Breaking Bad [SPOILER ALERT]

[Robert]

I was impressed by the mirroring of how in “Ozymandias” Uncle Jack executes Hank in cold blood with a single bullet from his handgun, whereas in “Felina” it is Walter who avenges Hank by killing Uncle Jack with the same weapon and in precisely the same ruthless manner.

Both in mid-sentence, even.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

And it's a lovely moment where we can all forgive him too, and get behind him for his final Say-hello-to-my-lil'-friend scene - where I was out of my seat punching the air.

I don't think I've ever enjoyed the ending of a tv series as much as the final scene where a dying Walt is reminiscing with his lab equipment to that song " A perfect love" while the cops are storming his hideout. Even now I once in a while check to make sure it's still on Netflix and hasn't been sold to some other media channel.

 

[James]

I don't think I've ever enjoyed the ending of a tv series as much as the final scene where a dying Walt is reminiscing with his lab equipment to that song " A perfect love" while the cops are storming his hideout. Even now I once in a while check to make sure it's still on Netflix and hasn't been sold to some other media channel.

Breaking Bad should be on Netflix for the long term. Just so addictive, rewatchable, and powerful. It also successfully straddles a number of very different genres as the series goes on, which takes remarkable skill in production: regular weekly serial, crime thriller, tragedy, neo-western, psychological drama, black comedy, family soap, to name a few.

 

[Robert]

I don't think I've ever enjoyed the ending of a tv series as much as the final scene where a dying Walt is reminiscing with his lab equipment to that song " A perfect love" while the cops are storming his hideout. Even now I once in a while check to make sure it's still on Netflix and hasn't been sold to some other media channel.

The one that really got to me was the final five minutes of Six Feet Under, as Claire drives across America to a montage of the death scenes of every main character, including Claire herself at the age of 108. I was bawling like a kid the first time I saw that. For me, 6FU is just as good as BB.

 

[Afzal_K]

Watch Ozark if you are missing BB - 4th Season coming up on Jan 22
BB was in different league

 

[Robert]

Watch Ozark if you are missing BB - 4th Season coming up on Jan 22
BB was in different league

Grim. Very good, but super dark. All the characters except perhaps Ruth are horrible.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The one that really got to me was the final five minutes of Six Feet Under, as Claire drives across America to a montage of the death scenes of every main character, including Claire herself at the age of 108. I was bawling like a kid the first time I saw that. For me, 6FU is just as good as BB.

Thanks for the tip, I will look Six Feet Under up and add it to my list.

Watch Ozark if you are missing BB - 4th Season coming up on Jan 22
BB was in different league

I'm already watching it, really looking forward to season 4. Not in the same league as BB, but then nothing is.

 

[James]

Six Feet Under is so good that it deserves a separate thread!

 

[Robert]

Thanks for the tip, I will look Six Feet Under up and add it to my list.

It stars Michael C Hall of Dexter fame, though playing a very different character, uptight and struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.

Six Feet Under is so good that it deserves a separate thread!

Glad that you like it.

If True Detective season 1 is the best season of telly I have ever seen, and Ozymandias from BB the best hour, the final reel of 6FU is the best five minutes.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

It stars Michael C Hall of Dexter fame, though playing a very different character, uptight and struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.






Glad that you like it.

If True Detective season 1 is the best season of telly I have ever seen, and Ozymandias from BB the best hour, the final reel of 6FU is the best five minutes.

I really liked Dexter as a character, I don't want to sully that image by seeing him as a homosexual/trans or whatever he is portraying in Six Feet Under. I will not be watching this show at present, but may review once Daniel Craig is portrayed as a gay Jame Bond.

 

[Robert]

I really liked Dexter as a character, I don't want to sully that image by seeing him as a homosexual/trans or whatever he is portraying in Six Feet Under. I will not be watching this show at present, but may review once Daniel Craig is portrayed as a gay Jame Bond.

That’s disappointing to read. It’s important to watch and read art that challenges you to think differently about the world.

I was fond of Hall’s character David Fisher in 6FU. He showed greater range than in Dexter and you see what a good actor he is. His emotionally blocked and overcompensating character resonated with mine, and I was glad that he finally found contentment as his arc ended.

 

[James]

I really liked Dexter as a character, I don't want to sully that image by seeing him as a homosexual/trans or whatever he is portraying in Six Feet Under. I will not be watching this show at present, but may review once Daniel Craig is portrayed as a gay Jame Bond.

