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Since Boardwalk Empire and The Walking Dead both have threads, I figured I'd start one on Breaking Bad.
IMO Breaking Bad is, without a doubt, the best show on television. In fact, I'll take it one step further. Breaking Bad is the best show to EVER appear on television. If you haven't seen it, it's a must see. I believe seasons 1-4 are currently streaming on Netflix.
I really don't want to go too deep into the discussion without first seeing how many of you watch the show. "Season 5" wrapped up last night and there's a lot of s hit to discuss.
Breaking Bad is one of the handful of television shows that fires on all cylinders. That said last night's episode was one of the episodes I had mixed feelings about. Probably because I know it is coming to an end.
SPOILER:
Well if Hank stays in character, even his new revelation won't have any impact on Walt to start the homestretch next year. Hank will just think Walt and Gale where working for Fring, end of story. Hank will continue to underestimate Walt and use him to find Heisenburg, but as far as we know Walt is out of the game. I think Jessie knows about Brock, Saul most likely spilled the beans. I think what made the episode feel light was that Walt withdrew from his ego without really facing it. I'm sure if the toll on his family was the reason he got out of cooking, what he's done to Jessie will be key if he ever wants his soul back.
I've heard great things about the Wire. I've also heard that it's on par with BB so I'll be checking it out shortly.
interesting points JN. yeah i thought that it was super intriguing how Walt bounced back from being this ego driven, pathetic guy. it seems as though he's returning to some sort of decency. and IMO, this is even a BIGGER question than whether or not the cancer has returned.
i don't think jesse knows about brock just yet. i feel like that, and jane, will be the breaking point for jesse.
does anyone remember Gale's book of poems and how it ended up in walt's possession? did gale just give it to walt or was it in hank's possession as evidence? I completely forget....
While a great show, (one of my favorites) its far from being the best show ever. IMO it's not even currently the best on TV, Mad Man no chance there.
With that being said when i first started watching thee show i was really disappointed, it felt like they were trying to make it comical and dramatic at the same time but it came lacking on both sides. But along the 2nd and 3rd season this show just gradually exploded into something very very good.
Both the comical and dramatic essence is still there but much more "matured" and focused. Unlike the first two seasons, the show seems to have now more aesthetic consistency, and by this i mean that in the first two seasons, some episodes didn't seem to follow the same path direction and even plot wise.
Overall a great show, were the unexpected is always next door, and with one of the best hero/villain in tv shows history, Walter White.
I'm upto the last few episodes of season 4 and TBH, before that, it was a pretty average show. It felt like there was so much filler and episodes were just crunched in there to find mundane reasons to why something big is going to happen at the end of the season, at least IMHO. But at least now, when they've got to the heart of the show, it's damn enjoyable. Wouldn't call it the best show on TV but I don't watch enough TV shows these days for an opinion.
OMG - as a writer (and someone who finds most of TV boring) Breaking Bad is the best thing that I've come across in so, so long! (Bits of Boardwalk Empire were promising, but it's started to drift.)
The characterization - the plot turns that keep me riveted. WOW. We just started watching a few months ago, and are now caught up through the end of Season 4. Unfortunately, there's no way to see the first half of Season Five before everything starts up again...so now we're in limbo until it's available.
Breaking Bad writers, I love you guys!!
FYI - as a point of comparison - I've seen bits of Walking Dead (decent, for what it is.) Haven't caught Sons of Anarchy or Mad Men yet....
After learning he has lung cancer, a high school chemistry teacher makes crystal meth so his family will have money after he's gone. With the help of a junkie former student, he moves up the ranks in the criminal world as he slowly loses his soul and becomes a villain.
The fifth and final season is on now. Seasons one through four are available on netflix.
I don't think you can group Mad Men and Jersey Shore together.
lol exactly.
Anyway i find really confusing how some writers here have been missing on so many shows apparently. Some show's episodes out there are so much better than many movies. Actually in the past few years the most original content i've seen were TV shows and not movies.
I quit going to the movies maybe 10 years ago or so. Just seemed like everything I saw, I disliked. Same for TV shows. I'm watching AHS now though and am actually looking forward to Wednesdays. I watched BB the pilot today. I can't say it was bad, but it certainly didn't grab me like AHS did. I am more open to give other shows a chance now though.
