I've finally gotten around to watching this show and needless to say, I loved it. I don't tend to pick favorites with anything and while I thoroughly enjoyed this show, I'm a little baffled how so many people are calling this the greatest show of all time. It has great cinematography, in-depth meaning to the episode names, foreshadowing or symbolism in unique ways, but shouldn't how much you enjoy the show also play a factor in whether or not it's the 'greatest show of all time'? Just because a majority calls something the best of its category doesn't make it the best. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the show. I just think that even if a show is bad to a majority's standards, there's still someone out there who considers that show the greatest show of all time. It doesn't matter if more people think a show is the greatest show of all time, it doesn't automatically make it true. Everyone has different tastes. Just like how there's also a majority who don't like or hate this show and aren't a fan of it, and that's completely fine. I liked this show even though it was pretty slow multiple times, but I wouldn't consider it the greatest show of all time. Everyone has their own 'greatest show of all time.' This show just isn't mine.
Rating: 81
Saul Goodman
He is one of the characters who made Breaking Bad funnier. Especially with his two guys, Huel and Kuby. Saul's mouth is just like any lawyer in general, good with words. At first, he seems dangerous for Walt's drug operation, but in a matter of fact, he helped Walt and Jesse so much. Anyways his role in Breaking Bad could be more developed, but probably that's why there is a spin-off about him, Better Call Saul.
Marie Schrader
Marie's role is kind of underappreciated by Breaking Bad fans. But that's understandable because she barely got her important moments as a character. It was unfortunate as a regular character in the show from day one. In her few moments, she successfully gave this show an emotional element especially when she reacted to the situation regarding Hank. Her moments with her sister also created more depth for Skyler.
Tuco Salamanca
The first villain for Walt and Jesse. Only one word can describe his character, wild. His behavior was very unpredictable. He was so easy getting temperamental and he didn't hesitate to beat his men for no reason. His first appearance was the brutal side of the drug business. The way he talks made everyone don't want to be in the same room with him. Salamanca's family is not the right people to be messed with.
Mike Ehrmantraut
Mike is proved how good the writing of Breaking Bad is. The show's decision to give Mike more depth, instead just showing him as a random hitman is made his character feel real. He already showed up in the second season but did not get much exposure until the last season. His connection with Saul Goodman was interesting to watch, there is some history between them that is interesting to explore in Better Call Saul.
Gus Fring
He is the main villain in Breaking Bad. Also, he is the scariest and most dangerous person throughout the seasons. Gus made the tension escalate when Jesse and Walt had a conflict with him. Gus's power in the show is incredible, a famous person with the most innocent looking in public. Then we got his backstory with the Cartel which made us feel odd because we had some kind of empathy for this guy. His last moment is so badass.
Skyler White
Some people are probably annoyed by Skyler's character because of her conflicted heart. But that's made her character how normal person reacts to what Walt did. Skyler and Walt are similar, they are selfish on some points. That made their communication is so problematic and put their family harmony in a bad way. Skyler has a lot of moments that show how good Anna Gunn is as an actress.
Jesse Pinkman
Jesse is the most destroyed person in the show. Since season one, Walter White never stopped manipulating him and made him in a lot of low points. But he had an ups and down relationship with Walt. Sometimes Jesse sees Walt as his tutor or even father figure since his real father ignored him. Every moment with Jesse is almost always depressing. Jesse and Walt are the best interaction and relationship that this show gave.
Hank Schrader
Hank's mission to put Heisenberg in jail made the show feel so exciting. The fact that the person whom he looking for is his brother-in-law made him in a unique position. From the first episode to his last episode we could watch how he turned from a cheerful uncle to a grumpy serious officer. If we compare his facial expression from season 1 and season 5 we could know he through a lot of stress, anger, and disbelief.
Walter White
The man behind the chaos. A normal chemistry teacher became a drug lord mastermind. Walter is the example of a best-written character ever in the history of television/series. His transformation from boring Walter White to heartless Heisenberg put us in a lot of shock in the entire series. Kill after kill he did make his eyes blinded by blood and his mind only thinking of winning without caring about the cause of it.