Michael C Hall’s brilliant acting in SFU is what got him the Dexter role in the first place. He plays one of the main characters in SFU and he is very much a closeted/internally hating homosexual who struggles with his identity at first and the perceived conflict with his Christian religious views, but he becomes more confident in his skin over time. His character is partially based on the personal experiences of Alan Ball who created the show. One of the most disappointing posts that I have read from you in a long time…

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

That’s disappointing to read. It’s important to watch and read art that challenges you to think differently about the world.

I was fond of Hall’s character David Fisher in 6FU. He showed greater range than in Dexter and you see what a good actor he is. His emotionally blocked and overcompensating character resonated with mine, and I was glad that he finally found contentment as his arc ended.

Fantastic. I would really like to see a gay James Bond, he is the quintessential British hero so I think that would lead the way for emotionally blocked and overcompensating personalities. Although as I have expressed previously, if Daniel Craig is unwilling, I would be happy to see a British Indian of Hindu/Sikh heritage play that role.

 

[James]

That’s disappointing to read. It’s important to watch and read art that challenges you to think differently about the world.

I was fond of Hall’s character David Fisher in 6FU. He showed greater range than in Dexter and you see what a good actor he is. His emotionally blocked and overcompensating character resonated with mine, and I was glad that he finally found contentment as his arc ended.

Fantastic acting from Hall all the way through, and David arguably has the strongest character development in his arc along with Claire, Brenda, and Keith. Despite Nathaniel Jr supposedly being the protagonist. We should avoid spoilers though!

 

[Robert]

Michael C Hall’s brilliant acting in SFU is what got him the Dexter role in the first place. He plays one of the main characters in SFU and he is very much a closeted/internally hating homosexual who struggles with his identity at first and the perceived conflict with his Christian religious views, but he becomes more confident in his skin over time. His character is partially based on the personal experiences of Alan Ball who created the show. One of the most disappointing posts that I have read from you in a long time…

His 6FU performance did get him Dexter.

I’d forgotten about David’s struggle between religion and sexuality. He was a Deacon at his church. Darn, now I have to watch it all again.

Remember that horrible episode where he is kidnapped, with the cadaver in the back of the van.

Brenda was a great character too, fabulous acting from Rachel Griffiths.

I don’t understand why Peter Krause (Nate) didn’t kick on in his career like Michael C Hall has. He was in some show that flopped, I heard.

 

[James]

His 6FU performance did get him Dexter.

I’d forgotten about David’s struggle between religion and sexuality. He was a Deacon at his church. Darn, now I have to watch it all again.

Remember that horrible episode where he is kidnapped, with the cadaver in the back of the van.

Brenda was a great character too, fabulous acting from Rachel Griffiths.

I don’t understand why Peter Krause (Nate) didn’t kick on in his career like Michael C Hall has. He was in some show that flopped, I heard.

One of the greatest shows ever! I’ve seen it at least 10 times all the way through — it’s genuinely profound and so true to life. There are at least one or two characters whom each different member of the diverse audience will be able to strongly identify with.

Krause was in a network show called Dirty Sexy Money after SFU, he was hot property at the time but it was rather placid stuff and didn’t do great (partly due to unlucky timing with the big writer’s strike), it only lasted 2 seasons. His career kind of stalled after that. Krause is currently starting in Fox’s emergency services drama “911” though (on Sky Witness in the UK) and that has been doing pretty well, it’s into a fifth season.

Hall has of course done brilliantly, and he is the main success story from the show. Frances Conroy (Ruth) has had supporting roles in TV and films since then, including a role as his Mum in “Joker”. Rico went on to a role in Ugly Betty. Billy has been in plenty. Rain Wilson (Arthur) was in US version of The Office as the Gareth Keenan equivalent. Lauren Ambrose meanwhile is in something on Apple TV at the moment but I have barely seen her at all since she played Claire.

James Cromwell, Richard Jenkins and Rachel Griffiths were of course famous already and were kind of the special guest stars.

 

[Robert]

One of the greatest shows ever! I’ve seen it at least 10 times all the way through — it’s genuinely profound and so true to life. There are at least one or two characters whom each different member of the diverse audience will be able to strongly identify with.

