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[Nameless]

As soon as we saw Hank's boss forced out of his job because he was buddied up with Gus the whole time without knowing who he really was, I knew Hank was going to be in the same position with Walt. He's not going to able to make an official move against Walt without effectively ending his own career.

Hank being fired for gross incompetence is his best case scenario. On top of the medical bills, taking in Junior while Sky & Walt expanded their empire, and all the inside information Walt got with or without Hank's knowledge, Fring's execution and posthumous bust is more damning than anything. Any D.A. worth their salt could build a compelling case that Hank was working with Walt all along--that the two conspired to bring down Fring giving Hank a once in a career bust and Walt free reign of meth landscape. Isn't it a little convenient that when the smoke cleared both Walt and Hank were left standing as the top dogs?

Walt is, of course, fully aware of all this and won't hesitate to let Hank know it too. He's not touching Heisenberg unless it's as a civilian.

 

[Cornballer]

Print edition is out on Thursday. I'll try and dig up an online version when it's available.

 

[Toa TAK]

I don't want Walt to die.

 

[rekameohs]

If Ted doesn't die, there will be a serious problem.

 

[PezDispenser]

If I had to bet money, I'd say Walter Jr has the best odds of surviving but as far as a character I DONT want to see die.... mmmmmmmmhank.

 

[metalslimer]

The Shield, Sopranos, SoA.

Sons of Anarchy has gone to complete shit. It'll be interesting for me to compare BB with The Shield after this year. The shield probably has the greatest ending of tv history.

 

[kingocfs]

Print edition is out on Thursday. I'll try and dig up an online version when it's available.

TIL that TV Guide still puts out a print version.

 

[Gorillaz]

If Jesse does die, I don't think it will be from the unused Season 1 idea. From what I understand, Jesse's original death plan was to kill him off to finish the season to show Walt that he was in over his head, at least at that moment. They pretty much followed this thread exactly in the real Season 1, with Tuco killing No-Doze. I'm guessing Vince is thinking of something else.

He said the original idea was for to die in a terribly wrong drug trade...something bout a woodchipper

 

[Fixed2BeBroken]

The Shield, Sopranos, SoA.

that's just crazy talk....only show that's better than BB is the wire. and not by alot

 

[The Lamonster]

If Ted doesn't die, there will be a serious problem.

Pretty sure we're done with Ted now. Sorry

 

[Discotheque]

The Shield, Sopranos, SoA.

well...you're right there.

best performances, best writing, best music. the only thing that a few other shows beat it in (including breaking bad) is direction i suppose.

 

[Bigfoot]

EDIT: Not sure if posted, but here is the Comic Con panel

Thanks for this. It was a good listen.

I found it interesting when Vince describes Walt as "a good guy doing bad things for good reasons". I think that sums Walt up perfectly.

 

[Cornballer]

- TV Guide: Behind the Scenes of Breaking Bad's Shocking Final Showdown *some spoilers*

 

[Vesmir]

Pretty sure we're done with Ted now. Sorry

Are you sure?

Real Spoiler:

Spoiler

In one of the episode descriptions, it mentions Skyler's past coming back to haunt her.

 

[The Lamonster]

^ Apparently it's time to stay out of this thread now, because that is a spoiler, with or without the black bar.

 

[Frost_Ace]

I didn't like her at first. She's undermining of Walt in the early eps. That said, that's so minor compared to where Walt goes that I find her completely sympathetic after a while.

Regarding the show's level, it's excellent but I consider it a step below the Wire, Sopranos, and Mad Men. I find it a bit too cartoony and the transformation of Walt is fun but doesn't have any real resonnance for me.

Why does everything have to be realistic to be considered top-notch? I actually find the show's hyperrealism and self-awareness refreshing in the landscape of high-tier dramas, coupled with the amazing acting and direction, it makes the show easily one of my favorites of all time.

 

[Hoplatee]

^ Apparently it's time to stay out of this thread now, because that is a spoiler, with or without the black bar.

Yeah I am not really reading much. I am just waiting until someone posts the Preview and then I am gone for a while as well. Not going to risk it.

 

[CrunchyFrog]

He wasn't neutral back in May, talking with Vulture:



Edit: I've never gotten the hate. I've always liked Skyler.

I never had an issue with her on the whole, but the way she got so incredibly over-suspicious and paranoid of Walt in seasons 1-2 on next to no evidence left a bad taste in my mouth. The second cell phone bit, maybe, but even then to so completely believe that Walt was up to something so serious as to warrant her plain-faced standoffs and private meltdowns seemed off to me, her being completely right notwithstanding.

 

[Marion Cobretti]

Not gonna take any chances. Staying way the fuck away from this thread until the season premiere.