AMAZING
Saul Goodman
He is one of the characters who made Breaking Bad funnier. Especially with his two guys, Huel and Kuby. Saul's mouth is just like any lawyer in general, good with words. At first, he seems dangerous for Walt's drug operation, but in a matter of fact, he helped Walt and Jesse so much. Anyways his role in Breaking Bad could be more developed, but probably that's why there is a spin-off about him, Better Call Saul.
Marie Schrader
Marie's role is kind of underappreciated by Breaking Bad fans. But that's understandable because she barely got her important moments as a character. It was unfortunate as a regular character in the show from day one. In her few moments, she successfully gave this show an emotional element especially when she reacted to the situation regarding Hank. Her moments with her sister also created more depth for Skyler.
Tuco Salamanca
The first villain for Walt and Jesse. Only one word can describe his character, wild. His behavior was very unpredictable. He was so easy getting temperamental and he didn't hesitate to beat his men for no reason. His first appearance was the brutal side of the drug business. The way he talks made everyone don't want to be in the same room with him. Salamanca's family is not the right people to be messed with.
Mike Ehrmantraut
Mike is proved how good the writing of Breaking Bad is. The show's decision to give Mike more depth, instead just showing him as a random hitman is made his character feel real. He already showed up in the second season but did not get much exposure until the last season. His connection with Saul Goodman was interesting to watch, there is some history between them that is interesting to explore in Better Call Saul.
Gus Fring
He is the main villain in Breaking Bad. Also, he is the scariest and most dangerous person throughout the seasons. Gus made the tension escalate when Jesse and Walt had a conflict with him. Gus's power in the show is incredible, a famous person with the most innocent looking in public. Then we got his backstory with the Cartel which made us feel odd because we had some kind of empathy for this guy. His last moment is so badass.
Skyler White
Some people are probably annoyed by Skyler's character because of her conflicted heart. But that's made her character how normal person reacts to what Walt did. Skyler and Walt are similar, they are selfish on some points. That made their communication is so problematic and put their family harmony in a bad way. Skyler has a lot of moments that show how good Anna Gunn is as an actress.
Jesse Pinkman
Jesse is the most destroyed person in the show. Since season one, Walter White never stopped manipulating him and made him in a lot of low points. But he had an ups and down relationship with Walt. Sometimes Jesse sees Walt as his tutor or even father figure since his real father ignored him. Every moment with Jesse is almost always depressing. Jesse and Walt are the best interaction and relationship that this show gave.
Hank Schrader
Hank's mission to put Heisenberg in jail made the show feel so exciting. The fact that the person whom he looking for is his brother-in-law made him in a unique position. From the first episode to his last episode we could watch how he turned from a cheerful uncle to a grumpy serious officer. If we compare his facial expression from season 1 and season 5 we could know he through a lot of stress, anger, and disbelief.
Walter White
The man behind the chaos. A normal chemistry teacher became a drug lord mastermind. Walter is the example of a best-written character ever in the history of television/series. His transformation from boring Walter White to heartless Heisenberg put us in a lot of shock in the entire series. Kill after kill he did make his eyes blinded by blood and his mind only thinking of winning without caring about the cause of it.
Instagram I @moviemanners
RATING I 91.56
DESCRIPTION
1 I Amazing I Writing
2 I Good I Visual
3 I Amazing I Editing
4 I Good I Audio
5 I Amazing I Characters
6 I 8.96 I IMDB
7 I 4.47 I Serializd
FAVORITE EPISODES
91.94 I Amazing I S5E14 I Ozymandias
91.33 I Amazing I S5E8 I Gliding Over All
87.87 I Amazing I S5E16 I Felina
87.79 I Amazing I S4E13 I Face Off
87.67 I Amazing I S5E13 I To'hajiilee
87.64 I Amazing I S4E11 I Crawl Space
FAVORITE CHARACTERS
89.95 I Amazing I Walter White
87.06 I Amazing I Jesse Pinkman
85.77 I Amazing I Hank Schrader
84.80 I Amazing I Gustavo Fring
81.70 I Amazing I Skyler White
81.00 I Amazing I Tuco Salamanca
Letterboxd I TV Time I Serializd I @korneliushardaw
MY THOUGHTS ON BREAKING BAD:
-WARNING: Spoilers Below-
There's a single word that explains this TV Show perfectly and that single word is... MASTERPIECE. From start to finish this show was amazing and kept you captivated all throughout. I honestly believe this will be remembered as a television great. Of course there were some episodes that were mediocre and could have done better but overall the show was phenomenal.
