It's the best TV show in the world, but will we ever get to see it on TV?

Forget the ABC, who shelved the series and never bothered giving it much airtime. Yesterday, Breaking Bad's fifth series was released in Australia on DVD - almost a year after it screened on American network TV.

The first episode sets the darkest scene I've ever seen on TV. This was the much-awaited resolution to the cliffhanger at the end of series four. Here, Jesse had a gun aimed at the chemist's head. The question was, would Jesse kill an innocent man in cold blood to save Walt's life?

I won't tell you the outcome, but blood is met with blood in - without a doubt - the most haunting scene in the history of television. Walt argues the case for his life, and the mild-mannered businessman, Gus, shows what he is truly capable of.

The scene is shockingly, almost gently, underplayed. It's horror comes from its silence, its precision, and its suspense - who will Gus kill? How will he kill? And how does he make the decision he does?

Step by step, we watch as he methodically changes into protective clothing and chooses a boxcutter knife. Afterwards, we watch in silence as he washes his hands, his head and changes back into his suit. The horror is not in the killing itself, but its calm, proceedural approach. However, the horror also lies in WHO he chooses to kill, and its haunting question: why?

The question of motive is always at the centre of Breaking Bad. More than anything, it's about ethics: will, determinism, choices, consequences; and how these shape you as a subject. It poses the questions with gut-shaking black humour and moments of incredible pathos. You know - and feel - for every character in this show.

Breaking Bad, again, is showing how great stories can be told. It is Shakespearian in its scope, its stakes and its questions about human nature. It is, in my mind, the best story-telling TV has ever been allowed to screen.

And with book publishing now in a state of flux (sales 30% down in the last year alone), Breaking Bad is rivalling newly-published novels in its ability to characterise and provide deep, real and compelling viewing/reading.

TV like Breaking Bad is now taking the place of the novel in the literary tradition.

If you haven't seen it yet, get the first series and work you way through.

God knows when we'll ever get to see the fifth series on TV, so I wouldn't hold my breath waiting.

I replied to you in the other thread but you didn't see it. Or you ignored me.

I watched the first three seasons on your recommendation and they blew my mind. At the end of season 3, my husband and I were so fired up that I couldn't wait to see what happened with Jesse at the end of season 3, so I went to youtube. Naughty, I know but I couldn't handle months of not knowing.

It was that moment - the end of season three - that trumped anything I have ever seen on TV.

have you noticed Marie's passion for purple?

And, did you know the fifth is the last?

No!

My God, that means Walt and/or Jesse will get it.

I'll watch the series this weekend and see.

They're saying it might be split into two shorter ones, but it's really just one season and they're dragging it out.

yeah Ive just started watching the 4th season.

I could share my theories on how it's gonna pan out, but since you lot have seen more than I have, I'd just look stooopid when I turn out to be way wrong.

I've only watched the first episode of season 4 and like I said, that was cos I couldn't wait any longer after the end of number 3.




Quote:

My God, that means Walt and/or Jesse will get it.

Hopefully it will be the wife and Walt will go all Gus on the perpetrators ass, only louder and with a machete as opposed to a boxcutter.

I don't like her. Jesse wore a bit thin after whats her name overdosed, but he redeemed himself.

The pic of Walt's face on the S4 dvds is killer.He makes me want to buy a van and cook meth.

oh I hope it shows here soon.!!

I can only agree//... the most rivetting, hilarious horrendous program it has been my privilege to view, ever.!! [smiley=thumbsup.gif] [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Sorry, everyone. You're right. I'm talking about the fourth - not the fifth and last season.

Bryan Cranston predicts that Walt will die at the end. The question is how. At this point, no one - even the writers, I doubt - know.

Also, will Walt be redeemed? In the fourth series he's becoming darker - more of a badarse.

Walt, I think, will perform an act of great sacrifice, and in doing so, end his life. Jesse, I think, will live.

And yes, Gus will be taken out.

