MENTOS BITCH!
August 24, 2012 8:37 AM Subscribe
Wow, that scene, with the lighting and cinematography, was just asking for a Mentos spoof.
posted by Jaymzifer at 8:45 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by Jaymzifer at 8:45 AM on August 24, 2012
heh, from comments:
I AM THE ONE WHO FRESHENS
posted by leotrotsky at 8:45 AM on August 24, 2012 [22 favorites]
I AM THE ONE WHO FRESHENS
posted by leotrotsky at 8:45 AM on August 24, 2012 [22 favorites]
Can we get a spoiler alert on this? I'm only mid-way into season 3. Boo-urns.
posted by Brodiggitty at 8:46 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by Brodiggitty at 8:46 AM on August 24, 2012
I'd love to see one made with the members of Jesse's posse.
posted by Egg Shen at 8:47 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by Egg Shen at 8:47 AM on August 24, 2012
growabrain, that is an amazing work of art. I'd love to have that on my wall. Yours? Artist? Links? Please.
posted by Fizz at 8:51 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Fizz at 8:51 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Now I'm just waiting for a Yakety Sax-ified version of the "Dead Freight" action sequence.
posted by FelliniBlank at 8:52 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by FelliniBlank at 8:52 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
While this was great, that scene, featuring "Bonfire" by Knife Party became my favorite musical interlude of the entire series, replacing the Wendy montage from last season.
posted by PapaLobo at 8:58 AM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by PapaLobo at 8:58 AM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
I thought that scene was really obnoxious on the show, and now I know why. I always hated Mentos commercials.
posted by peacrow at 9:03 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by peacrow at 9:03 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
I thought that scene was really obnoxious on the show
[spoilers] I think much of this season is about finding Walter to be a disagreeable individual. As much as I want to hate on Skylar, we're about to see the greatest "I FUCKING TOLD YOU!" ever. Every piece of advice that she planned out from the previous season when agreeing to Walter's "business" is being ignored. I cannot wait for the other shoe to drop.
posted by Fizz at 9:11 AM on August 24, 2012 [6 favorites]
[spoilers] I think much of this season is about finding Walter to be a disagreeable individual. As much as I want to hate on Skylar, we're about to see the greatest "I FUCKING TOLD YOU!" ever. Every piece of advice that she planned out from the previous season when agreeing to Walter's "business" is being ignored. I cannot wait for the other shoe to drop.
posted by Fizz at 9:11 AM on August 24, 2012 [6 favorites]
Now I'm just waiting for a Yakety Sax-ified version of the "Dead Freight" action sequence.
This comes close.
(Spoiler alert for anyone not current on Season 5.)
posted by fuse theorem at 9:13 AM on August 24, 2012 [6 favorites]
This comes close.
(Spoiler alert for anyone not current on Season 5.)
posted by fuse theorem at 9:13 AM on August 24, 2012 [6 favorites]
Now I'm just waiting for a Yakety Sax-ified version of the "Dead Freight" action sequence.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER!!!!
DO NOT CLICK IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE SEASON FIVE DEAD FREIGHT EPISODE. IT'S A MAJOR SPOILER. DID I MENTION SPOILER.
Dead Freight ending re-edited.
posted by The Deej at 9:15 AM on August 24, 2012 [7 favorites]
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER!!!!
DO NOT CLICK IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE SEASON FIVE DEAD FREIGHT EPISODE. IT'S A MAJOR SPOILER. DID I MENTION SPOILER.
Dead Freight ending re-edited.
posted by The Deej at 9:15 AM on August 24, 2012 [7 favorites]
Jinx.
posted by The Deej at 9:16 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Deej at 9:16 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Jinx.
Not really. Both posts are from the same scene but the "re-edits" are different. Yikes, I think the one you posted is way worse.
posted by fuse theorem at 9:24 AM on August 24, 2012
Not really. Both posts are from the same scene but the "re-edits" are different. Yikes, I think the one you posted is way worse.
posted by fuse theorem at 9:24 AM on August 24, 2012
As much as I want to hate on Skylar
So it's not just me? I find her utterly unsympathetic.
posted by Egg Shen at 9:26 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
So it's not just me? I find her utterly unsympathetic.
posted by Egg Shen at 9:26 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
[SPOILER]
My take is that Walt's behaving like he got some bad news on his cancer offscreen between seasons. He can only deal with short-term problems and fixes now.
posted by Pronoiac at 9:26 AM on August 24, 2012
My take is that Walt's behaving like he got some bad news on his cancer offscreen between seasons. He can only deal with short-term problems and fixes now.
posted by Pronoiac at 9:26 AM on August 24, 2012
As much as I want to hate on Skylar
So it's not just me? I find her utterly unsympathetic.
posted by Egg Shen at 12:26 PM on August 24 [+] [!]
Oh, I've hated her for many a season.
Though I am waiting for the AMC spin-off show: "SHUTUP! SHUTUP! SHUTUP!!!" It's mostly Skylar smoking on the couch and eating a salad.
posted by Fizz at 9:32 AM on August 24, 2012 [10 favorites]
So it's not just me? I find her utterly unsympathetic.
posted by Egg Shen at 12:26 PM on August 24 [+] [!]
Oh, I've hated her for many a season.
Though I am waiting for the AMC spin-off show: "SHUTUP! SHUTUP! SHUTUP!!!" It's mostly Skylar smoking on the couch and eating a salad.
posted by Fizz at 9:32 AM on August 24, 2012 [10 favorites]
So it's not just me? I find her utterly unsympathetic.
[SPOILER]
She was portrayed as the classic stereotype "harridan wife" (cf. "Rip Van Winkle") from the get-go, but as one reviewer said about Seasons 3 and 4, "The more she knew [and the more compromised she became herself, I'd add], the more interesting she got."
But yeah, especially after her behavior wrt to Walt's business etc. last year, her whole sanctimonious Lady Macbeth trip right now is kind of pissing me off, even though it's in character and I know why they need her to be doing that.
posted by FelliniBlank at 9:33 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
[SPOILER]
She was portrayed as the classic stereotype "harridan wife" (cf. "Rip Van Winkle") from the get-go, but as one reviewer said about Seasons 3 and 4, "The more she knew [and the more compromised she became herself, I'd add], the more interesting she got."
But yeah, especially after her behavior wrt to Walt's business etc. last year, her whole sanctimonious Lady Macbeth trip right now is kind of pissing me off, even though it's in character and I know why they need her to be doing that.
posted by FelliniBlank at 9:33 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
"SHUTUP! SHUTUP! SHUTUP!!!" It's mostly Skylar smoking on the couch and eating a salad.
They're doing a remake of The Sopranos?
posted by Elmore at 9:39 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
They're doing a remake of The Sopranos?
posted by Elmore at 9:39 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Maybe he's finally going to get some payback against Grey Matter. Maybe Walter White's going to go out like James Cagney in White Heat. Or maybe he's moving the whole operation to NH for a while, in order to get away from Skylar, Hank and his competition in Phoenix. We only have two episodes left, but I can't wait to see where the writers go.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:40 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:40 AM on August 24, 2012
[ More Spoiler, of course ]
And the idea of what Walt was really doing was too abstract for Skyler last year. Until Ted. What happened to Ted and how she handled him earlier this season brought reality crashing into focus for her and broke her a little bit. It is easy to justify evil when it is far off and just an idea, but she has seen it face-to-face and in the mirror.
posted by insert.witticism.here at 9:41 AM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
And the idea of what Walt was really doing was too abstract for Skyler last year. Until Ted. What happened to Ted and how she handled him earlier this season brought reality crashing into focus for her and broke her a little bit. It is easy to justify evil when it is far off and just an idea, but she has seen it face-to-face and in the mirror.
posted by insert.witticism.here at 9:41 AM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
There are 10 episodes left. 2 coming and the other 8 in 2013.
posted by Elmore at 9:42 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Elmore at 9:42 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
The Skylar hate is pretty robust on the internet.
I think much of it has to do with our expectations and wants with regard to Walter. Everyone wants to see Walter completely letting out that demon that we've seen hiding within. For the longest time, Skylar was the only thing that was keeping that in check. And this season many fans are getting what they've always wanted. Walter in a black hat.
posted by Fizz at 9:43 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
I think much of it has to do with our expectations and wants with regard to Walter. Everyone wants to see Walter completely letting out that demon that we've seen hiding within. For the longest time, Skylar was the only thing that was keeping that in check. And this season many fans are getting what they've always wanted. Walter in a black hat.
posted by Fizz at 9:43 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
There are 10 episodes left. 2 coming and the other 8 in 2013.
