Breaking Bad on AMC (4 Viewers)

[higgins]

And maybe at the dinner table, Walt could have said: "I am a prideful man. I didn't take the money from Elliott because I am too proud. And I will ruin everyone else's life because of my pride. Do you understand that? Thanks for watching. See you on my next series. By the way - pride."

 

[Walton Goggins]

Was I the only one thought Walter was going to get hurt when Skyler jumped on top of Walt when they hit the bed? She looks even bigger than the previous episodes this year. Her arms and back were almost twice the width of his.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

 

[The Noid]

Was I the only one thought Hank was going to get hurt when Skyler jumped on top of Walt when they hit the bed? She looks even bigger than the previous episodes this year. Her arms and back were almost twice the width of his.

So you're saying she's so big that she would shake the whole state of New Mexico enough that Hank would be knocked out of his wheelchair and onto the ground?

 

[Please See Mine]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

True in the context of the first 3 seasons, but this season has been a continual breaking down for him, from the first ep with Victor's murder on. His pouring out to Saul about how overwhelmed he felt is really out of character too. It is getting to be too much for him, and it's almost like he wants it to be over. I sometimes think that he just hates himself and everything around him and this whole thing gave him an escape. If you remember, he punched the mirror when he was told his cancer was in remission. I always thought that was a really powerful scene.

 

[Walton Goggins]

Was I the only one thought Walter was going to get hurt when Skyler jumped on top of Walt when they hit the bed? She looks even bigger than the previous episodes this year. Her arms and back were almost twice the width of his.

So you're saying she's so big that she would shake the whole state of New Mexico enough that Hank would be knocked out of his wheelchair and onto the ground?

Edit

 

[jdoggydogg]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

True in the context of the first 3 seasons, but this season has been a continual breaking down for him, from the first ep with Victor's murder on. His pouring out to Saul about how overwhelmed he felt is really out of character too. It is getting to be too much for him, and it's almost like he wants it to be over. I sometimes think that he just hates himself and everything around him and this whole thing gave him an escape. If you remember, he punched the mirror when he was told his cancer was in remission. I always thought that was a really powerful scene.

Excellent post. I agree that both Jesse and Walt are being driven to extremes and their behavior is evidence of that. It just seemed out of character for Walt to so utterly lose control.

 

[Apple Juice]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

True in the context of the first 3 seasons, but this season has been a continual breaking down for him, from the first ep with Victor's murder on. His pouring out to Saul about how overwhelmed he felt is really out of character too. It is getting to be too much for him, and it's almost like he wants it to be over. I sometimes think that he just hates himself and everything around him and this whole thing gave him an escape. If you remember, he punched the mirror when he was told his cancer was in remission. I always thought that was a really powerful scene.

This, and additionally, it's not really true that Walt has always been logical and reasonable. The sarcastic speech about pride someone posted does describe his nature. From the way he quit the car wash to the scathing speech he gave to Gretchen to countless flare-ups he's had with Skylar, he has an ego that makes him fiercely defend himself and lash out. When his pride is threatened he has seldom acted reasonably. I thought the best scene of the last episode was Walt drinking the wine by himself in the kitchen because he didn't want to go back. His state of mind is muddled, he's stressed, he doesn't know what he's going to do, and I don't think he cares about his family much anymore. Combine all that with pounding back the wine, his reaction to Hank's glowing description of Gale doesn't seem far-fetched to me.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

True in the context of the first 3 seasons, but this season has been a continual breaking down for him, from the first ep with Victor's murder on. His pouring out to Saul about how overwhelmed he felt is really out of character too. It is getting to be too much for him, and it's almost like he wants it to be over. I sometimes think that he just hates himself and everything around him and this whole thing gave him an escape. If you remember, he punched the mirror when he was told his cancer was in remission. I always thought that was a really powerful scene.

This, and additionally, it's not really true that Walt has always been logical and reasonable. The sarcastic speech about pride someone posted does describe his nature. From the way he quit the car wash to the scathing speech he gave to Gretchen to countless flare-ups he's had with Skylar, he has an ego that makes him fiercely defend himself and lash out. When his pride is threatened he has seldom acted reasonably. I thought the best scene of the last episode was Walt drinking the wine by himself in the kitchen because he didn't want to go back. His state of mind is muddled, he's stressed, he doesn't know what he's going to do, and I don't think he cares about his family much anymore. Combine all that with pounding back the wine, his reaction to Hank's glowing description of Gale doesn't seem far-fetched to me.

I'll add the time he was drinking and got annoyed by Hank talking about taking down Tuco. He ended up making Walt Jr. drink until he puked in the pool. Frankly I find this latest behavior completely consistent.

 

[Tough As Nails]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

Really? How bout when he tried to convince Mike to kill Gus? That was the dumbest thing they've ever done. Like Mike couldn't have come up with the idea on his own and executed it if he'd wanted to.

Exactly. Walter has been making stupid decisions all the way through. This little moment was just a blip compared to about a dozen other stupid decisions he's made. It is not at all inconsistent with his character. Looking down at his feet and NOT speaking up at the dinner table would have been out of character. Walt doesn't keep his mouth shut. Ever. Remember the box cutter scene? Walt talked constantly in the 3 minutes leading up to that. With Tuco. With Hank. With Saul. With the worker at Pollos Hermanos. His chemistry knowledge keeps him in power, his mouth/ego screws it up. That's the show.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

Really? How bout when he tried to convince Mike to kill Gus? That was the dumbest thing they've ever done. Like Mike couldn't have come up with the idea on his own and executed it if he'd wanted to.

I don't disagree. Seems obvious to me that there's an excellent chance that Mike would kill Walt just for saying that.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

Really? How bout when he tried to convince Mike to kill Gus? That was the dumbest thing they've ever done. Like Mike couldn't have come up with the idea on his own and executed it if he'd wanted to.

Exactly. Walter has been making stupid decisions all the way through. This little moment was just a blip compared to about a dozen other stupid decisions he's made. It is not at all inconsistent with his character. Looking down at his feet and NOT speaking up at the dinner table would have been out of character. Walt doesn't keep his mouth shut. Ever. Remember the box cutter scene? Walt talked constantly in the 3 minutes leading up to that. With Tuco. With Hank. With Saul. With the worker at Pollos Hermanos. His chemistry knowledge keeps him in power, his mouth/ego screws it up. That's the show.

Well said, gentlemen

 

[Daywalker]

How did Jesse know that those guys were not sent by Gus and why go back and get Mike? How did he know that Mike didnt set him up?How did Gus know that Jesse wouldnt just take all the money and leave?

I think that's at least partially why they drove around all day. Early in the day, Jesse was suspicious of Mike. By the end of the day, he relaxed and came around. By the end of the day, if Jesse still believed that Mike/Gus were out to get him, he may have done things differently.If Jesse was to think that they were Gus' guys, why would they approach the car with a shotgun and block the exit? Remember that Jesse's seen some real gangsta action now.For Gus, if Jesse decides to take the money and run, don't you think that Mike would have no trouble getting to him later on? Plus, Jesse's a millionaire now, he doesn't care about money, remember?In part it was a test, and an opportunity for Jesse to be the hero like they had planned. If Jesse tries to rob them, Mike would take care of it anyway, so little risk there. To me this at least validates Jesse's role in the operation for Gus and Mike; he's not a complete screw up. The real story is how Walt acted, and the question is will Walt's paranoia turn to the question of does Gus want to get rid of Walt and keep Jesse. Jesse might be less of a PITA than the pre-madonna Walt.