Btw, I'm probably the only person on the planet that have never seen one single episode of the Sopranos.
Somehow wish i was in your shoes. You've got a decade of great shows to catch up to.
Walter's decent into evil is slow and nicely developed. The first season has a lot of funny scenes in it which, IMHO, took away from the story. The comedy lessens with each season.
I'm going to watch episode 5 today. If it doesn't make a huge impression on me, I think I'm done with BB.
This is a terrible, terrible idea.
If there's any exception to the "wait... it gets better" excuse, it's Breaking Bad. Season 1 is not without growing pains and the occasional genre conventions can make it difficult to differentiate the show from others of its ilk. But you gotta get the ball rolling somehow. It's also a short season. Two more episodes after 5 can hardly be worse time spent than any given mediocre Netflix WatchInstant, which you probably would've watched anyway.
Season 2 ups just about everything, essentially sets the standard for what the majority of the show is like from here on out, and features some of the best antagonists in TV history. I think it'd be a mistake not to stick it out for a few more episodes. I can say for a certainty that you'd be missing out down the line.
...but if you must stop, watch The Wire. Pretty much the best show ever made.
...but don't stop with BB! Spectacular show and characterization. And if there's any TV show out there that epitomizes Scriptshadow's rule of GSU (goals, suspense, urgency), it's BB!
Wow, I love that show... I only wish I could see the first half of Season 5 before it starts back up....
Ditto to James' remarks. We didn't get to see Season 1 or 2 at all and am not exactly sure where we're up to, and I was a bit ho hum about it to start with, but now we wouldn't miss it!
SEMI SPOILER (if you haven't seen it)
Re: Dogglebe's remarks about Walter's descent into evil - the episode where he could have saved a female character... but ultimately lets her die, is alternately revolting and breathtaking.
Well in Walt's defense that girl was a bitch and was blackmailing him, so he did what he had to do, and I was glad he did it, plus it's great drama, but Walt does much worse later on in the series involving a child. I have no moral problem with Walt, I think he's awesome, yeah he makes meth, but he does what he does to achieve his goal. Walter White RULES!!! Plus I love Hank and Goodman and Mike, those are awesome characters and Gus is a great villain. The show gets better and darker with each season.
I'm seconding BWCF's opinion (hmmm, is that the best way to handle that name?)
Jesse's GF was blackmailing Walter. If he saved her - which he started to do at first - there was no guarantee whatsoever that she wouldn't turn on him later. She said that very thing when they made the exchange. Not to *justify* the action, but it's a legitimate concern that would lead a character who is essentially good...at least at first...to make an evil decision. That's the beauty of the series!!
As for selling meth. Frankly, I believe drugs should be regulated, but legal. So that part of his crimes doesn't bug me at all...
The only character that I didn't enjoy from the start was the wife. And now she's growing on me a bit. The son - very nice kid, though his character is a little under-used and one-note. At least through the end of Season 4...
Pia, I don't think you're dense!!!! Seriously - I could see someone missing that line...
A cold thing to do? Yes. But honestly... I'm not sure I wouldn't have done the same thing in Walter's situation. It's not like he killed her. Just let her die from her own actions...
(Great, now everyone on SS is going to think I'm evil, too...)
Anybody else, since Pia just watched season 2, love the "Seven Thirty-Seven Down Over ABQ" payoff? I always thought that was so awesome, the way they worked that in. Of course, it was explained (By Gilligan) that season two was the only one that had been planned beginning to end before they started writing it. That's probably why it's still my favorite season.
Anybody else, since Pia just watched season 2, love the "Seven Thirty-Seven Down Over ABQ" payoff? I always thought that was so awesome, the way they worked that in. Of course, it was explained (By Gilligan) that season two was the only one that had been planned beginning to end before they started writing it. That's probably why it's still my favorite season.
What's funny is, I was doing work in ABQ when my wife started making us watch BB. We were hooked and didn't know it was set in ABQ until we started watching it.
Pia, my wife and I still talk about Walt and the very issue you are bringing up. We also like Walt Jr., but Walt is an interesting character enough that you kind of want to watch to see how all of his crazy scheming pays off - and who gets screwed over.
