Monday, April 2, 2012

Blogging A to Z: Breaking Bad


Double B: alliteration!

Breaking Bad is not a show for everyone. Having said that, you should absolutely watch it.

Bryan Cranston plays Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher stricken with cancer who joins up with Jessie, a flunkie former student, to make crystal meth in order leave his family with financial security. If you thought meth was bad before, after watching this you'll want to avoid all drugs including Advil. The series progresses from small time meth cooking in a camper to affiliations with a big time drug lords. To throw a wrench in it all, Walter's brother-in-law works for the Drug Enforcement Agency of the government, who are quite aware a new meth maker's in town.

Why You Should Watch: The relationship between Walter and Jessie deepens, and strains and complicates throughout the series. Jessie refers to Walter as Mr. White, a strange sort of politeness he affords no one else in his life. The overall casting, acting and writing are superb. In one episode of season 4, a scene plays out entirely in Spanish (subtitled) with no musical score, no cut-away shots, no action. It's just solid dialogue that unfolds deliberately for a good five or ten minutes. You barely notice you're holding your breath.

Beyond all that, if you're feeling down about your life, watch this and I guarantee you'll feel better.

Factoid: Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul have both won Emmy awards for the series. You might remember Bryan Cranston as the dad who can't win from Malcolm in the Middle.

19 comments:

  1. Haven't seen this one, but I appreciate your summary on it. Maybe one day...

    Happy Monday!
    Jaycee's A-Z

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  2. Well how strange is that. I have heard tons about this show, but I never knew it was about Meth. It does sound interesting:)

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  3. I really like this show. I even did a post about it once on my blog.

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  4. I've never seen this one but I see that I missed your "A" post and that's one of my favorites... :)

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  5. Love it! We are only through season 3, as season 4 is not on dvd yet.

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  6. I keep hearing how good this is. Unfortunately, I never have time to watch TV anymore (Sniff! I miss my DVR! Don't have it anymore.)

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  7. You know, I've never actually known what this was about. Sounds kind of intriguing :)

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  8. I haven't watched it by my mom does. Sounds good though. Visiting via A-Z.

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  9. Nice... Post!

    Bring it... to the challenge "B" is for Brilliant!
    Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
    A to Z Co-Host
    IZOMBIE: Visit the Madness

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  10. LOVE Breaking Bad! can't wait for more episodes

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  11. I LOVE BREAKING BAD!! I need more episodes soon. Killer show.

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  12. Interesting. I haven't heard of this show, but I really liked your summary and review of it.

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  13. Thank you for your comment on my post. This was such a great review! This show sounds crazy, I'll look out for it :)

    I'm following you now and looking forward to your other posts!

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  14. I watched the first season. It left me completely unispired to go on. The plot is full of contrived and completey unrealistic ploys. Jessie is the only really interesting character (in the 1st season), and it wasn't enough to make me want more.

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  15. @Andrew - Jessie and Walter's relationship is really the crux of the show. It's definitely out there as far as the plot but I really enjoy the writing and acting.

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  16. Ooh, my sister was just telling me about this show - I still haven't seen it!

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  17. Never heard of this one, but it sounds similar to a favorite of mine - Weeds :)

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  18. Yes, that scene was incredible. Also, the scene in the parking lot with Hank, in the 3rd season (I think?)--I curled up in a ball and hyperventilated.

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