Krause was in a network show called Dirty Sexy Money after SFU, he was hot property at the time but it was rather placid stuff and didn’t do great (partly due to unlucky timing with the big writer’s strike), it only lasted 2 seasons. His career kind of stalled after that. Krause is currently starting in Fox’s emergency services drama “911” though (on Sky Witness in the UK) and that has been doing pretty well, it’s into a fifth season.

Hall has of course done brilliantly, and he is the main success story from the show. Frances Conroy (Ruth) has had supporting roles in TV and films since then, including a role as his Mum in “Joker”. Rico went on to a role in Ugly Betty. Billy has been in plenty. Rain Wilson (Arthur) was in US version of The Office as the Gareth Keenan equivalent. Lauren Ambrose meanwhile is in something on Apple TV at the moment but I have barely seen her at all since she played Claire.

James Cromwell, Richard Jenkins and Rachel Griffiths were of course famous already and were kind of the special guest stars.

She was in the last season of Torchwood, playing a very brittle character on the make.

 

[Saj]

Up to season 3 - this just gets better and better.

Most of the acting is absolutely brilliant.

 

[James]

Up to season 3 - this just gets better and better.

Most of the acting is absolutely brilliant.

Glad you’re enjoying it

 

[Saj]

This might not be a popular opinion but so far Season 3 has been a bit of a drag.

The twins chasing after Walt.

Jesse continually phoning his dead ex.

Walt's wife cheating on him.

Walt moving back into the marital home.

Walt's on/off situation on whether he will be producing meth.

The airplane crash.

All the above a bit tedious. But let's see maybe they are key to the storyline going forward.

 

[KingKhanWC]

This might not be a popular opinion but so far Season 3 has been a bit of a drag.

The twins chasing after Walt.

Jesse continually phoning his dead ex.

Walt's wife cheating on him.

Walt moving back into the marital home.

Walt's on/off situation on whether he will be producing meth.

The airplane crash.

All the above a bit tedious. But let's see maybe they are key to the storyline going forward.

You have to stick with it bro. This is a great build up to arguably the greatest seaons in TV history coming up next. Its building up to Walter becoming Hisenburg.

 

[Robert]

This might not be a popular opinion but so far Season 3 has been a bit of a drag.

The twins chasing after Walt.

Jesse continually phoning his dead ex.

Walt's wife cheating on him.

Walt moving back into the marital home.

Walt's on/off situation on whether he will be producing meth.

The airplane crash.

All the above a bit tedious. But let's see maybe they are key to the storyline going forward.

Wait until the Gus stuff really kicks in.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

This might not be a popular opinion but so far Season 3 has been a bit of a drag.

The twins chasing after Walt.

Jesse continually phoning his dead ex.

Walt's wife cheating on him.

Walt moving back into the marital home.

Walt's on/off situation on whether he will be producing meth.

The airplane crash.

All the above a bit tedious. But let's see maybe they are key to the storyline going forward.

It's the calm before the storm. BB had a few episodes where almost nothing seems to happen, but it's just setting the scene, then everything kicks into gear and you say "ok...that's why".

 

[Robert]

It's the calm before the storm. BB had a few episodes where almost nothing seems to happen, but it's just setting the scene, then everything kicks into gear and you say "ok...that's why".

Many fans deride the episode ‘Fly’, claiming nothing happens but I found it incredibly tense, especially at the end when Walt! Will! Not! Fall! Asleep! and he’s an instant away from the detonation of a plot bomb.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Many fans deride the episode ‘Fly’, claiming nothing happens but I found it incredibly tense, especially at the end when Walt! Will! Not! Fall! Asleep! and he’s an instant away from the detonation of a plot bomb.

That was the one I was thinking of but didn't really want to say much about as Saj still hasn't got to that episode yet. Not that there's really much to give away as a spoiler. Also with the whole episode focused on Walt and Jesse locked in one room, there was quite a lot of unspoken dynamic going on there between the two of them.

 

[Saj]

I'm coming to the end of the final series.

Wow, it's been absolutely brilliant. Loved most of the episodes. Why didn't I watch this before!

The acting is fantastic and the development of the characters was so interesting.

Only criticism would be that a large part (early and middle episodes) of the 5th season doesn't seem to be as good as the earlier seasons.

 

[Robert]

I'm coming to the end of the final series.

Wow, it's been absolutely brilliant. Loved most of the episodes. Why didn't I watch this before!

The acting is fantastic and the development of the characters was so interesting.

