In today's column, I look back on the brilliance of this season of "Breaking Bad," which you would know all about if you've been reading my episode reviews.Back Sunday night with a review of the finale, and a Vince Gilligan interview.
In today's column, I look back on the brilliance of this season of "Breaking Bad," which you would know all about if you've been reading my episode reviews.
rarely has a show been so consistently brilliant, engrossing and emotional. I have been astonished at how EVERY week it sucks me in and drags me down further into the moral ambiguity that Walt's life is becoming. I look back to the Walter White I first met in season 1 and I dont recognise him; it is testament to the writing that have been gently led down this path at such a rate!
ReplyDeleteIf ever a show needed an end point it is this one, I pray they end on a high (or knowing BB a low) and dont milk it for ever and lose everything that makes it so special.
God I hope this show wins Best Drama, Best Actor and a whole lot of other awards.
ReplyDeleteAlan, you were spot on about the audio. I love how this show uses sound and music. It reminds me of No Country For Old Men at times (one of my favourite movies).
Is it possible to just start the show in Season 2 (like Chuck), or is it necessary to watch Season 1?
ReplyDeleteTime is limited, but I really want to watch this show.
anon. start at the start it really is necessary to see where Walter White begins and where he ends up!
ReplyDeleteI joined this midway through this season and, while I'm sure I'm missing something, it's completely engrossing.
ReplyDeleteBut I recently went back for the Cliff's Notes version of season one. Hulu has some "minisode" recaps, about 4-6 minutes for each episode, and that helped out. You could start there.
Oh just watch em all. There are only 7eps. 13.00 on ITunes. I was so anxious for MORE after this weeks drama I bought and watched them again on Monday and Tuesday. Totally worth it. Oddly, not as good as I had remembered. Very good, but..This season though...
ReplyDeleteQuite simply it's already time to make plans for a veterans and newbies analysis of this show ... nuff said.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know they had webisodes in betweenthe two seasons! Are they any good, and should I try and find them online to watch?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait til Sunday. Though, it'll be a long wait after that for the next season. The agony!
It is definitely my favourite drama this year ( with lost a second), though Best Drama? That will depend on how Season three of Mad Men goes. But either way, glad to hear anyone sing the praises of the show, because it deserves to be.
With BB and MM in their pocket, I look forward to any other new show AMC might have to offer (if that happens. I've no idea if AMC is developing more shows.)
I didn't know they had webisodes in betweenthe two seasons! Are they any good, and should I try and find them online to watch?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait til Sunday. Though, it'll be a long wait after that for the next season. The agony!
It is definitely my favourite drama this year ( with lost a second), though Best Drama? That will depend on how Season three of Mad Men goes. But either way, glad to hear anyone sing the praises of the show, because it deserves to be.
With BB and MM in their pocket, I look forward to any other new show AMC might have to offer (if that happens. I've no idea if AMC is developing more shows.)
Quite simply it's already time to make plans for a veterans and newbies analysis of this show ... nuff said.
ReplyDeleteThose "Wire" reviews are to cover seasons that predate the existence of the blog. I've been writing about "Breaking Bad" from the start.
But, yeah, the show is close to entering the pantheon.
I watched all of season 1 when it aired and remember thinking, "this is an okay little show..." Sometimes I'd let a couple weeks go by in between episodes w/out thinking about it, then catch up when I could.
ReplyDeleteMy God, NEVER have I seen such an unexpected and mind-boggling LEAP forward in quality (story-telling, writing, the 'small' moments, tension, etc) from one season to the next in my life.
Am I right? Season 1 was pretty good. Season 2 is... just a tour de force. Just brilliant.
Most excitingly for myself is one of the biggest and most surprising leaps in quality from one season to the next: The character of Hank.
Season 1, he was written so broadly and hammy... His presence on the show was cartoon-ey and distracting.
This season, Hank is still the loud Alpha-male (as he should be), but he has been given so much soul and heart and complexity.
Whereas last season I groaned whenever he was on screen, this season I almost get impatient when he's not. Credit that to the actor and the writing.
And, my God, not enough credit can be given to everyone involved in this most incredible show.
eric v