the idea of seeing blood and violence, breaking bad is not for you. If you don't have an open mind or too narrow-minded to watch people smoking pot for entertainment, don't ever play that video copy.
Breaking bad is not the kind of show that will change your preference in entertainment. It is about a chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer, and finds out he could earn money by cooking methamphetamine (shabu in local terms). The protagonist, Walter White, is forced to make decisions our society deems as bad. He will lie, steal, and kill for his family. Either you like the concept or you don't. Walter tries to battle the cancer while keeping up with the cooking and the problems that come with it. Teaming up with a former student for his connections, setting up an RV as a meth lab, finding buyers and wholesale distributors. It's actually kind of canny on a business standpoint, only problem is the product is illegal.
The plot thickens as Walter struggles to keep up with lies on his frequent absences in the house, compounded by the fact that his drug enforcement agent brother in law is investigating the meth he cooks. When distributorship fell apart he finds himself in more danger as the cartel tries to subdue him. He finds a new business partner in Gustavo Fring, until disagreements come in and it becomes apparent he is his worst enemy.
What I loved about the show is the wit and grit combined. It also does not jump from one scene to the next. You can clearly see that every scene, every dialog is well thought of. I loved how the story unfolds and how the characters adapt to their situation. The characters are well thought of and you can really feel these are breathing, thinking creatures and not just some pawn pieces to build other more important characters from.
The most raved about by Breaking Bad fans is the character evolution of Walter White, a caring family man, into a badass meth cook, and eventually a proprietor, obsessed in perfecting his product. In order to preserve his identity he created his alter-ego Heisenberg, cleverly referenced after the German physicist who is credited for the creation of quantum mechanics. It is an interesting psychological study on how Walter was slowly consumed by his other self. Wherever it leads, Walter White/Heisenberg is fully aware of the risks and possible consequences of his actions. As the season progresses he would have various opportunities to stop cooking meth, but he would end right back into the business until it came to a point he can't stop.
Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) is also quite a character. He starts off as a lowly drug addict with no real future. Cooking meth actually gave him a purpose. Walter White pointed out more than once in their cooking sessions of Jesse's need to have an ambition. Twistedly, Mr. White is actually talking about the quality of their meth, or a better way to market it and maximize profits. As the series evolves viewers are left with the feeling that Pinkman has actually gained some moral ascendancy while Walter deteriorates into an obsessed methamphetamine dealer.
There were moments in the whole series that seem dragging or even irrelevant at first, but I assure you everything was done intentionally to give a proper buildup. Heck, I can't even think of an episode that didn't fit in to the overall storyline.
If you can waste your time watching vampires, zombies or other "cute" series, why not try a different genre altogether? Breaking Bad is definitely a great choice to start.
PS
I'm having Breaking Bad withdrawal syndrome so I'm adding something extra for this post...my favorite BB moments!
Warning: Stop reading right now if you don't want any spoilers!
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| Say my name |
Say my Name. (S05E11). Walter makes a deal with a druglord. Not showing any fear even when guns surround them, he even provokes them to let them know who the boss is. "Say my name". Heisenberg, bitch.
Saul Goodman (S02E08). Goodman is the sleazy lawyer who'll take any client for money. His memorable debut came when he lawyered the DEA agents who arrested Badger, Pinkman's footman and friend.
Gus Fring's death (S04E13). The way and manner of his death and how it was planned? Total genius.
Mike's death (S05E07). Yes, I know another death. But I don't think anyone saw this coming.
High five (S02E09). Oh the sweet taste of success. Rarely do you see Mr. White smile like that, but that 42 pounds of meth they cooked is a cause for celebration.