Well described. This set of scenes and their purpose was genius, IMO.

I'm not sure. Jesse not suspecting Mike/Gus at all was a bit much. They should have had Jesse confront Mike in front of the liquor store when he picked him up. Then have Mike say, "I could have killed you at any point today. I could have led you into a dark building and finished you. Why would I have two thugs try to ambush you out in the open?"Nitpicking a bit I know. But would have been much cleaner that way.

Have you watched the show? When has Mike ever talked like that or that much? If you've noticed Mike says very little and what you have wanted him to say sounds like some rambling chick.I think it's clear to Jesse that Mike could snap his neck anytime he wants so why does he need to waste his time saying the obvious. That's why Jesse never thought for once that the men with shotguns were hired by Mike.

Give me a break. Jesse left with Mike thinking he very well may get killed. What do you know? Someone comes at him with a shotgun later in the day. Jesse not giving any thought that Mike was involved was ridiculous.

 

[TobiasFunke]

How did Jesse know that those guys were not sent by Gus and why go back and get Mike? How did he know that Mike didnt set him up?How did Gus know that Jesse wouldnt just take all the money and leave?

I think that's at least partially why they drove around all day. Early in the day, Jesse was suspicious of Mike. By the end of the day, he relaxed and came around. By the end of the day, if Jesse still believed that Mike/Gus were out to get him, he may have done things differently.If Jesse was to think that they were Gus' guys, why would they approach the car with a shotgun and block the exit? Remember that Jesse's seen some real gangsta action now.For Gus, if Jesse decides to take the money and run, don't you think that Mike would have no trouble getting to him later on? Plus, Jesse's a millionaire now, he doesn't care about money, remember?In part it was a test, and an opportunity for Jesse to be the hero like they had planned. If Jesse tries to rob them, Mike would take care of it anyway, so little risk there. To me this at least validates Jesse's role in the operation for Gus and Mike; he's not a complete screw up. The real story is how Walt acted, and the question is will Walt's paranoia turn to the question of does Gus want to get rid of Walt and keep Jesse. Jesse might be less of a PITA than the pre-madonna Walt.

Well described. This set of scenes and their purpose was genius, IMO.

I'm not sure. Jesse not suspecting Mike/Gus at all was a bit much. They should have had Jesse confront Mike in front of the liquor store when he picked him up. Then have Mike say, "I could have killed you at any point today. I could have led you into a dark building and finished you. Why would I have two thugs try to ambush you out in the open?"Nitpicking a bit I know. But would have been much cleaner that way.

Have you watched the show? When has Mike ever talked like that or that much? If you've noticed Mike says very little and what you have wanted him to say sounds like some rambling chick.I think it's clear to Jesse that Mike could snap his neck anytime he wants so why does he need to waste his time saying the obvious. That's why Jesse never thought for once that the men with shotguns were hired by Mike.

Give me a break. Jesse left with Mike thinking he very well may get killed. What do you know? Someone comes at him with a shotgun later in the day. Jesse not giving any thought that Mike was involved was ridiculous.

This is ridiculous. You're transferring your knowledge of the situation as the viewer (including your subconscious knowledge that Jesse will be on the show and involved in Gus' operation somehow for another 20+ episodes) onto Jesse. There is absolutely no reason that someone in Jesse's position would suspect a conspiracy designed to test his character and allegiance instead of the far more obvious explanation - that someone was trying to rip off a drug dealer. Which do you think happens more often in the real world?

 

[jdoggydogg]

How did Jesse know that those guys were not sent by Gus and why go back and get Mike? How did he know that Mike didnt set him up?

How did Gus know that Jesse wouldnt just take all the money and leave?

I think that's at least partially why they drove around all day. Early in the day, Jesse was suspicious of Mike. By the end of the day, he relaxed and came around. By the end of the day, if Jesse still believed that Mike/Gus were out to get him, he may have done things differently.If Jesse was to think that they were Gus' guys, why would they approach the car with a shotgun and block the exit? Remember that Jesse's seen some real gangsta action now.

For Gus, if Jesse decides to take the money and run, don't you think that Mike would have no trouble getting to him later on? Plus, Jesse's a millionaire now, he doesn't care about money, remember?

In part it was a test, and an opportunity for Jesse to be the hero like they had planned. If Jesse tries to rob them, Mike would take care of it anyway, so little risk there. To me this at least validates Jesse's role in the operation for Gus and Mike; he's not a complete screw up. The real story is how Walt acted, and the question is will Walt's paranoia turn to the question of does Gus want to get rid of Walt and keep Jesse. Jesse might be less of a PITA than the pre-madonna Walt.

Well described. This set of scenes and their purpose was genius, IMO.

I'm not sure. Jesse not suspecting Mike/Gus at all was a bit much. They should have had Jesse confront Mike in front of the liquor store when he picked him up. Then have Mike say, "I could have killed you at any point today. I could have led you into a dark building and finished you. Why would I have two thugs try to ambush you out in the open?"Nitpicking a bit I know. But would have been much cleaner that way.

Have you watched the show? When has Mike ever talked like that or that much? If you've noticed Mike says very little and what you have wanted him to say sounds like some rambling chick.

I think it's clear to Jesse that Mike could snap his neck anytime he wants so why does he need to waste his time saying the obvious. That's why Jesse never thought for once that the men with shotguns were hired by Mike.

Give me a break. Jesse left with Mike thinking he very well may get killed. What do you know? Someone comes at him with a shotgun later in the day. Jesse not giving any thought that Mike was involved was ridiculous.

Completely disagree. We as viewers have insight that Jesse could never have.

 

[Walton Goggins]

How did Jesse know that those guys were not sent by Gus and why go back and get Mike? How did he know that Mike didnt set him up?How did Gus know that Jesse wouldnt just take all the money and leave?

I think that's at least partially why they drove around all day. Early in the day, Jesse was suspicious of Mike. By the end of the day, he relaxed and came around. By the end of the day, if Jesse still believed that Mike/Gus were out to get him, he may have done things differently.If Jesse was to think that they were Gus' guys, why would they approach the car with a shotgun and block the exit? Remember that Jesse's seen some real gangsta action now.For Gus, if Jesse decides to take the money and run, don't you think that Mike would have no trouble getting to him later on? Plus, Jesse's a millionaire now, he doesn't care about money, remember?In part it was a test, and an opportunity for Jesse to be the hero like they had planned. If Jesse tries to rob them, Mike would take care of it anyway, so little risk there. To me this at least validates Jesse's role in the operation for Gus and Mike; he's not a complete screw up. The real story is how Walt acted, and the question is will Walt's paranoia turn to the question of does Gus want to get rid of Walt and keep Jesse. Jesse might be less of a PITA than the pre-madonna Walt.

Well described. This set of scenes and their purpose was genius, IMO.

I'm not sure. Jesse not suspecting Mike/Gus at all was a bit much. They should have had Jesse confront Mike in front of the liquor store when he picked him up. Then have Mike say, "I could have killed you at any point today. I could have led you into a dark building and finished you. Why would I have two thugs try to ambush you out in the open?"Nitpicking a bit I know. But would have been much cleaner that way.

