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Breaking Bad - Season 5 interim thread - the series concludes Summer 2013 on AMC

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C

CrunchyFrog

Member
Hey, so some of you may know I made an Arrested Development endurance run thread where we basically marathoned the entire series about 1-2 episodes per day up until the premiere of the new season, and I think it makes more sense than AMC's current binging 8 episodes a day at 3:00AM. There was some interest expressed there about doing one for BB and the final season premiere. Anyone here think we'd have enough people game for it? I might try to get a little more creative this time around to make it more worth people's while to stick around til the end, got a few ideas. Poor thread died down around the beginning of season 3 *whimper*
 
C

CassSept

Member
Well, it's about time to start a rewatch, especially since right now that would amount to about 1 episode a day average.

The pilot is great. It sets the tone for the entire series and perfectly characterizes the character of Walter White, an emasculated person who at a such psychologically significant age of 50 finds himself having absolutely nothing at all. Every scene builds to how in the long run his life had become meaningless. This basically encapsulates the character arc over the entire series. Walt is a pitiful man who lost everything he could have had, partially due to his hubris, and who needs to prove it to himself that he still has power, and he wants to do it his way.

The second episode is great in basic introduction to Walt/Jesse dynamic. It's weaker than the pilot, but the ending is one of the most memorable scenes of the entire series an a fantastic hook. Skyler's line "stay away from my husband or you will be one pitiful man" is eerily prophetic, if for entirely different reason than what she meant.
 
near

near

Member
CrunchyFrog said:
Hey, so some of you may know I made an Arrested Development endurance run thread where we basically marathoned the entire series about 1-2 episodes per day up until the premiere of the new season, and I think it makes more sense than AMC's current binging 8 episodes a day at 3:00AM. There was some interest expressed there about doing one for BB and the final season premiere. Anyone here think we'd have enough people game for it? I might try to get a little more creative this time around to make it more worth people's while to stick around til the end, got a few ideas. Poor thread died down around the beginning of season 3 *whimper*
Click to expand...

Since BB first aired, I've been following it. I haven't watched the series more than once. So I'll definitely show my support for a rerun thread if we can get some constructive discussions going, I'll help keep it alive provided it's a strong base. Count me in.
 
D

dankir

Member
I just finished watching every episode from the pilot until season 5 ep. 7 where Hank has his I hate WAlt Whitman moment a la Homer.... Arrrggggghh I hate waiting for new episodes and I got to wait a whole week for new episodes??? damn you Netflix for spoiling me !!!! Im going to miss Breaking Bad when it's over :(
 
M

Mistle

Member
dankir said:
I just finished watching every episode from the pilot until season 5 ep. 7 where Hank has his I hate WAlt Whitman moment a la Homer.... Arrrggggghh I hate waiting for new episodes and I got to wait a whole week for new episodes??? damn you Netflix for spoiling me !!!! Im going to miss Breaking Bad when it's over :(
Click to expand...

edit: oh wait.. episode 7, not 8 >_>
 
J

Jimothy

Member
So I've been rewatching the show over the last week or so and have been spit-balling ideas on where the story goes from here, especially when it comes to Hank.
Does anyone else think a job promotion will come into play again? The fact that Marie wants a condo in Georgetown is brought up several times and I don't think the writers did it on accident. What if just before Hank is about to take down Walt, he gets a huge promotion in DC. Would he turn down the biggest opportunity of his life to take down his brother-in-law and tear the family apart in the process? And, what if turning down ANOTHER assignment (after El Paso) gets him shitcanned by the DEA? He would have to take down Walt all by his lonesome. I dunno. There has to be some last obstacle in front of Hank and I think a job in DC tempting him would make the most sense narrative-wise.
 
triplestation

triplestation

Member
I imagined hank straight up going back to the backyard and putting Walt under arrest immediately causing the family to freak out

Hankwill put a gun to Walt's head and when Walt realizes he will revive his Heisenberg persona because hank called it out

The family will for the first time experience the truth all at once

Walt and hank will exchange the most awkwardly badass hero villain dialogue right in front of the family

From here on out things will run at full throttle and wolverine will demand the continuation of blue sky in one way or another

Maybe Walt will try and dissuade them from overreacting but then Marie will antagonize him to hell for putting the family in danger and hank will decide its best for the good of the family to have Walt arrested
 
P

-Pyromaniac-

Member
Only thing I know for sure about Hank's job is he will be screwed. If they DEA even gets a whiff that Walt is Heisenberg that's it for Hank. Way too suspicious and he'd probably lose his job or get knocked down a lot because of it. Especially since he used his dirty money too .

Looks bad in every way.
 