Looking back on it I don't think there was a single season that I disliked, of course some seasons had episodes which I didn't like but that doesn't mean I didn't like the season as a whole. I think the opening season and the final season were the best out of the lot mainly because they opened and closed the show off perfectly, giving us the perfect opening chapter and perfect closing chapter.
There was some characters in the show that annoyed the life out of me though and at times I stopped focusing on the scenes when they were the main focus because I found them far too annoying. These characters were Walter White JR and Jesse. Walter was honestly one of the most annoying characters in television history and then Jesse was so irritating, there were many decisions he made which I wish he didn't it was like he did it just to be edgy.
Overall this was possibly one of the best TV Shows that I have ever watched and I'll always look back on it fondly, it had a brilliant yet sad ending and it had an amazing start. It was such a brilliant journey. If you're reading this before you've watched it all I'll say is... You're in for a treat.
Overall rating: 8/10
"Dread." This is what you'll feel in the early episodes in the series. Reason being you will be really in Walter and all the other people's shoe. You would get the scenario and feel like it is hopeless for all parties involved. It's how good it is as a show, that you would really be immersed in this world made by Vince Gilligan
If you are slightly interested in the show due to the comments you found. Check out the videos section of this page and watch the trailer. Shows impact people differently so give it a watch and see if it sticks!
This show will question your moral compass and have you picking sides. But in the end. I love the contrast on how I felt in the beginning of the show and the end. In the beginning it is full of dread, in the end you still have that feeling but in a positive light somehow. Maybe, it's because finally over at that moment or the ending showed the humanity inside Walter. However, he still had unfinished business which why it was bad ass about that machine gun thingy in the end because it shows how Walter treats his grudges. This show was good!
I finally had time to rewatch "Breaking Bad", and it has been just as fun as the first time. Definitely one of the best TV series ever made in terms of writing, direction, and acting. Popular series tend to grow stale over time, but the quality is uniform throughout the five seasons here. Everything is crafted so carefully that even the subplots and fillers are worth it. It's basically a crime drama with a lot of focus on exploring the depths of all characters. It's not a new formula but has the perfect balance between action, black comedy, introspection and tragedy. The cast is what makes this series so unique: even though the spot is on Walter and Jesse, the side characters are just as iconic and meticulously written that even potentially boring daily life sequences and family drama events are entertaining. Gus is one of the best villains in television history, but does he really count as a villain? I understand that he could not stay around forever, but after he is gone I couldn't help feeling the void that he left. Hank didn't get the same recognition, but I personally thought that in the end he was one of the most likable and multifaceted characters, and the one with the most realistic development.
Even though I enjoyed the whole series, the first two seasons are by far the best in terms of pacing, development and realism. It's impossible not to binge-watch mid-season one to early season three. Things get bigger and more complicated in later seasons, but basically rely on the same structure and situations of the first two. Season three and four introduce great characters like Gus and Mike, but season finales apart the pacing significantly slows down. A lot of situations also start to repeat themselves: Walter and Skyler have the same conversations every single time, Jesse gets manipulated by Walter and turns against him when finding out, Jesse loses himself and gets saved by Walter in some unorthodox way, etc. Season five tries to change the game a little and mostly succeeds, the second part in particular offers a lot of great moments as all storylines start to close. The ending was maybe a bit low-key, but it felt like the right thing to do without getting too unrealistic and leaving loose ends.
Honestly after all the hype I’ve heard about Breaking Bad I thought I would finally sit down and get an understanding of all the breaking bad references I’ve heard over the years and why the show is so highly praised. I was always skeptical of starting this show since Brian Cranston has always been (still is) Hal (Malcolm in the Middle) for me and I didn’t want to start thinking about him as Walter White/ Heisenberg. Another thing that stopped me originally from watching was that I thought there would be too much emphasis on the drugs (making, selling, etc.) than the psychology of it (power complex, turf wars, murder, etc.) but luckily it focuses more on the later.