Have you watched the show? When has Mike ever talked like that or that much? If you've noticed Mike says very little and what you have wanted him to say sounds like some rambling chick.I think it's clear to Jesse that Mike could snap his neck anytime he wants so why does he need to waste his time saying the obvious. That's why Jesse never thought for once that the men with shotguns were hired by Mike.

Give me a break. Jesse left with Mike thinking he very well may get killed. What do you know? Someone comes at him with a shotgun later in the day. Jesse not giving any thought that Mike was involved was ridiculous.

He thought at the beginning he might but wasn't sure. It wasn't until the first pick up that he thought he would. Mike could go anytime into the meth lab, kill him and disposed of his body. It's not as if Mike needs to trick Jesse, hell he could have easily killed him after he kicked out all the meth addicts and make it look like a meth head did it. People seem to forget that he's a trained killer, he doesn't need other people to do his work or trick someone.

 

[Walton Goggins]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

Really? How bout when he tried to convince Mike to kill Gus? That was the dumbest thing they've ever done. Like Mike couldn't have come up with the idea on his own and executed it if he'd wanted to.

I don't disagree. Seems obvious to me that there's an excellent chance that Mike would kill Walt just for saying that.

Then who would cook the meth? Walt knows this, Gus knows this and Mike certainly isn't going to kill Walt unless to save his life or is ordered to by Gus (with a lock to replace Walt)

 

[Daywalker]

How did Jesse know that those guys were not sent by Gus and why go back and get Mike? How did he know that Mike didnt set him up?

How did Gus know that Jesse wouldnt just take all the money and leave?

I think that's at least partially why they drove around all day. Early in the day, Jesse was suspicious of Mike. By the end of the day, he relaxed and came around. By the end of the day, if Jesse still believed that Mike/Gus were out to get him, he may have done things differently.If Jesse was to think that they were Gus' guys, why would they approach the car with a shotgun and block the exit? Remember that Jesse's seen some real gangsta action now.

For Gus, if Jesse decides to take the money and run, don't you think that Mike would have no trouble getting to him later on? Plus, Jesse's a millionaire now, he doesn't care about money, remember?

In part it was a test, and an opportunity for Jesse to be the hero like they had planned. If Jesse tries to rob them, Mike would take care of it anyway, so little risk there. To me this at least validates Jesse's role in the operation for Gus and Mike; he's not a complete screw up. The real story is how Walt acted, and the question is will Walt's paranoia turn to the question of does Gus want to get rid of Walt and keep Jesse. Jesse might be less of a PITA than the pre-madonna Walt.

Well described. This set of scenes and their purpose was genius, IMO.

I'm not sure. Jesse not suspecting Mike/Gus at all was a bit much. They should have had Jesse confront Mike in front of the liquor store when he picked him up. Then have Mike say, "I could have killed you at any point today. I could have led you into a dark building and finished you. Why would I have two thugs try to ambush you out in the open?"Nitpicking a bit I know. But would have been much cleaner that way.

Have you watched the show? When has Mike ever talked like that or that much? If you've noticed Mike says very little and what you have wanted him to say sounds like some rambling chick.

I think it's clear to Jesse that Mike could snap his neck anytime he wants so why does he need to waste his time saying the obvious. That's why Jesse never thought for once that the men with shotguns were hired by Mike.

Give me a break. Jesse left with Mike thinking he very well may get killed. What do you know? Someone comes at him with a shotgun later in the day. Jesse not giving any thought that Mike was involved was ridiculous.

Completely disagree. We as viewers have insight that Jesse could never have.

Out of the blue Mike takes Jesse out to help him make the pickups. Even Walt thought that was weird. That Walt nor Jesse entertained the idea that Mike setup the attack was just shoddy writing. Oh I forgot, Mike's a mute and having a 30-second conversation with Jesse to pacify him would be totally out of character. The insight we have as viewer has nothing to do with it.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Out of the blue Mike takes Jesse out to help him make the pickups. Even Walt thought that was weird. That Walt nor Jesse entertained the idea that Mike setup the attack was just shoddy writing. Oh I forgot, Mike's a mute and having a 30-second conversation with Jesse to pacify him would be totally out of character. The insight we have as viewer has nothing to do with it.

OK, clearly you've got your opinion. But it seems you're the only one who has it. And it's not like people here have hesitated to criticize the writing when warranted. I think the show is genius and still I called them out on the convenience of Hank showing up just in time to save them from Tuco. But I just don't see it here. There's a huge leap from thinking something is "weird" to thinking that a guy coming up from behind you while you stand guard for a drug money pickup is actually just part of an elaborate character test, rather than a guy trying to steal the drug money. It seems silly to not only presume someone would make that leap (I don't think he would- Occam's Razor and all), but to also say that it's "shoddy writing" if he doesn't.

 

[higgins]

Out of the blue Mike takes Jesse out to help him make the pickups. Even Walt thought that was weird. That Walt nor Jesse entertained the idea that Mike setup the attack was just shoddy writing. Oh I forgot, Mike's a mute and having a 30-second conversation with Jesse to pacify him would be totally out of character. The insight we have as viewer has nothing to do with it.

The insight we have as viewers has nothing to do with it. You think a guy is going to kill you and

I don't know how many people have to point it out to you in how many different ways, but you are simply not getting it.Jesse (and anyone of us that would have been in that situation) very well suspected that Mike was going to kill him...in the beginning!

But, as the day goes by, and Mike could have killed him at any point, the realization comes that perhaps that is not the intent of Mike.

Remember when Mike was at Jesse's place with the thief bound/gagged, and Jesse immediately and instinctively knew that they weren't going to kill the kid because of the blindfold. In the same vein, why would Mike hire someone to block the alley, and then lumber up the alley with a gun to kill Jesse....when Mike could kill Jesse at any point himself?!?! It wouldn't occur to Jesse's instinctual criminal mind because it makes no sense...or to anyone of us....except for you.

I'll go back to "please see mine's" post -- link

You shouldn't need to have everything spelled out for you...

 

[Daywalker]

Out of the blue Mike takes Jesse out to help him make the pickups. Even Walt thought that was weird. That Walt nor Jesse entertained the idea that Mike setup the attack was just shoddy writing. Oh I forgot, Mike's a mute and having a 30-second conversation with Jesse to pacify him would be totally out of character. The insight we have as viewer has nothing to do with it.

OK, clearly you've got your opinion. But it seems you're the only one who has it. And it's not like people here have hesitated to criticize the writing when warranted. I think the show is genius and still I called them out on the convenience of Hank showing up just in time to save them from Tuco. But I just don't see it here. There's a huge leap from thinking something is "weird" to thinking that a guy coming up from behind you while you stand guard for a drug money pickup is actually just part of an elaborate character test, rather than a guy trying to steal the drug money. It seems silly to not only presume someone would make that leap (I don't think he would- Occam's Razor and all), but to also say that it's "shoddy writing" if he doesn't.

You are all not getting it. I never said Walt and Jesse should have figured out Mike/Gus were behind the attack. What I did say is that it is not plausible that absolutely no suspicions were aroused.Earlier in the day both Jesse and Walt thought Jesse might be on his way to be killed. Later that day someone tries to kill Jesse. Hello?Walt, being the stickler for details and suspicious in nature at this point, not proding Jesse about the attack does not fly.Walt was suspicious of Mikes' motivations in taking him along for the ride but not suspicious of the circumstances in which Jesse is nearly killed?It was shoddy and could have easily been been fixed.

