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[Grinchy]

With the house fenced off and in ruins, with Heisenberg painted on the wall, with Carol being frightened of Walt, and with kids skateboarding in this "cool forbidden area" I have to assume that Walt's meth empire becomes public knowledge.

So he must get caught, right? And everyone in the area knows about it. I really want to know how this goes down.

 

[SteeloDMZ]

SMH at Saul banging that ugly lady. WTF? lol

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

I haven't had time to check it out yet, but I probably won't bother.

What, you don't want to read about "an absence of humanism at the core of Breaking Bad"?

lolllllllllllllll

 

[Bigfoot]

Walt is a monster, and has been since before he got into meth cooking. I'm sure that whatever went down with Grey Matter wasn't pretty.

I honestly do not get statements like this. All the Grey Matter stuff showed us was that Walt was a proud man and made a stupid decision by running from what he had created. It is pretty obvious he was not a monster as his old partners were still friendly with him and even offered to cover his cancer treatments. That isn't something you do for a "monster".

 

[Cornballer]

What, you don't want to read about "an absence of humanism at the core of Breaking Bad"?

lolllllllllllllll

Heh. I think I might have better ways to spend my time today.

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

Walt wasn't even there when they poisoned all of those people, so how would throwing up like Gus be like him?

(or is this all theoretical and I'm looking too much into it?)

It could just be some stylistic thing to show how he's become like the people he previously thought were bad guys/evil/monsters.

 

[The One Who Knocks]

Walt wasn't even there when they poisoned all of those people, so how would throwing up like Gus be like him?

(or is this all theoretical and I'm looking too much into it?)

It's theoretical. The main link to Gustavo is the Volvo. The other two are much more iffy (and likely a reference). It isn't some sort of concrete evidence that can be used to predict what will happen by any means, but more of a point of interest that could suggest a (maybe two) character death, it certainly isn't any form of guarantee.

-

As mentioned, I concur with most of that. When I mean it's 'crystal clear' I mean it's noted in the show imemdiately afterwards whereas most of the others occur a significant time period (either in the show or by the amount of seasons later they reappear) away after the death. I don't think it's some definitive conclusion, but I do think it's certainly worth keeping in mind while watching the show. I don't think the references are a coincidence by any means (considering most are repeated beforehand and change following the death to be repeated) but I don't think they're some sort of definitive thing and is likely just a homage (see also Holly in the pink bear suit) from the shows writers. Regarding the picture

Spoiler

I would certainly say the jacket is the loosest of any sort of direct kills for example and would concur it's a stretch; Skyler on the other hand I think is a much safer bet.

 

[Grinchy]

SMH at Saul banging that ugly lady. WTF? lol

She was a masseuse, right? He was just getting a happy ending. I thought I saw her lugging out her folded up table on her way out and she lets him know that his fly is still open.

 

[Protein]

Oh god I want to look at the spoiler pic, BUT I CAN'T.

 

[sappyday]

Oh god I want to look at the spoiler pic, BUT I CAN'T.

It's pure speculation and isn't a spoiler.

 

[Drazgul]

Nothing stops this train.

Spoiler

Except the series finale

Series sequel: Heisenbergin' in Czech Republic.

 

[katkombat]

It could just be some stylistic thing to show how he's become like the people he previously thought were bad guys/evil/monsters.

It's theoretical. The main link to Gustavo is the Volvo. The other two are much more iffy (and likely a reference). It isn't some sort of concrete evidence that can be used to predict what will happen by any means, but more of a point of interest that could suggest a (maybe two) character death, it certainly isn't any form of guarantee.

Ahh, I understand, now.

 

[SteveWD40]

It's pure speculation and isn't a spoiler.

I actually think it's clutching at straws as well

Spoiler

those jackets are all over the place and very common

 

[ivysaur12]

Someone was talking during the Saul scene, and I totally didn't piece together the happy ending. Amazing.

 

[Kacho]

Dean's facial expressions alone in the beginning scenes were so well done. Really pulled you in and it was so believable. Then in the final scene he goes from trying to hide his feelings, to angry, to scared/confused - and it's all so seamless. Dean Norris deserves massive recognition for his acting in last nights episode.

 

[brianjones]

- Onion A|V Club's For Our Consideration Feature: The case against Breaking Bad

i think this has some valid points tbh

especially wrt to skyler

 

[-griffy-]

I think people are jumping to conclusions about the "takes on traits of people he kills", I think Walt learns from people he comes across, it's only coincidence that he's killed them.