My Scripts: SHORTS Bed Bugs I Got The Shaft No Clowning Around Fool's Gold Five Days for Redemption
Okay, so I have now watched through season 3. I still have a big moral issue with this show, but I agree that it is a pretty fantastic show. I even ordered all four seasons for my son and one of my son-in-law! Yeah, it's that good.
Okay, so I have now watched through season 3. I still have a big moral issue with this show, but I agree that it is a pretty fantastic show. I even ordered all four seasons for my son and one of my son-in-law! Yeah, it's that good.
A lot of people said that was the best episode. I stand by it being the weakest, with the exception of season 1. I will say, though, that the "One Minute" sequence was shot perfectly. Good times.
You're certainly in for interestingness in season 4, Pia. =)
I watched the first episode and that might be as far as I get. Wasn't all that crazy about it. Seems like a Weeds rip-off without as much humour. Also the protag is a lot less likable.
I watched the first episode and that might be as far as I get. Wasn't all that crazy about it. Seems like a Weeds rip-off without as much humour. Also the protag is a lot less likable.
I enjoyed the first season, but I wasn't trying to be on the couch every Sunday to watch it. I guess I was bored and started catching up on the second season. I watched it week to week during the third season and by the end of the fourth season, I can argue with anyone to why it is one of the top ten tv shows in history. I would recommend sticking with it.
By the end of the fourth season, I can argue with anyone to why it is one of the top ten tv shows in history. I would recommend sticking with it.
Here here! Terrific show! Great characters, character development, constant suspense and twists. It takes alot for me to care about a tv show. This one more than succeeded.
I watched the first episode and that might be as far as I get. Wasn't all that crazy about it. Seems like a Weeds rip-off without as much humour. Also the protag is a lot less likable.
The first season is by far the weakest. At least give it until the second, that's where things pick up. By the fourth, you'll see why it's so acclaimed.
Not exaggerating when I say the best show on TV...ever.
While I love this show, I'll disagree with what you say. I don't think this show will have the staying power when it comes to the fans once it's over. My favorite shows of all time are Twin Peaks, Arrested Development, The Twilight Zone and The Honeymooners. These shows have staying power.
Like Pia, I have only seen a couple of TV shows that run for seasons.
The Shield and Deadwood. Both were brilliant. I have the Wire on order from the library and should be getting the email for it any day.
Like Pia as well, I haven't seen a film at the cinema since loathing the dark knight in 2008. Haven't seen any films since then in DVD as I'm not interested, lol.
There's been a lot of television/movies where the bad guy is portrayed as a good. The Sopranos is a great example. So is Scarface; I remember seeing all the leather jackets with Al Pacino's likeness stitched into it. Is this type of glorification wrong? Maybe... A little...
I sometime have a blind spot where the stories message is concerned and typically base my decision to watch it on the fact of whether or not I want this philosophy advanced as a common socially accepted bar for which future television needs to meet or be exceeded.
It's been my experience, that mediums of entertainment are never dormant nor are they predictable.
But I can (hopefully) dictate to some small degree in which I can influence it with my viewers vote.
With that said, I don't disagree with anyone here pertaining the writing of the show, I'm simply casting my vote by not watching it based on the moral principles it seems to lack.
I had a moral issue with this show too, but the show sucked me in to the point I just forgot about that. Interestingly enough though is that I gave two of my kids the entire series for Christmas last year. Neither liked it and one of them actually gave me the DVD set back...
So let me get this straight. You won't watch the show based on its moral principles (or lack there of)? I could understand your reasoning if you watched the show. But by your own admission, you don't. This show does NOT lack a moral compass. If I was tempted to shoot meth before, I definitely wouldn't be tempted after watching BB.
There's been a lot of television/movies where the bad guy is portrayed as a good. The Sopranos is a great example. So is Scarface; I remember seeing all the leather jackets with Al Pacino's likeness stitched into it. Is this type of glorification wrong? Maybe... A little...
It shows how strong the writing is.
Phil
Yeah, it's like that for the main char of The Shield, Vic Mackey, played by Michael Chiklis.
