I am boycotting the show Breaking Bad and I hope you do too. Making a series that glamorizes the manufacturing of meth is an outrage. Meth is at the root af so many problems and crimes in all parts of the US. It does not repect age, color, income or neighborhoods. What is the message of the show?? That it is ok to make meth if you are dying?? That it is ok to break the law in order to make money?? And the main charcter is in a position of trust, he is a high school teacher!! Not only that, he enlists the help of one of his students!! Tell everyone you know to protest this show. I have never been more upset about anything than the new show Breaking Bad. You can email amc directly at http://www.amctv.com/contact.html

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you haven't seen the show, as it does not glamorize meth at all. I hope you stick to your high moral standards in all of your entertainment choices, thus leaving yourself children's movies and romantic comedies that you are able to watch without compromising your morals. As an intelligent viewer, one has to choose whether or not Walt's choices are good choices or bad ones, just like they had to with Tony Soprano, or any main character really worth watching. Nobody makes all of the right moral choices, and a show about people who did would be pretty boring. What makes the show good is not just that Walt makes some questionable choices, but also that he and his partner are still likeable at times despite the fact that what they are doing is wrong.

As a recovering meth addict,I am nervously awaiting
tonights premiere. Just from the previews i can tell that it will include some (if not alot) of the insanitiy that meth brings into peoples lives. If the insanity is "real" then i should be able to watch. As a responsible recovering addict, i need to be reminded of the insanity, and not glamorize meth. On ocasion i will watch intervention. When it deals with meth I can not watch. I will watch the premiere of Breaking Bad. And if i am bothered by it then i have the option of turring it off. Not boycotting the show because i made some bad descions in my past.

I, too, am apalled that AMC would put a show on like this. Building a meth lab is not a career option. It is illegal. Meth is an epidemic in this country. It is taking over our jails, our schools and our communities. It robs children of their parents and parents of their children. Those that have been affected by the evils of meth know that it does not have a comedic value. There is nothing entertaining or funny about meth, and I hope this show bombs.

Well...hmmm...I have to say, were you appalled by the Sopranos? I mean, murderous mafioso destroy lots of lives too. Whoever saw such a group of guys with so much blood on their hands as that crew. Did you protest? Meth is a scourge that, oddly, hasn't yet got a tremendous amount of media attention - perhaps this show will stimulate that.

Yeah this is big brother all over the tv we need meth we need more people looking at it.
I did my sher of meth now im meth free for years now I dont want to hear about talk about and damn sure dont want to see it on tv.

Everybodiy is pissed about one thing or another. Get over it.

This show is GREAT!!!

Great plot, great acting and very entertaining!!! I will be looking forward to more episodes!!!!!

The difference between the Sopranos and this show is that there is not an epidemic of Italian mafioso taking over the country. Meth, however, is destroying thousands of people. I guess since I have known people personally that have been overtaken by this drug, I can not understand writing an entertaining show about it. That's my opinion.

The show does not glamorize making meth. It is merely a comedy. I am a prior federal law enforcement officer and I did not find it offensive in the slightest. The story is beyond just making meth. It is an epidemic....that means its also reality. Perhaps some of us should stick to Nick at Nite.

there is a difference between entertainment and real life. if you're too stupid to know that, too bad. Great Show!!! I'll be looking forward to Mr. Whites misadventure in the crazy life of crystal meth! Keep up the good work!

this show is dumbbbbbbbbbbbbb
I know people that cant even look at tinfoil without thinking of meth yeah AMC much less watching a show about it.
thank god I have 200 chanels mtv blocked and now amc blocked way to go. hope you make alot of money

AMC finally got it right!

Here's a small comment to all the individuals that find this show appalling. TV is escapist! It always should be and this is a show for all the Walter Whites out there that want to have a little fantasy in their lives about going out there and using their education to perform a bit of illegal activity. No, its not wholesome, family entertainment. If you want that, change over to TV Land and catch some Little House on the Prairie. This is edgy, innovative stuff and the acting is superb. I'm loving it and I'm glad I took the time to tune in and enjoy the experience with everyone else who seems to be digging it as well.

Keep 'em coming AMC!

I think Bryan Cranston was amazing.

Finally a show worth watching, which probably means it will be canceled for some reason beyond me. If you've had issues with addiction, like I have and your not yet comfortable watching this subject, may I suggest you turn the channel and watch something more to your liking. That is until you can come to terms with the fact that drug use is idiotic. I don't mean to preach but get over it! This show ROCKS!

This show is great!!!! It's witty and seems to be well thought out and researched. Also, IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE CONTENT THEN, DON'T WATCH IT. At least then the rest of us can post about it and not have unnecessary comments clouding up the board.
I can't wait to see the next episode. Bryan Cranston is awesome in this role and I look forward to another stress filled episode. Overall, this show is excellent and the ride is gonna be great!

"I am boycotting the show Breaking Bad and I hope you do too. Making a series that glamorizes the manufacturing of meth is an outrage."

