Skyler Finds Out: For Non-Majors

First, I want to give a brief explanation of my post title. When I was in college, there were several elective courses labeled as subjects for non-majors. To my knowledge, they were mostly science courses. It wasn't intended to be a lighter version of a subject, but rather a survey for those who were interested from an avocational point of view. Also, I saw it as taking the pressure off the professor, allowing him or her to present the topic in a more casual manner.

I won the RV about the 5th week of the season, but I've still been interested in some of the questions. It's not fair for me to be in with those who haven't won yet, so I'm setting up this topic for others like me. Also, we can continue to discuss it after the week is up.

For me, the easy answer is that Skyler can't find out about Walt's moonlighting. That's too simple, though. Another thing to think about is WHEN she finds out. If another principal figure (Hank, Marie or Walt Jr.), figures it out first, that will likely soften the blow, because that person will be able to offer their opinion to Skyler.

If Skyler finds out first, it's going to be a big blow to their relationship. Like any big secret revealed, it will be a shock and she will have to figure out what to do with the information. Unless Walt is also caught by the police or turned in, he's not off the hook. He has obligations to his family. If he can't take care of those, they'll have to develop a different strategy to survive. Any way it happens, it will be unpleasant.

Breaking Bad Episode III

I think the third Episode is the first time we really see the emotional toll that Walt's decisions are taking on him. In the first two episodes, the consequences of his actions seemed almost slapstick--a body falls through a tub, an RV crashes into a ditch. But now I think we see that he is truly concerned his actions are costing him

There's a definitive split between what Walt does and how he feels about doing it. Killing Krazy 8, for example: I think there is little argument that it needed to be done. And yet when it's finished, all Walt can say is "I'm sorry." What once seemed like dark comedy is starting to set in as cold reality. Walt has chosen this path, and he must accept it, warts and all.

Perhaps he is in the wrong business--but I think at this point, he's in too deep.

What did you guys think about third episode?

Why the Reruns?

Why are they teasing us w/ re-runs? Have they not shot all the episodes yet? The show is so good...I'm cool with whatever they're up to.

Great Show/Great Fans - Use Us AMC, We're Free

So, AMC, you've got an incredible show on your hands here. So incredible you'll surely be greenlighting a second season double quick.

Once you get that done you've got to reach out to the viewing masses so they ALL know the greatness you have here.

In reaching those masses I'd like to suggest talking to your webmasters about making the talk format here one that will allow us to talk to each other easily rather than the current set up that doesn't lend itself to talking amongst ourselves.

We love chatting it up so making talking to other fans in ongoing threads easier would make this THE ONLY PLACE TO BE for all viewers who know and love quality TV.

Long story short - We'd love for you to make it easy for us to talk endlessly about the greatness that is Breaking Bad.

While you're at it, how about making BB merchandise something we can purchase and use to spread the word. I want to be your human billboard and I know I'm not alone in that.

Last but not least how about a live chat-room available to fans after the show each Sunday Night.
Talk about excitement that simply cannot be ignored. I know your web guru's can make it all happen and while it can be a headache I just so happen to know an experienced internet chat host - *coughs* Yes I hosted weekly post ep chats for 100's of fans each week for another show from the 90's Mr Gilligan is familair with - who'd be very happy to help in away when it comes to making Breaking Bad chats being the only place to be Sunday nights.

In other words, since I've already used a whole lot of words, let your great fans and a wonderful site make this amazing show the hottest thing going online.

Where Can I Buy the BAD T-shirt?

Vince, please tell me where can I buy the BAD tee shirt you were wearing? I must have one!

Breaking Bad Episode II: Open Forum

What do you think of the second episode of Breaking Bad?

Post your comments below or start your own talk thread.

Thoroughly Enjoying the Programme

Hi from someone Down Under - I heard about BB from someone online and decided to check it out. I'm thoroughly enjoying the programme. Funny, involving, very well-written. I hope more episodes will be made, and that either a DVD release or screening in Australia will be possible -- I think the national network SBS would be very interested in this for its Monday Night Late slot - this'd fit in perfectly.

