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[A Human Becoming]

I just got around to watching the episode and really enjoyed it. I thought the facial expression Marie made before crying at the police station was the best I'd seen from the actor. Her compulsive lying and stealing are always fun to watch.

I haven't looked through this thread since it premiered, but what exactly was the close up of the statue of the guy riding a pig suppose to symbolize? I sort of get it, but could use some clarity.

 

[overcast]

Truly.

I'm not dissing Mad Men, it's a great show, but fuck they took AMC to the cleaners.

How does this happen? They must have known that Breaking Bad brings in a decent amount, and Walking Dead is extremely popular. Damn.

I want to know what the pig statue symbolizes as well.

 

[Discotheque]

who gives a shit about Walking Dead, they could cut the budget of the show by 75 percent and it wouldn't make a difference. Writing was terrible and Frank Darabont didn't do a good job running the show. It makes no sense to cut the budget though since it's their most popular series

A shame about Breaking Bad though. Maybe a condensed final season would be good for it, they certainly didn't seem to have any trouble with season 1.

But if they are forced to add additional seasons due to moving to another network that will be really lame. This feels like a 5 season series with the way things are going.

 

[BigAT]

who gives a shit about Walking Dead, they could cut the budget of the show by 75 percent and it wouldn't make a difference. Writing was terrible and Frank Darabont didn't do a good job running the show. It makes no sense to cut the budget though since it's their most popular series

A shame about Breaking Bad though. Maybe a condensed final season would be good for it, they certainly didn't seem to have any trouble with season 1.

But if they are forced to add additional seasons due to moving to another network that will be really lame. This feels like a 5 season series with the way things are going.

Season 1 wasn't meant to be a condensed season. It got shortened because of the writers strike. The last episode of season 1 was not intended to be the season finale.

 

[brianjones]

writer's strike? wasn't that like 3 years ago

 

[Exclamation-One]

writer's strike? wasn't that like 3 years ago

Season 1? wasn't that like 3 years ago

 

[Blader]

How does this happen? They must have known that Breaking Bad brings in a decent amount, and Walking Dead is extremely popular. Damn.

I want to know what the pig statue symbolizes as well.

I might be wrong, but I think Mad Men posts higher ratings than BB, whose ratings are on the lower ending. Neither show touches The Walking Dead's ratings though.

 

[kehs]

Season 1? wasn't that like 3 years ago

Three years ago? Wasn't that like 2008?

 

[hateradio]

I want to know what the pig statue symbolizes as well.

I don't think it means anything aside from something she had stolen.

 

[sooperkool]

I love these iotacons. Check them out.

http://iotacons.blogspot.com/2011/07/breaking-bad-iotacons.html

 

[Cornballer]

- Poniewozik on the Breaking Bad negotiations:

Which Is Worse: Much Less Breaking Bad, or Much More?

The story over AMC's feud with the Sony studio over Breaking Bad broke while I was just getting to press tour, but for those of you who haven't heard about it: things are getting tense between network and studio over the fifth and ostensibly final season of the show. The makers of Breaking Bad want a full season to wrap things up; AMC—which has been involved in one run-in after another with its shows (linked to money among other things)—reportedly wants Vince Gilligan and crew to wrap things up in a severely shortened season, presumably to save a few bucks.

The conflict has apparently led Sony to explore the possibility of taking the show to another network. Which is where the twist that interests me most would figure in: no network is likely to want to buy a show for a single season. So we're looking at Gilligan planning two possible futures for Breaking Bad, one in which everything wraps up in a handful of episodes, one in which the story goes on for years more.

Which one would be better? As a big fan of the show, you would think I'd say, "More! More! More!" But I feel that Breaking Bad is like The Shield, a show whose moral complications and cat-and-mouse games can't go on forever without feeling contrived. I would hope that one final season to end the story of Walter White would give us a Breaking Bad working at its highest level yet, as the last season of The Shield did.

If Breaking Bad goes elsewhere (FX, which originally considered it? Showtime? DirecTV? HBO would not want a show it doesn't own), then it means figuring out ways to keep Walt in a life of crime, danger and moral decay for years. I'm not saying it can't be done, but you risk piling on the can-you-top-this twists beyond the point of believability; the reason, I figure, why Gilligan's preference is five and out.

