, I'm still confused over the whole ryson cigarette thing.


Phil

This show, man... this show...

I'm really hoping they'll ramp things up for the last four. While I enjoyed this last episode, it was something of a lull compared to the last three and while I'm a sucker for the show's lethal portent, I think drawing things out until the finale will be near unbearable. Good and bad remains ever nebulous but it seems like in the last 10 minutes or so, the writers drew a line between the characters and separated them into two very distinct camps of opposition. The lone wolves have dissipated for the time being and the episode ends on a very profound note plot-wise. I'm hoping for big things next Sunday.

With only 4 more left, how on earth does Walt get to that flash forward?!?

This is driving me nuts!

Also if you have an eye for detail...a little foreshadowing of Hank's fate perhaps?  I'll give you a hint:  Back to the Future

Are you saying that Hank goes back in time to make sure that his parents kiss at the prom?  Christ, I'm confused.


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe Are you saying that Hank goes back in time to make sure that his parents kiss at the prom?  Christ, I'm confused. Phil

LOL!  Not really a good hint, but it reminded me of Uncle Joey, "Better get used to those bars kid" from Back to the Future. I'll spill the beans...

POSSIBLE SPOILER

When Jessie gets up to use the bathroom at Hank's, there is an interesting shot of Hank through the bars of the chair.

Bad reference.  

I'm also wondering how they'll squeeze so much into four episodes. Not a fan of the Jesse/Hank partnership either... I'll be honest and say I really want Hank to lose.

its all coming down to Walt Vs Jesse.

Walt's refusal or reluctance to deal with his most combustible loose end will inevitably be his undoing. that mixed with is ego

I guess we don't need to worry that the writers have too much story to tell in 4 episodes...

This weeks episode was the best episode of the season so far.  Jessie's plan to ruin Walt was amazing, but leave it up to Walt to get last licks! Hahaha!

The tension was taken to a whole new level out of nowhere!  It was surreal to see Walt condemn himself with no hesitation.  Wow, I'm impressed. I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on this weeks offering.

After last week's episode, I was really concerned that indeed there might not be enough time to wrap up the story in four episodes in the way it ought to be wrapped up. Low and behold, that's not the case. This episode certainly took a sharp turn toward the end but really, all it took was one character to drop the ball. And one character did.

The last 10 minutes (or however long it was) were unbelievable. Truly some of the most harrowing tension I've seen on TV... ever. Some historic events went down tonight, no doubt.

what a cliffhanger...

Gomey and Hank are in serious trouble

I think it's safe to say Hank and Gomez are goners. 2 against 10? No way in hell...even for DEA agents.

I'll be honest. I NEVER get worked up while watching a TV show. But last night, I was screaming and kicking furniture like a a 12 year old boy losing at Halo.

God damn, what an episode. S hit has hit the fan...even though we could clearly see it coming. Oddly enough, I still want Walt to pull through. I wanted him to come up with some genius plan to get out of it all. And it was really sad to see Hank outsmart Walt. But it worked.

The only thing that didn't work for me was the shoot out. All those rounds firing and no one getting hit? But it's fine. Really, just a minor grievance.

I'm going to need some coke while watching the last 3 episodes, because I'll need something to calm me down.

I've had my ups and downs with Breaking Bad through the seasons, but this latest episode is one of the best episodes of anything I've ever seen. If there's a unit of measurement higher than a 'cliffhanger' for an ending, then this episode gets that award.

I'd definitely put my money on Hank not walking away next week as his final words to Marie were 'I love you', and I'm pretty certain (but far from sure) the two of them haven't said that to each other the whole way through. It would be a nice little touch.

All I hope now is Jesse gets away. It looked like he was gonna make a break for it but where is there for him to go? Plus, they've got cars and machine guns while he's on foot and unarmed. Might take Walt to cook again to save his life.

Arty.

ps am I the only one who wants Walt dead? I think I actually hate him.

Now that's an episode.  After last week's fairly disappointing entry, this thing was nonstop action from go.  I love how Hank was finally able to outsmart Walt and beat him at his own game.  But, as soon as Walt gave Todd's uncle those coordinates, I knew the neo-nazi fun bunch was showing up.

I'd be amazed if Gomey makes it out of the firefight.  I think he's taking a trip to Belize.  But I don't see Jesse and Hank dying at this point.  Maybe abducted.  

Great episode.