Only criticism would be that a large part (early and middle episodes) of the 5th season doesn't seem to be as good as the earlier seasons.

IMO the last but two episode ‘Ozymandiaz’ is the finest hour episode of TV drama I ever watched.

Now you can watch Better Call Saul too! Some BB fans don’t like it as it’s much more of a slow burn without the constant tension but I think it’s as good.

 

[U$ofA]

I'm coming to the end of the final series.

Wow, it's been absolutely brilliant. Loved most of the episodes. Why didn't I watch this before!

The acting is fantastic and the development of the characters was so interesting.

Only criticism would be that a large part (early and middle episodes) of the 5th season doesn't seem to be as good as the earlier seasons.

One of the all time great shows. You are right about season 5. It was not at the same level as the other seasons.

 

[James]

You are right about season 5. It was not at the same level as the other seasons.

Agree in terms of the first half. I would however argue that the second half/endgame of season 5 is one of the best runs of the show. And the first half still has its special moments — like the train episode, the famous “Say my name” scene, and Hank’s revelation on the toilet.

 

[James]

IMO the last but two episode ‘Ozymandiaz’ is the finest hour episode of TV drama I ever watched.

Felina is slightly better than Ozymandias imho.

Ozymandias is the only universally 10.0 rated TV episode ever on IMDb though, which certainly says a lot.

 

[Robert]

Agree in terms of the first half. I would however argue that the second half/endgame of season 5 is one of the best runs of the show. And the first half still has its special moments — like the train episode, the famous “Say my name” scene, and Hank’s revelation on the toilet.

I thought season 5A was great too!

The caper with the electromagnet
The Walt-Mike power struggle
The Madrigal connection
The train heist
The death of Mike
Skyler’s fall into criminality
The Walt-Jesse partnership disintegration
The prison massacre

Walt triumphant…. until the very final scene with Hank.

Of course it slowed down after the mad climax to season 4 but that was necessary to put the pieces in place for 5B.

 

[Robert]

If anything I would criticise 5B more. Gillian introduced the M60 in 5.1 and forgot about it. When he was writing the final four episodes someone mentioned the M60, so to find a Waltish way to use it he was forced to write the Jesse slavery subplot to develop the Nazi gang, and ran out of time so poor Jesse didn’t get the ending he deserved. Hence the need for tge postscript of El Camino.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

If anything I would criticise 5B more. Gillian introduced the M60 in 5.1 and forgot about it. When he was writing the final four episodes someone mentioned the M60, so to find a Waltish way to use it he was forced to write the Jesse slavery subplot to develop the Nazi gang, and ran out of time so poor Jesse didn’t get the ending he deserved. Hence the need for tge postscript of El Camino.

I didn't enjoy El Camino much, and I suspect most felt the same. But you are right, Jesse's story did seem to get cut off a bit short. All these debates about merits of one series or the other, or whether Season 5A was as good as 5B seem like nit-picking to me. Of all the TV shows I've watched, BB is probably the only one which felt to me like they got it just right. Five great series, and if anything, by the end you didn't want it to finish. How many others do we watch where we think this is really getting to be a bit of a chore?

Actually I lie. The Wire and The Sopranos were probably just as tight, they told a story and got out in time as well.

 

[James]

Breaking Bad is pretty near to flawless imo. Certainly the closest that I am aware of a serial drama coming to perfection.

It’s like one of the great five-act Shakespearean plays transported to a modern setting. Along this tragedy arc there are references and allusions to everything one could think of, from poetry (Walt Whitman and Percy Shelley) to art (the costume design and lighting are all based on meanings, links and oppositions from a colour wheel) to film (the neo-Western setting) to philosophy (the pink teddy bear and the missing eye) to ethics (the Crazy-8 dilemma) to mathematical chaos theory (the extended chain of horrific and weird events across episodes which ultimately leads to the two aeroplanes colliding above Albuquerque, and the fact that Walter is never any the wiser that he has been the central cause of this).

Breaking Bad strikes me as a highly intelligent, literate, and impressive piece of work that was really thought through, written, directed, and constructed extremely carefully and deliberately.