Well, two episodes to resolve the fairly mysterious cold open from this season.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:45 AM on August 24, 2012
Well, two episodes to resolve the fairly mysterious cold open from this season.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:45 AM on August 24, 2012
Am I the only person that finds Skylar an at least somewhat sympathetic character?
Sure she doesnt have any cool anti-hero stuff to do and she did cheat with that doucher, but I cant imagine having to react and deal with everything she has had to in her life the last couple years.
So yeah shes not all that cool or fun to be around, but what latitude does she really have to do anything differently than she's done?
posted by Senor Cardgage at 9:51 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
Sure she doesnt have any cool anti-hero stuff to do and she did cheat with that doucher, but I cant imagine having to react and deal with everything she has had to in her life the last couple years.
So yeah shes not all that cool or fun to be around, but what latitude does she really have to do anything differently than she's done?
posted by Senor Cardgage at 9:51 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
I'm thinking that cold opening will stay cold until 2013. They're cruel bastards.
The one good thing about this is that it has allowed me to go back and rewatch previous seasons multiple times. Seeing where Walter White was at the start of this series and where he is now is truly mind-blowing. And it's not just his transformation, Jesse Pinkman's is arguably even more worthy of our attention.
posted by Fizz at 9:51 AM on August 24, 2012 [8 favorites]
The one good thing about this is that it has allowed me to go back and rewatch previous seasons multiple times. Seeing where Walter White was at the start of this series and where he is now is truly mind-blowing. And it's not just his transformation, Jesse Pinkman's is arguably even more worthy of our attention.
posted by Fizz at 9:51 AM on August 24, 2012 [8 favorites]
I'm thinking that cold opening will stay cold until 2013.
That would be Walter-level cruelty.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:55 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
That would be Walter-level cruelty.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:55 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
I could see that open paying off next year. It is part of the same season in some very attenuated sense.
posted by Pronoiac at 10:05 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by Pronoiac at 10:05 AM on August 24, 2012
Am I the only person that finds Skylar an at least somewhat sympathetic character?
Not at all. Like the reviewer FelliniBlank quoted, I didn't like her much until she got brought into the conspiracy, where she really showed that she knows her shit and can put together and execute a plan probably better than Walter can (like that IRS interview where she just kicked ass). Her arc is an interesting example of how to manipulate the audience's sympathies, because she's basically the same character throughout, it's just that at the beginning she was an obstacle to Walter making meth and now she's the only person who actually understands what he's become.
As far as the cold open, all I want is for them to resolve at least one of the at least 3 different Chekhov's guns they've got going right now.
posted by Copronymus at 10:08 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
Not at all. Like the reviewer FelliniBlank quoted, I didn't like her much until she got brought into the conspiracy, where she really showed that she knows her shit and can put together and execute a plan probably better than Walter can (like that IRS interview where she just kicked ass). Her arc is an interesting example of how to manipulate the audience's sympathies, because she's basically the same character throughout, it's just that at the beginning she was an obstacle to Walter making meth and now she's the only person who actually understands what he's become.
As far as the cold open, all I want is for them to resolve at least one of the at least 3 different Chekhov's guns they've got going right now.
posted by Copronymus at 10:08 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
I love this, but I was waiting for the volta that never came.
Nothing gets to you, staying fresh, staying cool. The Methmaker!
posted by fiercecupcake at 10:14 AM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
Nothing gets to you, staying fresh, staying cool. The Methmaker!
posted by fiercecupcake at 10:14 AM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
What I wonder is if Walt will ever sample his product, either from his own will or forcibly by someone else.
Watching the opener to this season and the purchasing of that weapon, I wondered the same thing. It's obvious that Walter is falling, just a matter of finding out how hard and who he takes with him.
And looking at some of the comments of this thread and our discussion of Skylar, I think I'm going to have to pull back some of my angst against her. She is carrying an awful lot of weight on her shoulders.
posted by Fizz at 10:23 AM on August 24, 2012
Watching the opener to this season and the purchasing of that weapon, I wondered the same thing. It's obvious that Walter is falling, just a matter of finding out how hard and who he takes with him.
And looking at some of the comments of this thread and our discussion of Skylar, I think I'm going to have to pull back some of my angst against her. She is carrying an awful lot of weight on her shoulders.
what latitude does she really have to do anything differently than she's done?This is definitely something to think about. The choice is straight forward: go along until nature runs it's course or call the cops and take matters into your own hands. She's made her choice.
posted by Fizz at 10:23 AM on August 24, 2012
THAT SHIT IS TIGHT! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
posted by symbioid at 10:24 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by symbioid at 10:24 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
Fizz, there are many artists creating BB portraits right now. You can also find a lot of stuff on Imgur which is where I picked up the ^
posted by growabrain at 10:33 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by growabrain at 10:33 AM on August 24, 2012
The "Mentos" scene is probably my least favorite in the show, because it almost felt like they were just shooting material to fill up the time by the engines rumbling stage.
Walter and Skyler are the most dysfunctional married couple on Earth. The thing that most boggles my mind about them is that they've supposedly been married long enough to raise Jr., when it's clear to me they would have killed each long before his 16th birthday.
They are so into the Tit-for-Tat, "you hurt me so I will hurt you worse" crap it's sickening. Then again, their spiteful maneuvering for who has the most control in the relationship may be the only thing that keeps them going.
I've tried to figure out Skyler, but she makes no sense to me. We already know that Walt makes a bad partner, because his hubris means he is compelled to always by Top Gun in any venutre. So I'm not surprised he sucks at marriage. The bigger mystery is why Skyler is even in the picture. I've often wondered if Skyler got pregnant on purpose, way back in the day, because Walt had this promising startup with Grey Matter and she saw a quick route to riches she wouldn't otherwise get--and then Walt quit and she was stuck with the bed she'd made.
I don't want to ruin Breaking Bad for anyone who isn't up to date, so I'll go easy on the spoilers and just say that after Skyler told Walt what she was waiting for I have no sympathy for her whatsoever.
Which is not to say I'm a big Walt fan, either.
Jesse is currently my favorite character, though I'm honestly disappointed that with all the Emmy nominations for Breaking Bad, someone in the "best supporting actor" category is going to have to lose, because they're all so good--Hank, Gus, even Jesse's posse. The lack of strong, relatable female characters to balance them out is probably my biggest beef with the show.
posted by misha at 10:33 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Walter and Skyler are the most dysfunctional married couple on Earth. The thing that most boggles my mind about them is that they've supposedly been married long enough to raise Jr., when it's clear to me they would have killed each long before his 16th birthday.
They are so into the Tit-for-Tat, "you hurt me so I will hurt you worse" crap it's sickening. Then again, their spiteful maneuvering for who has the most control in the relationship may be the only thing that keeps them going.
I've tried to figure out Skyler, but she makes no sense to me. We already know that Walt makes a bad partner, because his hubris means he is compelled to always by Top Gun in any venutre. So I'm not surprised he sucks at marriage. The bigger mystery is why Skyler is even in the picture. I've often wondered if Skyler got pregnant on purpose, way back in the day, because Walt had this promising startup with Grey Matter and she saw a quick route to riches she wouldn't otherwise get--and then Walt quit and she was stuck with the bed she'd made.
I don't want to ruin Breaking Bad for anyone who isn't up to date, so I'll go easy on the spoilers and just say that after Skyler told Walt what she was waiting for I have no sympathy for her whatsoever.
Which is not to say I'm a big Walt fan, either.
Jesse is currently my favorite character, though I'm honestly disappointed that with all the Emmy nominations for Breaking Bad, someone in the "best supporting actor" category is going to have to lose, because they're all so good--Hank, Gus, even Jesse's posse. The lack of strong, relatable female characters to balance them out is probably my biggest beef with the show.
posted by misha at 10:33 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Re: Skylar -- On the one hand, I hated her at first, then grew sympathetic to her plight, then loved her, and then this season this reversal just seemed so ass backwards, and it pisses me off. She's best when she's strong and powerful. And I get that she's trying to protect her family from what she fears is a horrible outcome... But ... I dunno. I like her when she's really strong. Some people pull off the "weak lady" thing really well, but not her.