So Walt would rather give up and go to jail than face killing Hank...  (theres Walt's revenge angle on killing Todds crew with the ricin and machine gun.)

I think jesse will be able to save himself by offering himself up as a cook.

Quoted from Penoyer79 I think jesse will be able to save himself by offering himself up as a cook.

Haha! What if future Walt wasn't going to save Jessie, but he was jealous of his superior cook and was going to shut it down?  I don't know, hell, maybe Walt spray painted his own name in his house.

This is driving me nuts.

I have not been reading this thread, so as to avoid spoilers -- but I have seen some of the first season, which is enough to find this amusing:

According to Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, tonight's episode "Ozymandias" will be the best episode of the series!  The paramount episode.  Episode of Episodes.

So if this is true, tonight, we could arguably witness the greatest hour of television EVER!

Ozymandias

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo According to Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, tonight's episode "Ozymandias" will be the best episode of the series!  The paramount episode.  Episode of Episodes.

It was (thus far). I can only imagine what's to come in the last two. Hands down the most visceral experience I've ever had watching television.

I have to go back and watch it again before I comment on it.  I feel like I missed some things.

I would agree. For the longest time, "Four Days Out" was my favorite episode, but this one beat it. The most amazing thing was that it didn't have a "slow part". Almost every episode of every show does, but this one didn't seem to. "Ozymandias" overtook it.

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo Just speculating here, but I strongly believe that Walt, his ego runneth over, will tell Jessie something like this: (Walt dominates, Jessie weeps -- defeated) You betrayed me, for what?  I didn't poison Brock, I saved you -- us.  Don't you know who I am?  Do you think Jane's death was an accident?  Clearly, you don't know who I am Jessie.  I'm Heiensburg, and I choose who lives and who dies! LOL!  Just saying...

Damn, I was so close!  

I have to admit, I loved this episode.  Was it the greatest episode?  It still hasn't sunk in.  Walt really fooled me in the end.  I had to go back and watch it again to confirm my mind wasn't playing tricks on me.  Poor Jessie, he's in a tight spot right now.  Like the eqviluant to being Todd's sex slave in a meth bunker.  And we all know Todd is a fuckin weirdo.

that was devastating. I feel like I want to puke.

great show.

Another superb piece of writing, directing and acting.  This show is going out with a bang.  Much like everyone else, I'm going to have to rewatch this to see what I missed during the first viewing.  Talk about a relentless pace.  And once again, creepy Todd proves himself to be an ice-cold, strategic thinker, keeping Jesse alive to turn him into the gang's personal meth monkey.  

so im guessing Walt stole Holly to have one last peaceful moment with his daughter before calling Saul's guy.

and he called Skylar - basically putting on a show for the cops... saying all the nasty things to make Skylar look like a victim and let her off the hook.

do you guys agree?

That would explain all his tears as he said all the nasty things. and obviously now he wants revenge for Hanks death.

Quoted from Penoyer79 so im guessing Walt stole Holly to have one last peaceful moment with his daughter before calling Saul's guy. and he called Skylar - basically putting on a show for the cops... saying all the nasty things to make Skylar look like a victim and let her off the hook. do you guys agree? That would explain all his tears as he said all the nasty things. and obviously now he wants revenge for Hanks death.

Yep, sounds about right to me.

But, why oh why, do the thugs need to keep producing Meth when they just got away with $70 mill? I reckon Walt's not going to let these guys get away - can't wait for that showdown if there is one?

It appears the last two eps are going to go longer than normal time too. Looking forward to it!

yeah, that's obviously what walt intended. however did skylar know that walt knew that the cops were on the other line? i would say yes given her response. she knew what he was doing.

aaron paul just said that the last two episodes are even messier than ozy. and at 75 minutes a piece, i can't wait.

we're witnessing tv history right now.

Quoted from LC But, why oh why, do the thugs need to keep producing Meth when they just got away with $70 mill?

Because the writers need to keep Jesse alive for the ending.

With Walt revealing the truth about Jane.... they set the table for the final showdown.

there's no turning back with these two now.

Its Master Vs Apprentice.

Quoted from albinopenguin aaron paul just said that the last two episodes are even messier than ozy. and at 75 minutes a piece

Wow, I didn't know that!  Great news.

This show is so flippin awesome.

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo This show is so flippin awesome.

Great pic.  Really brings home how well thought out and detailed this show is.

I now consider Breaking Bad the best television series of all time.  Masterpiece.