Makes a wonderful change from the bland and formulaic US TV we normally get here. Well done! (And MORE PLEASE :)

The Cost of Chemo

I like the show but, you're not showing the real cost of cancer. You show Walt writing a $1900.00 check as he leaves the treatment center. My wife has been taking treatments for 6 years and has been on several different drugs. Not one treatment has cost less than $5000.00. If you're going to glorify the value of meth as something to use to pay for expensive cancer treatments, let's get the true cost of cancer treatments represented!

Please Be Careful...

I cannot say enough great things about this show. I come from the meth and marijuana capital of Canada. You have managed to grab the attention of a 'lot' of people here I thought would never own a TV. Here are some of of our thoughts:

1. The relationship between Bryan and Aaron is awesome and what you would expect. Please expand, and don't have anyone busted too soon; we like them together and splitting them up should be the Season 2 finale.

2. Walt needs to start smoking marijuana. He has cancer and rad-pacs; hello!? Anyone there ever had radiation nausea?

3. Someone buy them a friggin' Police Scanner for heavens sake!

4. Please be careful. Too many sub-plots will mess this up. Everyone in this show (so far) is a victim of something, so its time to show some of their victees.

Cheers!

A Nod to Reservoir Dogs?

This may have been discussed, but is it possible that Mr. White, and Pinkman (Mr. Pink) are subtle references to Reservoir Dogs? The stylization of BB with subtle humor, mixed with brutal violence reminds me a lot of Tarantino's work. Perhaps that's why so many people enjoy the show so much.

Breaking Bad Episode I: Open Forum

What did you think of the first episode of Breaking Bad? What did you like? What did you find interesting?

Walt and Jesse: Take 2

When I was watching the pilot for the second time tonight, with the knowledge of all that's to come fresh in my mind, I couldn't help but reflect on how much Walt and Jesse's relationship evolved over the course of these very few episodes. In the premiere Walt approaches Jesse not with hints at perhaps paternal affection, like we see in the finale, and not even with tolerance, but almost with downright disgust and condescension.

The scene where he approaches Jesse at night was remarkable to me in that Walt doesn't even give Jesse a choice: he simply informs him the way things are going to be. I can't believe how far the two came in their relationship over the course of the next six episodes.

The other thing that occurred to me while I was watching is that the show never really returns to Skyler's two hobbies: her e-bay selling and her short story writing. I suppose that's a credit to the character's selflessness in the face of the events that are about to unfold in her life, but I hope that Vince Gilligan returns to these facets of here character -- they're interesting, and I think they could make for some great plot points.

What if Walt began "selling" on eBay? What if Skyler took some creative ideas from Walt's activities for her short stories?

Anyways, those were my impressions. What did you all think about the second time around?

Hank: Snitch or Sneak?

There is a reason why Hank is a DEA agent and his main focus is on meth. This is not just a coincidence. The question is, what will Hank do once he realizes how involved Walt is in the meth scene? I think Hank will discover that Walt was responsible for the missing chemistry lab supplies, then it snowballs from there and he finds out how involved Walt really is.

Does Hank look the other way? After all, Walt's dying and won't be around long. (not likely) Will Hank arrest him on the spot? It is his job to protect and serve. Or will he become involved? Once he sees how well Walt and Jesse are doing, he may want a piece of the pie.

We all know Hank isn't a saint, considering he accepted illegal cuban cigars for doing a favor for somebody else, and he even laughed it off when he found out Walt is smoking pot. So it seems he doesn't care about the little things if nobody is getting hurt. So, how will he respond to the fact Walt is becoming a meth kingpin? It will happen and I would imagine it will happen early or mid-way through next season. So do you agree? I'd love to hear everyone's take on this.

Missed Last Episode!

Does anyone know when it will be shown again? Or will i have to wait ten weeks for rerun showing? Help!