Hey hun this is TV it is make believe. Maybe you should still be watching cartoon network not adult shows.

Well having that out of the way. I think this show is great!!!!
Great writing and story line. I have this setup on my TIVO to record every show.... GOod Job AMC

Just watched the first show and it was GREAT! can't wait for the next show! AND it is just a show, you people who have a problem with it don't watch! I am so tired of a minority of people telling us wat we can do or can't watch, maybe I will sell my sports car so you don't have to worry about me speeding too. I agree Bryan Cranston was amazing, Hope the show gets lots of emmy's.

AMCTV please do not cancel this show. For once there is original program on TV ..Too many cry babies have access to the internet. Just understand that

To those of you who are quick to criticize, please watch the show. It's on its encore right now, with another later tonight.

For those of you who've seen it, wow. This is a breath of fresh air for TV. And no, it's not glamorizing drug production. The show actually had a pretty depressing tone to it, like its the beginning of the end for Walter White. At least that's the sense I got out of it. Great acting and no commericals. I was just confused about one thing: why would they censor their own show? He clearly says "f***" in a scene at the car wash, and a lady's breasts are censored. I'm just confused why they would even include such things if they're going to be censored.

Was waiting all day for the show. It was great. Picked the best man for the role.It didn't glorify drug use. It did the opposite. Good luck Bryan, you're going to win that emmy yet!

I love the show. Have always enjoyed Bryan Cranston's acting. This role is quite a beparture from "Malcolm in the Middle"! He is one desperate man to get into making meth.

Is this going on Itunes? there was an advertisement after the first showing that it was on Itunes, and I can't find it. awesome show!

This was very entertaining. Whether you know about METH or not. It was very good. I've read the review by the ususal media types. They all have marginal reviews. But NOT I!!!
Boy's and Girls. Remember!!! This is comedy. It's for laughs only. And, if you see this movie for other than that. You need help. Ever hear the comics on the Comedy Channel? Grow up, have fun watching something so out of touch of "true reality" it makes you laugh. This program does not promote the use of the drug. Get a grip and enjoy it as it was meant to be.

I thought the show was great! I am sick of reality television and this series is a welcome change. I enjoyed the first episode and can't wait to see episode 2.

No show can appeal to everyone. If you don't like the show, turn the channel. If you are worried about your children watching, use your parental control and block their access.

I hope there are a lot of people who found the show entertaining like myself. Great writing and acting on the series.

Meth is not the only epidemic in this country...so is the lack of affordable health care and the economic problems of families. I applaud AMC for putting this show on the air and making people think. What would you do if you suddenly knew you were about to die, leaving your family in more financial ruin than they already are? As someone with a chronic health condition, I don't condone manufacturing and selling drugs, but I get the panic, fear, and despair caused by skyrocketing medical costs. Maybe showing the effects of such a terrible economy and the state of our health "care" system on people will lead to some discussion and action. Yes, I know that this is a fictional show, but it represents real problems that have gone on way too long.

I'll be watching! Great job all around.

Good storytelling. With the mysterious, untouchable backdrop of meth, and compelling characters (so far), each episode can have room for pop. Best moment was near the end when Walter is slipping into bed, and the shot seems to be coming in from the level of a swollen eye. Tripped me up. And I do like the ABQ-NM setting.

LOVE IT!

I love the dark gritty undertone rampant throughout this show. It is powerfully moving and I love that I can't predict what happens next. I prefer the first "uncensored" or less censored version better. Bryan Cranston is perfect in his role and this will be the first show I will ever download from iTunes just to be able to watch it anytime .

I also don't see the meth side as taking center stage. it's more of a prop to set the stage.

:.Awesome.:

pinochet try watching the 10pm CST show that do not censor that one.

You know what... I sincerely do not condone this type of pandering to a segment of society growing in number each day whose central preoccupation revolves around the pain & suffering associated with drug abuse or the easy lore of fast money....
HOWEVER, with that said, I also recognize that AMC has maintained a level of entertainment integrity which has (mostly) transcended that level of pandering that too many in the movie industry seek to establish and present as common-place often fulfilling societies worst nightmares.
I don't know how much sense you can make out of that, but I will go on record saying that I really enjoyed the 1st episode... the character development, subplot, locations... the way it was shot. And I believe that as the episodes progress the viewer will have the opportunity to reflect on more than just the base qualities associated with drugs, guns and cash... that there will be a bigger message appealing to a wider audience, an opportunity to watch the growth of two people at opposite ends of the spectrum grow thru their experiences.
Chemistry - changing from life to death and reborn.
I, for one, consider "Breaking Bad" a nuclear bomb of a success. Funny and thought-provoking. Thank you AMC. This makes up for "Mad Men"

I really love this country! HA! Great reactions, I just smile and shake my head to the people who detest entertainment that our society actually creates and all because of....being offended???....sheesh....turn the channel and dont call me on sunday night's to complain about anything because I am watching the show! I dig it AMC! Bravo for the series!