 

[Savak]

I feel they could have extended the show upto Season 7 or 8, it ended too soon for my liking

 

[James]

I feel they could have extended the show upto Season 7 or 8, it ended too soon for my liking

End on a high! 5 seasons, maximum 6 is a perfect length. Prevents a show going stale. Was the same with Six Feet Under (5 seasons). The follow up to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul will also be 6 seasons. And they should have stopped Game of Thrones at 6 seasons as well…

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

End on a high! 5 seasons, maximum 6 is a perfect length. Prevents a show going stale. Was the same with Six Feet Under (5 seasons). The follow up to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul will also be 6 seasons. And they should have stopped Game of Thrones at 6 seasons as well…

Exactly. GOT was once touted as the greatest TV series of all time, but you could clearly see the break from where the TV people got ahead of the books. I know George Martin was roped in as an advisor, but without the scripts to work off, it definitely felt like a 2D version, and while it was still good, just didn't have the same feel to it.

 

[shaz619]

I'm coming to the end of the final series.

Wow, it's been absolutely brilliant. Loved most of the episodes. Why didn't I watch this before!

The acting is fantastic and the development of the characters was so interesting.

Only criticism would be that a large part (early and middle episodes) of the 5th season doesn't seem to be as good as the earlier seasons.

You seem to have a tendency to drop out during slow burners but this is a great example of reaping the rewards for patience, Midnight Mass is similar in that way

 

[shaz619]

Exactly. GOT was once touted as the greatest TV series of all time, but you could clearly see the break from where the TV people got ahead of the books. I know George Martin was roped in as an advisor, but without the scripts to work off, it definitely felt like a 2D version, and while it was still good, just didn't have the same feel to it.

In the fantasy or sci-fi genre you’re always going to find plenty of loopholes in the plot but for the shear magnitude, production value, cinematography and multi-dimensional characters shows like LOST and GOT deserve their place in history as one of the best.

Breaking Bad though is arguably the best written show ever, perhaps topped only by the prequel Better Call Saul.

 

[Saj]

You seem to have a tendency to drop out during slow burners but this is a great example of reaping the rewards for patience, Midnight Mass is similar in that way

Finished it.

Really enjoyed it, although as I wrote above, parts of season 5 were a little slow.

 

[Robert]

I didn't enjoy El Camino much, and I suspect most felt the same. But you are right, Jesse's story did seem to get cut off a bit short. All these debates about merits of one series or the other, or whether Season 5A was as good as 5B seem like nit-picking to me. Of all the TV shows I've watched, BB is probably the only one which felt to me like they got it just right. Five great series, and if anything, by the end you didn't want it to finish. How many others do we watch where we think this is really getting to be a bit of a chore?

Actually I lie. The Wire and The Sopranos were probably just as tight, they told a story and got out in time as well.

Agreed. Six Feet Under too.

A generation before - Hill St Blues. That never ran out of gas either.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

In the fantasy or sci-fi genre you’re always going to find plenty of loopholes in the plot but for the shear magnitude, production value, cinematography and multi-dimensional characters shows like LOST and GOT deserve their place in history as one of the best.

Breaking Bad though is arguably the best written show ever, perhaps topped only by the prequel Better Call Saul.

I love Better Call Saul, but it's like a shadow of Breaking Bad for me. Another really intelligent show, in fact arguably more so. but doesn't have the breakneck excitement that BB had, and the characters are all clealry older while portraying younger versions of themselves.

Interesting what you say there about GOT, because at one time I thought that and The Walking Dead were the best shows I had ever seen, but TWD got so turgid after season 6 I ended up stopped watching it. GOT was still fantastic, but for me didn't quite live up for the last couple of seasons.

 

[James]

Watching this through again. It’s truly fantastic.

Just finished S3E06 “Sunset”, so am not far off being half way through the whole piece. A pitch-perfect episode from start to finish. Acting, writing, directing, character development, tension, cinematography, sound editing, all absolutely off the scale.

A great work of art is BB.

 

[James]

…so is Better Call Saul better?

Or is Breaking Bad still the desert King?

 

[Major]

…so is Better Call Saul better?

Or is Breaking Bad still the desert King?

You cant really compare. Breaking bad was just pure craziness. The stuff they pull off, it was a great series with a great three episode ending.

Bcs is a spin off series. They were quite limited on what can be shown. We all know, gus, saul, and mike aint gonna die.

Tragedy is gonna struck varga, lalo and kim. But how. Both series are different, as bcs is abit slow in comparison.

I enjoyed the vargo and lalo episodes more than the sandpiper and mcgill, yet that story was important in the build up.