The first two seasons were rather slow & repetitive in my opinion, constantly going back and forth about making meth (or not to) and Walter's physical/ psychological condition. After season three (more precisely after the introduction of Gus) I think the show definitely picked up due to the exponential growth of operations and looming threats.
Some things I didn’t like about the show were the unnecessary character stories (Marie’s shoplifting/ lying, Skyler’s cheating, etc.) even if they gave us a deeper understanding of what the person is like. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the end scenes playing out bit by bit at the start of the episodes leading to the season finale since you knew it wasn’t going to be that detrimental to our main characters (which was mostly correct) and personally felt like it to took away some of the anticipation (in terms of storytelling). I also watched the series on Blu-ray and was rather annoyed that the subs for the Spanish/ German weren't embedded which meant I had to keep turning on & off the English subs to understand what was being said.
Overall I was happy with how the series ended (except how a few characters died) which made me happy since a lot of very popular series generally have very crappy endings (like Game of Thrones).
Season 1: 9/10, Amazing concept for a show. Decent acting, capable directing, interesting plot point that flow into each other very well, A few minor mistakes but overall a great season.
Season 2: 10/10, this is why a lot of people started saying BrBa is the greatest show ever. There is literally nothing wrong with this season. By far the best acting performances, by far the best directing, by far the best plot, everything is better in this season
Season 3: 6/10, this is when BrBa starts to disappoint. They come off a godly season like the second with extremely generic villains, annoying bullshit subplots abundant, and the absurdly cheesy lines. The main plot is still pretty good but there is a lot wrong with this season.
Season 4: 7/10, same thing as Season 3 except they used Gus more often and toned down the hammy performances, so it's slightly better.
Season 5: 1/10, this is honestly the most disappointing thing I have ever seen. The show runners went completely wild with cheesy lines in a blatant attempt to get free advertising for their show on social media. The acting is terrible for the most part, every single one of the subplots is pure shit. Every character makes idiotically simplified reactions that just feel false. You will also notice that every episode except the end finishes off with a cliffhanger. That'd be all good if it made sense for them to end that way but most of the time the cliffhangers are completely out of place. The real reason Gilligan put them there is to make sure the viewers watched the next episode from the very beginning and thus improve the ratings. This season is literally a scam so Gilligan and his buddies could grab as much cash as they could before they ended the show. DO NOT WATCH THE 5TH SEASON! Just stop at the end of Season 4.
Review by KemoBlockedParent2021-11-26T09:46:42Z
Having just watched the finale of Breaking Bad, I can now say that it is one of the few series that work perfectly from beginning to end. This isn't to say it couldn't be criticized - it was often far fetched, and in the first season the series didn't quite have a hold of its characters, with Walter making some overly-sudden shifts and Jesse's IQ seemingly wandering up and down - but it was always incredibly intelligent and entertaining, the acting was always amazing, and the show managed to effortlessly move from gritty realism to flights of fancy (like that mariachi song that began one episode).
It is wondrous how beautifully formed character arcs are. Walter, who loses tiny pieces of his soul in ever episode, Jesse, who lets himself be lead into deeper and deeper waters, and Skyler, whose underrated (and often castigated) role is perhaps most relatable; she has to choose between the rock and the hard place, and knows from the start that there are no good options.
What's most impressive about Breaking Bad is it never fell apart. There were no extraneous episodes, no period where it lost momentum or seemed to be treading water. The show moved with purpose. It knew what it was about - consequences and arrogance - and it never lost sight of that. It was a series that remained true to itself. Some series start great and lose their way (Lost), some series fall apart in the end (Battlestar Gallactica), some get taken over by people with a different vision (Gilmore Girls), some brilliant series get canceled in the first season, so no matter how good that ending was going to be, we'll never see it (Earth II). Breaking Bad gave us five virtually perfect years, and the only thing bad about it is now that it's over I need to find something new to binge watch.