Pretty much, yeah. I think after the last episode (Ozymandias), that was set in stone. I think for the finale to be a disappointment, everyone involved flat out wouldn't have been able to make that episode happen. That said, this next week is going to be an excruciatingly slow crawl to next Sunday.

BTW, if anyone thinks that there's a series that's better than Breaking Bad, let me know and I will watch it ASAP. After BB's over, I'll be starting Game of Thrones and Twin Peaks regardless.

Quoted from James McClung BTW, if anyone thinks that there's a series that's better than Breaking Bad, let me know and I will watch it ASAP. After BB's over, I'll be starting Game of Thrones and Twin Peaks regardless.

I don't think anything's better than BB at this point, but if you haven't watched it you should get started on Boardwalk Empire. The other two you mention are pretty darn good too.

BTW, does anyone think this show is going to end well at this point? It seems like there've been so many prospective glimmers of hope for characters throughout the last couple episodes that have effectively been snuffed out, especially in the last two. Basically every character who isn't a blatant antagonist seems to be behind the eight ball this time around, in a big way.

Quoted from LC I don't think anything's better than BB at this point, but if you haven't watched it you should get started on Boardwalk Empire. The other two you mention are pretty darn good too.

I'd definitely like to get to it in due time. If it's not better than Breaking Bad (which apparently it isn't), Game of Thrones and Twin Peaks will still take precedence after September 29.

After the final shot of the glass on the bar, I'm confident about it.  I'm amazed after all that's happened, Walt's ego still lingers.  But this time was different, and with an M60 in the trunk...gosh.

The writers have given Walt an impossible goal, virtually written his character into the farthest corner I have ever seen on television.  Odds are in favor of a brilliant solution.

did anyone notice Todd's proud little grin when Jesse talked about his murdering Drew Sharp on the video?

Quoted from James McClung BTW, if anyone thinks that there's a series that's better than Breaking Bad, let me know and I will watch it ASAP. After BB's over, I'll be starting Game of Thrones and Twin Peaks regardless.

Hey James -

I'm not going to say *better* - but since you appreciate BB, you owe it to yourself to watch Orange is the New Black and Shameless.  Seriously...

Quoted from James McClung Twin Peaks will still take precedence after September 29.

I bought the Twin Peaks series earlier this year and it was just about as good now as it was 20 some years ago. I loved that show.

Last night's episode absoutely killed it. Set the stage perfectly for next week and I can't wait.

Lydia + Todd = bad news.

Pretty sure the ricin is for Lydia. Too much emphasis on the stevia.

I'm going to start Boardwalk Empire after BB. BB is still the #1 show ever made, but Game of Thrones is a solid second. Definitely worth checking out.

Quoted from albinopenguin Pretty sure the ricin is for Lydia. Too much emphasis on the stevia.

Yeah, you probably have it right there. Surprisingly predictable for WW/BB though.

Quoted from wonkavite Hey James - I'm not going to say *better* - but since you appreciate BB, you owe it to yourself to watch Orange is the New Black and Shameless.  Seriously...

I've watched Orange is the New Black all the way through. Really enjoyed it and totally onboard for Season 2.

Shameless, I've never heard of before. Looked into it. Sounds interesting.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I bought the Twin Peaks series earlier this year and it was just about as good now as it was 20 some years ago. I loved that show.

Good to hear. I saw the movie and hated it. Apparently fans of the show weren't totally in favor of it either though and the extent to which I've been encouraged to watch the show has convinced me to check it out. At the very least, it seems a much more likely candidate for Lynch's best work than Inland Empire.

Game of Thrones is a monster.

as far as Todd goes... best psychopath since Mr Blonde.

As much as I like Breaking Bad, for me it doesn't come close to The Wire. There have been too many episodes or certain storylines that I've had to push through rather than look forward to. In fairness some of these recent episodes have been fantastic though, plus one thing it does well is finish each episode with some form of cliffhanger, which usually means you have to watch the next one.

I think my main problem is I just don't like Walt, he's crossed a few too many lines for my liking, so much so that I want him dead. I'm definitely team Jessie.

Having said that I do really like Todd. There's just something about him, I've never seen such a cold blooded killer played that way. Also, on the subject of Todd, is he a psychopath or a sociopath? I must admit I don't know the difference between the two but someone on facebook called him a sociopath and it's something I've been wondering for a while now. Maybe he's something else that I don't even know about?