As a spin off, bcs has done a great job and can be considered to be near BB. But BB is just legendary. For each twist in bcs, BB has 5 times more.

Both are great series but shouldnt be compared

 

[Robert]

…so is Better Call Saul better?

Or is Breaking Bad still the desert King?

I wouldn’t say better.

Both are about a decent man’s fall into evil.

One is motivated by envy and grudge. The other by his elder brother’s lack of support.

The first three seasons of BCS are Jimmy’s story while the latter three are increasingly BB backstory, deepening the BBverse, or the UniVince if you prefer.

 

[Robert]

They were quite limited on what can be shown. We all know, gus, saul, and mike aint gonna die.

Jimmy / Saul / Gene can still die. He’s been recognised at his Cinnabon in Nebraska.

 

[Major]

Jimmy / Saul / Gene can still die. He’s been recognised at his Cinnabon in Nebraska.

Gene yes, saul no.

What i meant was that in the main event he aint gonna die, yes anything possible in the timeline after bb events.

Right now there are two mysteries, who is that taxi driver and who is cliffs son. I am betting on skinny pete

 

[James]

I wouldn’t say better.

Both are about a decent man’s fall into evil.

One is motivated by envy and grudge. The other by his elder brother’s lack of support.

The Gilligan Universe is modern Shakespeare.

 

[topspin]

Looks like I need to watch BCS.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Breaking bad was more entertaining and action packed.

BCS is a slow burning thriller. They way they have slowly turned up the tension, season by season and episode by episode is genius.

BB seems a bit cartoony in comparison. Walt and Jessie fumbled around a bit and made some mistakes, neither was truly dark although Walter went as close to the dark side as possible.

BCS is a show inhabited by psychopaths.

 

[Robert]

Breaking bad was more entertaining and action packed.

BCS is a slow burning thriller. They way they have slowly turned up the tension, season by season and episode by episode is genius.

BB seems a bit cartoony in comparison. Walt and Jessie fumbled around a bit and made some mistakes, neither was truly dark although Walter went as close to the dark side as possible.

BCS is a show inhabited by psychopaths.

Same psychopaths, though.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Same psychopaths, though.

Lalo stands head and shoulders above them all.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Lalo stands head and shoulders above them all.

Lalo is fabulous, I don't like BCS as much as BB, but there are some outstanding characters in the prequel. Notably it's the new ones like Lalo, Howard and Kim who stand out, the older ones from BB are struggling with the old guys playing younger version issue. Saul himself looks great though, he actually could pass off as a younger Jimmy McGill.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Lalo is fabulous, I don't like BCS as much as BB, but there are some outstanding characters in the prequel. Notably it's the new ones like Lalo, Howard and Kim who stand out, the older ones from BB are struggling with the old guys playing younger version issue. Saul himself looks great though, he actually could pass off as a younger Jimmy McGill.

I wonder how far off the current season of BCS is from the events of BB or if they are happening side by side.

How good is it to rewatch this scene though? Jimmy's petrified of Lalo. It amazes me how many years after what was some throwaway lines we now have an excellent show where lalo and ignacio feature heavily.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWYQN4E4qr0

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Lalo is one of those totally off beat characters which can make a show. His smiling humour which makes him look like your friendly uncle one minute which transforms to dead eyed executioner the next, is captivating. The guys who make these shows really understand how to build compelling characters.

 

[Robert]

Lalo stands head and shoulders above them all.

Over Gus, over Don Eladio?

 

[James]

I wonder how far off the current season of BCS is from the events of BB or if they are happening side by side.

BCS is set between 2002 and 2004, whilst BB and El Camino are set from September 2008 to September 2010; initially at the start of the school year, and covering the time period between Walter White’s 50th and 52nd birthdays (including a few days after for Jesse in El Camino).

In BCS we are currently in mid 2004.
Within the universe timeline, this is roughly when Walter starts working his second job at the car wash due to financial difficulties, which hints towards the imminent crossover.

There are a lot of references to the 2008 global economic crash throughout BB.
The recession is implied as one of the reasons why Walter with his illness, lack of health insurance and general family circumstances chooses to “break bad”.

Meanwhile, the flash-forwards to Saul working in the Cinnabon are set a few months after the conclusion of BB & El Camino, and it seems to be quite cold and wintry.
I think we are looking at November/December 2010 or perhaps even January 2011 for these scenes: the scenes that, for now, will ultimately conclude our view into this universe.