Yep, I was going to point that out too, that the fifth season will be the last.
16 episodes I believe, and possibly split into two seasons which won't start until the end of this year.

But anyway, what an amazing show it is. I've never been so into a TV series like I have this one. It's truly engrossing.

If you want to be taken for a wild ride, then sharpen up your bittorrents and start from the start. You won't be disappointed, but you almost certainly will be challenged.

It's a ripper!

Amadd wrote on Apr 4^th, 2012 at 12:48am:

Yep, I was going to point that out too, that the fifth season will be the last. 16 episodes I believe, and possibly split into two seasons which won't start until the end of this year.

Right. But I'll let you into a secret if you haven't seen the fourth season.

The challenge for the fifth season/s will be how to put Walt and jesse back in the game.

It's amazing how far Walt and Jesse have come. Remember the body in the acid bath scenario in season one?

Watch the fourth season. Now, they have it down to a fine art.

I'm sick of Jesse.  I was understanding when his goth junky missus died, but he hasn't gotten over it.  Perhaps there is no silver lining to him.  Perhaps he is just a dickhead after all.

Quote:

Bryan Cranston predicts that Walt will die at the end. The question is how. At this point, no one - even the writers, I doubt - know. Also, will Walt be redeemed? In the fourth series he's becoming darker - more of a badarse. Walt, I think, will perform an act of great sacrifice, and in doing so, end his life. Jesse, I think, will live.

Perhaps Walt will die saving Jesse from Hank. I believe Hank has a bigger part to play than where he is now. He has the dossier on Gene's (was that his name?) murder.

I find Walter's attitude to his wife interesting. It's representative of his change as a whole.

Annie Anthrax wrote on Apr 4^th, 2012 at 6:02pm:

Quote: Bryan Cranston predicts that Walt will die at the end. The question is how. At this point, no one - even the writers, I doubt - know. Also, will Walt be redeemed? In the fourth series he's becoming darker - more of a badarse. Walt, I think, will perform an act of great sacrifice, and in doing so, end his life. Jesse, I think, will live. Perhaps Walt will die saving Jesse from Hank. I believe Hank has a bigger part to play than where he is now. He has the dossier on Gene's (was that his name?) murder. I find Walter's attitude to his wife interesting. It's representative of his change as a whole.

Exactly, Annie. I think you've got it in one. There's a thread in the fourth series I think we'll see emerge: Hank's new "mineral" hobby. The rocks. His own scientific obsession.

And he's still looking into Bennaker's murder.

But how to start cooking again? The Whites now own a carwash - not a bad place to stash a meth lab.

My guess is Skyler will talk Walt into breaking bad again. Hank's physio bills are mounting up - so there's that.

My prediction is that Skyler's power will increase. She's already taking on a corporate persona - all business. We may well see her character emerge as a new Gus.

Huh.

I agree. Hank has to learn about Walt. And what about Hank Junior? Will he find out too?

I think we know that, in the end, all will be revealled.

But they'll find nothing on Saul. I'll bet you that.

... wrote on Apr 4^th, 2012 at 12:05pm:

I'm sick of Jesse.  I was understanding when his goth junky missus died, but he hasn't gotten over it.  Perhaps there is no silver lining to him.  Perhaps he is just a dickhead after all.

The story needs Jesse, Honky. He's the prodigal son who comes back to the father. That's the subtext of the whole series.

But it's also about their alternating shift of control. Walt is order. Jesse is chaos. And in each other's orbit, each takes turn at swapping these roles.

If Jesse wasn't the way he is - an unredeemable stoner dropout - the story wouldn't work.

Yes Jesse is an important part of the show, but I think there are more important questions of how morals (even lifelong ones) might be sacrificed given certain circumstances.
I see that even Skyler has shown her willingness to make exceptions.

The funny thing about it is that they are nearly all likeable characters (even Gus to some extent) who do some bad things when the situation dictates.

Ahh.. what will happen in the fifth season?
I would've been satisfied enough with the ending of the fourth, but I want this show to go on forever.

