Breaking Bad

No. Just no. It's overreacting people like you that gives fans of this series (or any work, really) a bad name.

Also, there will never be another show as good as this?

Give me. A. FUCKING. Break.

That's what people used to say after The Wire and The Sopranos ended, and there is no doubt that such words are used to describe many shows that came before that. But guess what, Breaking Bad is absolutely great, but there is no way that there won't be any show that surpass this. If that's the case, I would even be disappointed. There is always room for the better, because art always evolves. Don't you ever forget that.

In another topic, I'm wondering:

What would happen to Jesse after the series finale? Yes, now he is completely free from the ties of crime, but what now? It's not like he has any profitable, legal skill. What if he goes back to the crime?

FOFD, don't read this post. Or probably any in the ensuing conversation.

I don't think he will. Most likely he will eventually be found. He's the only loose end of a nationally famous investigation, and he will almost certainly eventually be caught. If by some miracle he's not, he'll figure something else out. He was badly traumatized by all of this, and I think he'd rather go hungry than ever go back. He's smart enough. He could develop some other skill. Besides, going back to a life of crime means occasional brushes with the law, which he knows. Again, he's got prison hanging over his head. It'd be too big a risk.

Fair point.

Another big question that used to bug me about this series is that how exactly Walter White, somebody with a Ph.D degree from a prestigious university, ended up teaching high school students. Knowing Walter's general social skill issues, though, I think it makes enough sense.

One thing I really loved about this series is that this didn't drag on and ended at just the right timing. Say, anyone know any good TV shows, American or otherwise (but preferrably English-speaking), that has consistent quality and ended in a satisfying note?

It's completely clear why White is teaching. He had the amazing job his skills deserved, but due to his ego he walked away. Jobs don't grow on trees, and you don't always get even one shot at the best you could do, let alone two.

Uh...

The conversation he had with Jesse, about the "empire business"?

He sold his shares in Gray Matter to make his rent, didn't he? He cut off his ties, but he blamed Gretchen and Elliot for cashing in without him.

I read it as a serious case of depression and mental conviction too. Walter walked out on Grey Matter in a huff, found something that was good enough for the moment and to pay the bills, (teaching) and then he saw Grey Matter take off. And he became absolutely sure that he'd missed his life's big chance. And he gets stuck in that eternal rut of working just to pay the bills while he watches Grey Matter get bigger and bigger and his choice seems worse and worse and his high end skills grow rustier and further behind the cutting edge, (he even brings this up when Elliott offers him a job in season 1) meaning it would take more effort and work for him to get back into the cutting edge of the field, so he just sinks deeper into his rut.... etc.

There are capable, even brilliant people who sit at home or work jobs to just get by that are much less than they're capable of. Some even sit in a chair in front of tv tropes all day while doing nothing at home. [tongue ]Walter was one of those people. (Caught in that sort of rut, not reading this site.)

The inevitable Slam Jam parody

The festivity of the jam mixed with the sheer crushing depression of the original tune makes for a strange form if simultaneous Mood Whiplash...

To answer the question about Jesse's fate, didn't the Nazis destroy the confession tape so I think he'd be alright with the authorities if that were the case. And if the cops did catch him, they might see that he was effectively a slave and might excuse some of his actions as self defense - particularly his murder of Todd.

Jesse's plans for the future are speculation at best but I think his best bet would be to go to Mexico or Canada and live there for awhile. Or live with Badger and/or Skinny Pete for awhile until the heat dies down. Counseling would also be a great idea for the poor bastard.

And if he does end up going to jail, it'll still be infinitely better than his treatment at the hands of the Nazis. And he could get out for good behavior I suppose.

Going counseling while living with Badger or Skinny Pete...I like that idea.

Hey, maybe if he goes to that counselor, and attends the sessions earnestly this time, it would be pretty great too.

Jesse Pinkman will not attend a counsellor on his own, or be honest to them.

Jesse Pinkman in prison would be miserable, as he is brash, abrasive and intolerant of authority, but also kindhearted and compassionate: it's the worst possible combination.

Jesse Pinkman's life is bound to be Hell.

I don't know - it seems that he was willing to work with authority when he collaborated with Hank. And an experience like the one he went through would probably change his priorities and he might be more receptive though.

True but we have to hope someone came out of this alright.

Walt Junior may have a good life ahead of him.

Yeah, built on millions of dollars of money earned by his dad feeding kids meth. My heart bleeds.

I still don't see the attraction of this show. I've never had it explained to me well enough to even start to want to watch even the pilot.

It's like watching a car accident. You can't peel your eyes off, even though it's horrible, and also kind of absurd and surreal.

It's appeal is good writing, good acting, and good directing.

In other words, an exquisitely executed trainwreck.

A funny, engaging, leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what the hell is going to happen next train wreck with excellent dialog and characterization.

Or if you're willing to sacrifice about 10 minutes of your time, give these links a look for both the comedy and drama at play.

Comedy 1

Comedy 2

Drama (actual scene apparently gets taken down whenever it's posted, so there are only versions with music playing over it or this fan animation, which I thought was probably the best option)

Look up "Jesse Pinkman Exact Reverse Opposite" if you don't mind the massive spoiler.

And he was right! Double negative notwithstanding.

Wait, even the scene's a massive spoiler, yes?

edited 19th Dec '14 10:18:51 AM by TheHandle

Yep.

Then again, in this series, what isn't?

... Someone should sit down and compress the series into a radio play. The voice work is amazing.

edited 19th Dec '14 10:20:13 AM by TheHandle

The appeal of Breaking Bad is pretty easy to understand:

A pair of mostly ordinary guys turn to crime as part of a get-rich-quick scheme. However, they are constantly in over their heads, and its only their quick wits that let them avoid death or imprisonment. And, just when they've wormed their way out of one jam, they run headfirst into an even worse one.

Plus the humor and the good acting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq0a2BWE3zA

You guys make it sound like a Coen Brothers movie.

Did someone mention "double negatives"?

(x3) My favorite scene right next to Walt standing up to those rival meth dealers: Jesse showing just how Genre Savvy he's become.

edited 22nd Dec '14 6:23:41 PM by FOFD