He's a murderer, a thief, an extortionist amongst other things. But you don't hate him at all ( well, I don't, lol) because he is a damn good cop and loves his kids. Even when he deliberately kills another police officer, you don't hate him.
He gets laid a fair bit too, by some hot women. Must be the nuggety frame/bald head/blue eyes/ rough treatment combo that works.
You won't watch the show based on its moral principles (or lack there of)? I could understand your reasoning if you watched the show. But by your own admission, you don't.
I've seen enough, read enough and have heard enough to form my own opinions.
Breaking Bad is the best show to EVER appear on television.
Are you sure it’s the BEST SHOW on television? Have you watched every other show on television? I could understand your reasoning if you watched all of the other shows.
I don't think Breaking Bad lacks moral principles so much as black and white moral principles. If you're looking for black and white morality, you're in the wrong place. But does the series skimp on the consequences of its characters' actions? Hell no. It just doesn't force you to feel one way or another about them. Personally, I think that's what makes the show so effective and so polarizing at the same time.
I've seen enough, read enough and have heard enough to form my own opinions.
Are you sure it�s the BEST SHOW on television? Have you watched every other show on television? I could understand your reasoning if you watched all of the other shows.
Oh, wait�you mean in YOUR opinion?
Funny how opinions work. We all get to have one.
Shawn�..><
Sure, I think it's the best show ever on TV (which you kindly bolded for me already...thanks for that). Do I expect everyone to think the same? Absolutely not. And I think 95% of tv out there is complete garbage.
But your reasoning for not liking the show is both faulty and untrue. You're judging others for not liking a show because it lacks a morale compass. But that's not the case.
I can acknowledge a difference of opinion...on some things. If you told me Three Amigos is the funniest comedy of all time, well then, I'd have to disagree. But I can respect that. But if you tell me White Chicks is the funniest comedy of all time, well then, you have a s hitty sense of humor.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you completey dismiss Breaking Bad on all levels, then I'm going to think you have poor tastes. But once again, just my opinion.
Breaking Bad does not glorify immorality, it exposes it.
I can say without a doubt, BB will be revered as one of the best shows of all time for its writing, execution, acting, and cinematography. It has set the bar for TV, and if you don't believe me...just watch TV. BB's footprints are starting to show up all over the place.
But your reasoning for not liking the show is both faulty and untrue.
That’s got to be one of the silliest statements I’ve ever heard here. You’re telling me that the means by which I select things has to fit within your line of reasoning of its faulty and untrue?
I can acknowledge a difference of opinion...on some things. If you told me Three Amigos is the funniest comedy of all time, well then, I'd have to disagree. But I can respect that. But if you tell me White Chicks is the funniest comedy of all time, well then, you have a s hitty sense of humor.
Why, because you don’t like White Chicks? Again, your reasoning is silly and you’re embarrassing yourself in front of the grownups.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you completey dismiss Breaking Bad on all levels, then I'm going to think you have poor tastes.But once again, just my opinion.
I completely dismiss it on all fronts, levels and depths! I don’t have to like what you like pal.
I can understand where you're coming from, Shawn. I just don't agree with it. I mentioned Scarface and how it glorifies a drug dealer to the point where people are still wearing the clothing thirty fuckin' years later. Breaking Bad is different as you are drawn in by how a high school chemistry teacher becomes the lead crystal meth cook in the southwest.
And the episode where Walter White explains/justifies his action is something you have to see. You understand his motives! THis is what makes this show so special. You feel for the bad guy; this is why the failed gangster movies/Sopranos-wannabe shows fail. They glorify the illegal activity while ignoring the characters for who they are.
Janet and I started watching Breaking Bad on Netflix after two or three seasons so we saw it all at an accelerated rate.
It was amazing to watching Walter White's descent. From innocent school teacher to big bad.
Again, your reasoning is silly and you�re embarrassing yourself in front of the grownups.
This made me laugh considering BB is a bit too intense for your palette.
Look, we're just going to have to agree to disagree. Clearly your opinion is in the minority (amidst a BB thread anyways) and that's okay. I'm not trying to pinpoint you specifically. I'm just saying I don't trust people who can't see the appeal of the show. You fall under that blanket. Whether we like it or not, we all do that to some degree.