Maybe it's time for Walt Jnr. to do some breaking bad..who knows?

I don't think Jesse is beyond redemption.

DO any of you think he'll find out about Walt's part in jane's death? Cos that would probably be bad.

Or Walt's part in putting berries in certain people's food, Annie. Not sure.

True, Amadd. The show is about how easily people can abandon lifelong moral codes. And it's also about how easily this can infect other people's morality - how small "individual" choices can effect whole cities, industries, even regions and countries.

Amazingly, it never states this. No one gives a monologue or spells out the central point of the show through the entire series.

Big Donger wrote on Mar 30^th, 2012 at 9:56am:

It's the best TV show in the world, but will we ever get to see it on TV? Forget the ABC, who shelved the series and never bothered giving it much airtime. Yesterday, Breaking Bad's fifth series was released in Australia on DVD - almost a year after it screened on American network TV. The first episode sets the darkest scene I've ever seen on TV. This was the much-awaited resolution to the cliffhanger at the end of series four. Here, Jesse had a gun aimed at the chemist's head. The question was, would Jesse kill an innocent man in cold blood to save Walt's life? I won't tell you the outcome, but blood is met with blood in - without a doubt - the most haunting scene in the history of television. Walt argues the case for his life, and the mild-mannered businessman, Gus, shows what he is truly capable of. The scene is shockingly, almost gently, underplayed. It's horror comes from its silence, its precision, and its suspense - who will Gus kill? How will he kill? And how does he make the decision he does? Step by step, we watch as he methodically changes into protective clothing and chooses a boxcutter knife. Afterwards, we watch in silence as he washes his hands, his head and changes back into his suit. The horror is not in the killing itself, but its calm, proceedural approach. However, the horror also lies in WHO he chooses to kill, and its haunting question: why? The question of motive is always at the centre of Breaking Bad. More than anything, it's about ethics: will, determinism, choices, consequences; and how these shape you as a subject. It poses the questions with gut-shaking black humour and moments of incredible pathos. You know - and feel - for every character in this show. Breaking Bad, again, is showing how great stories can be told. It is Shakespearian in its scope, its stakes and its questions about human nature. It is, in my mind, the best story-telling TV has ever been allowed to screen. And with book publishing now in a state of flux (sales 30% down in the last year alone), Breaking Bad is rivalling newly-published novels in its ability to characterise and provide deep, real and compelling viewing/reading. TV like Breaking Bad is now taking the place of the novel in the literary tradition. If you haven't seen it yet, get the first series and work you way through. God knows when we'll ever get to see the fifth series on TV, so I wouldn't hold my breath waiting.

Very nice synopsis.

I have seen the ending. I wont say how but I have seen it. I guess they couldn't end it any other way really but the action continues through the whole series with that 1 lil dry spell in 4th season. Breaking bad (imo) is the real mans version of weeds.

SOB

enjoyed reading all your comments.  i also love this show - its some of the best tv viewing in a great, grey desert of dumbed-down trash.

BB has great acting, script, camera-work, and an especially good use of music for enhancing the drama, not, as is usually the case, overwhelming it.  love the dramatic tension and unguessable twists and turns in the story.

i'm in brisbane, and am sorry to hear we will not be likely to see the last series.  damn!

perhaps i'll buy it. 

Kika, I'm in Brisbane too.

How does that have an effect on whether we'll see the last season?

Annie Anthrax wrote on Apr 14^th, 2012 at 11:13am:

Kika, I'm in Brisbane too. How does that have an effect on whether we'll see the last season?

Heh me too. Prolly because they never show the last season of stuff. Remember Farscape.

SOB

I think there are a few of us in Brisbane.

I didn't watch Farscape. Good?

Annie Anthrax wrote on Apr 14^th, 2012 at 11:51am:

I think there are a few of us in Brisbane. I didn't watch Farscape. Good?

I liked it. took a while to get used to the format - aussie stuff can be strange sometimes.