 

[Daywalker]

Walt: Where the hell have you been Jesse? I thought you were in danger.

Jesse: Nah, Mike took me along for the pickups. Guess he needed protection.

Walt: Mike needed you for protection?

Jesse: Good thing he brought me. At the end of the day, out in the middle of nowhere, some guy tried to kill me.

Walt: Want to go get a bite to eat?

Yeah makes sense guys.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Out of the blue Mike takes Jesse out to help him make the pickups. Even Walt thought that was weird. That Walt nor Jesse entertained the idea that Mike setup the attack was just shoddy writing. Oh I forgot, Mike's a mute and having a 30-second conversation with Jesse to pacify him would be totally out of character. The insight we have as viewer has nothing to do with it.

OK, clearly you've got your opinion. But it seems you're the only one who has it. And it's not like people here have hesitated to criticize the writing when warranted. I think the show is genius and still I called them out on the convenience of Hank showing up just in time to save them from Tuco. But I just don't see it here. There's a huge leap from thinking something is "weird" to thinking that a guy coming up from behind you while you stand guard for a drug money pickup is actually just part of an elaborate character test, rather than a guy trying to steal the drug money. It seems silly to not only presume someone would make that leap (I don't think he would- Occam's Razor and all), but to also say that it's "shoddy writing" if he doesn't.

You are all not getting it. I never said Walt and Jesse should have figured out Mike/Gus were behind the attack. What I did say is that it is not plausible that absolutely no suspicions were aroused.Earlier in the day both Jesse and Walt thought Jesse might be on his way to be killed. Later that day someone tries to kill Jesse. Hello?Walt, being the stickler for details and suspicious in nature at this point, not proding Jesse about the attack does not fly.Walt was suspicious of Mikes' motivations in taking him along for the ride but not suspicious of the circumstances in which Jesse is nearly killed?It was shoddy and could have easily been been fixed.

That makes slightly more sense, but still ... no.There's a simple explanation for what happened- someone tried to rob them. I imagine it happens all the time when you're dealing with illegally gotten gains, since the illegal nature of the gains means no law enforcement. When a simple explanation is readily available you don't go in search of less simple explanations. That's just the way it is. Also, it's possible that Walt may ask him about it later, after he has time to reflect, although I would find that more unrealistic than just accepting the simple explanation as is human nature. But to call it shoddy writing because he doesn't immediately reject the simple explanation in favor of the possibility of an elaborate ruse? Sorry, I can't agree.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Walt: Where the hell have you been Jesse? I thought you were in danger.

Jesse: Nah, Mike took me along for the pickups. Guess he needed protection.

Walt: Mike needed you for protection?

Jesse: Good thing he brought me. At the end of the day, out in the middle of nowhere, some guy tried to kill me rob us.

Walt: Want to go get a bite to eat?

Yeah makes sense guys.

Fixed- maybe this is the source of your problem?

 

[wildbill]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

I have to disagree with the bolded. Careful, reasonable, logical men don't become meth cooks.

 

[Daywalker]

Out of the blue Mike takes Jesse out to help him make the pickups. Even Walt thought that was weird. That Walt nor Jesse entertained the idea that Mike setup the attack was just shoddy writing. Oh I forgot, Mike's a mute and having a 30-second conversation with Jesse to pacify him would be totally out of character. The insight we have as viewer has nothing to do with it.

OK, clearly you've got your opinion. But it seems you're the only one who has it. And it's not like people here have hesitated to criticize the writing when warranted. I think the show is genius and still I called them out on the convenience of Hank showing up just in time to save them from Tuco. But I just don't see it here. There's a huge leap from thinking something is "weird" to thinking that a guy coming up from behind you while you stand guard for a drug money pickup is actually just part of an elaborate character test, rather than a guy trying to steal the drug money. It seems silly to not only presume someone would make that leap (I don't think he would- Occam's Razor and all), but to also say that it's "shoddy writing" if he doesn't.

You are all not getting it. I never said Walt and Jesse should have figured out Mike/Gus were behind the attack. What I did say is that it is not plausible that absolutely no suspicions were aroused.Earlier in the day both Jesse and Walt thought Jesse might be on his way to be killed. Later that day someone tries to kill Jesse. Hello?Walt, being the stickler for details and suspicious in nature at this point, not proding Jesse about the attack does not fly.Walt was suspicious of Mikes' motivations in taking him along for the ride but not suspicious of the circumstances in which Jesse is nearly killed?It was shoddy and could have easily been been fixed.

That makes slightly more sense, but still ... no.There's a simple explanation for what happened- someone tried to rob them. I imagine it happens all the time when you're dealing with illegally gotten gains, since the illegal nature of the gains means no law enforcement. When a simple explanation is readily available you don't go in search of less simple explanations. That's just the way it is. Also, it's possible that Walt may ask him about it later, after he has time to reflect, although I would find that more unrealistic than just accepting the simple explanation as is human nature. But to call it shoddy writing because he doesn't immediately reject the simple explanation in favor of the possibility of an elaborate ruse? Sorry, I can't agree.

When you think someone is one their way to be killed and it turns out someone came at them with a shotgun I think the simpler explanation would be they may be connected not coincidence. Not saying they should have figured out a ruse. Just that it doesn't fly that it didn't cross Walt's mind given that he was entirely suspicious of why Mike would take Jesse along to begin with.

 

[wildbill]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

True in the context of the first 3 seasons, but this season has been a continual breaking down for him, from the first ep with Victor's murder on. His pouring out to Saul about how overwhelmed he felt is really out of character too. It is getting to be too much for him, and it's almost like he wants it to be over. I sometimes think that he just hates himself and everything around him and this whole thing gave him an escape. If you remember, he punched the mirror when he was told his cancer was in remission. I always thought that was a really powerful scene.

This, and additionally, it's not really true that Walt has always been logical and reasonable. The sarcastic speech about pride someone posted does describe his nature. From the way he quit the car wash to the scathing speech he gave to Gretchen to countless flare-ups he's had with Skylar, he has an ego that makes him fiercely defend himself and lash out. When his pride is threatened he has seldom acted reasonably. I thought the best scene of the last episode was Walt drinking the wine by himself in the kitchen because he didn't want to go back. His state of mind is muddled, he's stressed, he doesn't know what he's going to do, and I don't think he cares about his family much anymore. Combine all that with pounding back the wine, his reaction to Hank's glowing description of Gale doesn't seem far-fetched to me.

Another example of his ego not allowing him to keep his mouth shut was during the school assembly after the plane crash. He kept rambling on and on about it being the 50th worst (tied for 50th!) plane crash in history.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Out of the blue Mike takes Jesse out to help him make the pickups. Even Walt thought that was weird. That Walt nor Jesse entertained the idea that Mike setup the attack was just shoddy writing. Oh I forgot, Mike's a mute and having a 30-second conversation with Jesse to pacify him would be totally out of character. The insight we have as viewer has nothing to do with it.