Re: Walt - I know he's all evil and shit, but I still have a hard time fully grokking it, and I know he's sliding into deeper depths of trouble and problems, and I know he's at the very least a narcissist if not an outright sociopath. But goddamned if he's such a good narcissist that he doesn't fucking suck me right in with him.
I want to see what the deal is with the opener, that shit is crazy... I was very disappointed to see that kid get shot, and I don't know what the deal is with Matt Damon Jr there -- is he a mole? I have read speculation that "he's not what he seems"... but now I wonder if he's not a fed mole, but maybe someone with a gang or something. Hrmm....
Speaking of characters I hated, Jesse is one - Man I wanted to punch him in the face so many times, but he grew on me, and it was awesome. Badger, though. I would *really* love to punch that fucker in the face.
I think Skinny Pete (is that his name? I thought it was Pete, but I've seen "Skinny P" as well)... is probably my favorite unsung hero of the show. He reminds me of some of these stoner type guys who are just kinda stupid, but really mean no harm to anyone, and you know they're (mostly) a straight shooter (unlike, the feeling I get from Badger who I feel is always just trying to front and shit), and so I'm sympathetic to him. He's a great actor, too.
Fuck, I love this show and I'm gonna be so sad when it's over, though I wish they had 2 full on proper seasons instead of this 1 season broken up into 2...)
posted by symbioid at 10:34 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
Re: Walt - I know he's all evil and shit, but I still have a hard time fully grokking it, and I know he's sliding into deeper depths of trouble and problems, and I know he's at the very least a narcissist if not an outright sociopath. But goddamned if he's such a good narcissist that he doesn't fucking suck me right in with him.
I want to see what the deal is with the opener, that shit is crazy... I was very disappointed to see that kid get shot, and I don't know what the deal is with Matt Damon Jr there -- is he a mole? I have read speculation that "he's not what he seems"... but now I wonder if he's not a fed mole, but maybe someone with a gang or something. Hrmm....
Speaking of characters I hated, Jesse is one - Man I wanted to punch him in the face so many times, but he grew on me, and it was awesome. Badger, though. I would *really* love to punch that fucker in the face.
I think Skinny Pete (is that his name? I thought it was Pete, but I've seen "Skinny P" as well)... is probably my favorite unsung hero of the show. He reminds me of some of these stoner type guys who are just kinda stupid, but really mean no harm to anyone, and you know they're (mostly) a straight shooter (unlike, the feeling I get from Badger who I feel is always just trying to front and shit), and so I'm sympathetic to him. He's a great actor, too.
Fuck, I love this show and I'm gonna be so sad when it's over, though I wish they had 2 full on proper seasons instead of this 1 season broken up into 2...)
posted by symbioid at 10:34 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
Symbioid's comment needs big SPOILER warning tags!
There's this moment with Skinny Pete playing the keyboard--I'm sure you all know what I'm referring to--which really moved me. It was maybe a minute out of an incredible episode, just this tiny vignette in a truly frought season of WTFness, but it summed up so well the tragedy of these men who are caught up in this drug trade. All that damn wasted potential, all that "What might have been...."
It's just so frickin' sad.
posted by misha at 10:42 AM on August 24, 2012 [5 favorites]
There's this moment with Skinny Pete playing the keyboard--I'm sure you all know what I'm referring to--which really moved me. It was maybe a minute out of an incredible episode, just this tiny vignette in a truly frought season of WTFness, but it summed up so well the tragedy of these men who are caught up in this drug trade. All that damn wasted potential, all that "What might have been...."
It's just so frickin' sad.
posted by misha at 10:42 AM on August 24, 2012 [5 favorites]
And, after posting, Burhanistan already went there!
posted by misha at 10:43 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by misha at 10:43 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Between Breaking Bad and Burn Notice, I'm getting pretty tired of the car ads for Chrysler and Hyundai, respectively.
posted by Wild_Eep at 10:48 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by Wild_Eep at 10:48 AM on August 24, 2012
You gotta love how they surprised us with his classical piano playing ability in the scene he had this season.
Burhanistan, I was about to say the same thing. I could see it as sad, like misha, but honestly, when that scene came on, I was straight-up laughing at the ridiculous awesomeness of it, and the fact that he topped it off with being pretty professional in buying the equipment, considering everything we know about him (Badger acted exactly how I expected, though). Wasted potential, sure, but there are so many other examples of wasted potential in the show that I am sort of desensitized to seeing it in the Breaking Bad universe.
posted by mysterpigg at 10:50 AM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
Burhanistan, I was about to say the same thing. I could see it as sad, like misha, but honestly, when that scene came on, I was straight-up laughing at the ridiculous awesomeness of it, and the fact that he topped it off with being pretty professional in buying the equipment, considering everything we know about him (Badger acted exactly how I expected, though). Wasted potential, sure, but there are so many other examples of wasted potential in the show that I am sort of desensitized to seeing it in the Breaking Bad universe.
posted by mysterpigg at 10:50 AM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
From BB-Wiki:
Skinny Pete has also shown to be extremely talented at the piano in Season 5 Episode 3 "Hazard Pay". Playing the keyboard flawlessly until Badger "chimed in" with a double-neck guitar. Whether he is a savant when it comes to his musical abilities is unclear.posted by Fizz at 10:56 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Walter and Skyler are the most dysfunctional married couple on Earth. The thing that most boggles my mind about them is that they've supposedly been married long enough to raise Jr., when it's clear to me they would have killed each long before his 16th birthday.
Before he started cooking meth, Walter was a total doormat. I don't see any way he would have created any sort of conflict that would even escalate to the level of shouting match, let alone something physically violent. He's been more than making up for it over the course of the show, though, and he's sort of working his way back through all of the suppressed anger he's ever felt, so that now that he's shown Skyler that he is Great and Powerful, he's going back to his feelings on Grey Matter and who knows where from there? He was a very weak man for a very long time, so I wouldn't be surprised if his mental tally of perceived slights is extensive.
Honestly, he would probably be both more sympathetic and less likely to get caught if he weren't so obsessed with showing up anyone who ever thought he was weak.
posted by Copronymus at 10:59 AM on August 24, 2012 [7 favorites]
Before he started cooking meth, Walter was a total doormat. I don't see any way he would have created any sort of conflict that would even escalate to the level of shouting match, let alone something physically violent. He's been more than making up for it over the course of the show, though, and he's sort of working his way back through all of the suppressed anger he's ever felt, so that now that he's shown Skyler that he is Great and Powerful, he's going back to his feelings on Grey Matter and who knows where from there? He was a very weak man for a very long time, so I wouldn't be surprised if his mental tally of perceived slights is extensive.
Honestly, he would probably be both more sympathetic and less likely to get caught if he weren't so obsessed with showing up anyone who ever thought he was weak.
posted by Copronymus at 10:59 AM on August 24, 2012 [7 favorites]
Yes, the revving-engines scheme was pretty much pure Chrysler product placement; they talk about it in the Insider podcast for the episode. Gilligan & co say they only do placement when it makes sense to the story; but that makes the occasional blatant placement -- see also the Albertsons plug last week -- yank me right out of the story.
they've supposedly been married long enough to raise Jr.
If I remember it right, their 16th anniversary falls a few months (of in-show time) before Jr's 16th birthday.
(I also wondered if they were dropping a few doubts a few seasons back about Jr.'s paternity. The shotgun wedding; there's a throwaway "I remember that" line that suggests that Skylar and Ted's acquaintance goes back to high school; there's a throwaway compliment from Ted that Jr. has "good genes"; there's Ted-getting-handy history from Skylar's previous time at Beneke that she lied to Walt about ("welding fumes"). Although the Ted storyline seems mostly finished now.)
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 11:08 AM on August 24, 2012 [5 favorites]
they've supposedly been married long enough to raise Jr.
If I remember it right, their 16th anniversary falls a few months (of in-show time) before Jr's 16th birthday.
(I also wondered if they were dropping a few doubts a few seasons back about Jr.'s paternity. The shotgun wedding; there's a throwaway "I remember that" line that suggests that Skylar and Ted's acquaintance goes back to high school; there's a throwaway compliment from Ted that Jr. has "good genes"; there's Ted-getting-handy history from Skylar's previous time at Beneke that she lied to Walt about ("welding fumes"). Although the Ted storyline seems mostly finished now.)
