At this point, Breaking Bad is widely considered to be the greatest television show ever made, and I definitely see why. It tells a simple story incredibly effectively with great performances, writing, and cinematography across the board. However, every great show tends to have its humble beginnings.
Everyone knows the story of Breaking Bad at this point. Walter White is a chemistry teacher who learns he has cancer, so he starts developing drugs with a former student named Jesse to make money for his family before he dies. Season 1 of the series feels like a sort of prologue. Walt is only dipping his toes in the criminal life here, and doesn't even invent his alter-ego Heisenberg until the penultimate episode. It's a slow first outing, one where every death Walt causes has a genuine effect on him unlike in later seasons. This is probably my favorite aspect about Season 1, Walt is constantly forced to do things that are immoral and cruel, but he slowly acclimates and even owns up to it near the end of the season by blowing up a drug dealer's hideout. However, as you may expect, Season 1 is also where Walt is the most connected with his domestic life, with many of the episodes focusing on his family members and friends as well. This is probably the weakest aspect of the season for me, while Walt slowly getting into making drugs is incredibly compelling, there are also a bunch of subplots like Walt's sister-in-law being a shoplifter and Jesse covering for his brother that I just did not find as interesting. I get why they're important, these side storylines become less prevalent as the family members get more involved in Walt's drug dealing antics as the show progresses, but it doesn't make them all that fun to watch.
Season 1 of Breaking Bad is short, only seven episodes, meaning that the moment it really starts to get good, it's pretty much already over. Apparently the season was impacted by the writer's strike, which also explains why the finale itself was pretty much an average episode. I think this shortened season works as a prologue, as I previously mentioned, but it's definitely the least memorable season of the bunch. Still, even the weakest season of Breaking Bad is great TV. Obviously the best aspect of the show is the performances. Bryan Cranston is an amazing actor in everything he does (I just reviewed Godzilla and he has great in that too), but there's a reason Walter White is his most iconic role. He perfectly captures Walt's dorky chem teacher side and cruel Heisenberg side, while imbuing enough nuance and intensity into the role that it leaves you wondering if he, morally-speaking, was always Heisenberg. There are so many ways to interpret the decisions Walt makes, which is why he's one of my favorite TV characters of all time. Jesse, as played by Aaron Paul, is a great character too, but his best moments don't start until Season 2. Right now, Jesse is at his best when playing off of Walt, thanks to the sharp, black-comedy and banter-laden writing. I also found myself really loving the cinematography in the show. All of the colors are bold and the show is almost entirely shot in wides that truly let you take in the scenery of New Mexico.
Despite its short length, there are some pretty great episodes this season:
Pilot: Easily one of the best pilot episodes ever made, Breaking Bad's first episode throws you right into the chaos with a gripping and now iconic scene where Walt crashes an RV and runs out in his underwear with a gun. The pilot does a great job of establishing the lead, his goals, and the show's themes from the get-go, while giving you a satisfying resolution to that iconic opening.
Crazy Handful Of Nothing: This was the episode that left me completely hooked. After nearly a whole season of buildup, Walt finally becomes Heisenberg, shaving off his head, and blowing up Tuco's hideout with the power of chemistry. Speaking of which, Tuco is a great and demented villain, and his story arc over the next few episodes (seeping into Season 2), is definitely one of the show's better ones.
Overall, Season 1 of Breaking Bad feels more like a prologue, with a short length and some weaker storylines, but it also sells you on the show and is just as well-written as the later seasons.
3/5 Stars
No comments:
Post a Comment