OK, clearly you've got your opinion. But it seems you're the only one who has it. And it's not like people here have hesitated to criticize the writing when warranted. I think the show is genius and still I called them out on the convenience of Hank showing up just in time to save them from Tuco. But I just don't see it here. There's a huge leap from thinking something is "weird" to thinking that a guy coming up from behind you while you stand guard for a drug money pickup is actually just part of an elaborate character test, rather than a guy trying to steal the drug money. It seems silly to not only presume someone would make that leap (I don't think he would- Occam's Razor and all), but to also say that it's "shoddy writing" if he doesn't.

You are all not getting it. I never said Walt and Jesse should have figured out Mike/Gus were behind the attack. What I did say is that it is not plausible that absolutely no suspicions were aroused.Earlier in the day both Jesse and Walt thought Jesse might be on his way to be killed. Later that day someone tries to kill Jesse. Hello?Walt, being the stickler for details and suspicious in nature at this point, not proding Jesse about the attack does not fly.Walt was suspicious of Mikes' motivations in taking him along for the ride but not suspicious of the circumstances in which Jesse is nearly killed?It was shoddy and could have easily been been fixed.

That makes slightly more sense, but still ... no.There's a simple explanation for what happened- someone tried to rob them. I imagine it happens all the time when you're dealing with illegally gotten gains, since the illegal nature of the gains means no law enforcement. When a simple explanation is readily available you don't go in search of less simple explanations. That's just the way it is. Also, it's possible that Walt may ask him about it later, after he has time to reflect, although I would find that more unrealistic than just accepting the simple explanation as is human nature. But to call it shoddy writing because he doesn't immediately reject the simple explanation in favor of the possibility of an elaborate ruse? Sorry, I can't agree.

When you think someone is one their way to be killed and it turns out someone came at them with a shotgun I think the simpler explanation would be they may be connected not coincidence. Not saying they should have figured out a ruse. Just that it doesn't fly that it didn't cross Walt's mind given that he was entirely suspicious of why Mike would take Jesse along to begin with.

I disagree, I think it's reasonable. But even if you don't: how do you know it didn't cross his mind? Just because he didn't say something? What would he say? "Hey Jesse, maybe you didn't actually save the day, maybe it was all a setup for reasons we don't understand?" That would be kind of a #### move, especially since in the aftermath Jesse seemed like a normal human being for the first time since he shot Gale.

 

[Daywalker]

Out of the blue Mike takes Jesse out to help him make the pickups. Even Walt thought that was weird. That Walt nor Jesse entertained the idea that Mike setup the attack was just shoddy writing. Oh I forgot, Mike's a mute and having a 30-second conversation with Jesse to pacify him would be totally out of character. The insight we have as viewer has nothing to do with it.

OK, clearly you've got your opinion. But it seems you're the only one who has it. And it's not like people here have hesitated to criticize the writing when warranted. I think the show is genius and still I called them out on the convenience of Hank showing up just in time to save them from Tuco. But I just don't see it here. There's a huge leap from thinking something is "weird" to thinking that a guy coming up from behind you while you stand guard for a drug money pickup is actually just part of an elaborate character test, rather than a guy trying to steal the drug money. It seems silly to not only presume someone would make that leap (I don't think he would- Occam's Razor and all), but to also say that it's "shoddy writing" if he doesn't.

You are all not getting it. I never said Walt and Jesse should have figured out Mike/Gus were behind the attack. What I did say is that it is not plausible that absolutely no suspicions were aroused.Earlier in the day both Jesse and Walt thought Jesse might be on his way to be killed. Later that day someone tries to kill Jesse. Hello?Walt, being the stickler for details and suspicious in nature at this point, not proding Jesse about the attack does not fly.Walt was suspicious of Mikes' motivations in taking him along for the ride but not suspicious of the circumstances in which Jesse is nearly killed?It was shoddy and could have easily been been fixed.

That makes slightly more sense, but still ... no.There's a simple explanation for what happened- someone tried to rob them. I imagine it happens all the time when you're dealing with illegally gotten gains, since the illegal nature of the gains means no law enforcement. When a simple explanation is readily available you don't go in search of less simple explanations. That's just the way it is. Also, it's possible that Walt may ask him about it later, after he has time to reflect, although I would find that more unrealistic than just accepting the simple explanation as is human nature. But to call it shoddy writing because he doesn't immediately reject the simple explanation in favor of the possibility of an elaborate ruse? Sorry, I can't agree.

When you think someone is one their way to be killed and it turns out someone came at them with a shotgun I think the simpler explanation would be they may be connected not coincidence. Not saying they should have figured out a ruse. Just that it doesn't fly that it didn't cross Walt's mind given that he was entirely suspicious of why Mike would take Jesse along to begin with.

I disagree, I think it's reasonable. But even if you don't: how do you know it didn't cross his mind? Just because he didn't say something? What would he say? "Hey Jesse, maybe you didn't actually save the day, maybe it was all a setup for reasons we don't understand?" That would be kind of a #### move, especially since in the aftermath Jesse seemed like a normal human being for the first time since he shot Gale.

Walt was an ### to Jesse at that point. He questioned why Mike would have any need of Jesse. Walt was suspicious just not about Jesse being attacked.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Walt was an ### to Jesse at that point. He questioned why Mike would have any need of Jesse. Walt was suspicious just not about Jesse being attacked.

Again- how do you know he wasn't suspicious? Just because he didn't say it? There's a difference between questioning why Jesse was there and saying that he thought the thing that was currently making Jesse feel worthwhile and happy for the first time since the Gale killing was a farce. I don't really know what else to say. It doesn't sit right with you, and apparently I can't convince you otherwise. To each their own. I did enjoy the back and forth, so thanks for that.

 

[Harry Manback]

Walt: Where the hell have you been Jesse? I thought you were in danger.Jesse: Nah, Mike took me along for the pickups. Guess he needed protection.Walt: Mike needed you for protection?Jesse: Good thing he brought me. At the end of the day, out in the middle of nowhere, some guy tried to kill me.Walt: Want to go get a bite to eat?Yeah makes sense guys.

Give it up man. No one agrees with you.

 

[Thunderlips]

How did Jesse know that those guys were not sent by Gus and why go back and get Mike? How did he know that Mike didnt set him up?

How did Gus know that Jesse wouldnt just take all the money and leave?

I think that's at least partially why they drove around all day. Early in the day, Jesse was suspicious of Mike. By the end of the day, he relaxed and came around. By the end of the day, if Jesse still believed that Mike/Gus were out to get him, he may have done things differently.If Jesse was to think that they were Gus' guys, why would they approach the car with a shotgun and block the exit? Remember that Jesse's seen some real gangsta action now.

For Gus, if Jesse decides to take the money and run, don't you think that Mike would have no trouble getting to him later on? Plus, Jesse's a millionaire now, he doesn't care about money, remember?

In part it was a test, and an opportunity for Jesse to be the hero like they had planned. If Jesse tries to rob them, Mike would take care of it anyway, so little risk there. To me this at least validates Jesse's role in the operation for Gus and Mike; he's not a complete screw up. The real story is how Walt acted, and the question is will Walt's paranoia turn to the question of does Gus want to get rid of Walt and keep Jesse. Jesse might be less of a PITA than the pre-madonna Walt.

Well described. This set of scenes and their purpose was genius, IMO.