Tuco is on Walt's List

Tuco is too evil to live. The end of the Finale was Tuco huffing some of Walt's super-potent Blue meth and then winding up into psychotic brutality whereby he assaults one of his henchman within an inch of his life, all because Walt asked him to mellow out.

Remember that Walt's primary consideration upon entering into the meth business a second time was "No Bloodshed". Whoops. The problem with Tuco is that he is going to kill Walt or kill somebody else in such a way that it gets Walt implicated and arrested. Walt knows this and he also knows that he hates Tuco. And he knows that Tuco is very careless about how he samples the product when he buys it.

So here's how I think it goes down: Walt is going to produce a batch of something that when Tuco sticks his face into the bag it will so severely incapacitate him Tuco will either die or be reduced to a harmless zombie. At that point either of two things will happen: Jesse will take over the selling part of the operation or the henchman who Tuco messed up in the Finale will take over, now beholden to Walt for his destruction of Tuco. You won't see this coming and it won't be easy, it will just create a bunch of new problems and the chemical mixture of this show will remain as volatile as ever. This despite the very satisfied feeling we will all have when we see Tuco get the ultimate morality play.

New Season??

Please tell us that you are going to make Season 2. PLEEEEEASE.......

Do You Want Walt to Get Away?

Or do you want Walt to get caught?

Will the powers allow Vince or anyone else make a series like Breaking Bad and allow the bad guy to win?

Society Doing Its 'Best'?

Although i do believe Meth is a very dangerous drug....I remember as a child of the '70s that marijuana was looked upon the same way. When I married, my husband was an insulin dependent diabetic and had been since the age of 10. When he grew up, he became a terrible alcoholic (Alcohol isn't exactly the best thing to imbibe when you have diabetes). We found that by smoking marijuana he could put down the alcohol and he dropped from a size 52 pants to a 32 in just a few months.

He was expected to suffer blindness, kidney failure... any one of a host of ills. The one he worried the most about was going blind,though. Each year we would get his eyes checked and his retinas showed minimal damage. For the amount of time he had had diabetes the Docs were left shaking their heads on why he wasn't showing much retinal damage. We smoked approx. a joint and a half late at night before bed...we didn't have children so we didn't have to worry about setting an example for anyone.

Continue »

Episode 7 (Season Finale)

The preview synopsis says (among other things): "Skyler's sister, Marie (Betsy Brandt), throws Skyler a baby shower and gives a questionable gift. "

I'll bet it's a pair of stolen high heels.

Walt's Lot in Life

I think this has been the most engaging, horrifyingly hypnotic show to come along in many seasons. Having caught up fully, I decided to browse some discussion boards to gauge others thoughts on Breaking Bad.

I found some great insights, and angles I hadn't really considered, but the one comment that I saw again and again that really troubles me is the idea that Walt is a fantastic failure for choosing a career as a high school chemistry teacher.

Granted, given the fragments we know of his background in science (assistance in research that led to a Nobel prize, a mind for problem solving that is still vividly remembered at a pool party more than two decades later), it does seem clear that Walt could have remained in the collegiate world, or swallowed his heartbreak and found corporate riches as a partner in Gray Matter.

But, (and here to me is the crux of the brilliant social commentary of the show), the idea that being a highly educated and clearly dedicated (he remembers things about even a very poor student like Jesse that many teachers would not have) high school teacher is an automatic mark of failure is appalling.

What's more appalling is the vividly rendered situation that Walt is in even before he is diagnosed with lung cancer -- that of a tenured, educated high school teacher who is forced to take a bad part-time job to afford a very modest middle-class existence.

This is not Walt's fault (though it is clearly his building frustration); this is the fault of a country where the burgeoning divide between the haves and have-nots is expanding at a reckless pace, and in which a man who has inarguably one of the most important professions in this country cannot possibly make ends meet if there is a bump in his road.