Listen this is a message to all the people who don't like this show and think AMC should pull this show off the air.
Please if you want to do something constructive to stop the plague of Meth in the U.S. and Canada volunteer at a drug rehab or go out and spread the word about how deadly it is.
GET OUT THERE DON'T SIT AND DICTATE TO THE REST OF US AND DECIDE WHAT WE SHOULD AND SHOULDN'T WATCH.Be someone who makes a real difference in the communities you live in not a desktop activist with too much time to waste doing unproductive things because trust me as someone who knows first hand it wont make a lick of difference in the long run, it will just get picked up by another channel like HBO.
This is a good show that has a very good moral message its just that the message is not presented to the veiwer in 30 minutes or and hour like the crappy sitcoms and after school specials you are probably used to.

YOUR COMPANY HAS NO MORALS NO DIGNITY
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING THIS IS NOT ENTERTAINMENT IT'S GLORIFCATION OF A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE USA. SCREW YOU AMC.

This is art, pure and simple. It does not glamorize illegal drugs at all. Get off your moral high chair and go watch ER or some lawyer show.

No it's not "family entertainment" If you don't like it--go watch reruns of The Facts of Life or ER--YAWN.

Great script, great premise and great acting. TV is not real--just supposed to be entertaining.

Thanks Nobleone.. I'm assuming that there's not a huge difference? Funny story, I started watching the Sopranos on A&E and watched the final season on DVD. Hell of a difference.

Congrats Vince-Great writing and directing and ideas and overall production.
Hope the show goes at least three years (for the DVD sales and syndication)

Being 50 myself I really felt for the main character

Also: Knowing the difference between entertainment and reality (and knowing entertainment can sometimes get people to talk about and discuss serious topics better than any serious talk show or serious flyers can do---
I salute AMC for taking the chance)
EXAMPLE--
Like right now I am watching The George Lopez Show and the episode deals with George discovering that his father (who walked out on him as a child) is actually alive!
Wow this covers family and deadbeat dads...a serious subject to be sure and arguably JUST as epidemic in all our cities as drugs are. But the show covered the seriousness of the subject matter and had me laughing all within 24 minutes.
Also lets remember M*A*S*H and countless other shows that dared to show something beyond the standard fare.

(and thanks for no laugh track too! If something in Breaking Bad is funny I WILL laugh on my own. If this show was on anyplace else I would have had a laugh track letting me know I should have a huge belly laugh when Walt took the safety off his gun and he fired a shot into the desert ground.--Since it was on AMC --- I laughed all on my own ----and I appreciate them assuming I am a smart viewer.)

So why is it that the 10 pm show has the girls b::bs blocked out and the recap has her in a bra?
It may be a small difference but I'm confused?????

Great show! can't wait for the next episode. As a former meth user this show did not make me want to use or cook. Watching "Saving Grace" did'nt make me want to grow or smoke pot either. Shows on prohibition don't make me want to drink nor do I want to be in a marriage with other women sharing my husband when i watch "Big Love" Get a grip nay sayers, you may as well tune in to "mayberry" (Which is a classic i love,) amc you have a classic here with "breaking bad"

Parents have no business letting a child watch this show, it is a dark comedy, with a message. The timeslot that this show is in is NOT FOR KIDS. this is supposed to educate the adults of this country about what our kids already know!
eeesh Get a grip.
Love the show...And the cast is great

I really appreciate the way that the DEA agents were portrayed - very, very humorous. I'm anxiously awaiting to see how Walt will behave around his big-shot brother-in-law in future episodes, and if there will be any close calls.

Maybe for added techinical accuracy, the writers would consider an episode wherein Walt and Jesse are forced to improvise their cooking process by encorporating the Birch Reduction of ephedrine; a process for making meth using anhydrous ammonia and lithium as apposed to the hydriotic acid one portrayed in the pilot, which makes use of red phosphorous and iodine. This process is equally dangerous, posing a number of hazards to it's operators as well, which could make for entertaining content.

I like that the lab set-up portrayed in the RV looked legit and convincing, yet was not revealing enough to give some wing-nut out there any bad ideas.

I imagine that the potentially funny and absurd scenarios encountered by this duo whilst out aquiring the precursors for their crystal are endless.

This show is a home run!!!

I'm against cooking and using meth. I think the real story here isn't the meth its this good guy that is so desperate he will do anything for his family before he dies.

I can't wait for the next episode!

I thought the show was great. I really enjoyed it, especially with no commercials.Cant wait till next week to see what they do with the bodies in the rv.

One thing i didnt get is how the brother dea agent said that capn cook was an informant. They obviously knew his name and all the info on the lab house. The dea had to have some sort of knowledge and evidence from the cook to obtain a warrant to raid the house and arrest the dealers and especially the cook, but they let the cook(informant) go scott free? So if he was an informant why would walter even mess with him or threaten to turn him in when no one is even looking for him and his personal house is clean? If he wasnt the informant how did the dea know about the house and why would his brother lie about the cook? I dont get it.