I'm not sure. Jesse not suspecting Mike/Gus at all was a bit much. They should have had Jesse confront Mike in front of the liquor store when he picked him up. Then have Mike say, "I could have killed you at any point today. I could have led you into a dark building and finished you. Why would I have two thugs try to ambush you out in the open?"Nitpicking a bit I know. But would have been much cleaner that way.

He's a guy adrift looking for a lifeline. He's been that way his whole life. He never connected with his parents and seems to have always been one of these people that noone has any faith in. Hell, Mike letting him smoke up and saying he did good....he ate that #### up like butter....it's probably the first time anyone's really been impressed with him and he's happy about it. He's not going to question it. Even Walt doesn't treat him that good.

 

[Thunderlips]

Loving this season so far. Brilliant, as usual.

Notes:

[*]That party scene at Jesse's was terrifying. I often loathe drug related material in movies and films because it feels fake. That scene with people raging, fighting...such cacophony.

[*]Walter getting drunk and then confessing to his brother in law that the mastermind is alive was one of the first times in the series that I thought, "This is ridiculous." Walter's a careful, reasonable, logical man who's actions always seem to be based on a lot of thought and planning. But pour a couple glasses of red wine down his gullet and he ruins everything? Lame.

True in the context of the first 3 seasons, but this season has been a continual breaking down for him, from the first ep with Victor's murder on. His pouring out to Saul about how overwhelmed he felt is really out of character too. It is getting to be too much for him, and it's almost like he wants it to be over. I sometimes think that he just hates himself and everything around him and this whole thing gave him an escape. If you remember, he punched the mirror when he was told his cancer was in remission. I always thought that was a really powerful scene.

This, and additionally, it's not really true that Walt has always been logical and reasonable. The sarcastic speech about pride someone posted does describe his nature. From the way he quit the car wash to the scathing speech he gave to Gretchen to countless flare-ups he's had with Skylar, he has an ego that makes him fiercely defend himself and lash out. When his pride is threatened he has seldom acted reasonably. I thought the best scene of the last episode was Walt drinking the wine by himself in the kitchen because he didn't want to go back. His state of mind is muddled, he's stressed, he doesn't know what he's going to do, and I don't think he cares about his family much anymore. Combine all that with pounding back the wine, his reaction to Hank's glowing description of Gale doesn't seem far-fetched to me.

Another example of his ego not allowing him to keep his mouth shut was during the school assembly after the plane crash. He kept rambling on and on about it being the 50th worst (tied for 50th!) plane crash in history.

You saw that way early on when he confronted the guy at the hardware store.

 

[Gadabout]

Hey Daaaad

 

[Walton Goggins]

Vince is either a genius or lucky or both. Pretty much banked from the beginning. This is an article from May but some interesting things that I've bolded. Seems like Jessie will become bigger than Walt

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/05/vince_gilligan_showrunner_tran.html

In this week's issue, New York magazine surveyed fourteen of the top TV showrunners about their process and craft. All during upfront week, we'll be running longer transcripts of these conversations: some will include extended answers to our questionnaire, some will break free altogether, but all will provide a revealing and insightful look into the minds of the people who make our appointment television. One of those people is Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad, which will return for its fourth season this July. We spoke with Gilligan about what's coming up on Breaking Bad, and his love of Cheers and SpongeBob SquarePants.

What was your first job?

I got very lucky right out of college. I wrote a movie script for my NYU thesis screenwriting class, Home Fries, in 1989 that got made into a feature about twelve, thirteen years ago starring Drew Barrymore. I won a screenwriting contest with it, and one of the judges was Mark Johnson, who sort of became my mentor in the movie business. He asked me if I had any other scripts, and I sent him Wilder Napalm, which got made into a movie in 1993 with Debra Winger and Dennis Quaid. Even to this day, Mark’s my fellow executive producer on Breaking Bad.

And you went to The X-Files after Wilder Napalm?

Yeah, my first TV job was The X-Files. I wrote a freelance episode for them in 1994, which was season two. It was called “Soft Light” and starred Tony Shalhoub. I was so naive about the business back then that when I’d watch the show and the legend at the beginning said, “Richmond, Virginia” or whatever, I actually thought they sent a film unit to those places. That’s how stupid I was.

What show made you want to work in TV?

Actually, The X-Files made me want to work in TV; I was a fan before I was a writer on the show. Watching that series made me realize how truly cinematic television could be.

Were there particular things that Carter taught you?

Well, I became a better writer, and things that he taught all of us that I still carry with me are: Show your story, don’t tell it. Try not to depend too much on dialogue. Try to remember that it’s very much a visual medium and that sometimes more can be said with a look between characters than a whole spate of words. I also learned how to tell a story economically. If they’d shot the first draft of my first script for The X-Files, it would have cost 20 or 30 million dollars! So, all the tools that I have in my toolbox now, I got them on The X-Files.

I remember how so many episodes of The X-Files would feature the number “1013,” like on Mulder’s alarm clock ...

“1013” stands for October 13, which is Chris’s birthday. Speaking of that, X-Files fans will notice a 1013 reference in the early minutes of the first episode of Breaking Bad’s fourth season.

Are there any other geeky bits of trivia like that about Breaking Bad?

We decided that Skyler’s sister Marie should love the color purple, and indeed everything she wears and everything she accents her home with is purple.

Why purple?

Well, Marie would say purple is the color of royalty. Color is important on Breaking Bad; we always try to think in terms of it. We always try to think of the color that a character is dressed in, in the sense that it represents on some level their state of mind.

And there’s Walter White …

Character names are a situation where you know it’s right when you hear it, and “Walter White” appealed to me because of the alliterative sound of it and because it’s strangely bland, yet sticks in your head nonetheless — you know, white is the color of vanilla, of blandness. Walter and Skyler’s daughter, Holly, is named after my girlfriend. Here’s some trivia: I try to put her name or an allusion to some element about her into all of the scripts. The name of the street she lived on back in Richmond, Virginia, stuff like that. We’ve been dating twenty years, and I started doing that back on The X-Files.

What will be going on with Walter White in season four?

Walter White continues in his personal transformation from Mr. Chips to Scarface. His world gets even darker and more complicated, and there’s some very exciting twists and turns that I’m looking forward to people seeing.

Will he continue to work for the chicken man?

Well, definitely Gus the chicken man is a very central part of this season and a central quandary that Walt faces. Also, Walt’s relationship with Jesse gets tested to a degree it’s never been tested before. Their partnership gets very tricky. In a sense, the student becomes the master this season.

And Walt’s plans for the car wash?

We’re picking up pretty much where we left last season. Skyler, of course, was interested in … not in keeping Walt working in this criminal enterprise so much, but in her very pragmatic sense she was interested in making sure that, if he was going to be doing these illegal things, at least he wouldn’t get caught. So, to that end, she wants to help him launder his money to do it the right way. So, we’ll see a continuation of that.

She’s becoming a bit more of a willing enabler?

They have a very complicated relationship. They have something of a sinner-enabler relationship this season, that’s true, which we saw the seeds of last season. That trend continues.

I know that in past conversations of ours, the words Carmela Soprano have come up …

This is true. Carmela was interesting because she always turned a blind eye. She only used her husband’s standing in very rare circumstances. But because that was done so well, I don’t want to just do that again. So, Skyler really gets a little afield from Carmela Soprano.

Do you have a showrunner philosophy?

