An aviation geek's take on the mid-air collision

Please view the following link to see a screenshot of Donald's ATC screen.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m93/Bschott007/BB/vlcsnap-2002993.png

Now my take on the mid-air collision is this: KUDOS TO VINCE! Listening to ATC (shout out to the guys over at http://www.liveatc.net !) and having a strong interest in aviation made this scene a little contrived, but still powerful and hey...they got some of the details right...not all but most.

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season finale

i love this show but i wasn't to happy with the last episode i think they could have done better!!!

Plane Crash

The plane crash was a fantastic use of symbolism. It was the perfect culmination of the downward spiral everyone's life was taking: crash and burn. The little stuffed animal was the perfect use to symbolize the loss of innocence. This show is FANTASTIC!

Season 2 Episode 13 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 13, "ABQ."

Phoenix Episode Commentary Article

http://www.benaflix.com/?p=516

Check it out, from benaflix.

My review of the season finale

Hey everyone. I recently posted a review for the finale on this site I contribute to. We sort of have a small following and I am fearful most of our readers will not fully grasp what I am discussing so I'd like to share it with people who would. Feel free to leave me feedback as I am curious to know what others think.

http://www.everyview.com/2009/06/02/tv-review-breaking-bad-season-two-finale/

Why were Walt's Glasses in the pool?

In a previous episode Walt's glasses (or at least what looked a lot like them) were pulled out of the pool by an OMI agent during the B/W sequence. Could there be more to this scene that involves Walt's usual scheming?

Also, after watching the footage of Jane's Dad communicating with the planes a couple times it seems clear that the collision was not an accident...He's staring at the screen and communicating directly with the two objects: JM021 and WAF515 moments before they collide. There's no way he could not have known. Maybe he broke bad...

One last thing: why where the OMI / NTSB agents wearing gas masks at Walt's house? Would they really be recovering wreckage all suited up like that?

How did you like the finale? A lot of people don't like it...

The thing about the finale that gets to me is that Breaking Bad has, for the past 2 seasons, been exceptionally grounded in reality. Walt and Donald randomly meeting in a bar at the same time was a stretch, yet still somewhat possible to look past. But to suddenly throw at us a coincidence of such magnitude (being the plane crash indirectly caused by Walt just so happens to occur directly above his house) is freakishly insane to me and thus I find it very unbelievable. That unbelievability factor is, I think, a big reason why I and others are left with a sour taste in our mouths.

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Breaking Bad - The Movie

"ABQ" was great. You can never read into this story what is going to happen next! These writers and actors are fantastic. The Movie could be of Jesse turning into undercover to vent his anger over the death of Jane and lead to the underworld of Saul's connections. Cannot wait to see what will happen next, no one knows.

Oh my

Remember a few episodes back when they showed body bags in Walt's driveway, plus the stuffed animal? I'm guessing it isn't Skyler. But wow. Great finale, great show.

Season 2 Episode 12 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 12, "Phoenix."

You Really got Me!

I know it's actors and writers, but it really got me and made me very angery, I'm still mad, that Walt could stnad there and watch Jane die with out helping. Good stuff to get to me like that! I want more.

Breaking Bad Analysis

I like Breaking Bad so much I have written some pieces analyzing it. I have a B.A. in Film Writing and Analysis so hopefully I have some idea what I'm talking about.

http://www.benaflix.com/?cat=824
http://www.benaflix.com/?cat=789
http://www.benaflix.com/?cat=856

Season 2 Episode 11 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 11, "Mandala."

Schraderbrau: art, not science.

It bothers me when something as simple as homebrew is completely goofed up by someone who has invested tons of time and money in the hobby. Hank has a dream setup.

When I first heard Hank tell Marie "this is art" while bottling homebrew in the garage, I immediately knew something was going to go horribly wrong. I honestly thought someone was going to get food poisoning from his beer, to make an interesting story arc.

(There's only a few microbes which survive in beer, none of which can kill you directly, though many have allergic reactions.)

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Mandala episode

I was really pi**ed when Jesse shot up. I would have rather seen him go to a NA meeting. I really liked the character Jane, but now I don't. She's going to ruin EVERYTHING!!!!!!

Season 2 Episode 10 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 10, "Over."

Final three.......

Aaron Paul said in an interview that the last 3 episodes of season 2 will blow our minds! I CANT WAIT TILL TONIGHT!!!!!!! cheers mates.........

breaking bad season two overview or at leist thus far

first of all im a new member i love the show its brilliant with the hidden inuendos,foreshadowing and dark humor plus a awesome cast so season two is a up and down rollercoaster from new chacters introduced like saul goodman and jane or even the dea agent played by dj qualls and somehow the show keeps me hooked on the otherwise boring life of such a brilliant man and his stoner former student as far as the end of the season i think that the two body bags shown at the start of episode 10 are quite possibly walt jr and skylur because it would break walt away from his life and he could fuly transform into hesinburg plus it would people closer to discovering his secret and hank could play a huge role because he is a dea agent but he also has a deep shadow just like the chemistry teacher turned methcooker a dea agent could be as well but whose to say this show will keep you guessing to the end keep up the good work guys

Season 2 Episode 9 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 9, "4 Days Out."