Excellent. If you dont like it, turn the channel. I find it funny that the comments from yesterday, prior to the premier, dont reflect tonights opinions at all. Excellent show. I cant wait till next week.

Regarding the comment of Regarding the comment of Whiteghost: I think you are right on the money. I too, have witnessed and experienced the insanity in the meth culture. After one episode, I can not say that I came away with the notion that the aim was to glorify the drug. It is hugely refreshing to see a complex and controversial issue being addressed rather than it soley being demonized by the media. Perahps the show will raise awareness to the point where many will be turned off from trying meth. This series far outweighs so many other shows. It's so nice to have an alternative to The 'real' Housewives of Orange County {now that show ought to be illegal} All that said, the acting in Breaking Bad was really rather good ! : I think you are right on the money. I too, have witnessed and experienced the insanity in the meth culture. After one episode, I can not say that I came away with the notion that the aim was to glorify the drug. It is hugely refreshing to see a complex and controversial issue being addressed rather than it soley being demonized by the media. Perahps the show will open a dialogue to the point where many will be turned off from trying meth. This series far outweighs so many other shows. It's so nice to have an alternative to The 'real' Housewives of Orange County {now that show ought to be illegal} All that said, the acting in Breaking Bad was really rather good ! PS Regarding the comment of Whiteghost: I think you are right on the money. I too, have witnessed and experienced the insanity in the meth culture. After one episode, I can not say that I came away with the notion that the aim was to glorify the drug. It is hugely refreshing to see a complex and controversial issue being addressed rather than it soley being demonized by the media. Perahps the show will raise awareness to the point where many will be turned off from trying meth. This series far outweighs so many other shows. It's so nice to have an alternative to The 'real' Housewives of Orange County {now that show ought to be illegal} All that said, the acting in Breaking Bad was really rather good ! PS whitegost-congratulations on your sobriety :)

The Show Was amazing. 2 Thumbs up AMC. I think the Guy at the top of this page should watch the show before he makes assumptions.

I'M 50 YEARS OLD AND IM ALSO A EX METH USER.THE SHOW REALLY HIT HOME WITH ME ON MANY TOPICS.BUT,I THINK MOST PPL. MISS THE MAIN THEME,ITS NOT ABOUT DRUGS ITS HOW HE CAN LEAVE HIS WIFE AND SON WITH MONEY WHEN HE LEAVES.I RELATE TO THAT,IF IT HAPPENED TO ME AND I FOUND OUT I HAD LUNG CANCER WELL.... I HAVE 2 KIDS AND I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE THEM WITH SOMETHING .. SO WHO KNOWS...SELLING METH IS HIS GET RICH WAY OF DOING IT...ME I THINK BANK ROBBERY WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER...LOL BUT THAN AGAIN HE WAS A CHEMIST..CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT EPISODE ....WELL DONE

Well, I'm another one who's been there and done that - or seen my friends or lovers caught up in it, and I couldn't wait to see their take on METH. I like the tone of the show, the characters are right on, and the story DOES NOT glorify drugs or that way of life. Come on people! Just because you don't like the truth, doesn't mean that the rest of us have to keep our heads in the sand - hiding from this awful reality. I trust this show will take us down many a dark road as it involves drugs, and I'll be right there remembering and laughing at the fact that I'm no longer attached to any of that madness. I am one of few who made it out ALIVE without much lost in the end. GREAT JOB AMC for having the balls to put this on the air! I'll be watching you next Sunday.

I had no idea this that this show even existed, I was channel surfing, but thank goodness I found it! I'm a fan of Bryan Cransto, so of course I was intrigued. I found the plot fascinating. I absolutely ADORED this episode, for I love dark comedies, and to feature a series with this particular social issue is, I think, a great idea. Walter is an everyman, whom everyone can relate to, therefore making his decisions difficult to label as right or wrong; any shows like this that can blur the lines of morality are superb. I feel very, very sorry for him. Making viewers care for the characters is a sign of good writing, I think. The humor, writing, and acting were all great, which isn't something I often admit about TV. I laughed out loud many times. That's the great thing with dark comedies: to be able to find humor and beauty within (fictional) tragedy.

Of course, I understand now that people may be offended by or concerned with the content and themes of this series, and I admit I know very little about the crystal meth scene, but that makes it even more fascinating as a viewer and seeker of thought-provoking ENTERTAINMENT, whether or not it is intended as a true social commentary. Those who don't like the show, please don't ruin it for the rest of us; just don't watch it.

Oh, and grant710-- I (as many others did) also noticed the change with the girl and her bra ...very weird...