F

Frost_Ace

Member
PAW5cOV.jpg


New key art.

tumblr_lu8kchEkAI1qaqlc8.gif
 
J

Jimothy

Member
-Pyromaniac- said:
Only thing I know for sure about Hank's job is he will be screwed. If they DEA even gets a whiff that Walt is Heisenberg that's it for Hank. Way too suspicious and he'd probably lose his job or get knocked down a lot because of it. Especially since he used his dirty money too .

Looks bad in every way.
Click to expand...

That's a good point too. I can't wait for the inevitable scene where Walt reminds Hank who paid for his hospital bills.
 
F

FrsDvl

Member
I think Hank might end up killing himself over this. He can't do anything that would have a positive outcome for himself. Either lose his job or lose his family. What happens to Walt, i don't have the slightest idea. But judging by the beginning of season 5, there might be some kind of shoot out involved. Why else would he need a machine gun. Maybe Hank will even try and help Walt get away? Damn I just don't know.. August can't come soon enough.
 
M

Mononoke

Banned
BadTaste105 said:
Ugggghh I really hope Walt lives..
Click to expand...

Walt living would break the rules of the Breaking Bad universe.

But I have to ask. Do you really want some kind of happy ending for this show? I've had this discussion with other fans before. And it seems like some fans can't really shake the fact that Walt has become a bad person, that deserves to be brought to justice. They keep falling back on the traditional formula of Walt being a typical protagonist that you have to keep rooting for.

I don't think that is the case with Breaking Bad. Walt is a protagonist you should have stopped rooting for, and should have come to despise. Obviously he's an anti-hero of sorts. But he's really gone beyond that at this point. I expect this story to be a tragedy. Having Walt live, or be redeemed would feel like a cop out.
 
K

KINGofCRA5H

Member
Catatonic said:
Walt living would break the rules of the Breaking Bad universe.

But I have to ask. Do you really want some kind of happy ending for this show? I've had this discussion with other fans before. And it seems like some fans can't really shake the fact that Walt has become a bad person, that deserves to be brought to justice. They keep falling back on the traditional formula of Walt being a typical protagonist that you have to keep rooting for.

I don't think that is the case with Breaking Bad. Walt is a protagonist you should have stopped rooting for, and should have come to despise. Obviously he's an anti-hero of sorts. But he's really gone beyond that at this point. I expect this story to be a tragedy. Having Walt live, or be redeemed would feel like a cop out.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I agree.

"If you think this story has a happy ending, then you haven't been paying attention."
 
B

BadTaste

Member
Catatonic said:
Walt living would break the rules of the Breaking Bad universe.

But I have to ask. Do you really want some kind of happy ending for this show? I've had this discussion with other fans before. And it seems like some fans can't really shake the fact that Walt has become a bad person, that deserves to be brought to justice. They keep falling back on the traditional formula of Walt being a typical protagonist that you have to keep rooting for.

I don't think that is the case with Breaking Bad. Walt is a protagonist you should have stopped rooting for, and should have come to despise. Obviously he's an anti-hero of sorts. But he's really gone beyond that at this point. I expect this story to be a tragedy. Having Walt live, or be redeemed would feel like a cop out.
Click to expand...

Oh well, I am expecting Walt to die but I'd prefer not to see it happen. Please don't be a tear jerker.
 
T

Toa TAK

Banned
Catatonic said:
Walt living would break the rules of the Breaking Bad universe.

But I have to ask. Do you really want some kind of happy ending for this show? I've had this discussion with other fans before. And it seems like some fans can't really shake the fact that Walt has become a bad person, that deserves to be brought to justice. They keep falling back on the traditional formula of Walt being a typical protagonist that you have to keep rooting for.

I don't think that is the case with Breaking Bad. Walt is a protagonist you should have stopped rooting for, and should have come to despise. Obviously he's an anti-hero of sorts. But he's really gone beyond that at this point. I expect this story to be a tragedy. Having Walt live, or be redeemed would feel like a cop out.
Click to expand...

It's impossible for me to hate Walt or marginally dislike him. For me it's because I keep remembering where he started from in the first season. But yes, he's not anywhere near being a guy we should like or love anymore, but I can't come to that. I know he'll probably die, (or at least that's how I would have it), but I'll be there rooting for him every damn time he take action.
 
D

Dash27

Member
Catatonic said:
Walt living would break the rules of the Breaking Bad universe.

But I have to ask. Do you really want some kind of happy ending for this show? I've had this discussion with other fans before. And it seems like some fans can't really shake the fact that Walt has become a bad person, that deserves to be brought to justice. They keep falling back on the traditional formula of Walt being a typical protagonist that you have to keep rooting for.