 

[James]

Lalo is one of those totally off beat characters which can make a show. His smiling humour which makes him look like your friendly uncle one minute which transforms to dead eyed executioner the next, is captivating. The guys who make these shows really understand how to build compelling characters.

The most disarming trait in a villain is charm.

Tony Dalton as Lalo exudes it effortlessly.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

BCS is set between 2002 and 2004, whilst BB and El Camino are set from September 2008 to September 2010; initially at the start of the school year, and covering the time period between Walter White’s 50th and 52nd birthdays (including a few days after for Jesse in El Camino).

In BCS we are currently in mid 2004.
Within the universe timeline, this is roughly when Walter starts working his second job at the car wash due to financial difficulties, which hints towards the imminent crossover.

There are a lot of references to the 2008 global economic crash throughout BB.
The recession is implied as one of the reasons why Walter with his illness, lack of health insurance and general family circumstances chooses to “break bad”.

Meanwhile, the flash-forwards to Saul working in the Cinnabon are set a few months after the conclusion of BB & El Camino, and it seems to be quite cold and wintry.
I think we are looking at November/December 2010 or perhaps even January 2011 for these scenes: the scenes that, for now, will ultimately conclude our view into this universe.

Thank you.

This means that the scene in BB when Jimmy thinks he is about to get killed by Lalos men is still a few years away from the current events of BCS.

Lalo wasn't mentioned much in BB beyond that one line. He likely still alive if Jimmy is scared of him but isn't a factor in the cartel or drug game anymore.

Perhaps he dissappears with Kim.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Over Gus, over Don Eladio?

Yes but admittedly that could be down to the latest episode I just watched.

I just can't remember being as shocked during breaking bad.

Once BCS is finished i may rewatch breaking bad. I never really placed it among my top tier of shows which are the wire and the sopranos but the combination of BB + BCS is certainly in with a shout.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I still think Gus is the scariest villain in the whole BB/BCS saga, but Lalo is a worthy rival.

 

[James]

The brilliant thing about Gus is that he can go from a polite, articulate and friendly burger guy working the till to a horrifically twisted, completely blunt and emotionless psychopath in an instant. Great acting from Giancarlo Esposito.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The brilliant thing about Gus is that he can go from a polite, articulate and friendly burger guy working the till to a horrifically twisted, completely blunt and emotionless psychopath in an instant. Great acting from Giancarlo Esposito.

Yes, that is it. One minute he looks like a college professor, then when his mood changes, the corner of his mouth drops and his eyes harden and he looks like someone else altogether. It's chilling stuff to be honest, and most of the actors in these shows were relatively unknown prior to this series. I couldn't resist it and I started watching BB again after about 3 years, and I still can't get over how you get characters like Skinny Pete and Badger with their gormless street cred. Or lack of.

 

[shokz1408]

I am dieing to rewatch breaking bad again, but I’m making myself wait to first finish the part 2 of better call Saul final season when it comes out. Will be nice to see it again with all the back story, can’t wait.

 

[James]

Watched the famous and always divisive “Fly” episode of Breaking Bad this morning.

Such a downright odd and absolutely fascinating 45 minutes, as the meth lab becomes contaminated and an insomniac Walt shuffles through it like a zombie, attempting to exist vicariously through Jesse who himself is still being haunted by the unresolved demons within his heart.

Dramatic and serious, but occasionally amusing; bare bones, offbeat, eccentric; it is an emotionally devastating watch, and yet also a strangely calming experience.

I know that its skeletal production values were forced due to budgetary concerns, but the script ends up being a great idea for a claustrophobic two-piece psychological study with infrequent random moments of hilarious slapstick as well as disturbing undertones of arthouse insect horror.

In “Fly”, the lead actors Cranston and Paul are as pitch-perfect in their roles as ever — and perhaps never quite as much as this.

 

[Firebat]

Been rewatching Breaking Bad, finished up to the 1st half of the 5th season, the infamous Hank-on-the-toilet scene. Reminded just how brilliant it was. From the latter stages of Season 4 through to the end of Season 5, really is perhaps the greatest run of television I've ever seen.

Season 5 was so good it actually won the Emmy for Best Drama Series 2 years in a row (as each 8-episode half was released a year apart).

 

[Robert]

Watched the famous and always divisive “Fly” episode of Breaking Bad this morning.