The show was great. I loved Bryan Cranston in it. If you find the growing meth problem in America such a serious problem, I assure you there are far better ways to utilize your time in counteracting the meth issue then bashing a great TV show.

thanks amc for a great show depicting the health care industry in america, and how it can turn a hard working individual into a person so desperate they will turn to any thing to make things better for their family.
this show is not about making and selling meth. it is about an individual that will do what he knows to try to get, or keep, his head above water. the meth senario could be replaced with bank robery if walt were handier with a gun, or with embezelment if he were an accountant. the meth is not the storyline, the desperation and love for his family is.
bryan cranston is the perfect actor for the lead role.

Ultimately, I hope this show is about compassion for the main character. In fact, I think the writers set it up that way. A terminal disease, a pregnant wife, a desperate last gasp for life, are the ingredients we as viewers seem to require to empathize with his drastic decision to become a meth maker. And as some of us know, meth is the drug of hysteria du jour. In the eighties it was coke. This show could just as well be about heroin or coke production. Thus, meth is not the issue. His pain is.

What I hope the show does is reveal his choices to be symptomatic of his despair and avoid condemning him for his desperate struggle for hope. Anything less would be, let's face it, trite.

I was very impressed by Bryan Cranstons acting....how he can change his character physically and emotionally every 15 minutes or so. He can be the regular teacher to a quiet relaxed man and suddenly into a bada** guy.

it was a great pilot and i really hope that there will be many more episodes!

IT DOES NOT ENCOURAGE METH!!!!!!!!!

by the way does anyone know if or when you can buy episodes of breaking bad on i-tunes????

If you think breaking bad is "about the glamorization of meth production," then you totally missed the point; it highlights problems with american government and society.

the main character was breaking his back for a small salary with insubstantial health insurance benefits (a la typical teaching job) and moonlighting at a shitty joint for a few bucks more.. instead of breaking your back for no money, why not break the law and make as much money as you deserve?

anyway, i think this show has an awesome premise and it's pretty damn funny.
that aside, does anyone know the title of the rodrigo y gabriela song that was played?

Made an account on this website for the soul purpose of saying that this show is incredibly entertaining and I hope to see many more episodes of it.

And people, the show doesn't teach you how to make meth, it doesn't "glamorize it," and the show is entirely for entertainment purposes.

Do the right thing AMC, and sign a contract for more seasons.

I am totally anti-drug, never tried any in my 37 + years but I love this show. I think that it is pure entertainment. Bryan Cranston is too awesome! I hope he stays with the show. The love scene at the end with his wife was totally HOT!!!!!!

This show totally rocks, about time someone had the ballz to address a real issue in an entertaining way without being relegated to a wack-a** reality show. I love just about every aspect of the show, from his rebelion, to the intimiate times with his wife. Personally, Ive been a bad boy in my younger days and i can totally relate.
Being 29, and a doctor now, i dont believe anything is an end-all, including this show....for the ppl who think this show sends out a bad message. Id ask them to drive down a profoundly urban street after around 1am and see which scares them most :P

Keep the episodes comin!!!!!

This show is great! I can't wait for the future installments and I hope that the writers strike doesn't kill this show prematurely.

For those people out there that think that Breaking Bad is in some way glorifying and condoning the making, selling, or using of meth I have news for you: you are way off base! This show depicts a man driven to the dark side and the many dangers that meth involves. We see how quickly Walter and his partner find trouble when they have to deal with criminals who have no regard for the law and are only thinking of their own welfare. We also see how dangerous it can be working with so many volatile chemicals.

Besides, the responsible thing to do is to watch the programs with your children and explain to them what is happening. Don't just block the channel and pretend it does not exist. What happens when your kid goes to their friend's house and watches that program? Then they have questions that they can't discuss with you. They know you will be angry that they disobeyed you and may try to find answers in their own way, a way that may not be good.

Furthermore, any intelligent adult can tell the difference between entertainment and real life. Those that can't, fall by the wayside. This is what is called 'natural selection'. It is part of our evolution process, stop trying to fight it.

Wow! I never would have touched meth before, but after watching this show, not only am I going to try it, but I'm going to encourage all of my friends to try it too! YIPPPEEEE!!! Dorks...

Great show. Keep 'em commin'.

yer pal,
D_Frag (givin' meth to my kids since Jan. 20, 2008)

Good show. Walt nutts up and can't take it anymore,we see how idiotic captian cook is,and the ruthlessness and subsequent death of the other two homies. Fairly realistic sofar. I'm tuning in next week !!

From what I can see is that there are a lot of people who dislike the show. Come people its a tv show, If you did meth and you a recovering, well I'm sorry to say thats your fault. This show is'nt going to make me go out and buy meth, I know better than that.
Personally, I love the show and I hope to see many episodes to come. Thank you AMC for airing that show, and thank you to the Breaking Bad crew for coming up with what seams to be a great show.

Watched the show last night and LOVED IT. Can't wait to watch the next episode.

MUSIC in the episode:

anyone point me to the music credits for episode one? A lot of good music used throughout the episode.