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 11:08 AM on August 24, 2012 [5 favorites]
I wonder if Skinny Pete's character had this multi-handed rendition in mind when playing.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:12 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:12 AM on August 24, 2012
I don't know what the deal is with Matt Damon Jr there -- is he a mole?
This reminds me: I was following the SA thread during the airing of Dead Freight and there was some speculation flying around about whether Todd was undercover police, fueled somewhat by his inquisitive nature during the scene where they're filling the tank with water. I mean, I'm not exactly an underworld mastermind or anything, but it is generally my understanding that we do not ask a lot of questions when we are brought in as muscle to assist in a criminal enterprise. People were going back and forth about it and I was pretty convinced myself, to be honest.
After the end of the episode, I sat and thought about it for a moment, then refreshed the thread. The first new post:
"O.O Todd: not a cop."
It would be kind of interesting if he was a cartel plant, or maybe from the crew of the fellow who tried to buy the methylamine. I personally feel like it would be best for the rest of Walt's downfall to come from forces with which we are already familiar, though; conflicts with Mike and Jesse and potentially the DEA, etc.
posted by IAmUnaware at 11:14 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
This reminds me: I was following the SA thread during the airing of Dead Freight and there was some speculation flying around about whether Todd was undercover police, fueled somewhat by his inquisitive nature during the scene where they're filling the tank with water. I mean, I'm not exactly an underworld mastermind or anything, but it is generally my understanding that we do not ask a lot of questions when we are brought in as muscle to assist in a criminal enterprise. People were going back and forth about it and I was pretty convinced myself, to be honest.
After the end of the episode, I sat and thought about it for a moment, then refreshed the thread. The first new post:
"O.O Todd: not a cop."
It would be kind of interesting if he was a cartel plant, or maybe from the crew of the fellow who tried to buy the methylamine. I personally feel like it would be best for the rest of Walt's downfall to come from forces with which we are already familiar, though; conflicts with Mike and Jesse and potentially the DEA, etc.
posted by IAmUnaware at 11:14 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
I'm not exactly an underworld mastermind or anything, but it is generally my understanding that we do not ask a lot of questions when we are brought in as muscle to assist in a criminal enterprise
Exposition.
posted by Fizz at 11:16 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
Exposition.
posted by Fizz at 11:16 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]
I'm thinking that cold opening will stay cold until 2013.
Yep. Remember, he just had his 51st birthday the beginning of this season, marking the one year anniversary of his diagnosis, which was the very beginning of the series, seaon 1, episode 1. There's no way he's turning 52 within 2 weeks. I'm betting that cold open is the opening scene of the very last episode of the series.
posted by The Deej at 11:17 AM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
Yep. Remember, he just had his 51st birthday the beginning of this season, marking the one year anniversary of his diagnosis, which was the very beginning of the series, seaon 1, episode 1. There's no way he's turning 52 within 2 weeks. I'm betting that cold open is the opening scene of the very last episode of the series.
posted by The Deej at 11:17 AM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
Exposition.
This is not generally held to be a good diegetic explanation. I know why the writers wrote the scene. What's important is why Todd asked the questions. At this point it looks like he's probably just inquisitive (and it's probably lucky for him that Walt and Jesse are the sort of men they are and not, say, the sort of man Tuco was), but in the moment it looked awfully fishy. I would hope after all we've seen that it wasn't visible craft, because the writers have generally been better than that.
posted by IAmUnaware at 11:22 AM on August 24, 2012
This is not generally held to be a good diegetic explanation. I know why the writers wrote the scene. What's important is why Todd asked the questions. At this point it looks like he's probably just inquisitive (and it's probably lucky for him that Walt and Jesse are the sort of men they are and not, say, the sort of man Tuco was), but in the moment it looked awfully fishy. I would hope after all we've seen that it wasn't visible craft, because the writers have generally been better than that.
posted by IAmUnaware at 11:22 AM on August 24, 2012
This is not generally held to be a good diegetic explanation
Oh, I agree, it's much better to show than to tell. And for the most part, Breaking Bad stays true to this but occasionally they have to tell the story as a story.
I don't think he's a cop and it never crossed my mind. I think he's from a family that sees something and knows how to capitalize on it. The rest of that "family" could easily become a problem for our venture capitalists.
posted by Fizz at 11:31 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Oh, I agree, it's much better to show than to tell. And for the most part, Breaking Bad stays true to this but occasionally they have to tell the story as a story.
I don't think he's a cop and it never crossed my mind. I think he's from a family that sees something and knows how to capitalize on it. The rest of that "family" could easily become a problem for our venture capitalists.
posted by Fizz at 11:31 AM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Re: Walt - I know he's all evil and shit, but I still have a hard time fully grokking it, and I know he's sliding into deeper depths of trouble and problems, and I know he's at the very least a narcissist if not an outright sociopath.
POSSIBLE MILD SPOILERS BELOW
My lovely bride and I recently started re-watching the whole series starting from Episode 1, Season 1. Knowing Walt as we do now, we watched with the premise that Walt was basically an evil shit from the beginning, but without the motivation or venue to express his evilness. From the very first episode we started to feel like we had been suckered into liking this jackass when the clues of his sociopathy were there all along! Even Jesse, in the very first episode, says something like "a square like you doesn't just break bad overnight!"
My theory became that Walt's evil side was just looking for a way to get out. His cancer diagnosis coupled with his proximity to the meth trade through his DEA brother-in-law provided it. I feel like his plan was to go to the dark side with the excuse of "providing for his family" (but we now know there is at least some Grey Matter revenge there), and then he would die without having to face the consequences of his actions. But one major thing went wrong with his plan: he didn't die. Now he has to live in the world he created.
posted by The Deej at 11:35 AM on August 24, 2012 [6 favorites]
POSSIBLE MILD SPOILERS BELOW
My lovely bride and I recently started re-watching the whole series starting from Episode 1, Season 1. Knowing Walt as we do now, we watched with the premise that Walt was basically an evil shit from the beginning, but without the motivation or venue to express his evilness. From the very first episode we started to feel like we had been suckered into liking this jackass when the clues of his sociopathy were there all along! Even Jesse, in the very first episode, says something like "a square like you doesn't just break bad overnight!"
My theory became that Walt's evil side was just looking for a way to get out. His cancer diagnosis coupled with his proximity to the meth trade through his DEA brother-in-law provided it. I feel like his plan was to go to the dark side with the excuse of "providing for his family" (but we now know there is at least some Grey Matter revenge there), and then he would die without having to face the consequences of his actions. But one major thing went wrong with his plan: he didn't die. Now he has to live in the world he created.
posted by The Deej at 11:35 AM on August 24, 2012 [6 favorites]
So - this whole thing is just a 5 season long Charles Atlas advertisement?
posted by symbioid at 11:41 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by symbioid at 11:41 AM on August 24, 2012
Oh god, that was my first full laugh of the day. Thank you for this.
posted by jbickers at 11:43 AM on August 24, 2012
posted by jbickers at 11:43 AM on August 24, 2012
I'm betting that cold open is the opening scene of the very last episode of the series.
What if it's the very last scene of the series? I'd be impressed if they could pull that off. Context is everything!
posted by palidor at 11:46 AM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
What if it's the very last scene of the series? I'd be impressed if they could pull that off. Context is everything!
posted by palidor at 11:46 AM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
Agreed with Copronymous above: Walter White was a total doormat after years of internalizing the destruction of his relationship with Gretchen and leaving Grey Matter. He met Skyler, beautiful cool blond brilliant Skyler, and was probably very attracted to her total Control Freak tendencies. He pretty much retired his agency, passively took the only job he thought he could get, and let her make every decision that needed to be made.
It's not like it's been an easy coast for them, either- Walter Jr's medical problems were probably extremely stressful for them when he was a child, though he is really independent now. It was still a long road for them, and probably helped cement their parental roles where Skyler made all the decisions and Walt just agreed with her.