 

[UrbanRats]

that's just crazy talk....only show that's better than BB is the wire. and not by alot

I also like Deadwood more.

Deadwood = The Wire > Breaking Bad.

 

[Cornballer]

.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Why does everything have to be realistic to be considered top-notch? I actually find the show's hyperrealism and self-awareness refreshing in the landscape of high-tier dramas, coupled with the amazing acting and direction, it makes the show easily one of my favorites of all time.

I said a bit *too* cartoony. Realism isn't the end-all/be-all, but for me to be more deeply invested in Walt, I'd have to find his chararacter real enough to relate to. I don't quite.

It'a also something about what all the pieces add up to. I put Wire above BB, but BB has far, far better acting than the Wire, no question. But the Wire excels because it leaves me with more at the end of it all. Same with those other two shows.

It's also a matter of fine distinction. Being "not quite as good as Mad Men, Sopranos and the Wire" doesn't make it not "top notch." BB is an amazing show.

By the same token, I don't put Macbeth at the top of my list of Shakespeare, but that doesn't make it less than stellar.


Sopranos > Mad Men/Wire > BB >>>>>>>>>>>GoT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> everything else.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

I never had an issue with her on the whole, but the way she got so incredibly over-suspicious and paranoid of Walt in seasons 1-2 on next to no evidence left a bad taste in my mouth. The second cell phone bit, maybe, but even then to so completely believe that Walt was up to something so serious as to warrant her plain-faced standoffs and private meltdowns seemed off to me, her being completely right notwithstanding.

Disappearing for stretches of time and not saying where you are is something that any spouse would be suspicious of. Even if it were innocent, it's a change in habit after decades.

 

[triplestation]

^ Apparently it's time to stay out of this thread now, because that is a spoiler, with or without the black bar.

yup

im out

 

[Servbot24]

All 4 of those shows those are "top notch". To say there's only room for 3 is rather arbitrary. And besides, BB is definitely better than MM.

I really like the surrealism of BB. It's like an urban legend that gets a little crazier with each retelling.

 

[Bigfoot]

Just had this discussion at work...

Has Walt outright murdered anyone that is not a drug dealer or drug related criminal? By murdered, I mean he is directly responsible for their death (i.e. Walt pulls the trigger). Jesse is the one that killed Gale and Hector killed Gus (although Walt built the "gun" in that case, but still indirect). There has been enough discussion already about Walt's kill count including indirect deaths like Jane or the plane crash victims.

From our count at work, we have these direct deaths:

1. Emilio - Gas, Self-Defense
2. Krazy 8 - Strangled, Self-Defense
3. Drug Dealer #1 - Run-over, To save Jesse
4. Drug Dealer #2 - Run-over and shot, To save Jesse
5. Drug Henchman #1 - Shot, To save Jesse and destroy lab
6. Drug Henchman #2 - Shot, To save Jesse and destroy lab
7. Mike - Shot, Murdered

Is there any more that we are missing?

By comparison, Jesse has only killed 2 people in the drug game. If Jesse had succeeded killing the 2 drug dealers before Walt saved him, it would actually be 4 kills for Jesse and 5 for Walt.

A lot of deaths , but Walt has gotten away relatively clean without getting his hands too dirty as he built his drug empire.

It will be interesting to see if Walt doubles his kill count (or more) in these last 8 episodes...

 

[Ricko Suave]

I also like Deadwood more.

Deadwood = The Wire > Breaking Bad.

Ugh.... no.

 

[Servbot24]

Just had this discussion at work...

Has Walt outright murdered anyone that is not a drug dealer or drug related criminal? By murdered, I mean he is directly responsible for their death (i.e. Walt pulls the trigger). Jesse is the one that killed Gale and Hector killed Gus (although Walt built the "gun" in that case, but still indirect). There has been enough discussion already about Walt's kill count including indirect deaths like Jane or the plane crash victims.

From our count at work, we have these direct deaths:

1. Emilio - Gas, Self-Defense
2. Krazy 8 - Strangled, Self-Defense
3. Drug Dealer #1 - Run-over, To save Jesse
4. Drug Dealer #2 - Run-over and shot, To save Jesse
5. Drug Henchman #1 - Shot, To save Jesse and destroy lab
6. Drug Henchman #2 - Shot, To save Jesse and destroy lab
7. Mike - Shot, Murdered

Is there any more that we are missing?

By comparison, Jesse has only killed 2 people in the drug game. If Jesse had succeeded killing the 2 drug dealers before Walt saved him, it would actually be 4 kills for Jesse and 5 for Walt.

A lot of deaths , but Walt has gotten away relatively clean without getting his hands too dirty as he built his drug empire.