In particular I'd like to know the artist/song used at the very end.

bryan is fabulous
the setting is great
the story is original
how far will he go ?
OVER THE EDGE ...............?

we will soon find out

I never counted on watching this show after being annoyed by the constant ads for Mad Men and how revolutionary it was (oh, look, they're misogynistic, woot!). But I have to admit that Breaking Bad was much more than I expected it to be. Bryan Cranston was pretty damn awesome and the way he's shaping Walter White into being some kind of Falling Down-styled bada** with a constant conflict between his old life and the rest of his life is just wow. I'll be catching more of this show, and hope it comes out on DVD soon enough so I can see it uncensored.

Truly a brilliant show.

I just dropped in to tell you that I saw BB for the first time last night. I loved darn near everything about it and have set my DVR to catch it. ( Heck, I even first had to add AMC to my favorite channels list on Direct TV!)

I'm not going to add any "Junior TV critic" analysis here.

But just a quick Thank You! to the "suits" at AMC who took a chance with this project, and everyone who thunk it up and brought it to life. IMHO, it is near "The Wire" in quality and I hope it can sustain or even exceed that standard.

Again, my sincere thanks. I'll be spreading the word.

RB
Oh, and the BB.com website is pretty trippy too! I have just begun my exploration there!

Pushing all the pandering on about meth use in real life aside... I enjoyed this show and honestly hope that the series continues to run.

Congratulations Vince!

While its been a painful long, LONG while waiting for you to be back to writing for TV it is oh so worth the wait if Breaking Bad is what we get for our patience.

The show is fantastic!

Kudos to the talented creator aside I have to say there was no glamor in the way the issue of drugs was handled in this show. Its ugly, dirty, dangerous and cleverly present as horrific last choice when a man cannot make an honest living.

I honest saw it less about the drugs and more about how precarious life is for everyday middle class Americans trying to just get by. Walt could have turned to any kind of crime but it was this world of meth that, through circumstances, fell into his lap when he was up against the wall.

A good man who can't make a decent living teaching, left struggling with lousy health insurance that has him begging the abulance attendant to let him out on street corner and finally turning to crime to provide for his family as he dies is as ugly and painfull ill for this country as the drug trade he turns too.

There is no glamor in any of it.
But all of it is well done and thought-provoking.

Yes, it is true that Meth is a reality in our culture. But how much of it is a reality if a person is dying of terminal cancer will take this path. I think most people in that situation would be the contrary.
If a person did take this path, Then they are without faith or belief. Yes, it's just a TV show.
But TV sure has changed since "Leave It To Beaver". What's next ? Porn on Prime Time?

To all of you who liked the show, thank you I am a member of the crew for season 1 of Breaking Bad. Alot of passion and hard work went into this from everyone and it means alot to not only me I know. Now im not a producer im just a grunt in there making this show happen but this was one thing i was very exited about and I don't get exited about everything. Now im not giving away anything so don't ask, but I will say if you liked the first episode well you ain't seen nothing yet. And as far as the question about this show being canceled or taken off the air, im not going to speak for AMC but in MY personal opinion i don't think thats going to happen. Please keep watching it only gets better.

Enjoy

I understand that people have genuine concerns that this show is glamorizing the use of and sale of meth. But, is it? I do not feel the compunction to go out and try meth after watching the first episode, nor am I driven to make some "easy" cash by making it. I really didn't think the show made it look glamorous at all! Like the Sapranos, this is a cautionary tale. Look kids, this is what happens when you do this. What I find refreshing is that it is not pandering to the teenage audience. How do I know that? The teenagers are shown as slackers, creepy, know nothings with little respect for anyone. I am frustrated with Disney movies that always portray kids as smarter than adults and nicer than adults. (Watch "Lion King", "Home Alone" and "Goonies") Really they're selling the dangerous message. Kids don't think adults know anything. Why? Because that's what Disney is telling them. For that alone a salute this show. Just because a movie/show/book takes place in an imperfect world does not mean the author condones the bad behavior.

I thought that this was great for a Season Premiere!

It was action pact, but not too much action. I don't feel like it glamourizes the sale or use of meth. You can almost feel the tension, there was nothing glamorous about it.

I thought it was a great dipiction of what a person will do when there back is against the wall. The concept is not too far fetch at all.

GREAT PLOT!! GREAT SHOW!! WAY TO GO AMC!! YOU GET 2 THUMBS UP FROM ME:)

WOW- Great first show, I am so looking forward to seeing more. Middle age guy, just and only getting by in life. then Wham You have only X amount of time to live. The wife carrying a child, your son is disabled and you, DEAD in a few short years, if you are lucky. you are so broke that you can barely even "Pay attention" Now with the end in sight you make the choice of doing whatever it takes to make as much money as you can, so that you are able to help your family when you are gone!

I really enjoyed the show, great work guys.

I loved this show! I do not understand why anyone would believe this show is offensive in any way. There is no difference between this show and Weeds. The only obvious difference is Weeds is not accessible to everyone the way Breaking Bad is. I am from New Mexico and the show was completely shot in and around my High School. The bank he goes to is actually the Rio Rancho Public Library Loma Colorado. I even saw some of my peers. All I can say is AMC did one hell of a job on this series and it is a shame there is only 8 episodes set to air damn whiney little WGA!