Obviously five full seasons is my ideal, and I suspect that a forcibly abbreviated last season to save AMC some cash would mar the show's legacy (and drag down AMC's brand, by the way). But I ask you, Breaking Badlanders: if you have to choose between a shortened final season five or two, three, or even more years of Breaking Bad (on a network that may just want to drag the show out until the ratings give), which do you pick?

I don't think they'll be forced to make that decision, as I assume the negotiations are going to end with a 13 episode S5 for the show on AMC. But it is an interesting question.

 

[sixteen-bit]

I choose: shitcan The Killing

 

[dead souls]

I don't think they'll be forced to make that decision, as I assume the negotiations are going to end with a 13 episode S5 for the show on AMC. But it is an interesting question.

So do I, which is the best possible outcome. I certainly don't want the story drawn out for another 2-3 seasons, even though I love the show. Plus, I'm not sure what other network would want Breaking Bad, since the ratings aren't that great.

 

[AiTM]

It makes me sad more people don't know about Breaking Bad, it really is HBO top show caliber at times. I know no idea how good it was until I just gave it a chance. It doesn't have a unique setting like 60s advertising New York or zombies post apocalypse to peak interest in giving it a chance.

 

[Valkyr Junkie]

I don't get what money has to do with wanting a shorter season. Doesn't a shorter season mean a lot less ad revenue due to having more re-runs fill the gaps? What about wasting ad slots to promote a season of a show that's only going to be a few episodes? Does AMC foot the production bill?

It seems like in the past year AMC has killed so much of the good-will they had built up with shows like Mad Men and Breaking Bad.

 

[dave is ok]

In the end, AMC will cave in and renew for a 13 episode 5th season. But what the fuck is their problem? Leave Weiner and Gilligan alone. Tell Veena Sud to stop filming in Seattle and using 10,000 gallons of fake rain per episode and take an 8 episode season.

Come to think of it, it's pretty weird that AMC has only one show out of the five they produced that films in Los Angeles

 

[kehs]

At this point a short season would be a good thing for Breaking Bad. Since most of their episodes move at molasses pace it would only benefit them to cut out the fat and focus on the good stuff. Hell they could probably condense each season into a Two one-hour episodes and convey they same things they have spread out over 13 episodes. This show is reaching Lost levels of filler and fluff.

 

[sixteen-bit]

At this point a short season would be a good thing for Breaking Bad. Since most of their episodes move at molasses pace it would only benefit them to cut out the fat and focus on the good stuff. Hell they could probably condense each season into a Two one-hour episodes and convey they same things they have spread out over 13 episodes. This show is reaching Lost levels of filler and fluff.

Wow.

Never watch Mad Men.

 

[tycoonheart]

It makes me sad more people don't know about Breaking Bad, it really is HBO top show caliber at times. I know no idea how good it was until I just gave it a chance. It doesn't have a unique setting like 60s advertising New York or zombies post apocalypse to peak interest in giving it a chance.

At times? This show is better than anything that is on HBO right.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

At this point a short season would be a good thing for Breaking Bad. Since most of their episodes move at molasses pace it would only benefit them to cut out the fat and focus on the good stuff. Hell they could probably condense each season into a Two one-hour episodes and convey they same things they have spread out over 13 episodes. This show is reaching Lost levels of filler and fluff.

Wow.

Never watch Treme.

 

[tycoonheart]

At this point a short season would be a good thing for Breaking Bad. Since most of their episodes move at molasses pace it would only benefit them to cut out the fat and focus on the good stuff. Hell they could probably condense each season into a Two one-hour episodes and convey they same things they have spread out over 13 episodes. This show is reaching Lost levels of filler and fluff.

How did you watch Seasons 1-3 of Breaking Bad? Was it on DVD/Bluray and you forwarded through the "slow" stuff?