We meet Walter and Skyler in the pilot episode at the point when Walter decides to make some changes to his life, a life he only passively controlled until now. Skyler is quite used to being the one in charge, and when you try to wrestle control from a Control Freak, you end up in a battle of wills. We saw that for seasons. Skyler is now in a position where she is grasping for the only control she can have, while Walt doesn't even know what to do with the control now that he has it.
posted by aabbbiee at 11:47 AM on August 24, 2012 [7 favorites]
It's not like it's been an easy coast for them, either- Walter Jr's medical problems were probably extremely stressful for them when he was a child, though he is really independent now. It was still a long road for them, and probably helped cement their parental roles where Skyler made all the decisions and Walt just agreed with her.
We meet Walter and Skyler in the pilot episode at the point when Walter decides to make some changes to his life, a life he only passively controlled until now. Skyler is quite used to being the one in charge, and when you try to wrestle control from a Control Freak, you end up in a battle of wills. We saw that for seasons. Skyler is now in a position where she is grasping for the only control she can have, while Walt doesn't even know what to do with the control now that he has it.
posted by aabbbiee at 11:47 AM on August 24, 2012 [7 favorites]
Although the Ted storyline seems mostly finished now.
I dunno ... after all he's gone through, finding out that Junior isn't actually his son? That could prove to be the one final indignity that leads to a truly horrific, oh-my-god-I-never-thought-he'd-do-that kind of finale. Which this show has kinda trained me to expect.
posted by jbickers at 11:56 AM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
I dunno ... after all he's gone through, finding out that Junior isn't actually his son? That could prove to be the one final indignity that leads to a truly horrific, oh-my-god-I-never-thought-he'd-do-that kind of finale. Which this show has kinda trained me to expect.
posted by jbickers at 11:56 AM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
I don't think Ted would necessarily have be the father, but I wouldn't be surprised if we find out Skylar cuckolded Walt. He seems to be the person who has had that sort of betrayal happen to him at major points in his life.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:32 PM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:32 PM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
I like her when she's really strong. Some people pull off the "weak lady" thing really well, but not her.
Yeah, but she's not being weak. She's being really, really, fucking restrained. The scenes between her and her sister, where she has to do everything in her power not to just punch that busybody in the neck, are awesome. You can practically hear her teeth grinding.
(Me, I'm betting on Junior getting tweaked on blue and fiery-crashing his Challenger.)
posted by Sys Rq at 12:35 PM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
Yeah, but she's not being weak. She's being really, really, fucking restrained. The scenes between her and her sister, where she has to do everything in her power not to just punch that busybody in the neck, are awesome. You can practically hear her teeth grinding.
(Me, I'm betting on Junior getting tweaked on blue and fiery-crashing his Challenger.)
posted by Sys Rq at 12:35 PM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
So what’s the deal with people not being able to spell Skyler? Up until now I had figured that it was just a problem on sites like Reddit. But Mefites are even worse offenders in that regard than Redditors (spell check wants me to replace that with Radiators).
posted by Huplescat at 12:43 PM on August 24, 2012
posted by Huplescat at 12:43 PM on August 24, 2012
I hate Skyler hate. Stop hating TV wives people.
posted by yellowbinder at 12:43 PM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by yellowbinder at 12:43 PM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
So what’s the deal with people not being able to spell Skyler? Up until now I had figured that it was just a problem on sites like Reddit. But Mefites are even worse offenders in that regard than Redditors (spell check wants me to replace that with Radiators).
You're right. I can't spell her name. Even the "Stop hating TV wives" piece linked up above can't spell her name right. No matter what people think of her, it's kind of an odd name.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:46 PM on August 24, 2012
You're right. I can't spell her name. Even the "Stop hating TV wives" piece linked up above can't spell her name right. No matter what people think of her, it's kind of an odd name.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:46 PM on August 24, 2012
Oh my Junior getting into the blue stuff would be amazing. I kind of doubt they'd go there though, they've been very careful to keep him as the one "pure" character. I don't think we've even seen any of his friends.
posted by yellowbinder at 12:50 PM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by yellowbinder at 12:50 PM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
It's clearly spelled Schuyler
posted by symbioid at 12:57 PM on August 24, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by symbioid at 12:57 PM on August 24, 2012 [6 favorites]
I don't think we've even seen any of his friends.
There was this scene.
I think if they were going to go down the "Walt Jr. gets hooked on Dad's product" path they would have done it already. They probably figured it's too predictable of a development so nixed the idea early, or something. Though at least it would give a horribly underutilized character something to do, heh.
posted by palidor at 1:02 PM on August 24, 2012
There was this scene.
I think if they were going to go down the "Walt Jr. gets hooked on Dad's product" path they would have done it already. They probably figured it's too predictable of a development so nixed the idea early, or something. Though at least it would give a horribly underutilized character something to do, heh.
posted by palidor at 1:02 PM on August 24, 2012
Maybe Walt Jr. Finds out, narcs off Walt, and Walt is getting the gun in order to kill Walt Jr.... OOOOOOOOOOOOH!
posted by symbioid at 1:10 PM on August 24, 2012
posted by symbioid at 1:10 PM on August 24, 2012
Skaiyluhrrr
posted by Senor Cardgage at 1:26 PM on August 24, 2012
posted by Senor Cardgage at 1:26 PM on August 24, 2012
I like Skylark.
posted by Elmore at 1:31 PM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Elmore at 1:31 PM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Well, at least when she married Walt she got off easy with a last name like White.
Little-known fact: Skyler's maiden name is Hfuhruhurr.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 1:35 PM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
Little-known fact: Skyler's maiden name is Hfuhruhurr.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 1:35 PM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
The issue with Skyler is for 4 seasons she was mainly an obstacle for the plot moving forward. She's a real world person butting her head into a noir universe.
Skyler's always been a voice of reason, the character that appears for at least five minutes each episode and prevents Walt from acting. We're watching a TV show, not real life, so it's frustrating to have her show up and slow things down. The show hasn't made much of an effort to make her be much more than "unhappy housewife." She's had maybe one or two moments to be clever (the IRS maneuvering, the carwash deal), otherwise she's been far more of a plot device than an actual character. She's one of the few character's who is played straight (along with Marie, Walt Jr. and sometimes Jessie). They aren't really as fun to watch when we could be spending time with Walt, Hank, Gus or Mike. Skinny Pete's more memorable than her. In the real world, obviously Skyler's one of the few characters we'd want to hang out with, but on TV I'd rather watch people who move the plot forward. You can sympathize with her, but she isn't really fun to watch.
However, this season they've done some interesting things with Skyler, going down a different route than The Sopranos did with Carmella (whom Skyler resembled way too much for too long). The birthday episode was by far her highlight of the series.
posted by bittermensch at 1:40 PM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
Skyler's always been a voice of reason, the character that appears for at least five minutes each episode and prevents Walt from acting. We're watching a TV show, not real life, so it's frustrating to have her show up and slow things down. The show hasn't made much of an effort to make her be much more than "unhappy housewife." She's had maybe one or two moments to be clever (the IRS maneuvering, the carwash deal), otherwise she's been far more of a plot device than an actual character. She's one of the few character's who is played straight (along with Marie, Walt Jr. and sometimes Jessie). They aren't really as fun to watch when we could be spending time with Walt, Hank, Gus or Mike. Skinny Pete's more memorable than her. In the real world, obviously Skyler's one of the few characters we'd want to hang out with, but on TV I'd rather watch people who move the plot forward. You can sympathize with her, but she isn't really fun to watch.
However, this season they've done some interesting things with Skyler, going down a different route than The Sopranos did with Carmella (whom Skyler resembled way too much for too long). The birthday episode was by far her highlight of the series.
posted by bittermensch at 1:40 PM on August 24, 2012 [4 favorites]
As much as I don't want the last scene of next Sunday's episode to be Hank finding out about Walt's activities (kind of predictable, and really I just hate cliffhangers), it might be interesting if that happens, Walt goes into hiding, and the final eight episodes are presented from the perspective of Hank and the DEA trying to bring down the Heiseinberg Meth Empire. I mean, I guess I'd prefer they didn't do that, but it'd be in line with the transformation-into-villain idea. We're still able to sympathize with Walt to varying degrees simply because the story is being presented with him in the forefront, whether you still want to call him a protagonist or not. Switch up the perspective and it'll leave no doubt who the bad guy is.
