TV-Reviewed

Breaking Bad is easily the best new series of the year. It’s far better than I expected it ever would be. Bryan Cranston in the role of Walter is superb. I’ve been a fan of his since he played Hal on Malcolm in the Middle. The two characters are quite different at times and really keeps me on the edge of my seat.

Last week left off with the obvious story that Walter and Jesse would be working together again. Cooking meth isn’t something Jesse was very successful at when Walter wasn’t helping him and Walter obviously needed the money. Although they are back together, Walter wasn’t happy with the amount of money coming in. Jesse was dealing the meth straight to the customers. It was very slow-going. Walter, in need of serious money for the chemo treatments, forced Jesse to look for a distributor.

With Crazy-8 dead thanks to Walter, the only other dealer in the territory is Tuco. Jesse’s able to get a meeting with Tuco, but Tuco likes to operate on credit. Not liking that, Jesse tried to take his meth with him. This resulted in Jesse getting the snot beaten out of him. It was a rather violent scene, one which resulted in a hospital stay for Jesse.

Since Walter has began his chemotherapy, he’s beginning to lose his hair. As it was getting worse, you could really see the transformation in his face. Credit goes to the makeup department for making it look realistic. Walter then made the decision to shave his head and be done with the hair issue. This shocked his wife and son, but Walt Jr seemed to like it.

There has been a steady progression in the investigation into the meth cooking lab. Hank is getting very close to getting Walter, and it’s his own damn fault. The mask left in the desert had information on it indicating it was taken from the school’s chemistry lab. Then Walter was sloppy enough not to alter the lab’s inventory. It was obvious that somebody had been stealing masks and glassware. Although Walter hasn’t gotten arrested, Hank is uncomfortably close to finding out he is behind it.

With Jesse in the hospital, Walter decided to confront Tuco about the drugs he stole from he and Jesse. I have to give the writers credit for this scene. Watching Walter handle his business was a lot of fun. I knew what was going to happen, but it was just good to see things go Walter’s way for once. Not only did he get his money from the earlier drugs, but he got $15,000 for Jesse’s hospital bills and a promise from Tuco to sell more drugs.

With just one episode left in this season, I’m eager to learn how things go. I doubt Walter will be arrested because there wouldn’t likely be a second season if he’s in prison. I’m betting Hank will learn of Walter’s secrets and sweep it all under the rug, so to speak.

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Breaking Bad - Crazy Handful of Nothin’
Original Air Date: March 02, 2008

Rating: 9.8