The silliest one is using a towel to kneel on when being sick, how is he to know Gus did that? Toilets in cubicals (school/public) don't have towels, homes do, like Walt's home or Gus'.

The crusts, Walt is clearly being haunted by his guilt and doing it for that reason, maybe thinking he's still making a sandwich for that poor guy.

The kid, he was manipulating Jesse to think it was Gus.

ect ect

I think you are making the mistake of assuming Walt is deliberately doing these things to remember those he killed, when it's more likely a symbolic/thematic element on the writers' part and not something Walt is doing consciously. It's one of the more mythical elements the show has.

 

[Cornballer]

- Via NY Mag: BREAKING BAD Walter White Speaks - My Way (youtube)

Amusing vid. Some people have way too much free time on their hands.

 

[Ionian]

Regarding next weeks promo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm_kO-YPzt8

Spoiler

Could that be Maries death rattle at 0:04?

 

[Protein]

Dean's facial expressions alone in the beginning scenes were so well done. Really pulled you in and it was so believable. Then in the final scene he goes from trying to hide his feelings, to angry, to scared/confused - and it's all so seamless. Dean Norris deserves massive recognition for his acting in last nights episode.

He's come a long way from the Mobile Infantry

 

[Matugi]

Seeing the BTS of the episode, I realize the actress that plays Lydia is Scottish (love that accent, could also explain the odd timing in her BB Accent), and she apparently was originally cast as Jessica Brody (replaced by Morena Baccarin) in Homeland.

If you're curious, look up Laura Fraser in the show "Lip Service". It's pretty "scientific".

 

[NotLiquid]

That episode was phenomenal. The ending had me on the edge of my seat. The pacing is kind of blowing my mind. Though I will say it kind of sucks having Hank and Walt as your two favorite characters of the show, knowing that it's going to end ugly for one of them or both.

I assume this has been brought up but if Granite State is the name of the penultimate episode, I suppose it's safe to assume that we'll get at least two or three episodes dedicated to future Walt, right? Kind of exciting to think as the flashforwards we've seen so far (until he digs out the Ricin) feel like they're just a simple aftermath with Walt being on the run rather than him building up for a masterstroke.

 

[Kacho]

He's come a long way from the Mobile Infantry

I want to watch Starship Troopers now.

 

[sappyday]

Regarding next weeks promo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm_kO-YPzt8

Spoiler

Could that be Maries death rattle at 0:04?

Spoiler

Sounds like Skyler breaking down.

 

[Drazgul]

Spoiler

Sounds like Skyler breaking down.

Yep, and Hank talking

Spoiler

to Marie, is it? Who else could he possibly be talking to?

 

[Zeliard]

What, you don't want to read about "an absence of humanism at the core of Breaking Bad"?

lolllllllllllllll

My favorite part of that article is how the writer entirely brushes away the notion of Walt's steadily growing, profound effect on those around him, and how they respond to that influence at every turn, even though that's the show's main conceit.

There is no figure in Breaking Bad who can match Walt in force and charisma

Well, no shit, guy. That's kind of the whole point. Walt is the black hole at the center of the show, sucking everyone else in the vicinity up with vacuum-like intensity. Jesse and Skyler's lives as depicted on the show consist largely of reacting to Walt not because of shoddy characterization, but because Walt is simply dominating their lives to that extent. He's given them no room to maneuver, no room to breathe.

The writer compares the "imbalance" unfavorably to The Shield even though that show had a classic ensemble cast, versus Breaking Bad being largely Walt's story of depravity. Vic Mackey wasn't the puppet master, belonging to a foursome of corrupt cops in cahoots, and several critical sub-plots didn't even involve him.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

My favorite part of that article is how the writer entirely brushes away the notion of Walt's steadily growing, profound effect on those around him, and how they respond to that influence at every turn, even though that's the show's main conceit.



Well, no shit, guy. That's kind of the whole point. Walt is the black hole at the center of the show, sucking everyone else in the vicinity up with vacuum-like intensity. Jesse and Skyler's lives as depicted on the show consist largely of reacting to Walt not because of shoddy characterization, but because Walt is simply dominating their lives to that extent. He's given them no room to maneuver, no room to breathe.

