It is already being compared to Shakespeare, Melville,
Dickens and even Shelley. The central character; Walter White aka Heisenberg was
both Dr. Frankenstein and Monster, Ben-Hur and Messala, Batman and The Joker, Jekyll
and Hyde, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. It was a drama of the highest order while ranging
from being hilariously funny and timely, to moments of total absurdity.
Existing for a mere five seasons Vince Gilligan’s “Breaking Bad’ became so
ingrained into viewer’s psyches that an obituary was posted in an Albuquerque newspaper
upon the series’ end. The fans that posted the obit said they needed the
closure. The show will resonate still for some time to come.
Vince Gilligan the creator, producer, director and chief
writer for “Breaking Bad” developed the series from an “off the wall” idea he
imagined when he was between writing jobs. The multi-talented Gilligan has
worked in the television medium for many years and written most notably for
“the X- Files.” Joking to his friend that they should become meth dealers to
make ends meet was to evolve into the TV series that is comparable to none
before. Gilligan’s protagonist would essentially go from “Mr. Chips” to
“Scarface” through the course of the series. This was as unusual and as risky a
premise as has ever been proposed to any network for programing. AMC would give
Gilligan “The Go” on his project. Gilligan’s idea would capture the
imaginations and respect of a nation including house-holds, critics and the
entire television industry. “Breaking Bad” has been awarded throughout it’s duration
on every level for acting, writing and production.
“The Pink Teddy Bear Mystery” began with the opening of Season
II. A plastic eyeball floats on the surface of a body of water; a swimming
pool…the ocean perhaps? The camera slowly drops below the water’s surface to an
object; a pink teddy bear that as it floats aimlessly turns to reveal one side
is blackened and badly burned. The scene fades away. This was one of the many “Breaking Bad” flash
forwards and a device used to great advantage throughout the run of the series.
The things and events involving the pink teddy bear would expand with each
episode as the season progressed only to be explained in a totally
unpredictable fashion in one of the season’s late shows. The bear can also be
seen again as part of a mural in Season III. It seems to hover above the head
of a character directly tied to the events associated with the stuffed
toy. This series was one to watch
closely looking and listening for clues, hidden messenges and unexpected
cross-overs between characters and events. Things that seem to have little
importance will later blossom full scale into major plot lines with significant
repercussions.
Vince Gilligan and all those involved with the creation of
this phenomenal TV series “Breaking Bad” have achieved a sort of immortality
for their efforts. Whenever the great shows of the television era are mentioned
this landmark piece of fiction will be mentioned as being among the very best;
if not the best. It was that good! 10.3
Million would watch the emotionally charged and anticipated finale. Who would
live or die? Would there be revenge, closure or justice? How could so many
intricacies be resolved in a satisfying way with so many fans to appease and so
many potential endings? With the
airing of the finale “Breaking Bad” has ended; it has passed on to whatever
place history will allow. It is sadly and was neatly and perfectly; with a nod
to “Scarface,” done.
The cast of Breaking Bad was responsible for many miraculous, engaging,
moving and entertaining performances. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul were at the
center of a cast that taken as a whole would come to keep viewers in complete
awe and rapture. The many actors involved were amazing and are to be lauded.
The Breaking Bad Cast:
Bryan Cranston as
Walter White aka Heisenberg: Chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer who becomes
a meth (cooker) manufacturer
Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman: Former student of Walt's who becomes
his meth-making partner in crime
Anna Gunn as
Skyler White: Walter's wife, a mother of two and co-owner of A1A Car Wash
Dean Norris as
Hank Schrader: Walter's macho brother-in-law and DEA agent on the trail of
Heisenberg
Bob Odenkirk as
Saul Goodman: Walt and Jesse's attorney (the shady lawyer’s shady lawyer)
Giancarlo Esposito
as Gustavo (Gus) Fring: the owner of a fast food chicken restaurant and a major
meth distributor
Krysten Ritter as
Jane Margolis: Jesse's landlady; later becomes his girlfriend and also a
recovering drug addict.
Daniel & Luis Moncada as The Cousins: cartel killers who travel
from Mexico to kill Walt for business and personal reasons
Laura Fraser as Lydia Rodarte-Quayle: The
Head of Logistics at Madrigal Electromotive and Gus Fring's methylamine
supplier
Jonathan Banks as
Mike Ehrmantraut: works for Gus and is Saul's go-to guy when his clients get in
sticky situations
The producers of Breaking Bad used music in an uncompromising, elegant
and unusual fashion. The music was effective and often juxtaposed with images
that before Breaking Bad would not have seemed compatible. The soundtrack of
Breaking Bad was as much a break through as all of the incredible and
innovative themes the series was to introduce.
The Breaking Bad Soundtrack Play List:
(click on the titles to listen to the music)
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