Actually I really hope that doesn't happen, but the idea just popped into my head.
posted by palidor at 2:18 PM on August 24, 2012
Actually I really hope that doesn't happen, but the idea just popped into my head.
posted by palidor at 2:18 PM on August 24, 2012
I've often wondered if Skyler got pregnant on purpose, way back in the day, because Walt had this promising startup with Grey Matter and she saw a quick route to riches she wouldn't otherwise get
Walt was dating his lab assistant Gretchen right up until the time he left Grey Matter (Explained in season 2).
Ok, technically, I guess a pregnant girl-on-the-side could explain why Walt mysteriously ditched his girlfriend and company.
posted by dgaicun at 2:50 PM on August 24, 2012
Walt was dating his lab assistant Gretchen right up until the time he left Grey Matter (Explained in season 2).
Ok, technically, I guess a pregnant girl-on-the-side could explain why Walt mysteriously ditched his girlfriend and company.
posted by dgaicun at 2:50 PM on August 24, 2012
It's clearly spelled Schuyler
Count me among those who assumed this was the correct spelling until I started reading recaps.
posted by thivaia at 2:57 PM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Count me among those who assumed this was the correct spelling until I started reading recaps.
posted by thivaia at 2:57 PM on August 24, 2012 [1 favorite]
Knowing Walt as we do now, we watched with the premise that Walt was basically an evil shit from the beginning, but without the motivation or venue to express his evilness.
I agree with this. I don't think Walt was as doormatty as we imagine he was, I think he was a "pick up my toys and go home since you don't appreciate me" kind of person. He clearly could have picked up a better paying chemistry job with some benefits, he just didn't want to anymore.
You can sympathize with her, but she isn't really fun to watch.
No, not until lately. But people didn't feel sympathetic, they felt hatred. I think it's interesting, because among other things, no one really wanted to see Breaking Bad where Walt had nothing impeding him at all.
As much as I don't want the last scene of next Sunday's episode to be Hank finding out about Walt's activities (kind of predictable, and really I just hate cliffhangers), it might be interesting if that happens
Hank has to find out, eventually. (I still think this will torch his career.) It wouldn't make sense if he doesn't. I agree that having it a huge cliffhanger for a year (jerks, jerky jerks, making us wait a year for the show, jerk) would suck. But we need time to let Hank deal with this, so I can't see it happening more than a bit into the last 8 episodes.
posted by jeather at 3:00 PM on August 24, 2012
I agree with this. I don't think Walt was as doormatty as we imagine he was, I think he was a "pick up my toys and go home since you don't appreciate me" kind of person. He clearly could have picked up a better paying chemistry job with some benefits, he just didn't want to anymore.
You can sympathize with her, but she isn't really fun to watch.
No, not until lately. But people didn't feel sympathetic, they felt hatred. I think it's interesting, because among other things, no one really wanted to see Breaking Bad where Walt had nothing impeding him at all.
As much as I don't want the last scene of next Sunday's episode to be Hank finding out about Walt's activities (kind of predictable, and really I just hate cliffhangers), it might be interesting if that happens
Hank has to find out, eventually. (I still think this will torch his career.) It wouldn't make sense if he doesn't. I agree that having it a huge cliffhanger for a year (jerks, jerky jerks, making us wait a year for the show, jerk) would suck. But we need time to let Hank deal with this, so I can't see it happening more than a bit into the last 8 episodes.
posted by jeather at 3:00 PM on August 24, 2012
Oh, I was hoping Hank would have already found out by this point, just so there would be a lot of time for things to get crazy. And if they want to do it in the first couple episodes of the final 8, I guess that's fine too. I just hate cliffhangers. Splitting the final season up is already bad enough, they don't need to make us suffer by compounding the problem with another cheap viewer-baiting tactic!
posted by palidor at 3:14 PM on August 24, 2012
posted by palidor at 3:14 PM on August 24, 2012
Sorry for the awkward phrasing, but I'll bet Hank knows that knowing — once he knows — would end his career, just like it ruined it for his former boss.
The damage Fring and (indirectly) Walt have done to his body and mind (and the strain that put on his relationship with his wife), it would make him a very interesting character if he held back on that knowledge and went solo to take down Heisenberg, before the DEA finds out and removes him from the office (again).
I keep thinking back to that poker game between Walt and Hank way, way back, where Walt bluffs his way into taking the pot. Maybe once Hank figures it out, he'll have to play a long game, bluffing for much bigger stakes, a game that keeps both Walt and the DEA in the dark until he can nail the Heisenberg case once and for all.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:33 PM on August 24, 2012
The damage Fring and (indirectly) Walt have done to his body and mind (and the strain that put on his relationship with his wife), it would make him a very interesting character if he held back on that knowledge and went solo to take down Heisenberg, before the DEA finds out and removes him from the office (again).
I keep thinking back to that poker game between Walt and Hank way, way back, where Walt bluffs his way into taking the pot. Maybe once Hank figures it out, he'll have to play a long game, bluffing for much bigger stakes, a game that keeps both Walt and the DEA in the dark until he can nail the Heisenberg case once and for all.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:33 PM on August 24, 2012
I've often wondered just how far the White family loyalties lie.
We all know that Hank is the best DEA investigator (though he is working the desk job now), and it seems like just a matter of time until Walt is found out. If it came down to it, would Walt Jr. turn his Dad in to his Uncle Hank? I might even have thought so in the beginning, but the last few episodes have really worked on Walt and Jr. bonding, so we may be preparing to test just how that would play out.
Also, if Hank found out about Jesse and Walt, how far would Walt go to protect himself and his family? Hank and Marie are family, but they aren't Walt's kids. If it came down to a showdown between Hank and Walt, could Walt take Hank out? Could Hank take down his brother-in-law? And what if Jr. came between them?
It's just an interesting line for speculation. Too bad Walt doesn't have a daughter to get interested in Jesse to add to the Family Ties complications.
posted by misha at 3:35 PM on August 24, 2012
We all know that Hank is the best DEA investigator (though he is working the desk job now), and it seems like just a matter of time until Walt is found out. If it came down to it, would Walt Jr. turn his Dad in to his Uncle Hank? I might even have thought so in the beginning, but the last few episodes have really worked on Walt and Jr. bonding, so we may be preparing to test just how that would play out.
Also, if Hank found out about Jesse and Walt, how far would Walt go to protect himself and his family? Hank and Marie are family, but they aren't Walt's kids. If it came down to a showdown between Hank and Walt, could Walt take Hank out? Could Hank take down his brother-in-law? And what if Jr. came between them?
It's just an interesting line for speculation. Too bad Walt doesn't have a daughter to get interested in Jesse to add to the Family Ties complications.
posted by misha at 3:35 PM on August 24, 2012
My youngest shih tzu is named Schuyler, and nobody can spell/pronounce it correctly! And this in a place where you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Dutch-American person.
I always think of Walt and Skyler as Mr. and Mrs. Walter Mitty, with personality disorders.
The cold open did get defrosted a bit with the bacon explanation, so that's something to tide us over until 2013.
posted by FelliniBlank at 4:15 PM on August 24, 2012
I always think of Walt and Skyler as Mr. and Mrs. Walter Mitty, with personality disorders.
The cold open did get defrosted a bit with the bacon explanation, so that's something to tide us over until 2013.
posted by FelliniBlank at 4:15 PM on August 24, 2012
The cold open did get defrosted a bit with the bacon explanation, so that's something to tide us over until 2013
The pilot episode took place on Walt's 50th birthday, and showed Skyler presenting Walt with his bacon in the shape of a 50. Not that anyone should be expected to remember that!
posted by The Deej at 4:28 PM on August 24, 2012
The pilot episode took place on Walt's 50th birthday, and showed Skyler presenting Walt with his bacon in the shape of a 50. Not that anyone should be expected to remember that!
posted by The Deej at 4:28 PM on August 24, 2012
I've often wondered just how far the White family loyalties lie.
I'll tell you one thing: Marie would sell the whole pack of them, including Jr./Flynn and Hank, right down the fucking river to get her claws into Holly for good.
I predicted early last season that Marie will end up with Holly when the dust settles, and things seem to be leaning thataway so far, but we'll see. . . . The progession we have seen in Walt's attitudes about young folks, from Jesse's girlfriend to the drug-dealer kids to Brock to dirtbike kid, well, I don't feel 100% secure about the longterm safety of Jr. or Holly.
posted by FelliniBlank at 4:29 PM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
I'll tell you one thing: Marie would sell the whole pack of them, including Jr./Flynn and Hank, right down the fucking river to get her claws into Holly for good.