Season 2 Episode 8 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 8, "Better Call Saul."

Season 2 Episode 7 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 7, "Negro Y Azul."

Lyrics to Negro y Azul

Not being a native Spanish speaker, I've been trying (with the help of my elementary espanol and a dictionary) to decipher the lyrics of "Negro y Azul".

Following are the results. If anyone can correct my mistakes - or fill in my blanks - or knows where on the web I can find the lyrics - please comment!

NEGRO Y AZUL

La ciudad se llama "Duke",
Nuevo Mexico el estado,
Entre la latin mafiosa
Su fama se propagado,
Causa de una nueva droga
Que los gringos han creado.
Dicen que es color azul
Y que es pura calidad,
Esa droga poderosa

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Hola DEA! -- Favorite Moments of Dark Humor

That moment, just before the real tortuga explodes, along with the severed head of Tortuga mounted on top of its shell, epitomizes one of the things I love about this show -- the flashes of dark humor.

Whether it's a decomposed body in a bathtub crashing through the floor of Jesse's former abode, or Walt sarcastically suggesting he bludgeon Tuco with "this" -- while waving a flyswatter, Breaking Bad has it's moments of absolutely brilliant dark humor.

What are your favorite moments of dark humor in Breaking Bad?

Season 2 Episode 6 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 6, "Peekaboo."

Season 2 Episode 5 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 5, "Breakage."

I missed Breakeage.

Your Post

Last scene Episode 4 - Hank tossing bracelet in river

Could someone explain that bracelet to me ? I didn't get the significance. Thanks.

The Royal We

Pilot episode - "We're watching our cholesterol."

S. 2 - Ep. 5 - "I thought we weren't eating those."

Funny how easy it is to slip into finger pointing when it's not your behavior being criticized.

Season 2 Episode 4 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 4, "Down."

fallacies

Okay so i was re watching one of the minisodes on the video player and well i re watched the awesome music video fallacies of course but what did i notice at the end that same pink bear that has been popping up in different episodes i just found it funny cause on episode 4 jesse was singing that so i go back and what do i see at the end... haha but ya did anyone else notice this i honestly seen it before but they put those out before the season 2 aired so i guess it never really poped in my mind.

THE BELL

Mesmorizing. My brain exploded to the other side of the zuniverse the 1st time it went off. Magnificent.

Negro Y Azul

Great video from the band. I know Danny trejo is supposed to make a cameo in the upcoming episode. I bet that's him in one of the scenes (his face is blurred out)

Also the person dressed up like walt ( ala heisenberg) that guy looks too skinny to be walt, although his back is facing the camera.

hmmm questions.

Harrison Ford cameo?

In the opening scene at the grocery store, Jesse and Walt are talking and a man comes up. This person looks like Harrison Ford with a blond wig on. Did anyone notice this? Is it my imagination, or does it really look like Harrison Ford? My girlfriend thinks I'm crazy...

Season 2 Episode 3 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 3, "Bit by a Dead Bee."

Your breaking bad music

I've thought how fitting a lot of songs I have on my IPod would go with Breaking Bad, or in some way remind me of the show or it's characters. Here are some of them, feel free to comment and post your own!

Sum 41-The Hell song.
"I fear Ive come to realize
How fast life can be compromised" "Suddenly, suddenly
I don't feel so insecure"-describes Walt in a lot of ways.........

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Seaon 1 Marathon to get more viewers into Season 2?

This might already be in the works and I just haven't seen it but the reason I mention this is because I fell in love with Breaking Bad during the first season. Even got several other people involved during Season 1 and then we all were devastated when we learned the show wasn't going to be continued.

So when I heard that Season 2 WAS going to be released, I was quite happy so say the least.

My wife didn't watch Season 1 but because I had moaned and complained so much about how good the show was and how disappointed I was that they had cancelled it, she decided to give the show a try.

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Season 2 Ep 1 on HULU.com - more to come?

In response to several people asking if episodes were available in other places, I decided to go see if Hulu.com had anything available from Breaking Bad.

Along with several mini-sodes from Season 1 and 2 and other various Breaking Bad Clips, the full Episode 1 from Season 1 is watchable there.

Episodes 2 and 3 of Season 2 aren't there but I imagine they will be at some point since Episode 1 is.

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? Money in the Dryer - Season 1 Ep ?

