Breaking Bad Forum

In my opinion, Vince Gilligan's Breaking Bad is the best show currently on TV. The directing is freaking amazing, if not subtle, and the characters and situations are just so brilliant. The comedy is well done, and some of the drama is Oscar worthy. Plus, I still have no idea where the series can go! 
 
what do you guys think of Walter White and his escapades in New Mexico?

It's an unbelievably amazing show. In terms of quality, it's as close as we've come to another 'The Wire'.
 
Originally I didn't like the direction Season 3 was taking (with Walt/Jessie no longer partners in crime) but it has turned into the best season yet. The stand-off in the campervan during the recent episode 'Sunset' is probably one of the greatest scenes I've ever seen on TV, the tension created was brilliant.
 
The truly unique thing about Breaking Bad however, is the way it completely screws with your moral compass. You're rooting for the bad guy in a believable fashion.

@Zaph: What I truly love about where it is going, is that it is making you sympathize with the "antagonist" Hank, who is actually in a way, the good guy. Yet, you care for the "protagonists." IT'S INSANE! Though, I think Jesses has become somewhat of a bitch recently :O 
 
Zaph, we have similar taste, I see. Kudos.

@nofx4208: Hank is a great character, I don't know why he gets so much hate from fans of the show. It might be because, as you mentioned, the writers have turned him into a pseudo-antagonist. Ironically the shooting might be the best thing that happens to him, as he'll now have some type of validation and admiration from his colleagues that he so desperately needs. Even his own boss thought he was tilting at windmills just to avoid Texas, but the cartel coming after him just proves he was on the right track.
 
Also, his wife has really started to shine in the last few episodes. She started the series as an annoying kleptomaniac, but has turned into a real three dimensional character.
 
Jess has definitely changed, a lot. His two rants while in hospital (one about Hank, the other Walt) just proved how much hate and anger he has since his girlfriend died. I think the writers are heading towards him finding out about Walt's hand in her death. When that happens all bets are off. 
 
It's sad that the Breaking Bad creators/writers don't do the weekly accompanying podcast any more. Was great to listen too after each episode.

@Zaph: I feel like the show beautifully depicts timing, mainly being at the wrong place, at the wrong time, leading to prolonged consequences, or even the positive result of patience, as in Hank's case. It's such an interesting show, and they have made their characters ridiculously interesting. Much like chemistry, the show is about constantly changing and adapting to new developments.  
 
I'll check out old episodes of that podcast, it sounds interesting.

I love Breaking Bad.

For some reason, when I read this thread title, I thought of that awful reality TV show from a few years back about Danny Bonaduce's downfall.

@Zaph: I think the reason why some fans have a problem with Hank is because he is an obstacle for our main character, despite Hank being a "good guy."  It's the same reason why fans, myself included, didn't like Rita this past season of Dexter.  She was a road block for Dexter's secret life, same as Hank with Walter. 

It's the only dramatic show that I actively keep up with. Bryon Cranston has to be one of the best tv actors ever. And that downward spiral of depression and anger that Walt went through at the start of season 3, are some of my favorite tv moments. "RESTRAIN THIS!".

@thepaleking: that, and Pizza Roof made this the best show ever (not literally, but still amazing)

@nofx4208:  I can't even imagine how many takes they had to shoot before that pizza landed perfectly on the roof like that.
 
This is definitely the best serial drama currently on TV. The first three or four episodes of this season were a very slow burn (too slow for my liking), but the past two or three episodes have really kicked into high gear.

This is my favorite show on TV right now. Story, Characters, Photography, all top notch. 
 
But... the slow burn is starting to get to me. It takes at least three episodes for something to happen and in between it seems like the world stands still. In my opinion they should have stuck with the 6 episode season like they did with season 1. That was due to the writers strike but it made the show much more snappy and something CRAZY happened every episode.

@Llama:  Slow burn, really? If anything the last few episodes have been at breakneck pace compared to earlier seasons.
 
But yes, this is by far the best show currently on TV. Every episode seems to have incredibly memorable moments. Probably my favourite two from last episode was the 'chat' between Walt and Gus (beautifully shot with Walt in a half shadow) and Jesse & Co. at group therapy advertising their wares. Just amazing.

@Zaph: I'm not saying they should completely revamp the show. I just wished a the tempo picked up a little more. Like in season two the first 6 episodes are all setup, then the final six things start escalating.
On the other hand i do like the stark contrast between the slow scenes and the absolutely brutal violence. I'm not sure what it is really. Something isn't sitting right with me on this show and i can't put my finger on it.

@Llama:  I can see your point, it does have a very 'deliberate' pace (to put it kindly). And I totally agree with the violence thing. Compared to most TV shows, the actual amount of violence/gore in Breaking Bad is very tame. But somehow when it does happen, it always has this incredible impact.

I'm going back and forth between this and Malcolm in the Middle.  It's pretty insane to think that it's the same guy playing Walt and Hal.  Such an amazing actor.

@billabong7329: There's a reason he's won 2 consecutive awards (forgot which one) for best actor.

@Llama: 
Didn't know that, but he deserves it.

I love the show, Cranston does such a good job.

Great show. Very exciting.