Intelligent--well done. Superb acting, writing, and directing. Kudos. If you understand the real dynamics in this series then count yourselves among the smart ones.

I thought this show was enteraining and humorous, it was one worth watching and recording the series.

I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW GREAT THIS SHOW IS! I love everyone in the cast and I thought that the DEA Agents (Hank & Gomie) were very funny! Im glad to see a latino playing a good guy. Buy the way Hank owes Gomez 10 bucks! GOOD JOB AMC! GIVE US MORE!

I just caught this show by accident last night (episode #2 ) ~ what a GREAT show. Keep the entertaiment coming PLEASE!

Header

I want to say a big THANK YOU to AMC for your boldness, commitment to intelligent television, and relevance to our society today. Aside from Vince Gilligan's writing, which in itself is provocative and sensational, the hiring of an actor with a disability to play Walt Jr., needs to be highlighted and applauded. Those watching and passing judgment have no idea of the journey that this young man has taken to get to where he is. Some would say it is divine. The fact that this network has given him, as well as this kind of diversity a front and center role in our often hypocritical society is true leadership in entertainment, and our community at large. The show does not warrant being taken off the air. That is a puerile mentally. Walt is a flawed character like the rest of us. “Breaking” Bad may provide insight into a scary and uncomfortable world where parents may gain a doorway to address the seriousness of drugs with their children, friends, or family members. And while some may think it is not the place of television to teach in this fashion, it is clearly the society we live in. Ask Oprah. She has created an empire on teaching people how to address many of life’s issues from a televised platform. The show offers far more real life issues than glamorization. It is about human beings that love each other, struggles with life's choices, and the consequences that follow those choices. For those that insist on boycotting, turn off all television for a moment. Then consider what you are really afraid of. The causes for the Worlds ills will not be found in Breaking Bad, nor will the panacea.

Here's a comment reposted from GenB:

"By far the most exciting and innovative new programming is showing up on AMC. Anyone who thinks that Breaking Bad glorifies anything to do with crystal meth has obviously not watched the program. In the very first episode the horrors..on all levels..including the soul errosion..of dealing in any way with this drug are clearly portrayed. Congrats once again to AMC for coming up with yet another winnner..Breaking Bad is to be a huge hit for certain."

Thanks for posting GenB. I agree that the show is both innovative and hilarious, while at the same time horrific. It's not an easy balance to strike, but this show hits it.

Cart: Are you from Albuquerque? Not many outsiders use the ABQ abbreviation. Just curious...

D_Frag: You made me laugh out loud! Good one, thanks for saying what had to be said.

NWgregg: Good to see a fellow Duke City devotee on the blog! I live in the East Mountains and was very pleased to see the authentic location scenes. Glad you clarified what the bank building really was, since that one eluded me. Stay warm...

I want to add my praise for this wonderful program to the dialog. My husband and I were thrilled by the story, the directing, and most of all the acting in this terrific drama. For those who cannot watch shows that challenge the issues we face in this country, I would say lighten up or change the channel and watch vapid comedies only. It is not irresponsible to air a drama that shows the lack of security we provide our teachers; It is, to my way of thinking, just the opposite. Bravo to AMC for showing us that HBO does not have a lock on top notch drama, and I can only hope the series will continue to air for a long time.

Reposted comment from babydoll:

To all the HATERS on this message board:

I absolutely loved the show!!! There is never anything good on tv anymore. Nothing but reality shows and I'm sick of it. I can't wait until next Sunday! I'm hooked on Breaking Bad and am encouraging everyone I know to watch! The DEA Agents were funny. Cant wait to get to know their characters more as the story unfolds.

We loved it! This show was funny and exciting and no way glamorized drugs of any kind. Keep it going!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the best aspects of this program is that the only two people that know that Walt has terminal cancer are Walt, and the viewer.
It makes the viewer feel like there's a close bond established, and you end up rooting for him (I'm not getting into the whole "drugs are bad" argument. Lets just acknowledge that it's an obvious statement, and move on).
While all of the other characters may look at Walt as some deranged teacher, the viewer knows that he's fighting a ticking clock, and trying do what he can to provide for his family after he's gone.
I can only hope that Walt keeps this secret between us for as long as possible!

Well done, AMC. You've just begun the next big "thing" on TV.

Hmmmm..

The angry villagers demand the death of the monster again !!

Where have we heard this refrain before ??

Remember in the 80s when Tipper Gore and the Parents Music Resource Council suddenly became alarmed that musical lyrics would turn all the children of America into deviant, sex and drug addicted psychopaths?

Remember how Frank Zappa's album "Jazz From Hell" was cited as having offensive lyrics?

The album HAD NO LYRICS, yet Wal-Mart banned the sale of the record anyway.