I don't think that is the case with Breaking Bad. Walt is a protagonist you should have stopped rooting for, and should have come to despise. Obviously he's an anti-hero of sorts. But he's really gone beyond that at this point. I expect this story to be a tragedy. Having Walt live, or be redeemed would feel like a cop out.
Click to expand...


Rise, fall and redemption is a pretty typical story arc. Anakin Skywalker would be a classic example.

But no, they really went out of their way now to show the old Walter White is all but gone. Up until very recently Walt was still around, and Heisenberg would only come out when needed. Now it's all Heisenberg, too much for my tastes in fact, so I'm not expecting a happy ending.
 
D

Drazgul

Member
Finally have the time to start watching again, hope I'll make it through all the eps in time.

And lol, had forgotten all about the damn veggie bacon! Skyler was a bitch from scene 1!
 
The Elite

The Elite

BOSS
Catatonic said:
Walt living would break the rules of the Breaking Bad universe.

But I have to ask. Do you really want some kind of happy ending for this show? I've had this discussion with other fans before. And it seems like some fans can't really shake the fact that Walt has become a bad person, that deserves to be brought to justice. They keep falling back on the traditional formula of Walt being a typical protagonist that you have to keep rooting for.

I don't think that is the case with Breaking Bad. Walt is a protagonist you should have stopped rooting for, and should have come to despise. Obviously he's an anti-hero of sorts. But he's really gone beyond that at this point. I expect this story to be a tragedy. Having Walt live, or be redeemed would feel like a cop out.
Click to expand...

For Walt to live you would have to sacrifice his family and leave it with him continuing on a path of self destruction while his power continues to grow in the Meth scene.

The Walt lives scenario certainly can happen, but it shouldn't be a happy ending.

I think Walt living would leave viewers with a sour taste though.
 
R

Red Liquorice

Member
Just finished rewatching the whole thing from start to finish and am now hyped for the final season. Planned to take it a little slower, but I was hooked - watched the lot in less than 2 weeks!
 
M

Mononoke

Banned
Dash27 said:
Rise, fall and redemption is a pretty typical story arc. Anakin Skywalker would be a classic example.

But no, they really went out of their way now to show the old Walter White is all but gone. Up until very recently Walt was still around, and Heisenberg would only come out when needed. Now it's all Heisenberg, too much for my tastes in fact, so I'm not expecting a happy ending.
Click to expand...

Yes, but is Breaking Bad a typical story format?

I've always believed that the main point of this show was to take a character, and corrupt them beyond redemption. Not that this doesn't get brought up enough, but Scarface had no redemption.
 
I

Ignatz Mouse

Banned
Catatonic said:
Yes, but is Breaking Bad a typical story format?

I've always believed that the main point of this show was to take a character, and corrupt them beyond redemption. Not that this doesn't get brought up enough, but Scarface had no redemption.
Click to expand...

It's typical enough. It's the basic Macbeth formula.
 
M

Mononoke

Banned
Toa TAK said:
It's impossible for me to hate Walt or marginally dislike him. For me it's because I keep remembering where he started from in the first season. But yes, he's not anywhere near being a guy we should like or love anymore, but I can't come to that. I know he'll probably die, (or at least that's how I would have it), but I'll be there rooting for him every damn time he take action.
Click to expand...

I couldn't root for Walt when he was casually whistling the day after you know what in Season 5. It showed how cold and withdrawn Walt has become. I thought that was just a truly evil moment for him. Extremely disturbing actually.

But anyways, one aspect that I feel often goes untouched, is the complicated relationship he has with Jesse. I say it goes untouched because, most people fail to realize what an impact Jesse has had on Walt (in a bad way). And a lot of decisions that Walt has made (which made him go deeper down his corruption) was a result of Jesse doing something really stupid.
For instance, Jesse had given up all of Walt's personal information to Jane, who is a junkie. Now Walt's personal info (everything that could bring him down, including his family), is now known to someone besides his partner. So Walt making that decision to let Jane die, was because of the position he was put in by Jesse betraying him and being reckless.

Or in Season 3 when Jesse goes to kill Gus's dealers. Even though we could side with Jesse on a moral level over the kid issue, it basically would have put everyone at risk of being caught (if two of Gus's dealers were found dead, it would have drawn suspicion from the police). Walt could have just kept his head down, and let his relationship with Gus blossom. But he instead intervenes to save Jesse's life, which then forces him deeper into the game as well as puts his life on the line (quite literally).

Walt is responsible for his own actions. However, a lot of the decisions he makes also come as the result of reacting to something someone else has done. And then he ends up taking on the negative effects of what he's done (ie. becoming a more fucked up individual).
 
M

Mononoke

Banned
Ignatz Mouse said:
It's typical enough. It's the basic Macbeth formula.
Click to expand...