Question:  Am I the only one who wants to see Walter White mow down a band of Nazis with extreme prejudice in a full out assault like that scene in Predator?

That would be interesting albeit entirely out of character. I'll give you 5-1 odds that Walt gives Jesse the ricin cigarette to end his suffering, though...

I think the way the final episode is going to unfold with a final goodbye to Walt followed by something epic.  I really trust my mind will be blown from my cranium Sunday.  This is going to sound pathetic, but I'm happy to live in a world with BB.

As for the ricin, I haven't the slightest.

its hard to predict now.. .cause there's so many different directions they can go...

Christmas has come early today... 7 hours to go!

Perfect.

Just watched the final episode!

***SPOILERS***

What a great show.  But I've gotta say it,  WTF were they thinking showing Walt build that turret?!  For the sake of making us feel tense about getting his car keys off the pool table?  Ok, I'm done.

Anyway, wow.  So many amazing scenes in this one.  When Walt was at Gretchen's pad my heart was racing.  Then I was like, yeah right -- they're not gonna give that money to Walt Jr. and they're calling the cops.  But then!!!  That was fucking brilliant!

The scene with Skyler and Walt, unbelievable.  They found a way to make the lottery ticket go from clever to a truly meaningful statement.  Uh, I got to watch that again.

Then, as everyone called it, Walt gives Lydia the business.  She looked so pathetic.  It was great!  I like how they found a way for Todd to be creepy even after he got iced.

The main course -- Walt and Jessie.   They couldn't have done it better IMO.  Jessie rides off in a blaze of glory, but to you think he was ecstatic because he escaped the meth bunker?  WRONG!  He's free from Walt!  Love it!  Do it yourself.

And then we get the final shot, of "Crawl Space" Walt.  No, not LOST.

I need a smoke. A +  

Johnny, put some spoiler space before your post!


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe Johnny, put some spoiler space before your post! Phil

Oops, I was amped up.

Quoted from James McClung Perfect.

Yes. That about says it all.  

That was the best series finale I have ever seen, not a wasted moment, everything wrapped up perfect including the closing song, truley amazing!

I think that episode gave us all we could ask for.  No ambiguity, just rock solid story telling.  Very rare for a show to go out on top like this.

what did you guys think of the way they handled Walt and Jesse?

I didn't expect that at all...

Obvious Spoilers.

Personally, I thought it was a little underwhelming - but I always seem to think that with every show's finale. Would've liked Walt's death to be a little more... intimate I suppose, I wasn't a really fan of the music. But besides that, it was pretty enjoyable. I think it's time for GOT now...

Quoted from Penoyer79 what did you guys think of the way they handled Walt and Jesse? I didn't expect that at all...

That's pretty much exactly the way I thought it was going down.  Despite their past, Walt had a paternal love of Jesse and I think deep down Jesse loved Walt.  So, Walt gives Jesse a second chance at life, sacrificing what little time he had left.  

As far as the climactic scene, I knew Walt wasn't going to storm into the compound like Rambo with his M-60, but the way he engineered that endgame was brilliant.  The image of the flaming trunk... epic.

Oh I'm so behind....watching the END on Wednesday!!!! Trying to keep myself from looking at the spoilers but it looks like everyone was pleased with the way it ended can't wait!

The episode was fine, I thought, but am I the only one who thought it had serious pacing issues? All it really seemed to do was move from one set piece to another. It really should have been two hours so there could have been an actual flow to it instead of being choppy like it was.

Everything pretty much happened as expected, but that's okay. A perfect ending. Couldn't be happier.

I'm dragging my tv to the curb today for the trash trucks. Have no need for it anymore.

Wouldn't it have been awesome if Breaking Bad ended with Jessie waking up in bed, startled, realizing he didn't study for his high school chemistry finals that day?


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe Wouldn't it have been awesome if Breaking Bad ended with Jessie waking up in bed, startled, realizing he didn't study for his high school chemistry finals that day? Phil

LOL! Of course the only ending that would've made me hate the entire show.

WARNING:- SPOILERS TO FOLLOW.

I loved the final episode. I'm glad Walt got what he deserved (assuming he is dead and they won't one day bring BB back) and Jesse got to drive away in hysterical fits of laughter.

I pretty much got everything I wanted from the episode. Everyone who deserved to die did die, and I was delighted Jesse got to finish Todd off. He's been wanting that for a while and I'm happy he got it done.

I'm already looking forward to the next big TV event, which may be the next series of GoT.