I predicted early last season that Marie will end up with Holly when the dust settles, and things seem to be leaning thataway so far, but we'll see. . . . The progession we have seen in Walt's attitudes about young folks, from Jesse's girlfriend to the drug-dealer kids to Brock to dirtbike kid, well, I don't feel 100% secure about the longterm safety of Jr. or Holly.
posted by FelliniBlank at 4:29 PM on August 24, 2012 [3 favorites]
The pilot episode took place on Walt's 50th birthday, and showed Skyler presenting Walt with his bacon in the shape of a 50. Not that anyone should be expected to remember that!
Yikes, time for dopey me to have a re-watching marathon, but I was trying to wait until the end.
posted by FelliniBlank at 4:30 PM on August 24, 2012
Yikes, time for dopey me to have a re-watching marathon, but I was trying to wait until the end.
posted by FelliniBlank at 4:30 PM on August 24, 2012
In the latest episode when Marie said to Skyler about Holly, "I could just keep her forever!" my brain immediately shouted HA HA! FORESHADOWING!
posted by palidor at 5:40 PM on August 24, 2012
posted by palidor at 5:40 PM on August 24, 2012
SPOILER
Thus far, the only thing that irritates me is the ricin Chekovian thing. Enough with the ricin. Sure, it got us "Like rice and beans?" But I love anything that Jesse utters anyway, so enuf with the ricin.
posted by angrycat at 7:12 AM on August 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
Thus far, the only thing that irritates me is the ricin Chekovian thing. Enough with the ricin. Sure, it got us "Like rice and beans?" But I love anything that Jesse utters anyway, so enuf with the ricin.
posted by angrycat at 7:12 AM on August 25, 2012 [1 favorite]
I don't feel 100% secure about the longterm safety of Jr. or Holly.
I don't feel secure about Floyd's safety, but I still don't believe that Walt will (intentionally) hurt him, no matter what. He wants Jr. to respect him - I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up telling Jr. outright, thinking that he'll be a "big man" in Jr.'s eyes. He's empire-building, but not for the sake of having the empire, but proving that he can. And his son is the one to whom he's proving it.
posted by Lemurrhea at 12:37 PM on August 25, 2012
I don't feel secure about Floyd's safety, but I still don't believe that Walt will (intentionally) hurt him, no matter what. He wants Jr. to respect him - I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up telling Jr. outright, thinking that he'll be a "big man" in Jr.'s eyes. He's empire-building, but not for the sake of having the empire, but proving that he can. And his son is the one to whom he's proving it.
posted by Lemurrhea at 12:37 PM on August 25, 2012
I was expecting this to be some kind of edit of lab scenes and the Mentos/Diet Coke guys but this was even better! Thanks for posting it.
posted by Room 641-A at 4:46 PM on August 25, 2012
posted by Room 641-A at 4:46 PM on August 25, 2012
They don't need to kill off Walt Jr. for it to be an utter tragedy. He doesn't even need to know about his dad's other life. Just a slow unravelling of the myth of his role model's greatness should be enough make him lose all respect for his father. That is eternally damaging and Flynn is getting there.
What's been so hard for me to watch this season is how Walt has manipulated his son's innocence and naivety, and he has bought it all, exalting his father even higher. With Skylar as forced silent witness. I'm torn because I view it as the horror trope "Don't open that door!" and at the same time, I want that door to be busted wide open, skeletons on the other side and all. Which could destroy him.
Like I said, tragedy.
posted by iamkimiam at 6:26 PM on August 25, 2012 [4 favorites]
What's been so hard for me to watch this season is how Walt has manipulated his son's innocence and naivety, and he has bought it all, exalting his father even higher. With Skylar as forced silent witness. I'm torn because I view it as the horror trope "Don't open that door!" and at the same time, I want that door to be busted wide open, skeletons on the other side and all. Which could destroy him.
Like I said, tragedy.
posted by iamkimiam at 6:26 PM on August 25, 2012 [4 favorites]
Yeah, that minisode is great...it explains a little bit of what might have been going through Hank's head when he and Marie were driving in the car over to Walt and Skyler's and she was like, "Oh, I know...Walt told me. It's about [the big I-word here]."
Also, Marie's minisode where's she's vlogging for her therapist (that can't be the right way to describe it) and then she's explaining to Skyler how great her therapy has been.
It's just hilarious how they're obliquely working these minisodes in. You don't need to see 'em, but there's this tiny little payoff if you do.
posted by iamkimiam at 11:28 AM on August 26, 2012
Also, Marie's minisode where's she's vlogging for her therapist (that can't be the right way to describe it) and then she's explaining to Skyler how great her therapy has been.
It's just hilarious how they're obliquely working these minisodes in. You don't need to see 'em, but there's this tiny little payoff if you do.
posted by iamkimiam at 11:28 AM on August 26, 2012
The TwaughtHammer minisode has the pink teddy bear in it, heh.
Actually watching some of these makes me kind of sad because of the contrast with the more recent darker developments. PLEASE JESSE RUN AWAY AND GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER! BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!
posted by palidor at 7:55 PM on August 26, 2012
Actually watching some of these makes me kind of sad because of the contrast with the more recent darker developments. PLEASE JESSE RUN AWAY AND GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER! BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!
posted by palidor at 7:55 PM on August 26, 2012
Bloody fucking hell, Walter!
The all-purpose spoiler-free reaction to everyfifth season episode of Breaking Bad.
posted by palidor at 11:52 PM on August 26, 2012 [3 favorites]
The all-purpose spoiler-free reaction to every
posted by palidor at 11:52 PM on August 26, 2012 [3 favorites]
Wow.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:36 AM on August 27, 2012
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:36 AM on August 27, 2012
I hope someone can explain to me why the lawyer flipped; I don't really understand the crime he committed.
I kind of thought that episode was a mess :(
posted by palidor at 2:53 AM on August 27, 2012
I kind of thought that episode was a mess :(
posted by palidor at 2:53 AM on August 27, 2012
I hope someone can explain to me why the lawyer flipped; I don't really understand the crime he committed.
I'm pretty sure it's technically illegal to store US currency in a US safe deposit box. Being caught in the act opens him up to all sorts of "where did that cash come from" questions, along with investigating him for anything else that might be improper.
posted by The Deej at 8:26 AM on August 27, 2012
I'm pretty sure it's technically illegal to store US currency in a US safe deposit box. Being caught in the act opens him up to all sorts of "where did that cash come from" questions, along with investigating him for anything else that might be improper.
posted by The Deej at 8:26 AM on August 27, 2012
Why did Mike ever let Walt be the one to get his bag? Jesse offered! This is episode number two of Mike acting uncharacteristically stupid.
posted by jeather at 9:44 AM on August 27, 2012
posted by jeather at 9:44 AM on August 27, 2012
I hope someone can explain to me why the lawyer flipped; I don't really understand the crime he committed.
Maybe he'll have to otherwise explain all that cash to the IRS. Or he could talk to a couple of nice guys like Hank and Gomie. Those IRS agents can be real assholes. Maybe it's something about their job?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:32 AM on August 27, 2012
Maybe he'll have to otherwise explain all that cash to the IRS. Or he could talk to a couple of nice guys like Hank and Gomie. Those IRS agents can be real assholes. Maybe it's something about their job?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:32 AM on August 27, 2012
Why did Mike ever let Walt be the one to get his bag? Jesse offered! This is episode number two of Mike acting uncharacteristically stupid.
I took it that Mike was protecting Jesse -- on the off chance that the DEA might catch him delivering the bag? Or just generally helping Jesse stay "out" of everything?
posted by FelliniBlank at 12:50 PM on August 27, 2012 [2 favorites]
I took it that Mike was protecting Jesse -- on the off chance that the DEA might catch him delivering the bag? Or just generally helping Jesse stay "out" of everything?
posted by FelliniBlank at 12:50 PM on August 27, 2012 [2 favorites]
Mike is the kind of guy that can make peace and deliver a punch in just a few moments of sitting on stump by a river.
posted by iamkimiam at 3:59 PM on August 27, 2012
posted by iamkimiam at 3:59 PM on August 27, 2012
Interesting. This is the first time a challenge to Walt's ego has so directly resulted in violence. And when was the last time Walt apologized for anything, sincerely? The fly episode?