Such a downright odd and absolutely fascinating 45 minutes, as the meth lab becomes contaminated and an insomniac Walt shuffles through it like a zombie, attempting to exist vicariously through Jesse who himself is still being haunted by the unresolved demons within his heart.

Dramatic and serious, but occasionally amusing; bare bones, offbeat, eccentric; it is an emotionally devastating watch, and yet also a strangely calming experience.

I know that its skeletal production values were forced due to budgetary concerns, but the script ends up being a great idea for a claustrophobic two-piece psychological study with infrequent random moments of hilarious slapstick as well as disturbing undertones of arthouse insect horror.

In “Fly”, the lead actors Cranston and Paul are as pitch-perfect in their roles as ever — and perhaps never quite as much as this.

It's ace.

Walt's mind spinning, guilt and regret tearing away, almost to the point of annihilating itself, coming close to revealing the truth about Jane to Jesse and he just will! not! fall! asleep!

That moment with Jesse on the ladder is nerve-shredding.

 

[Robert]

Yes, that is it. One minute he looks like a college professor, then when his mood changes, the corner of his mouth drops and his eyes harden and he looks like someone else altogether. It's chilling stuff to be honest, and most of the actors in these shows were relatively unknown prior to this series. I couldn't resist it and I started watching BB again after about 3 years, and I still can't get over how you get characters like Skinny Pete and Badger with their gormless street cred. Or lack of.

Those tiny facial movements that convey so much. Walt's head tilting as he hardens into Heisenberg. The shock in his face after he snarls "I am the danger", wondering what just spoke out of his month. Tio's face a mixture of desperate sadness and furious final triumph. Hank's eyes lit up as he finally sees clearly.

 

[Saj]

Well I'm readying myself to start watching Better call Saul.

Heard good things about it.

 

[Robert]

Well I'm readying myself to start watching Better call Saul.

Heard good things about it.

Prepare for a slow burn @Saj. Three seasons of lawyer stuff, with gradually increasing gangster stuff….

 

[Saj]

Prepare for a slow burn @Saj. Three seasons of lawyer stuff, with gradually increasing gangster stuff….

Looks like there are new episodes due out soon also?

 

[Zaz]

Well I'm readying myself to start watching Better call Saul.

Heard good things about it.

Better call saul is top notch too on par with BB

Like robert said its boils slowly but sets the stage nicely for BB

Quality drama

 

[Robert]

Looks like there are new episodes due out soon also?

The final eight are so on to be released.

 

[Saj]

Watched El Camino.

Found it a bit dull and flat.

 

[shaz619]

Watched El Camino.

Found it a bit dull and flat.

El Kaminah*

 

[shaz619]

Re-watching this show after many many years in HD and it’s even more incredible, the writing and overall narrative is brilliant, but I never appreciated how beautifully shot the scenes were, the cinematography and subsequent visuals are breathtaking to say the least

 

[KingKhanWC]

Re-watching this show after many many years in HD and it’s even more incredible, the writing and overall narrative is brilliant, but I never appreciated how beautifully shot the scenes were, the cinematography and subsequent visuals are breathtaking to say the least

Is it not HD on netflix? If not I'd like to rewatch it again in HD or 4K.

Some scenes are genius art. You can watch them again and again.

 

[shaz619]

Is it not HD on netflix? If not I'd like to rewatch it again in HD or 4K.

Some scenes are genius art. You can watch them again and again.

Yes on UK Netflix it’s HD, the backdrop of the sunset while they make meth in the dessert of Albuquerque, New Mexico is stunning. You defo can watch them again and again, you pick up even more detail from some shots, almost like watching it for the first time!

It might be available in 4k but am not 100%, I don’t have the subscription for 4k but the BB doesn’t seem to highlight if it is available in 4k, it does say HD though. That’s the thing with 4k, I don’t think we have enough shows which are available to us in the UK in that format

 

[KingKhanWC]

Yes on UK Netflix it’s HD, the backdrop of the sunset while they make meth in the dessert of Albuquerque, New Mexico is stunning. You defo can watch them again and again, you pick up even more detail from some shots, almost like watching it for the first time!

It might be available in 4k but am not 100%, I don’t have the subscription for 4k but the BB doesn’t seem to highlight if it is available in 4k, it does say HD though. That’s the thing with 4k, I don’t think we have enough shows which are available to us in the UK in that format

Thanks , Yes 4K would be incredible.