Pity Walt for his poor choices, puzzle over his indulgence of pride in refusing charity, abhor him for reuniting with Jesse even after the horrific events of their first endeavor, but don't lose sight of the poignant and powerful social commentary at work here -- a man of Walter White's profession, living frugally and responsibly, and with the need for a medical procedure that appears neither radical nor "experimental" should never have been in this position in the first place.

Walt's Shoes

This is perhaps the best shoe to come along in a few years. I have to know, however, what brand are Walt's shoes? It's driving me crazy. Anyway, keep up the great work!

Breaking Bad Is a 10+

I'm not worried like some people that Breaking Bad not will be picked up for a second season. With all the reviews and buss that it's getting in just six episodes it will be AMC's number one moneymaker in its next season. I just hope that the new shows start back soon. Breaking Bad will put AMC on the map. I read that FX turned it down. I bet someone at FX will get fired for turning it down if not they should.

I would never do meth because I know what it does. Meth is bad in my county and a school teacher was arrested a few months ago for making meth here. But If I were in Walt's shoes, I would try to take care of my family also.

This story is about a good man that has been dealt a bad hand. He only wants to make sure that if he dies that his family is not left owning doctor bills and broke. Meth is bad but people who do it are going to buy it from someone, somewhere. I do not think the show glamorizes meth in anyway. I think it shows what it does to you. Like all the other fans I'm so disappointed that they are only one more episode left this season.

Thanks for Addicting Me

I have to admit it; I love Breaking Bad. I am an ex-cop, and have many friends that either work for the government in law enforcement or did work for a law enforcement. It is a startling fact that the DEA agents are taught to the point of brainwashing that marijuana is THE gateway drug. That if you use it, you're going to use other drugs.They honestly and truly believe that - it is drilled deeply into their psyche. Yet they find no problem in going out and having 'choir practice' where they consume huge amounts of alcohol and smoke cigarettes and, as in the one scene from next week's episode, very often illegal Cuban cigars.

As states move to legalize pot for medicinal purposes -- which could be a theme in the program, if not with the main character; but with the chemo patients he encounters -- the DEA pounces on small time users like the janitor.

Bryan's character should perhaps meet a pot grower that is making as much as he is making meth, with customers that are doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs, and not cold blooded murders and thugs. I do think that meth is the most serious drug issue we face as a society. I love that it is being addressed, and in the way it is being done. I also love how the main character is trapped in a marriage to a controlling woman when he is in love with another woman; how he is trapped into knowing his fate, and is stepping outside the character he built after his failed love affair. It shows the lesson we can never ever think does not apply to all of us: at any time we can make the wrong decision; and it can affect us in a horrible way.

I am addicted to this show. I snort it up twice a week; watching and rewatching the episodes. I see a really great story line, great acting; and filming and direction; and a glimse at a hidden me that I never want to meet.

A Chemistry Teacher Weighing In

I am a 65 year old retired high school chemistry teacher. I can not believe they have a program about me (well sort of). I love the scenes in the classroom. How right on. Teacher loves his subject, the students could care less. And the chemistry is right on. It was gross, but I loved the hydrofluoric acid dissolving not only the body (yuck!) but also the ceramic bathtub and the floor of the bathroom.

Today's lecture was energy changes. Fast energy changes equal explosions and the mercury fulminate was used beautifully to Walt's advantage.

It is so sad that Jesse really tried to go straight and no-one gave him a chance, so he had to go back to cooking. I had to agree with his parents, but was so angry with the "perfect little brother" that not only let Jesse cover for him, but had the balls to ask Jesse to return the joint. I also love enjoying watching the evolution from the punk, "I don't care about anything", to the more caring side of Jesse. He would never have minded that his meth crystals were cloudy before Walt showed up. Walt is being a positive influence on Jesse...did I just say that?

It is truly an interesting show, if you can get past the gore and the immorality of selling meth, but is helped by the fact that we know it will turn out badly.