The writer compares the "imbalance" unfavorably to The Shield even though that show had a classic ensemble cast, versus Breaking Bad being largely Walt's story of depravity. Vic Mackey wasn't the puppet master, belonging to a foursome of corrupt cops in cahoots, and several critical sub-plots didn't even involve him.

Yep.

I mean, look, I welcome contrary opinions. I ran LOST threads for like three years. But that thing was just like "Uh, whuuuuuuut?"

 

[Gorillaz]

That episode was phenomenal. The ending had me on the edge of my seat. The pacing is kind of blowing my mind. Though I will say it kind of sucks having Hank and Walt as your two favorite characters of the show, knowing that it's going to end ugly for one of them or both.

I assume this has been brought up but if Granite State is the name of the penultimate episode, I suppose it's safe to assume that we'll get at least two or three episodes dedicated to future Walt, right? Kind of exciting to think as the flashforwards we've seen so far (until he digs out the Ricin) feel like they're just a simple aftermath with Walt being on the run rather than him building up for a masterstroke.

It's incredible that in all of that, they still had time to have fun with the Badger and Skinny Pete scene and still setup for a big showdown. Vince and the crew seem to be the masters of knowing how to control the pace of a story

 

[shadyspace]

- Onion A|V Club's For Our Consideration Feature: The case against Breaking Bad

To my mind, if history is just, it will judge Breaking Bad differently: as a show that reconstituted other, finer series’ spare parts with middling success, and as more of a footnote to an exciting movement than a centerpiece of it.

Finally somebody says it.

 

[Stat Flow]

I went to a bar with a friend once, got the same drink as him (something I never drank before). I liked it, day later my drinking habit changed.

Maybe Walt changed his habit because it turns out he liked whisky on the rocks or that he just wanted to be more badass like Mike.

I think Walt changes from people he admires, aspires to be like.

It's pure coincidence he ends up offing them.

Also, no one is going to kneel to vomit in a public toilet.

Walt isn't going to kill Jesse and take the guys jacket, is he? That'd be stupid, wearing the evidence.

I disagree with this. They went through too many deliberate scenes to show us specifically how Walt has become like the people he has killed. It's not "just coincidence" that he "ends up" offing them because we see him take on the traits after he kills them. The way they show him cutting off the crusts?

Walt hasn't killed many people directly, those that he has he's taken on some trait of there's. Jane is a pure stretch, and as people said he didn't directly kill her. For everyone else, there's some kind of hint there. Your idea of Walt wanting to aspire to be like people he admires/comes across; I don't buy that. For one, he has come across a lot of people that I'm sure he admired on liked an aspect of but also didn't kill, so how is it that we can find a connection in personality/habit to everyone he has killed?

Also, your admiration idea falls through when you look at the scenario with Mike (which other than Krazy 8 may be the most direct evidence); Do you really think that Heisenberg admired or wanted to be anything like Mike? Mike was everything that Heisenberg didn't want to be: Complacent with his position, moral about his decisions (as moral as one can be), and willing to be someone's employee. "More badass like Mike" you say? He just killed him. Heisenberg already considers himself 'more badass' than Mike, remember when Walt told Saul "Mike will handle the business...and I'll handle him." Also, you citing a bar example is hardly evidence against Mike's portion of the theory, as we see scenes where Walt and Hank drink multiple times prior where Walt takes his drinks with no ice.

I'm not saying that this theory is rock solid and that it can guarantee aspects of the flashforward, but I think that it's clear that the writers are trying to say something and there is at least something there behind it.

 

[dave is ok]

Yep, and Hank talking

Spoiler

to Marie, is it? Who else could he possibly be talking to?

It's probably going to be something like

Spoiler

'Oh Hank, why do you have all these blue meth boxes in the garage?'

then he'll say that without saying anything else.

 

[Uncle Ulty]

Finally somebody says it.

Good at least one person shares the same opinion as you. I personally think it is better than any other TV Drama I have ever seen.

 

[Niraj]

Well that's a really obnoxious article. There are a couple grains of truth in there but he seems kind of bitter about the show's hype.

Thought it was mostly ass. Has a few points I allowed for, but the general dismissive and sanctimonious tone was a real turnoff. Really wish I didn't read that before I went to bed, because it was really chapping my ass lol

 

[sunnz]

Those final words from Walt, god DAMN.

Gonna be an amazing ride!

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Finally somebody says it.