 

[ezekial45]

At this point a short season would be a good thing for Breaking Bad. Since most of their episodes move at molasses pace it would only benefit them to cut out the fat and focus on the good stuff. Hell they could probably condense each season into a Two one-hour episodes and convey they same things they have spread out over 13 episodes. This show is reaching Lost levels of filler and fluff.

I don't see that working at all. It's just gonna come off rushed and perhaps too action heavy. Plus, there would be a ton of stuff to tie up; way too much for two one hour episodes.

Also, comparring it to lost is just extremely over the top.

 

[Kentpaul]

When they cook meth i wonder why meth ain't took over the UK yet, Amphetamine (speed) is everywhere in the uk but meth-Amphetamine is no were to be found and from what i understand meth is can be made easier than Amphetamine.

 

[dave is ok]

The Wire cut out the 'slow stuff' in it's truncated final season and that worked out so well, right?

 

[dave is ok]

When they cook meth i wonder why meth ain't took over the UK yet, Amphetamine (speed) is everywhere in the uk but meth-Amphetamine is no were to be found and from what i understand meth is can be made easier than Amphetamine.

I'd assume the UK is better at enforcing ephedrine/pseudoephedrine laws than the US, but who knows.

Meth is really popular in the rural areas of the United States but hasn't really become endemic to most urban areas.

 

[Kentpaul]

I'd assume the UK is better at enforcing ephedrine/pseudoephedrine laws than the US, but who knows.

Meth is really popular in the rural areas of the United States but hasn't really become endemic to most urban areas.

http://www.mediclix.co.uk/Nurofen-Cold-Flu-Ibuprofen-Pseudoephedrine-Tablets-24-Tablets.aspx

 

[AiTM]

At times? This show is better than anything that is on HBO right.

Im talking Sopranos/Wire...

 

[dave is ok]

http://www.mediclix.co.uk/Nurofen-Cold-Flu-Ibuprofen-Pseudoephedrine-Tablets-24-Tablets.aspx

Yeah?

I'm aware it's sold in the U.K. I mean laws restricting how much can be purchased.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

http://iotacons.blogspot.com/2011/07/breaking-bad-iotacons.html

Mike is perfectest thing that ever perfected.

 

[Blader]

The Wire cut out the 'slow stuff' in it's truncated final season and that worked out so well, right?

It's not like HBO cut it short, David Simon only asked for 10 and a half hours.

Also, S5 was fucking great.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Also, S5 was fucking great.

Amen to that, bud.

 

[dave is ok]

http://iotacons.blogspot.com/2011/07/breaking-bad-iotacons.html

Mike is perfectest thing that ever perfected.

Does it bug anyone else that Jesse has brown eyes and Jane's are blue?

 

[UrbanRats]

It's not like HBO cut it short, David Simon only asked for 10 and a half hours.

Also, S5 was fucking great.

Yeah, the

Spoiler

Serial Killer

stuff was not as bad as

Spoiler

Brother Mouzone

, anyway.
And i liked the Baltimore Sun's characters, Gus especially.

 

[DevelopmentArrested]

How did you watch Seasons 1-3 of Breaking Bad? Was it on DVD/Bluray and you forwarded through the "slow" stuff?

Don't understand why people keep repeating this over and over again. At least with the slow stuff in s1-3, there were original arcs and interesting plotlines. There is none of that so far this season; just regurgitated shit we've seen before.

 

[Orlandu84]

I'd rather have quality over quantity. I have watched too many good shows decay into absurd farces due to their being extended almost indefinitely. A compressed fifth season would be better in my opinion that a couple of seasons of aimless, meandering plot.

 

[big ander]

I don't think anybody is proposing a choice between an 8 episode season 5 or four more 13 episode seasons. It's not like it has to be two extremes. I'd rather have a full season 5 and then be done, just like what Gilligan seems to want.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Does it bug anyone else that Jesse has brown eyes and Jane's are blue?

Now that you mention it...

 

[Fry]

Just watched Open House again and I loved it even more. I couldn't be happier with the show, and knowing it will probably only get better...I really don't mind the slow pace. It's entertaining anyway.

And Skyler was boss in this episode. I never disliked her though.