Ask Vince Gilligan Your Questions

Now is your chance to get the inside scoop on Breaking Bad. Got any questions for creator Vince Gilligan? AMC will be sending them his way this Wednesday, March 5. Post your most burning queries here by Tuesday night, and then watch for his answers in an upcoming video interview.

Cameras and More

This last episode is another example of the excellence that is Breaking Bad. This is honestly one of the most poignant shows I have ever watched. And I am a little hesitant to say I love it for fear it will be canceled (that seems to happen to good shows... Anyways, a few things that are excellent:

1) The camera work is truly unique. I loved the single shot of Walt in his bathroom, about to shave his hair off- truly unique and forward-thinking, but also nostalgic in a way.

2) Walter, jr. deserves an Emmy already. My younger brother has similar disabilities and it is amazing to see a realistic, punk-kid trying to buy beer, who also has a disability. But I didn't appreciate the playing of reggae music when Walt was getting together the glassware supplies. People who smoke weed associate with reggae and think meth is scary. I'm sure that isn't true for everyone- but I personally didn't appreciate it.

On that note- I think that Walt's character should be doing much more pot-smoking. Seriously, there are the obvious benefits- but also think about chemo and all of the relief it might offer. Those are my thoughts. I'll be looking forward to next Sunday!

Tell Them You LOVE Breaking Bad

With all this talk of when and if Breaking Bad will return for a second season I thought now might be a good time to remind my fellow fans that positive feedback is a powerful thing.

While people will go out of their way to complain the same is not often said for offering praise.
Praise is a GOOD thing.
There isn't a soul out there that doesn't welcome it when it comes their way.

That in mind I suggest we all take a lil' time to offer up our viewer praise to the people that need to hear it most. Saying nice things is good for the soul and can only help when it comes to getting more of this wonderful show.

Nothing fancy needed.
Just drop a quick email -- tell them who you are ... demographics are always a big deal -- of praise to those who need to hear it telling them how much you love this show.

So, head off to those websites, track down emails (everyone has a contact us) for all those oh so influential entertainment reporters and publications and let your viewer voice be heard.

Off the top of my head I'd suggest...
AMC (of course!)
TV Guide
Entertainment Weekly
Your hometown newspaper entertainment reporter.

While it seems like a little thing that would hardly make a difference, remember, everyone loves praise and little things can often go a long, long way.

On the "Dukes" of ABQ

One of the many places I've lived is Albuquerque; I picked up some funny stuff in the script and dialogue that may simply be my imagination. But I don't think so:

1. When Walter self-taped his "confession" as fire trucks approached the desert meth lab (Pilot episode), he stated his address as "Negro Arroyo", Albuquerque. I thought it was off somehow and then I figured it out. The address has been Anglicized ... as so often happens in new developments in the Southwest. Spanish (and all romance languages) always put the adjective (negro--black) AFTER the noun (arroyo--creek). No one watching with me understood why I laughed out loud. Yeah, that's some N.M. real estate "mogul" trying to pretty up street names with authentic sounding Spanish-like words. But WRONG SYNTAX. Typical.

2. I enjoy the space-filler segments of Walt in his car, cause he's driving vast distances in huge empty spaces, just to get to his bank, etc. When I first moved to ABQ from the East Coast, friends from New York and Boston came to visit. And they freaked out every time we hit patches around The Big I or West Mesa. Those vast tracks of freeway without any buildings always make them ask: Have we left the city? Are we in the country now? :)

3. Last, I enjoyed the camera work on Walt's former colleague Elliott Schwartz, now the heir to Gray Matter Technologies. Nice guy, but (as was thrown away in a line from Good Morning, Vietnam), Elliott has ears that could fly him to Guam. Goofy looking. And I could swear that his birthday outfit included white, "harem" style PJs ... that made him look like a pear-shaped blow up doll. Sometimes.

Perhaps I'm reading in too much. But I think not.

The Badger Problem

Jesse, what are you thinking? You can't leave Badger out there roaming the desert with his crossbow! The guy's a moron and an ass to boot, but you've got to either go back and make friends or run him over.