To be clear, I wasn't trying to say that Breaking Bad is 100% unique, never been done before. When I say typical, I mean, it's not done on TV shows very often. And I personally don't see this being the redemption arc.

But that's just me.
 
D

Dash27

Member
I agree it's not going to be redemption, I just understand why people might have expected that at one time, or still do.

Really my only question is do they show him being remorseful at the end or go out in a blaze of rage.
 
M

Mononoke

Banned
Dash27 said:
I agree it's not going to be redemption, I just understand why people might have expected that at one time, or still do.

Really my only question is do they show him being remorseful at the end or go out in a blaze of rage.
Click to expand...

Well who knows.

I'm not saying it won't end with redemption. I just think thematically, and how I took in the show, it would kind of be a cop out. But I also don't want to say that, because it really comes down to how they actually execute it.

Plus, I never say anything is set in stone. Because it's so damn hard writing an ending to a story. Often, writers decide as they get to the end, they aren't going to end it the way they initially thought they would. That they can't end it that way. And Vince has always said that he never knew what the ending was going to be.
That he was writing the show as it went along. Plus someone could make the argument that Walt's complete corruption was complete by the first half of Season 5, and Walt bowing out of the drug trade was the end of that plot.

Walt will, still have to deal with the consequences coming his way. But maybe Vince wrote the story this way, to give Walt that possibility of redemption, or to even live. I mean, if you would have asked me in Season 4 how I thought this was going to end, I would have said it would end with Heisenberg dying over his empire. But...we know Heisenberg's empire plot was kind of put to rest in season 5 (I mean, his drive to be on top.)
 
D

dave is ok

aztek is ok
Cornballer mode activate:

Remember folks, Once an episode has aired, it's fair game for discussion. No spoiler tags necessary
 
triplestation

triplestation

Member
Catatonic said:
Walt living would break the rules of the Breaking Bad universe.

But I have to ask. Do you really want some kind of happy ending for this show? I've had this discussion with other fans before. And it seems like some fans can't really shake the fact that Walt has become a bad person, that deserves to be brought to justice. They keep falling back on the traditional formula of Walt being a typical protagonist that you have to keep rooting for.

I don't think that is the case with Breaking Bad. Walt is a protagonist you should have stopped rooting for, and should have come to despise. Obviously he's an anti-hero of sorts. But he's really gone beyond that at this point. I expect this story to be a tragedy. Having Walt live, or be redeemed would feel like a cop out.
Click to expand...
i think the ending will simply be thought provoking but not necessarily too happy or sad

and i don't think walt is a full-on bad guy, either, he has liberated himself from being such a pushover

i think he's a man who's been in a shell his whole life and finally came out of it when he realized how little life he has left, i think the shows message is to say that everybody you think is a good guy has a bad side you don't see often and vice versa

walt is the good guy with a bad side turned into the bad guy with a good side
 
A

Alpende

Member
bangladesh said:
i think the ending will simply be thought provoking but not necessarily too happy or sad

and i don't think walt is a full-on bad guy, either, he has liberated himself from being such a pushover

i think he's a man who's been in a shell his whole life and finally came out of it when he realized how little life he has left, i think the shows message is to say that everybody you think is a good guy has a bad side you don't see often and vice versa

walt is the good guy with a bad side turned into the bad guy with a good side
Click to expand...

I think Walt has always been a bad guy.
 
P

-Pyromaniac-

Member
I agree that death would be the easy ending but in the end I just want something fucking awesome. I don't care if Walt dies I don't care if he lives, I don't care what happens to anyone as long as it's AWESOME.

Oh and I'm always #TeamWalt from the beginning to the end.
 
M

minor effort

Banned
Jimothy said:
So I've been rewatching the show over the last week or so and have been spit-balling ideas on where the story goes from here, especially when it comes to Hank.
Does anyone else think a job promotion will come into play again? The fact that Marie wants a condo in Georgetown is brought up several times and I don't think the writers did it on accident. What if just before Hank is about to take down Walt, he gets a huge promotion in DC. Would he turn down the biggest opportunity of his life to take down his brother-in-law and tear the family apart in the process? And, what if turning down ANOTHER assignment (after El Paso) gets him shitcanned by the DEA? He would have to take down Walt all by his lonesome. I dunno. There has to be some last obstacle in front of Hank and I think a job in DC tempting him would make the most sense narrative-wise.
Click to expand...

What has Hank done as ASAC to warrant a promotion, though? In the show he was recently chewed out by his superior for spending way too much time and money on the Fring case because it used to be his own, and not even filing basic reports in a timely manner.
 
D

Dai101

Banned
I'm re-watching the series and i just noticed, what happened to that lawyer Skysky was talking when she wanted to divorce Walt? Also, didn't she knew everything Skysky told her? Did this has ever been addressed before?
 
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