It will be interesting to see if Walt doubles his kill count (or more) in these last 8 episodes...

Wasn't an actual murder, but Walt was willing to run the risk of murdering an innocent child.

 

[Kallor]

Ugh.... no.

Yeah, Its Deadwood>>Breaking Bad>The Wire

 

[Bigfoot]

Wasn't an actual murder, but Walt was willing to run the risk of murdering an innocent child.

Yeah, we were just talking about the actual murders. Just by putting out meth, you are running the risk of killing many innocent children.

 

[MMaRsu]

Are you sure?

Real Spoiler:

Spoiler

In one of the episode descriptions, it mentions Skyler's past coming back to haunt her.

Lol I see no reason why shit like this is not bannable. I mean obviously I dont want Vesmir banned but come on there is not even a reason not to read the spoiler if you are going to word the rest of the post like that man.

 

[amnesiac]

Yeah, Its Deadwood>>Breaking Bad>The Wire

But Breaking Bad has a higher score on IMDB so it must be better!

 

[Frost_Ace]

I said a bit *too* cartoony. Realism isn't the end-all/be-all, but for me to be more deeply invested in Walt, I'd have to find his chararacter real enough to relate to. I don't quite.

It'a also something about what all the pieces add up to. I put Wire above BB, but BB has far, far better acting than the Wire, no question. But the Wire excels because it leaves me with more at the end of it all. Same with those other two shows.

It's also a matter of fine distinction. Being "not quite as good as Mad Men, Sopranos and the Wire" doesn't make it not "top notch." BB is an amazing show.

By the same token, I don't put Macbeth at the top of my list of Shakespeare, but that doesn't make it less than stellar.


Sopranos > Mad Men/Wire > BB >>>>>>>>>>>GoT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> everything else.

Since you mentioned Shakespeare, you should really watch Deadwood. It's not my favorite show but it's probably the most polished I've ever seen.

 

[Cornballer]

- AMC Content: New Sundance Channel Series Writer’s Room to Spotlight Breaking Bad

Presented by Sundance Channel and Entertainment Weekly, The Writers’ Room is set to premiere on Mon., Jul. 29 at 10PM/9c and will be hosted by Academy Award-winning screenwriter (The Descendants), comedian and actor Jim Rash (Community). The six episode half-hour series will spotlight an array of scripted television shows from today’s pioneering cable dramas, including Breaking Bad for the premiere episode. (Click here to watch the full premiere episode featuring Breaking Bad on SundanceChannel.com) The roundtable talk show will delve deep into the world of TV’s creative masterminds, divulging inside details about their smartest choices, toughest decisions and biggest mistakes.

“Television today inspires communities of passionate and vocal fans who crave a never-ending amount of new information about their favorite shows,” said Barnett. “Entertainment Weekly speaks to fans of television like no other brand which makes them the perfect partner for this series. We also found the perfect host in the multi-talented Jim Rash. He brings the perspective of someone who is hugely talented both behind and in front of the camera, and he intimately understands the unique highs and lows of a being a writer.”

“As a writer and fan, I’m honored to have such a spectacular opportunity to sit down with colleagues whose work I respect and admire and talk about shows that have had such tremendous impact in pop culture. It’s a delight to be able to share with our audience what makes their creative teams tick and share a behind-the-scenes look at how their genius programs come to life,” said Rash. “Having Sundance Channel and Entertainment Weekly behind the production, is the icing on the cake.”

“As longtime followers and admirers of Jim Rash’s work, we’re elated to have his brilliance be a part of The Writers’ Room. TV continues to become more and more riveting, as proven by the fantastic line-up of series featured in the premiere season and Rash, who’s a writer himself, is in a unique position to explore the creative process behind these shows.” said Jess Cagle, the editor of Entertainment Weekly.

Breaking Bad Panel (Mon., Jul. 29 10PM/9c) Includes:
Sam Catlin (Writer, Co-Executive Producer)
Bryan Cranston (Cast Member; Producer)
Vince Gilligan (Creator, Executive Producer, Show-runner)
Peter Gould (Writer, Co-Executive Producer)
Gennifer Hutchison (Writer/Executive Story Editor)
George Mastras (Writer, Co-Executive Producer)
Thomas Schnauz (Writer, Co-Executive Producer)
Moira Walley-Beckett (Writer, Co-Executive Producer)
Entertainment Weekly Featured Expert: Jess Cagle, Editor

Breaking Bad (THE WRITERS’ ROOM – Episode 1, Season 1) (Full Episode)

 

[smokeymicpot]

Lol I see no reason why shit like this is not bannable. I mean obviously I dont want Vesmir banned but come on there is not even a reason not to read the spoiler if you are going to word the rest of the post like that man.