SOB

I've seen how it ee-ends.

Ner ner ner ner ner ner

... wrote on Apr 23^rd, 2012 at 5:22pm:

I've seen how it ee-ends. Ner ner ner ner ner ner

Lol

If you mean farscape yeah the ame4ricans made a movie to end it because the aussies stuffed it up.

SOB

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Apr 23^rd, 2012 at 5:37pm:

... wrote on Apr 23rd, 2012 at 5:22pm: I've seen how it ee-ends. Ner ner ner ner ner ner Ner ner ner ner ner ner Lol If you mean farscape yeah the ame4ricans made a movie to end it because the aussies stuffed it up. SOB

Season 5 ep1 is now available for download  :)

I'd recommend going for a 1gb+ file.

Pfft breaking bad is soooo 2011.

Sons of anarchy is where it's at biarches.

Annie Anthrax wrote on Apr 7^th, 2012 at 10:13am:

I don't think Jesse is beyond redemption. DO any of you think he'll find out about Walt's part in jane's death? Cos that would probably be bad.

Nobody else was there. Only way it could be found out is if a hidden camera is discovered and thats not really believable after this much time has passed in the show.

SOB

Quote:

Pfft breaking bad is soooo 2011. Sons of anarchy is where it's at biarches.

Well there's nothing wrong with liking more than one TV show. There's a lot of good ones around.

It's great to have breaking bad back. The first ep. was good, although I may need to consult mythbusters.

... wrote on Jul 17^th, 2012 at 5:23pm:

Pfft breaking bad is soooo 2011. Sons of anarchy is where it's at biarches.

Sons of anarchy is like home and away compared to breaking bad

I watched the first few episodes of Sons of Anarchy. Katey Sagal is great in it - the scene where she smashes the girls face in with the skateboard was a particular favourite.

Big Donger wrote on Apr 10^th, 2012 at 10:46am:

Or Walt's part in putting berries in certain people's food, Annie. Not sure. True, Amadd. The show is about how easily people can abandon lifelong moral codes. And it's also about how easily this can infect other people's morality - how small "individual" choices can effect whole cities, industries, even regions and countries. Amazingly, it never states this. No one gives a monologue or spells out the central point of the show through the entire series.

Personally I don't think he did that cause how could he have access to the kids food?
BB is too good to shout out its messages like that.

If you want to watch it for free online this site is alright:
http://www.free-tv-video-online.me/internet/breaking_bad/

bobbythefap1 wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2012 at 12:38pm:

... wrote on Jul 17th, 2012 at 5:23pm: Pfft breaking bad is soooo 2011. Sons of anarchy is where it's at biarches. Sons of anarchy is like home and away compared to breaking bad

Well, since I just watched the last episode of SOA last night, Sons of anarchy is now officially soooo 2011.  I haven't decided which show is where it's at now.

... wrote on Jul 23^rd, 2012 at 11:58am:

bobbythefap1 wrote on Jul 22nd, 2012 at 12:38pm: ... wrote on Jul 17th, 2012 at 5:23pm: Pfft breaking bad is soooo 2011. Sons of anarchy is where it's at biarches. Sons of anarchy is like home and away compared to breaking bad Well, since I just watched the last episode of SOA last night, Sons of anarchy is now officially soooo 2011.  I haven't decided which show is where it's at now.

New ep of BB released today in the US  ;)

I think they are starting boardwalk empire on ABC soon also

bobbythefap1 wrote on Jul 23^rd, 2012 at 12:02pm:

... wrote on Jul 23rd, 2012 at 11:58am: bobbythefap1 wrote on Jul 22nd, 2012 at 12:38pm: ... wrote on Jul 17th, 2012 at 5:23pm: Pfft breaking bad is soooo 2011. Sons of anarchy is where it's at biarches. Sons of anarchy is like home and away compared to breaking bad Well, since I just watched the last episode of SOA last night, Sons of anarchy is now officially soooo 2011.  I haven't decided which show is where it's at now. New ep of BB released today in the US  ;) I think they are starting boardwalk empire on ABC soon also

Yeah I'll watch BB when theres a few more episodes out - I don't like waiting a week between episodes.  I watch on my own schedule, or not at all.
Already downloaded a season of Boardwalk empire but dunno if I'll ever bother watching it.  Worth it?
For now, I think I'll catch up with Weeds. 