I can understand where you're coming from, Shawn. I just don't agree with it.
Thanks Phil. A very large part of me comes from that world. I have an adopted son whose father was a meth cook for years and is currently doing 20 years. My son is also a heroin addict; whom, had I not busted into a hotel room and dragged him out, would be dead now. Jeff and I talk about this sometimes and it still amazes me how even when it seems the life isn’t being glorified on TV, it is.
I watched the trailer. It’s very impressive writing. I don’t have to watch a show to know who this guy is.
Quoted from dogglebe
It was amazing to watching Walter White's descent. From innocent school teacher to big bad bitchen.
I can understand the fascination from a safe distance but up front and personal, it’s a slow razor across your heart when you watch what that decent looks and smells like when it’s pouring out of your son’s world into yours.
Let me put this on another shoe…
Phil, you were there on 911. You witnessed the tragedy first hand. What if you had to watch shows weekly reminding you of that terrible day? And what if, the show slowly started writing the pilots story in such a way that you almost started to understand their plight? Hell, you even started to sympathize with them a bit…
You knew they had to pay, but you understood their story.
Keeping in mind everyone…this is just my opinion…
But then again, my wife and I still catch episodes of Lawrence Welk every week…
Anyway, as always, I truly appreciate your thoughts.
Look, we're just going to have to agree to disagree. Clearly your opinion is in the minority (amidst a BB thread anyways) and that's okay.
Thank you! I honestly thought this was a discussion on the series which can sometimes have opposing opinions. I’m quite comfortable in the minority position. In fact, I was never looking to try and assuage anyone over to my philosophies; I was simply offering my thoughts and opinions.
I'm just saying I don't trust people who can't see the appeal of the show. You fall under that blanket..
To be quite frank, I find this a bit perplexing. It sounds like you’re basing some degree of trust in a person based on whether or not they agree with your assumptions of the show. To say you cannot trust someone because they can’t see the appeal of the show, is telling.
Phil, you were there on 911. You witnessed the tragedy first hand. What if you had to watch shows weekly reminding you of that terrible day? And what if, the show slowly started writing the pilots story in such a way that you almost started to understand their plight? Hell, you even started to sympathize with them a bit…
You knew they had to pay, but you understood their story.
They kind of did that over time, by showing news pieces on them 24/7. Eventually, the news media got tired of repeating itself and start reporting anything new.
Another example is the Rolling Stone article on the Boston bomber. People went apeshit because they claimed the cover photo made him look like a 'normal' kid. That's what the article was about: a normal kid who became a terrorist.
Breaking Bad isn't really about cooking meth. And it certainly doesn't glorify its use. Walter White could easily have been written as a pimp or assassin or a terrorist. The main story is about his descent into hell.
I've got to definitely second Phil on this one (although, I do understand completely why you would have qualms about the show.) IMHO it is THE best show on TV...at least from what I've seen. The only thing that comes anywhere close is Orange is the New Black. And they're both terrific, for the very same reasons. Intense, complex character development and conflict (in BB's case, an amazing portrait of a likeable character's arc into a sociopathic personality.)
Wowzers. Great stuff. The only must-see TV I've experienced in a very, very, VERY long time. (Back when Buffy was in it's heyday.)
It took me a while to get into BB, so I can understand what Shawn says if you've only had a glimpse of it or read scant bits about it.
MY other half was watching the ep. with the 'Tortoise' (Season 2 Ep &) and I glanced around and went ugh! what are you watching that crap for? Until I gave it a second look (the show, I mean) and then went to the library and got all the Ep's from the start.
Some of it is hard to watch esp. the episode with Jesse's girlfriend Jane - what Walter did there... or rather what he chose not to do is 'look away' television at its best. I found the character of Walter repugnant at that point, but up to that point and beyond I'm still barracking for him - which if you ask me is down to knowing the complete 'backstory' of Walter and the skill of the writers of BB and the cleverly crafted stories.
Having said this, everyone's entitled to their own opinion, aren't they? You can like what you want Shawn but I'd advise giving it a proper go.
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but I'd advise giving it a proper go. 
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