 

[FantasticMrFoxdie]

I want MORE MORE MORE Breaking Bad, i'll be happy if it ends atleast on its 6th season.

Does it bug anyone else that Jesse has brown eyes and Jane's are blue?

Cannot unsee!

 

[Drewsky]

Cannot unsee!

There's a newer one too:

 

[Cornballer]

- Deadline with a few details on how negotiations are progressing:

'Breaking Bad' Eying Two-Season Final Run

With 11 days left until the license fee deal on AMC's drama Breaking Bad is set to expire, the network and producing studio Sony Pictures Television are heading into the homestretch of their negotiations for a fifth season of the dark series starring Bryan Cranston. Despite Sony sending out feelers to other cable networks and reportedly getting interest from FX, all sides feel confident that Breaking Bad will return to AMC for what is expected to be its final chapter. Creator Vince Gilligan had made it clear that he wants to end the series after Season 5. I've learned that AMC has an offer on the table for a standard 13-episode fifth season but Sony is looking for more. People close to the matter expect the final deal to be for 13-20 episodes, possibly spread over 2 seasons. Besides pinning down the exact size of the order, a sticking point has been who will shoulder the production cost for Breaking Bad going forward. In TV, starting with Season 5, the network take over 100% of a show's production cost. In the early days of original series on basic cable, the networks didn't know quite how to handle the tricky Season 4-Season 5 transition financially and tended to cancel shows after four seasons, like Lifetime's Any Day Now. In the case of Breaking Bad, I hear AMC is asking Sony for some participation in the budget, which most recently was around $3.2 million an episode. AMC and Sony's previous license negotiation last year was also lengthy and difficult. But this time around, a renewal appeared a much easier proposition, given the series' double-digit ratings growth for the start of Season 4, including posting a series high with the season premiere. Additionally, the auxiliary market, where Breaking Bad had been far weaker than AMC's signature series Mad Men, also has picked up. Thanks in part to a savvy deal Sony made with Walmart, DVD sales for Season 3 went up double digits from Season 2, a rare feat for a series these says. And after it wraps a deal for the show, Sony has to also forge a new pact with Gilligan whose contract is also up after this season.

 

[Drewsky]

I wonder how much Bryan Cranston gets paid per ep.

 

[sixteen-bit]

There's a newer one too:

They fixed Jesse's eyes

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Oh god. Waiting for a final final season of like six episodes will be unbearable.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

Just caught up on this show in the last week and a half, finishing with the first 3 episodes of this season, today. Good stuff. The week long wait in between episodes is gonna be killer though.

 

[Exclamation-One]

Holy Shit @ Victor!

 

[SpeedingUptoStop]

Man, I dunno about 20 more eps on top of this season. That just feels like too much. The show is gonna need to take a real left turn before this season is over to justify that.

 

[overcast]

- Deadline with a few details on how negotiations are progressing:

Such bullshit. Why can't they give the creators some freedom with this. One last full season would be fine. As somebody just said, that wait for the final 6 episode season will be awful.

 

[Staccat0]

Don't understand why people keep repeating this over and over again. At least with the slow stuff in s1-3, there were original arcs and interesting plotlines. There is none of that so far this season; just regurgitated shit we've seen before.

How many episodes have you seen?
Also, don't watch any other show on TV.
More happens in an episode of BB than any other show I've ever seen. Are you just waiting for an action sequence?
Its pure tension right now. Hank is back on the case as his marriage is falling apart. Walt and Skyler are coming closer together as his impending doom seems to be looming. Jesse is spiraling into oblivion due to guilt and drug abuse.
We all know Saul HAS to die for his transgressions and that fat bodyguard ain't gonna save him.

Not sure what all this slow stuff is... character drama?

You say we've seen this stuff before... what stuff have we seen? Hank's plot line is clearly new. Sklyer's is clearly new. Jesse has never been like this before, not even after Jane. The Walt/Mike/Gus dance is clearly new.
You mean we've seen drug dealers and cops before? I don't get it...

 

[Acrylamid]

As somebody just said, that wait for the final 6 episode season will be awful.

Why do you all assume 19 episodes would be split up 13+6? 10+9 would be just as likely...