... wrote on Jul 23^rd, 2012 at 12:16pm:

bobbythefap1 wrote on Jul 23rd, 2012 at 12:02pm: ... wrote on Jul 23rd, 2012 at 11:58am: bobbythefap1 wrote on Jul 22nd, 2012 at 12:38pm: ... wrote on Jul 17th, 2012 at 5:23pm: Pfft breaking bad is soooo 2011. Sons of anarchy is where it's at biarches. Sons of anarchy is like home and away compared to breaking bad Well, since I just watched the last episode of SOA last night, Sons of anarchy is now officially soooo 2011.  I haven't decided which show is where it's at now. New ep of BB released today in the US  ;) I think they are starting boardwalk empire on ABC soon also Yeah I'll watch BB when theres a few more episodes out - I don't like waiting a week between episodes.  I watch on my own schedule, or not at all. Already downloaded a season of Boardwalk empire but dunno if I'll ever bother watching it.  Worth it? For now, I think I'll catch up with Weeds.

It always leaves you on a good cliffhanger so that is understandable.

Haven't seen it but it looks good.

You like weeds?

I DID like weeds.  It seems to have gotten a little bit lamer with each season, and I was a bit surprised that there is a new season out.  I would have been happy if it wrapped up after last season, but since it's there, it's my duty to watch it.

Save Walter White

http://www.savewalterwhite.com/

Spot

I had to check out that link SOB.


Well, the final season is well under way now and possibilities for a conclusion are open.

I think that it would be almost disappointing if Walt didn't die in the end.

Despite what the start of ep1- series 5 suggests, my hunch is that he will die of cancer having finally set up his family for his calculated figure and having lived more excitement and emotion during the time of his cancer than his entire life before it.

Now he has rid the world of many fiends, far more than any police force could do.
I think that the dream will be realized in a very roundabout way, sort of like in the movie "Total Recall", except that Walt has been more awake than ever and has been unconsciously living a dream of being a superhero.

I might just change that prediction a little, in that Walt might die in a final showdown, but his intent will be fulfilled.

The showdown may even be with Hank, but I suspect that Hank knew of Walt's dealings a long way back but let him go because he trusted Walt's unselfish intent and knew that he could never accomplish so much himself.

Nevertheless, Walt must be a hero in the end.

Amadd wrote on Jul 31^st, 2012 at 11:46pm:

I had to check out that link SOB. Well, the final season is well under way now and possibilities for a conclusion are open. I think that it would be almost disappointing if Walt didn't die in the end. Despite what the start of ep1- series 5 suggests, my hunch is that he will die of cancer having finally set up his family for his calculated figure and having lived more excitement and emotion during the time of his cancer than his entire life before it. Now he has rid the world of many fiends, far more than any police force could do. I think that the dream will be realized in a very roundabout way, sort of like in the movie "Total Recall", except that Walt has been more awake than ever and has been unconsciously living a dream of being a superhero.

Its american. The evil drug dealer has to lose. Dire consequences for all. No way he can get away with it all imo.

He may go to jail or he may be killed. Might be that walt is killed and pinkerman is left in jail to contemplate it.

SOB

Quote:

Its american. The evil drug dealer has to lose. Dire consequences for all. No way he can get away with it all imo. He may go to jail or he may be killed. Might be that walt is killed and pinkerman is left in jail to contemplate it. SOB

You have a point, but seeing that he has done a pretty good job at ridding the world of so many evildoers himself, I still think that he may escape with an honorable death.
Anyway, time will tell...and I hope that nobody else tells before time.