The devil is in the details. Either that or "no good deed goes unpunished" … which, now that I think about it, might be more a life philosophy.

Are you a control freak or a collaborator?

I’d like to think I’m a collaborator, but the people I work with probably think I’m a control freak. But the most honest answer is, I’m a bit of both and the ratio between the two changes at any given moment. I know in my heart that collaboration allows us to put the best possible work on TV, and that left to my own devices I couldn’t put on a show that’s a fraction as good as Breaking Bad is. But I don’t think you wind up in this job if you don’t have a bit of obsessive-compulsiveness in your nature.

What show do you wish you had created?

The Twilight Zone, and I wish Rod Serling hadn’t died so young. That’s a man I truly would love to have met. He was the first showrunner whose name the country at large actually knew. Or The Andy Griffith Show, which I think holds up to this day. A wonderful show, and it puts me in a good mood every time I watch it. Also SpongeBob SquarePants. I watch that any chance I get.

What’s your best show pitch that didn’t make it on the air?

I had something I pitched to CBS seven or eight years ago called Battle Creek that we came close to shooting as a pilot. That was a sort of mismatched buddy-cop show with an FBI agent paired with a local, hardscrabble Michigan homicide detective. And the FBI guy is one of life’s winners — amazingly handsome, happy-go-lucky — and the other guy is just intensely jealous of him. That would’ve been a fun show.

What's a twist or character addition that you were really impressed by, that turned a show around or made it somehow better or more interesting?

When Kirstie Alley came on Cheers, that was a big one. That show looked like it was going to end once Shelley Long decided to leave, but that really reinvigorated that show. I thought the last episode of M*A*S*H — I remember the feeling around town in Chesterfield, Virginia, that everyone was going to be watching what they knew would be television history. Also, a lot of people were down on Cousin Oliver when he showed up on The Brady Bunch, but he kind of worked for me.

How much do you care about what fans think?

I care greatly. We wouldn’t have a show if not for the viewers. But having said that, I don’t think that equates with a need on my part to constantly check in with what the fans are saying. I hear about it anecdotally at best. Because on the Internet, you get what are often, I think, unrealistic responses — you get the highs and the lows; the people who love something enough to type something into their computer about it, and you get the people that hate it, but you don’t get the great vast middle. So, it’s an interesting gauge, but not necessarily an accurate one.

Can fans ruin shows?

I don’t think fans are capable of ruining anything. I think only the showrunner and their writers and actors are capable of that. If a showrunner logs on to the Internet and a fan’s telling them to add a lovable robot to his or her ensemble, they’ve only got themselves to blame if they take that kind of advice.

Do you tweet?

Absolutely not. I’m just not a computer guy, and it seems like the biggest waste of time to me. I don’t get it. I’m sorry. I’ve got enough aggravation turning on my TV.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Would it be a disappointment if the show did not end with a showdown between Walt and one of the other protagonists?

It seems to me that the show would come full circle if Walt's cancer returns, but this time terminal, and he tries to tie up all loose ends before succumbing.

That doesn't sound very dramatic but Gilligan would do an excellent job.

 

[Raider Nation]

Hey Daaaad

Flynn likes his coffee black... like his underwear.

 

[Carver]

Hey Daaaad

 

[Gadabout]

Hey Daaaad

Flynn likes his coffee black... like his underwear.

I'm praying for the cartel to get their hands on Flynn. Hopefully they throw in an extended torture scene. Or perhaps they rig up that car he hopes to get with explosives. Something has to be done about that boy.

 

[Daywalker]

Walt: Where the hell have you been Jesse? I thought you were in danger.Jesse: Nah, Mike took me along for the pickups. Guess he needed protection.Walt: Mike needed you for protection?Jesse: Good thing he brought me. At the end of the day, out in the middle of nowhere, some guy tried to kill me.Walt: Want to go get a bite to eat?Yeah makes sense guys.

Give it up man. No one agrees with you.

Please. It basically went down as I described. Pretty sure most viewers were surprised Jesse didn't say WTF when he pulled up to Mike at the liquor store.Walt being suspicious that Mike needed Jesse for some reason and not suspicious of the circumstances of Jesse being attacked makes no sense.Two weeks before Walt is grilling Jesse for every detail about how he killed Gale. Then in this instance he doesn't even ask what went down at the last drop. Yeah makes sense.Haven't heard one good reason why no one see my POV. Other then we are the viewer and are privy to more info then the characters. Which makes no sense.You are all of the thinking that Walt just thinks it's a coincidence and not worth mentioning that Jesse was taken by Mike for no apparent reason then at the last drop is attacked by a guy wielding a shotgun. Yeah that is logical and not shoddy.

 

[Charlie Frown]

How did Jesse know that those guys were not sent by Gus and why go back and get Mike? How did he know that Mike didnt set him up?

How did Gus know that Jesse wouldnt just take all the money and leave?

I think that's at least partially why they drove around all day. Early in the day, Jesse was suspicious of Mike. By the end of the day, he relaxed and came around. By the end of the day, if Jesse still believed that Mike/Gus were out to get him, he may have done things differently.If Jesse was to think that they were Gus' guys, why would they approach the car with a shotgun and block the exit? Remember that Jesse's seen some real gangsta action now.

For Gus, if Jesse decides to take the money and run, don't you think that Mike would have no trouble getting to him later on? Plus, Jesse's a millionaire now, he doesn't care about money, remember?

In part it was a test, and an opportunity for Jesse to be the hero like they had planned. If Jesse tries to rob them, Mike would take care of it anyway, so little risk there. To me this at least validates Jesse's role in the operation for Gus and Mike; he's not a complete screw up. The real story is how Walt acted, and the question is will Walt's paranoia turn to the question of does Gus want to get rid of Walt and keep Jesse. Jesse might be less of a PITA than the pre-madonna Walt.

Well described. This set of scenes and their purpose was genius, IMO.

I'm not sure. Jesse not suspecting Mike/Gus at all was a bit much. They should have had Jesse confront Mike in front of the liquor store when he picked him up. Then have Mike say, "I could have killed you at any point today. I could have led you into a dark building and finished you. Why would I have two thugs try to ambush you out in the open?"Nitpicking a bit I know. But would have been much cleaner that way.

He's a guy adrift looking for a lifeline. He's been that way his whole life. He never connected with his parents and seems to have always been one of these people that noone has any faith in. Hell, Mike letting him smoke up and saying he did good....he ate that #### up like butter....it's probably the first time anyone's really been impressed with him and he's happy about it. He's not going to question it. Even Walt doesn't treat him that good.

Has Walt ever praised him for anything?

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

Walt: Where the hell have you been Jesse? I thought you were in danger.Jesse: Nah, Mike took me along for the pickups. Guess he needed protection.Walt: Mike needed you for protection?Jesse: Good thing he brought me. At the end of the day, out in the middle of nowhere, some guy tried to kill me.Walt: Want to go get a bite to eat?Yeah makes sense guys.

Give it up man. No one agrees with you.

Please. It basically went down as I described. Pretty sure most viewers were surprised Jesse didn't say WTF when he pulled up to Mike at the liquor store.Walt being suspicious that Mike needed Jesse for some reason and not suspicious of the circumstances of Jesse being attacked makes no sense.Two weeks before Walt is grilling Jesse for every detail about how he killed Gale. Then in this instance he doesn't even ask what went down at the last drop. Yeah makes sense.Haven't heard one good reason why no one see my POV. Other then we are the viewer and are privy to more info then the characters. Which makes no sense.You are all of the thinking that Walt just thinks it's a coincidence and not worth mentioning that Jesse was taken by Mike for no apparent reason then at the last drop is attacked by a guy wielding a shotgun. Yeah that is logical and not shoddy.

