BY BLUE KAUFMAN
When Breaking Bad debuted on TV, I had no intention of getting involved. In fact I’d see the teaser trailers on AMC without even giving them a second thought. I vaguely remember recognizing the show’s main character from somewhere, but I’d soon be flipping to another channel faster than you could say, “Isn’t that the dad from Malcolm in the Middle”. Nevertheless, as it obtained countless awards and extreme popularity I became slightly intrigued. In an attempt to see what all the blather was about, I gave in and started watching. And watching. AND WATCHING. Now 2 short weeks later, I can proudly say that I have hammered my way through 3 and a half seasons. Netflix literally has its claws wrapped around me. I’ve been talking about Breaking Bad at school, and work and even at grocery stores (to complete strangers!). Every night I lie to myself and say “only one more episode” and each time I betray that promise and stay up late watching; completely ensnared in the shows brilliance. I can’t even help it anymore: I love Breaking Bad.
Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the show centers around protagonist Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a brainiac chemistry teacher who makes Bill Nye look like an amateur. He’s happily married and living a pretty ordinary life until he gets diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. In order to provide for his family, he unites with Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), an ex-student and together they cook up the world’s highest quality crystal meth. Sounds pretty great right? It gets better. With the cops constantly on his trail, White also has to conceal his actions from his family, his job, and his brother-in-law who happens to work for the DEA.
Dealing with psychotic drug dealers and junkie consumers, the show takes you on a gripping ride that both excites and terrifies. We swerve through an exhilarating plot as Walter White’s life trickles into a warped disarray that is endlessly fueled by his lies
Still, Breaking Bad’s overwhelming success can almost be completely attributed to Bryan Cranston. Although Walter Whites intentions are initially good, as the show progresses his motives become more muddled as he “breaks bad” so to speak. Although Switching from fidgety and awkward family man to volatile outlaw is no easy task, Cranston manages to accomplish the complicated dynamics of Walter White with ease and remarkable subtlety. Aaron Paul’s portrayal of Jesse Pinkman also brings intensity to the show. His character proves to show surprising depth, but still manages to bring a essence of sarcastic jokiness to the show. Together their contrasting personalities and cynical banter balance nicely with the all the dark topics in Breaking Bad
With all of its qualities, AMC’s hit show stands out among others because they aren’t afraid to take risks. What other show would open its second season in black and white with a hot pink teddy bear ominously bobbing up in water? Bringing out the inner science nerd in everyone, Breaking Bad’s great cast and themes will continue to lure fans back for more.