Ban the art before anyone gets bad ideas, or even worse, begins to think for themselves right?

In the same sense, I wonder how many people with your metaphorical torches and garden implements screaming for the head of the "monster" watched the first episode?

If you think that meth or crime was glamorized, then you weren't paying attention?

First, Walt is nearly executed by the dealers his younger partner engages in the second half hour, he uses a clever trick and barely escapes with his life, like the reality of war, it was kill or be killed.

How is that for consequences?

The show hasn't really had a chance to breathe yet, so can we just give it a chance?

If you don't want to see the show, just tune in to the Disney Channel, but please don't think you're saving people from harmful ideas by demanding the program be banned.

Hey, gravityman..

I agree completely, except for one thing: Don't watch the Disney Channel, because one if it's top shows stars a 16 year old girl who's pregnant in real life. Oh, the horror!!!

I noticed something interesting, came here to see if I could learn more, initially. Went through the hassle of registering after seeing some of your comments. Be interested in your response...

First: Does anyone else know that AMC has broadcast two different versions of the first episode?

Silly as may seem, the subtle differences between the pilot I watched with my wife on Sunday night and what my recorder played back from the Thursday night "repeat"- just the three things I NOTICED- had the effect of... diminishing? the show somehow. I found it disappointing and a little troubling.

Bryan Cranston is a Great Actor in the finest sense of the phrase. Watch an episode of 'Malcolm', then get a copy of "From the Earth to the Moon" to see his spot-on portrayal of the complex Buzz Aldrin. Contrast 'Hal' with the vulnerable mixture of determination and awe he projects when Aldrin takes communion on the moon...

I feel sorry for those who are somehow under the impression that this show condones meth use because the whole point is lost on them. I suspect that this will be a story about the depth and strength of love that one man has for those he is leaving behind, and it is inevitable that he will learn things about himself and the life he is leaving that he never expected.

I believe that the meth component of the story allows questions to be asked: how far would you go for the ones you love? How low are you willing to sink to get what you absolutely need? There is a LOT of subtext here, and I found it both truthful and rewarding. Well, in one version...

The BIGGEST difference in the episodes on Sunday and Thursday was actually the smallest detail of all, but, it was the One Little Thing About The Character. When Cranston is walking through the chemistry lab for the first time, he passes a piece of paper on the wall stating that his character contributed to a Nobel Prize winning project.

The Thursday episode did not have that, but I assumed I looked away for a moment and missed it or somesuch. Until the first scene in the carwash, where Cranston is humilated while wiping the tires of one of his troublemaking students and his girlfriend, who take pictures of him with their cell phones.

Once again, the Thursday episode didnt seem to have that, and I was mystified as to what was happening. But when the mocking girlfriend from the car wash was the same girl throwing Captain Cooks clothes out of her window (the slut) during the raid, the difference was indisputable, meaning that different versions were aired.

Go ahead and laugh, but the girls breasts digitally 'fuzzed out' but distinctly BARE in the vastly superior Sunday night version that was broadcast. In the Thursday broadcast, she was wearing a bra.

I found this troubling. No, not JUST because of the whole 'bra/no bra' thing.It made clear that for whatever reasons they have chosen to broadcast an episode that had been watered down.

I can see the reasons for each cut, taken by themselves- removal of what could be seen as a bit of gratitous nudity could be likened to removing a straw from the dangerously creaking back of a camel already burdened with controversial subject matter.

The scene of his resigned humiliation while on his knees cleaning his students wheel was relevant, though. It revealed a great deal about his character just prior to learning about his illness, and invested his reaction to his car wash job following the news of his illness with a power that it required:Because that is the instant that he broke bad.

But because of an editorial decision, instead of what comes across as a gentle dignity irrevocably shattered, a crucial moment for the show, looks more like a flash of Hal. I didnt like it.

But it is the Nobel Prize thing on the wall... the smallest detail, but the largest. Later, the cop brother-in-makes a crack about forgiving him for having a 'brain the size of Wisconsin'... but that one little thing says EVERYTHING important about who this character is, and where he must have come from.

Anyway... since there are two different visions at work here, I wanted to see if anyone else was aware, or could shed some light on this.

Personally, I would want to see the version closest to what the writers intended.

AMC should make it clear whether an unabridged or "explicit" episode and an "airline" version is being aired, and at least have the courtesy of leaving the viewer a semi-informed choice.

Because I dont want to believe that the changes were a result of some protest over the subject matter or somesuch.

This is one of those grown-up TV shows that the "V chip" enabled commercials poke fun at (the one with with junkie telling the guy blocking his show that he is a 'great lady' seems oddly germaine to the topic, yet I dont see mention....)

Or is it just me?

Yeah, that was a lot of words I wrote, but there was something about Cranston trudging past that Nobel Prize flyer that touched me deeply... and I think about this stuff.

Sam:

Yes, I, for one, and others who saw the actual premiere episode quickly realized that the subsequent broadcasts were sloppily edited and prudishly censored.<