Dude, stop, it was spelled out for you.Here's what went down. Jesse was so psyched that he did something right, that he wasn't even thinking that it could be a set up. All he wanted to do was show Mike that he was capable and when Mike validated it for him, it made his year. The guy has been in need of someone telling him "good job" since the beginning of the show, Walt never does it.We all understand that you would have written it a different way but I think most of us are satisfied with the way the writers presented it to us. We like their version better than yours, is that okay with you?

 

[The Noid]

I love how "we" as viewers feel like we know, definitively, exactly how fictional characters written by a team of writers and creators other than ourselves would "really" act in any given situation.

 

[Apple Juice]

I love how "we" as viewers feel like we know, definitively, exactly how fictional characters written by a team of writers and creators other than ourselves would "really" act in any given situation.

My biggest gripe with people's griping.

 

[Sebowski]

How did Jesse know that those guys were not sent by Gus and why go back and get Mike? How did he know that Mike didnt set him up?

How did Gus know that Jesse wouldnt just take all the money and leave?

I think that's at least partially why they drove around all day. Early in the day, Jesse was suspicious of Mike. By the end of the day, he relaxed and came around. By the end of the day, if Jesse still believed that Mike/Gus were out to get him, he may have done things differently.If Jesse was to think that they were Gus' guys, why would they approach the car with a shotgun and block the exit? Remember that Jesse's seen some real gangsta action now.

For Gus, if Jesse decides to take the money and run, don't you think that Mike would have no trouble getting to him later on? Plus, Jesse's a millionaire now, he doesn't care about money, remember?

In part it was a test, and an opportunity for Jesse to be the hero like they had planned. If Jesse tries to rob them, Mike would take care of it anyway, so little risk there. To me this at least validates Jesse's role in the operation for Gus and Mike; he's not a complete screw up. The real story is how Walt acted, and the question is will Walt's paranoia turn to the question of does Gus want to get rid of Walt and keep Jesse. Jesse might be less of a PITA than the pre-madonna Walt.

Well described. This set of scenes and their purpose was genius, IMO.

I'm not sure. Jesse not suspecting Mike/Gus at all was a bit much. They should have had Jesse confront Mike in front of the liquor store when he picked him up. Then have Mike say, "I could have killed you at any point today. I could have led you into a dark building and finished you. Why would I have two thugs try to ambush you out in the open?"Nitpicking a bit I know. But would have been much cleaner that way.

He's a guy adrift looking for a lifeline. He's been that way his whole life. He never connected with his parents and seems to have always been one of these people that noone has any faith in. Hell, Mike letting him smoke up and saying he did good....he ate that #### up like butter....it's probably the first time anyone's really been impressed with him and he's happy about it. He's not going to question it. Even Walt doesn't treat him that good.

Has Walt ever praised him for anything?

He praised Jesse's cooking when Jesse was in the hospital about to sue Hank. Jesse then took the partnership instead.

 

[mr. furley]

Haven't heard one good reason why no one see my POV.

might be a reason that no one agrees with you and, it is a TV show.. expect improbability

 

[wildbill]

How much does Skylar know about Gale? And how much did she figure out while Walt was going on his drunken rant? There's got to be a scene coming up where she questions him about it, and reminds him about their "no secrets" agreement. Will he keep lying to her, or will his pride make him tell her that he is the genius Heisenberg?

 

[Charlie Frown]

How much does Skylar know about Gale? And how much did she figure out while Walt was going on his drunken rant? There's got to be a scene coming up where she questions him about it, and reminds him about their "no secrets" agreement. Will he keep lying to her, or will his pride make him tell her that he is the genius Heisenberg?

I bet she knows now. I am also betting she didn't realize Hank was looking for him either.

 

[FlapJacks]

Walt's drunken rant may inadvertently help him in many ways:

-- Inside info on the murder investigation

-- Space from Skyler who after one jump in the sack was already suffocating him

-- More pressure on Gus from another front

 

[Major]

Just started reading Hank's blog on AMC's BB site. Pretty funny read that gives more insight into his character and what he's thinking

Hank's Blog

Alright everyone, I know you've been waiting eagerly for the latest electrifying details from the Schrader bedroom of excruciating long-term healing from a catastrophic injury. Well, put that Hungry Man dinner aside and turn away from the LOLcats, because... we had a bit of excitement this week. It feels like after months -- years practically -- of total isolation, I've now become a regular social butterfly. That's right, last week was just a taste. It all blew up this week, and now I've got visitors left, right, and center. We've had family over for dinner... twice in the past week. I know, I'm blowing your minds here. And... my buddy from APD? He's practically living here now he visits so often. Course, it's the same few visitors, but I'm thinking any day now Shania Twain will saunter on in, and then we'll really be cooking.

Alright, maybe it's not as exciting as cute kittens saying #### in broken English. (I know I'm behind the times, but seriously... this is a thing? Bless you crazy internet losers.) But wheels are turning. Remember my karaoke-loving meth kingpin? Seemed pretty much case closed -- big-time drugland wheeler-dealer shot in the face and good 'ole Hank Schrader late to the party. I'd made peace with it. Day late and a dollar short -- just how it goes. Not to get all head-shrinker, let's join hands and sing kumbaya about it, but I was feeling like maybe I'd gotten some closure on the whole thing. It's been a hell of a year, and now it was like closing the book -- the fruity, vegan-recipe filled meth cookbook -- on the whole thing.

I mean, it was hard to believe that this was the guy -- just based on the freaking nerdy Captain Koo-Koo Bananas of him. I admit, if I'd run into this guy on the street, I'd have a hard time seeing past all his Howdy-Doody aw-shucksness to the supposed dark meth underbelly. Going through the loopy *******'s life's work -- the whole thing's left me more sad than anything else. He could have been curing cancer, but no... he's supplying the dregs of humanity with crystal meth. He even made it a festive blue. That's some deeply dysfunctional #### right there.

So there I was, all set to throw in the towel, and then my brother-in-law busts out some wisdom at dinner the other night. Well, maybe it was just drunken rambling. I'm pretty sure he cleaned us out of wine over the course of the evening. But drunk or no, I think he may have been on to something. It seems like maybe... my drug kingpin is still out there.

I mean, it makes a certain amount of sense. It's hard to believe that Mr. Rogers here really had the killer instinct to run a sprawling meth empire. I know people often have hidden depths and all that bull####, but seriously... this guy was one crunchy, earnest as ####, free spirit. The more I look at this diary of his, the less I see secret ruthless depths and the more I see kooky lapdog in over his head.

So it's back to the grind for me. It's been a little while since I've done actual casework, but it feels pretty good. Of course, I'm staying inside. I'm not trusting my reflexes right now to save me from yet another shootout with some insane douchebucket hitman. I mean, really... how effed up is it that I now have "avoid ####### hitmen" as a real, actual daily task on my to-do list? Therefore, I'm going to be devoting my brain to this more than my body. Yeah, yeah... keep laughing.