I think that's overly harsh, but I have said that I consider BB to be a step below the best TV dramas (Wire, Sopranos, Mad Men). I'd still give it high praise, and I think this article is missing some of the distinct differences of BB.

I think they do correctly point out how plot > * for this show, though. As a consequence, some of the best bits of BB have grown organically rather than having been planned (such as the Walt/Jesse relationship).

 

[sixteen-bit]

Is the breaking bad insider podcast coming back this season?

 

[liquidtmd]

Finally somebody says it.

If this leads to more shows of an 'exciting movement' that are half the show of BB, I don't care how some two bit journalist psycho-analyses it.

There are no shows currently that have could pull off what last nights did. None.

If a show like Dexter had a jumping off point like ep 8 of BB, I guarantee their version of Blood Money would have Hank/Quinn come out of the toilet and just say 'meh coincidence' then shag his girlfriend for the next four episodes before saying 'heeeeeey wait a minute' if at all

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Finally somebody says it.

I'm sure someone's said it at a party somewhere.

Vampire Weekend was probably playing and then someone walked in and was like "Help! I got gum in my beard!" and then someone else was like "I don't know, I got this pickle brine? Would that help?" and the dude was like "I'll try anything! This gum is gonna get stuck on my bike handlebars!" and so they pour the pickle brine on it and the dude is like "AUGH! The gum is still there but now my beard smells like pickles!" and then this one girl is like "I dunno, Stephen, I kinda dig it?" and he's like "Really, Penelope? Well damn! Anyone got anymore pickle brine?" and then literally every other single person at the party, even the two dudes who think Breaking Bad is overrated are like, in unison "I DO!"

 

[Cornballer]

Is the breaking bad insider podcast coming back this season?

Yes, they're having technical difficulties, but it should be up sometime soon.

 

[EBCubs03]

Finally somebody says it.

Finally someone says what an incorrect minority has been saying all along!

Give me a break

 

[Cornballer]

This should be fun tonight:

 

[KINGofCRA5H]

This should be fun tonight:

I really hope they do the magnets. Bitch.

 

[Jeff-DSA]

It would be cool if Walt redeemed himself to some degree by urging his family and Jesse to work deals with the DEA/Hank to avoid prosecution in exchange for their sworn testimonies against him. Once the deal is secured, Walt goes on his own, struggling with the idea of turning himself in or running. The flash forwards could be after Jesse and his family have been relocated after signing their testimonies and Walt is still running/hiding from the law.

The flash forward must be several months or even a year or two after he's left or been removed from his home. By that point he should have either beaten or died from his cancer. I think he beats it, but in a sad twist of bad karma, he has nothing good in life to look forward to. But at the very least, he would have done what he set out to do and make sure his family was going to be ok.

 

[Kacho]

This should be fun tonight:

ha!

Might just check that out. Not really a fan of their show but this could be interesting.

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

Finally somebody says it.

Yeah, the article does make some really valid points.

Still, Breaking Bad is one of those shows where when I'm watching an episode on TV, I'm constantly looking at the clock to see how much time is left and then always saddened by how much time has quickly passed.

 

[Duallusion]

I didn't click on the speculative pic or whatever it is but people shouldn't forget the whole airplane bit in season 2/3. BB never had a strictly "realistic" approach to the story it's telling and the themes behind it.

 

[Ignatz Mouse]

Still, Breaking Bad is one of those shows where when I'm watching an episode on TV, I'm constantly looking at the clock to see how much time is left and then always saddened by how much time has quickly passed.

This totally happened to me last night. "only 15 minutes left?! Nooooo!"

But they really got a lot out of those last 15 minutes!

Spoiler

Tread carefully.

 

[stn]

I'm tagging this not because its a spoiler, but because it may give too many ideas.

Spoiler

I don't think Walt will die and everyone else will live. When he told Hank about the cancer coming back that killed all the suspense around his death. Would seem kind of anti-climactic, no?

 

[shadyspace]

Yeah, the article does make some really valid points.

Still, Breaking Bad is one of those shows where when I'm watching an episode on TV, I'm constantly looking at the clock to see how much time is left and then always saddened by how much time has quickly passed.

yeah it's a great viewing experience. Very much a thrill ride worth enjoying for what it is.

 

[winstano]

I really hope they do the magnets. Bitch.

They do the

Spoiler

acid in the bath

and the

Spoiler

mercury fulminate

from season 1.