W/r/t to the bag thing and the convenience of Walt overhearing stuff at the DEA: Yeah, it felt like the writers had to get from A to B and with all the balls in the air, things had to be forced a bit.
posted by angrycat at 5:34 PM on August 27, 2012
W/r/t to the bag thing and the convenience of Walt overhearing stuff at the DEA: Yeah, it felt like the writers had to get from A to B and with all the balls in the air, things had to be forced a bit.
posted by angrycat at 5:34 PM on August 27, 2012
no one really wanted to see Breaking Bad where Walt had nothing impeding him at all.
It's also interesting how this piggy-backs on Sky's narrative within the show, where Walter keeps forcing her to be the bad one who Walt Jr. hates for preventing him from getting what he wants. Her function as a character is just as thankless and filled with undeserved anger as her function as a mother.
Too bad Walt doesn't have a daughter to get interested in Jesse to add to the Family Ties complications.
Well, he does have an already once-infidelious wife. Plus, it would make the already amazing scenes of Jesse and the White Family even better.
posted by Copronymus at 2:31 PM on August 28, 2012
It's also interesting how this piggy-backs on Sky's narrative within the show, where Walter keeps forcing her to be the bad one who Walt Jr. hates for preventing him from getting what he wants. Her function as a character is just as thankless and filled with undeserved anger as her function as a mother.
Too bad Walt doesn't have a daughter to get interested in Jesse to add to the Family Ties complications.
Well, he does have an already once-infidelious wife. Plus, it would make the already amazing scenes of Jesse and the White Family even better.
posted by Copronymus at 2:31 PM on August 28, 2012
So, um, did Mike still have his phone? 'Cause, like, if so...
Right?
There's a bit of a lack of closure there, is all.
posted by Sys Rq at 12:58 PM on August 29, 2012 [1 favorite]
Right?
There's a bit of a lack of closure there, is all.
posted by Sys Rq at 12:58 PM on August 29, 2012 [1 favorite]
Every episode ends with a lack of closure. Then they have another episode.
This one ended with Walt still standing there. I'm sure the next episode won't start with Walt strolling away without regard to incriminating evidence.
posted by The Deej at 6:02 PM on August 29, 2012
This one ended with Walt still standing there. I'm sure the next episode won't start with Walt strolling away without regard to incriminating evidence.
posted by The Deej at 6:02 PM on August 29, 2012
This one ended with Walt still standing there.
Ah. I forgot.
posted by Sys Rq at 6:10 PM on August 29, 2012
Ah. I forgot.
posted by Sys Rq at 6:10 PM on August 29, 2012
SPOILERS FOR SEASON 1 and 2:
Fantastic music video via Boing Boing
SPOILERS FOR LAST WEEK'S EPISODE:
Awesome behind-the-scenes video focused on last week's ep.
posted by fiercecupcake at 3:59 PM on August 30, 2012
Fantastic music video via Boing Boing
SPOILERS FOR LAST WEEK'S EPISODE:
Awesome behind-the-scenes video focused on last week's ep.
posted by fiercecupcake at 3:59 PM on August 30, 2012
Here's a better link for the behind-the-scenes video for last week's episode. It's a more direct link than fiercecupcake's, without the NSFW background image.
posted by Pronoiac at 10:22 PM on August 30, 2012
posted by Pronoiac at 10:22 PM on August 30, 2012
The crew's armbands from the video made me smile, even though the episode left me miserable. So, thanks for that.
posted by misha at 10:47 PM on August 30, 2012
posted by misha at 10:47 PM on August 30, 2012
Did Cranston's jocularity in that video unnerve anyone else?
posted by Pronoiac at 11:02 PM on August 30, 2012
posted by Pronoiac at 11:02 PM on August 30, 2012
Oh, shit, Pronoiac, thanks. The NSFW did not even register.
posted by fiercecupcake at 4:52 AM on August 31, 2012
posted by fiercecupcake at 4:52 AM on August 31, 2012
I got used to Cranston's jocularity in the making of videos when (I think) he made a masturbation joke and then his crow's feet crinkled up in this kindly-old-uncle way. He was actually a bit like Hank, and yeah, it was freaky.
posted by angrycat at 5:20 AM on August 31, 2012
posted by angrycat at 5:20 AM on August 31, 2012
Speaking of jocularity: Breaking Bad cast on All Star Celebrity Bowling.
posted by The Deej at 5:42 AM on September 2, 2012
posted by The Deej at 5:42 AM on September 2, 2012
I wonder if these scenes would have been more or less effective without the impending doom that the very first scene in the season hung over us.
Was Walt really planning to be out? It can't be that easy.
posted by jeather at 7:20 AM on September 3, 2012
Was Walt really planning to be out? It can't be that easy.
posted by jeather at 7:20 AM on September 3, 2012
Good luck and Godspeed, Hank. We're counting on you.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:04 AM on September 3, 2012
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:04 AM on September 3, 2012
I HATE YOU WALT FREAKIN' WHITMAN! LEAVES OF GRASS MY ASS!
posted by yellowbinder at 1:11 PM on September 3, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by yellowbinder at 1:11 PM on September 3, 2012 [1 favorite]
Not necessarily...he made a crack about catching Bin Ladin, but not necessarily saying that he was already caught. It was a pretty ambiguous statement.
posted by iamkimiam at 1:09 AM on September 4, 2012
posted by iamkimiam at 1:09 AM on September 4, 2012
I threw this up on Projects but I'll post here too, I spent the weekend making a Breaking Bad - In Memoriam montage. Spoilers for all episodes, obvs.
posted by yellowbinder at 8:35 AM on September 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by yellowbinder at 8:35 AM on September 4, 2012 [1 favorite]
So, what the hell year is the Breaking Bad universe in now?
What model year are the Chryslers in the Mentos video?
posted by Sys Rq at 12:15 PM on September 4, 2012
What model year are the Chryslers in the Mentos video?
posted by Sys Rq at 12:15 PM on September 4, 2012
It's kind of weird because in the podcast for the latest episode, Vince Gilligan talks specifically about how they've been very careful to never present any explicit dates, or holidays, or even seasons; but then they go and drop that bin Laden line (I'm pretty sure it was unambiguously referring to the operation that killed him), which you'd expect them to catch as a pretty obvious error if they're as meticulous as Gilligan says. I was yelling "WHAT ABOUT BIN LADEN???" at my computer when he started talking about that stuff but apparently podcasts only go one way.
posted by palidor at 4:01 PM on September 4, 2012
posted by palidor at 4:01 PM on September 4, 2012
but then they go and drop that bin Laden line (I'm pretty sure it was unambiguously referring to the operation that killed him)
I'm pretty sure, if you look at that line it in the context of the scene, it could be explained away as talk of the impossibility of ever killing Bin Laden, which was a pretty common sentiment when he was still alive.
Now, that said, I'm not clear on how much time passed by the end of the episode. There was that whole barrel-dunking montage, and then you're straight into that non-bed in a storage locker. How long did all that take?
posted by Sys Rq at 5:15 PM on September 4, 2012
I'm pretty sure, if you look at that line it in the context of the scene, it could be explained away as talk of the impossibility of ever killing Bin Laden, which was a pretty common sentiment when he was still alive.
Now, that said, I'm not clear on how much time passed by the end of the episode. There was that whole barrel-dunking montage, and then you're straight into that non-bed in a storage locker. How long did all that take?
posted by Sys Rq at 5:15 PM on September 4, 2012
It's mentioned at some point, I think when Skyler is talking to Marie, that the kids had been at Hank and Marie's for three months, so Hank's "oh shit" moment happens approximately three months after Walt's 51st birthday. That montage was basically the longest time jump the series has ever done, I think.
posted by palidor at 5:24 PM on September 4, 2012
posted by palidor at 5:24 PM on September 4, 2012
Also, the line is "Even whacking bin Laden wasn't this complicated." I suppose you can read it as a hypothetical, but to my ears the past tense makes it sound like it's referring to the operation that killed him.
posted by palidor at 5:28 PM on September 4, 2012
posted by palidor at 5:28 PM on September 4, 2012
« Older 65-year-old Bill Lee wins game | A real animal Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:41 AM on August 24, 2012