Ok, may be a bit niave but I am rewatching Season 1 with my wife to get her caught up and I remember having this question the first time I saw it and I still have the question the second time I saw it.

In the first or second episode, there is a scene with Walt running a bunch of loose bills in a dryer. What was the reason for this?

I don't remember the bills getting wet... hmmm... or was this the episode after Jesse brings Walt his 'half' which was the $4000.00? But I could swear this scene was before that scene....

Anyway, does anyone have a decent explanation?

Season 2 Episode 2 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 2, "Grilled."

Tonight's Replay Episode 2

At the table, all four are sitting down to eat the burritos and Tios stops Tuco from taking his first bite because he knows Walt spiked Tucos's burrito with the meth/ricin mixture.

Tuco thinks Tios just wants Tuco's bigger portion and swaps plates. Tios manages to swipe the plate off the table on to the floor.

Here's my point: it looked like the stuff left on the table was meth! I thought for sure Walt and Jesse were dead right there, but it didn't happen........ so much for anticipating.......

Bouya 12 gaug shotgun. What is Jessy on it or what?

Loved last nights episode. Thought Hank was just a dumb super cop.I think now a morbid one.View my web site, to cool makes me luagh. Excellent show

Season 2 Episode 1 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 1, "Seven Thirty-Seven."

My review

Hey, I hate to be a self-promoting dick, but I posted a review for the first season dvd for this site I contribute to and was hoping to get it out to the people who would want to read it. Feel free to leave me feedback.

http://everyview.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/review-breaking-bad-the-complete-first-season/

Season 2 Minisodes - Open Thread

Talk about the Season 2 Minisodes

Season 1 Finale

Hey all, if you missed the Season 1 finale (and shame on you if you did! :) or just want to rewatch it to freshen your memory for Season 2 - AMC has given it to Fancast.com which will have it up it until Feb. 28 at http://www.fancast.com/tv/Breaking-Bad/96341/1027723849/Breaking-Bad-(106)---Finale%3A-A-No-Rough-Stuff-Type-Deal/videos
(They also have the series premiere when it all began.)

Breaking bad episodes

I watched an episode where Walt and Jesse killed one guy by the desert lab place and take one other dude back to Jesse's house. Later Walt kills the other dude, and Jesse who is in charge of disposing of the 1st dead body, disolves the dead body in a bath tub and the chemicals actually disolve the whole floor and a the remaining of the dead body fall all over the 1st floor. Does anybody know what episode that is?? Its really confusing because I am sure I watched it but I cant find in the sinopses anything about these episodes!!! the alive dude was being held in Jesse's basement by having a metal lock around his neck holding him to one of the columns in the basement. Help me!!! has anybody seen this episode??

Episode 6 Song?

i would like to know what the song/artist is thats playing in episode 6 while jesse is out slinging ice. it's really a catchy tune and dare i say that a series hasn't, in my opinion, had such an appropriate score since miami vice. cranston is an absolute shoein for an emmy. i still can't believe there is actually such a RIVITING show on tv as this is, in this cultural vacuum anymore..wow.

Season 1 Episode 7 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 7, "A No Rough-Stuff Type Deal."

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Great Music for Breaking Bad!

I just wanted to tip my hat to whomever is in charge of choosing the music for Breaking Bad. From the theme song to the song played at the closing of season 1* it was all fantastic, and quite appropriate.

Keep up the great work in Season 2!

*"Who's Gonna Save My Soul" (by Gnarls Barkley) was the song they played at end of the Season 1 finale (Episode 7) of Breaking Bad, as the camera pans away from Walt and Jesse standing in the junkyard, mouths agape after having just delivered 4.6 pounds of meth to Tuco who, after snorting some of it, proceeds to beat his "associate" nearly to death merely for speaking out of turn. Great song, which was quite fitting in that closing scene.

Season 1 Episode 6 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 6, "Crazy Handful of Nothin'."

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Season 1 Episode 5 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 5, "Gray Matter."

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Season 1 Episode 4 - Open Thread

Talk about Episode 4, "Cancer Man."

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Season 1 Episode 3 - Open Thread

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?

Season 1 Episode 2 - Open Thread

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

Post your comments below or start your own talk thread.

Season 1 Episode 1 - Open Thread

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?

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.

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.

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.

Great Character Development from Vince

Breaking Bad makes me laugh, cry, and shout out.... YEAH! "Gray Matter" has the emotional and critical thinking scene of the uncontrolled intervention of Walter with the connective tissue of the grayish cloudy crystals that Jesse just can't get right. This episode fleshes out Walter's past in grad school and connects us to his lost love in a contrast of colors that once more illuminates what it means to "Break Bad."