That beneke dude is gonna figure in the conclusion somehow.....I havent decided how just yet, but he's wronged the family, first by fking his wife, then by taking their money, and he will make it up to them somehow.

... wrote on Aug 1^st, 2012 at 4:48pm:

That beneke dude is gonna figure in the conclusion somehow.....I havent decided how just yet, but he's wronged the family, first by fking his wife, then by taking their money, and he will make it up to them somehow.

I'm guessing that him getting picked up for the tax fraud and Skyler being implicated is a little too obvious.
If he does stab them in the back again I don't think it will be through the law somehow.

SPOILER: (Highlight to read)
In the new episode Walt and walt jr. are watching scarface and walt says quite profoundly "Everyone dies in this movie don't they'.
Anyone reckon that could be a bit of a clue as to what may happen considering what scarface is about?

I'll use your anti-spoiler method. It works very well.

I think that Skyler cottoned on to how close the movie was to her own situation whilst Walt was oblivious to it at the time....until his statement at the end of the episode that is.

So when is it on? Sunday? I missed it I think.

SOB

Sunday night in the U.S., so it's available for download by about Monday night here.

There seems to be a lot of downloads these days that want you to subscribe to them in order to open the file  so I tend to steer away from any zipped files.

It's up to you if you want to wait for tv or not, but I have found a good no nonsense uploader that lets me watch the show without any bs zip (.rar) files or subscribing.

Usually only about 380mb avi files, but still very good quality on my 50" tv.  Goes by the name of "crazyo8" (not sure about that) and be found about a day after the moneygrabbers on the major torrent sites.
About teusday night oz time for breaking bad it should be there, as it is shown on sunday night in the U.S.

There are probably as good or better around, and I would like to hear of any so that I can get the next episode asap.

Just watched ep.4 ...don't know what's going on with Walt now..he's losing me.
Probably due to the lack of free direction that this society dictates.

 

Thanks for putting me onto this guys,I bought the first two seasons at the weekend ...quite brilliant..up there with a game of thrones.

Game of thrones is a great show too isn't it? You gotta love "the imp".

I dont like to watch stuff 1 week @ a time. I will wait til the season is done then watch it all @ once.

SOB

Shows over - Walter got busted.


Quote:

A man accused of violating his probation in a methamphetamine manufacturing case in Tuscaloosa County has hit the top of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office most wanted list. And he shares a name with a famous fictional meth cook -- Walter White of AMC's award-winning drama series "Breaking Bad." Walter Eddy White, 55, was on probation in Tuscaloosa County beginning in 2010 after being arrested in 2008 on charges of trafficking methamphetamine, unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of precursor materials, according to court documents. He violated his probation in January 2012 after being arrested on the same charges in Bibb County. Tuscaloosa County Circuit Judge Brad Almond ordered a writ to be issued in the case on Aug. 9 after White missed a July court appearance, according to court documents. White's last known address is in the 22000 block of Eastern Valley Road in McCalla. Anyone with information about White can contact the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office at 205-752-0616.

http://blog.al.com/tuscaloosa/2012/08/man_named_walter_white_wanted.html#incart_river_default

Thank God the TV Walt is still going.  8-)

Ep.6 has it really heating up.

"xCrazy0328x" is the dude for a fast good quality .avi download at about 9pm every Monday.

I'm in the empire business.

Hahaa...that's a great line isn't it?
His motivation becomes clear.

Amadd wrote on Aug 21^st, 2012 at 1:19pm:

Hahaa...that's a great line isn't it? His motivation becomes clear.

yeah it was a good un.

Looked alpha as bugger, lounging around sipping his brandy.

Motivation is clear.

Up to episode 7 already and only one to go for the year  :( And only 9 to go in total  :( :(

I think I have the ending picked ....for sure this time  :-/

Todd will be the one to run the empire, he's born for it.

Who's seen episode 8?

Yeah, and now a wait 'til next June  >:(

8 isn't enough!