Yeah I agree sadly. Only a few weeks left no need to spoil shit for anyone.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

- AMC Content: New Sundance Channel Series Writer’s Room to Spotlight Breaking BadBreaking Bad (THE WRITERS’ ROOM – Episode 1, Season 1) (Full Episode)

wow nice

 

[Pandaman]

It's been well established that there is a double standard for drama shows. If a woman (and god forbid, a wife/mother) does the slightest bad thing, she's a terrible person. Meanwhile, the male lead can get away with just about anything because he's the "badass" character who moves the plot along.

Well, the woman is typically the no-fun-allowed/straight man character, it's natural that nobody cheers for the character whose success would end the series.

 

[Steelyuhas]

- AMC Content: New Sundance Channel Series Writer’s Room to Spotlight Breaking BadBreaking Bad (THE WRITERS’ ROOM – Episode 1, Season 1) (Full Episode)

Nice, I remember seeing something on this the other day.

The other shows they list are Parks & Rec, Dexter, New Girl, and Game of Thrones. 4 out of the 5 are my favs.

 

[Alienware]

Hank being fired for gross incompetence is his best case scenario. On top of the medical bills, taking in Junior while Sky & Walt expanded their empire, and all the inside information Walt got with or without Hank's knowledge, Fring's execution and posthumous bust is more damning than anything. Any D.A. worth their salt could build a compelling case that Hank was working with Walt all along--that the two conspired to bring down Fring giving Hank a once in a career bust and Walt free reign of meth landscape. Isn't it a little convenient that when the smoke cleared both Walt and Hank were left standing as the top dogs?

Walt is, of course, fully aware of all this and won't hesitate to let Hank know it too. He's not touching Heisenberg unless it's as a civilian.

But Hank continued to chase down Heisenberg even when ALL were convinced that they got Heisenberg. That HAS to count for something. I think Hank would be fired, but not that he would be considered his accomplice.

 

[VegaNine]

Head's Up: Aaron Paul is gonna be on Leno tonight. I think he's the first guest, so that puts him on at about 12am EST.

Everyone here should pray for a new clip.


EDIT: No new clip, but apparently there's going to be some sort of a documentary about the making of the final season.

 

[Vman]

yo i don't know if this has been posted but wow. spoilers obviously up to current air,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nmxRGD2CLU#at=37

 

[Vesmir]

Lol I see no reason why shit like this is not bannable. I mean obviously I dont want Vesmir banned but come on there is not even a reason not to read the spoiler if you are going to word the rest of the post like that man.

Wait what? I'm honestly wondering what I did wrong. I put what was in the thread not too long ago in spoiler bars, in them again. A question to the post, and then my reasoning behind spoiler bar. If someone did not want to read spoilers, then they could ignore highlighting. I honestly apologize if I ignored something.

 

[Courage]

I actually read that because I'm stoned. I'm gonna be so upset if that's true.

 

[blame space]

wait the dean from community wrote the descendants?

 

[ChaosXVI]

Sorry to derail the current conversation regarding the upcoming episodes...but I am currently on a rewatch, and just finished Half Measures after not watching it for a good year or so...that ending still gives me feels, perhaps more than any other episode because I really thought that

Spoiler

Jesse might bite it here.

Such an amazingly directed, tense sequence...

 

[Shrennin]

- TV Guide: Behind the Scenes of Breaking Bad's Shocking Final Showdown *some spoilers*

Norris originally asked to be killed off to pursue another role? I'm really glad Norris didn't decide to quit and that Gilligan turned him down. Hank is such an awesome character. I don't know what happens to him in these final episodes, but it's been such a pleasure to witness his transformation from a seemingly one-dimensional character to a deep, complex character with just a constant barrier up.

 

[Steelyuhas]

wait the dean from community wrote the descendants?

He has credit alongside Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon. Jim and Nat wrote The Way Way Back as well.

 

[Chie Satonaka]

yo i don't know if this has been posted but wow. spoilers obviously up to current air,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nmxRGD2CLU#at=37

I'm going to hell for laughing at this.

 

[RedStep]

Lol I see no reason why shit like this is not bannable. I mean obviously I dont want Vesmir banned but come on there is not even a reason not to read the spoiler if you are going to word the rest of the post like that man.

Jesus fucking Christ, man. That "spoiler" is an incredibly vague, publicly released excerpt from a generic episode synopsis. It could mean any number of things, and is exactly the same as calling the synopsis of a movie a "spoiler".

This hyper-sensitive "I can't know anything about anything ahead of time" mind frame is ridiculous when you're in a discussion thread about that very topic. Implying that somebody should be banned for posting that is insane.

 

[ZeroRay]

Just remembered: Must find a good Sky-Sky avatar for this season.