Coming out of the pit of murder, addiction, and rage, Vince shows us the light. With his master touch, he makes manifest what Evey Hammond said to V...."My father was a writer. You would've liked him. He used to say that artists use lies to tell the truth, while politicians use them to cover the truth up."

Language and Time Slot

I have heard a few gripes about this show starting so late and the corollary regarding the censorship of language. I'm curious about what other people think.

Personally, I'm fine with the late start because my son goes to bed right before it starts and I know I won't be interrupted during the show. In fact, when the time changes, I'll have to wait for the encore, since he'll still be awake.

I've found the language censorship to be a little odd, but I'm also planning to buy the box set when it comes out, so eventually I'll be able to watch it as it was intended.

My older son is 15 and will be 16 this year. I'm not sure he's quite ready to see something like this, although it won't be much longer. Frankly, I'm less offended when I think of it through his eyes by the overt language and drug usage, than I am by the euphemisms. You know...the things I haven't quite gotten around to explaining to him from every day life. For example, there have been two references (so far) to "pinching a loaf". I kind of think that I already knew about this by his age, but I had an older brother and a father who was a World War II veteran. My husband had two older brothers and a father who was a World War II veteran! So you know he knew about loaf pinching!

I think it was easier to tell him about sex than it will be about this subject. He's a smart kid, though, so he'll figure it out!

Thoughts on Breaking Bad....

I came across this show by accident actually. I'm usually into the Discovery, TLC, Travel, A&E, NGC channels. The only reason why I started watching it is because on that same day I had the same subject that Walter was teaching his high school kids in Episode 1 being taught to me as well and I noticed it and was hooked right away. The lecture I'm talking about is the valence electron configuration (1s2, 2s2, 3p6....). Although I can relate to the chemistry, I actually watch the show because it has a great plot. Walter is nuts, Skyler(in some unknown way) is hot, and the brother in law is so corny that you gotta love him!!

They should have kept Krazy 8's character alive as long as possible. This series reminds me at times of American Beauty. It is the first show ever that I have watched from the beginning and I hope that it is around for many seasons!!!

Flashback Scenes

Anyone care to expound on the significance of the flashbacks? I think since Walt wasn't in the classroom this week, the flashbacks are our window into his thoughts. He's remembering how he developed his ideas about chemistry and where he might have gone wrong.

The girl (potential girlfriend or an undergraduate he's trying lead astray...you decide?) asks him, "What about the soul?" And his reply that it's just chemistry. Was Walt flawed even then? Do we have to go farther back to find the real Walt?

OK, that's enough. If I think about this too long, I will have flashbacks!!

Easy Way Out

I think Walt got the easy way out when he discovered that Krazy 8 had a weapon and was planning on killing him first chance he got, thus making the murder much more palatable in his mind.

It would have made things much more interesting if Walt noticed the missing piece of the broken plate, killed Krazy 8 thinking it was self-defense and then discovered the missing piece had skidded away or was hidden under the furnace or something. Then he would've been stuck with the knowledge that he had killed a man who might , in fact, have meant him no harm.

I just think that would've been a much more interesting way to go.

Episode III: The Plot Thickens

I'm a huge fan of BB since first episode, and so many things about Walt and the other characters is being revealed to all. Killing off Krazy 8 finally (and what did he do with the body?), Walt's sister-in-law is a clepto, his cough is getting worse (as is, I'm assuming, his cancer), Jesse is flipping out and getting real whacked off of the meth that Walt cooked, as well as flashing back to his past.

This show is so well written and each week we are watching the story of Walt and how his decision to "Break Bad" has all kinds of repercussions.

The Glass Floor: Episode 3, etc.

I'm watching them mop up through the glass floor--and I'm thinking...oh, they are filming that through a glass floor. It makes me realize it's a show. So can't say I'm a huge fan of that technique. But otherwise liking it a lot.

Breaking Bad Could Be Dangerous

I posted this on another forum but I really think Breaking Bad could be a very dangerous show to have on TV during a post-SiCKO, recessionary presidential election year.

SiCKO was about the UNDERinsured as evidenced by Walter's ambulance ride. You mean to tell me that a teacher wouldn't have better health coverage??? It's one thing for a MILF-y Jewish widow to get into the weed game but we CANNOT have middle class, white men moonlighting at minimum wage jobs being pushed to the edge and going off the grid. It only took three weeks for Walter to go from veggie bacon to standing in the middle of the desert in his underwear with a gun.

Walter really could be your kid's chemistry teacher--or your neighbor. How many Walters are out there who are perilously close to foreclosure or defaulting on credit cards? Or just one serious illness or accident away from financial ruin? Like Walter's brother-in-law said, meth is easy money until you get caught.

Whether it was done consciously or not, the pilot episode touched on some very real issues that Americans are dealing with. And that's why I'll be watching Sunday night!