TV-Reviewed

Walter and Jesse’s money problems are brought to the forefront in this past week’s episode, “Gray Matter.” Jesse is unable to find a good, legitimate job, while Walter ponders chemo treatment.

We have yet to really get into Walter’s head and understand why he doesn’t wish to have chemotherapy. We just have to use our imagination and realize that money isn’t the only thing in play here. We learn that he’s worried what he’ll be like once he begins chemo. He was warned of the many possible side effects. The biggest thing he has a problem with is the lack of energy. He doesn’t want to be more or less dead weight around the house, unable to work or make love. The thought of Skyler having to clean up after him really makes him sick.

All of that was brought out in a very tense intervention scene, where Skyler, Walter Jr., Hank, and Maria all told Walter how they felt about him and the cancer. I really didn’t expect there to be so much yelling in that scene, but when Maria agreed with Walter, Skyler’s head nearly blew off in anger.

Looking for money, Skyler convinced Walter to attend a party for an old friend. He and Walter were responsible for some sort of research company, but Walter left to teach high school science. Quite a turn when you realize how much money he would have if he hadn’t made that decision. The company Walter co-founded has turned out to be quite successful.

When Walter is offered a job and great health insurance, it’s clear that Skyler told him about the cancer. Not surprisingly, Walt remains angry with her for quite a long time. He really didn’t appreciate that, and it’s very understandable.

Trying to make some cash, Jesse gets some supplies from a friend and begins cooking some meth. This went somewhat how I expected; the product wasn’t as pure as it was when Walter did it. But I didn’t expect Jesse to turn into a quality control manager and toss out the less than pure meth. And then he and his friend got into a huge fight over it and nearly killed one another.

With both men in need of money, the last scene was inevitable. It looks like the fellas are going to cook again. And it’s about time. I knew it would happen eventually. I just hope they’re able to have some success at selling it. They ran into some problems last time with Crazy-8. But before they cook, they need supplies. Not just chemicals and all that, but the proper glassware. A lot of it is either broken or terribly discolored. I think the high school lab is going to lose a few more beakers and whatnot.

Breaking Bad - Gray Matter
Original Air Date: February 24, 2008

Rating: 9.0