The Significance of the Episode “Fly”

On the surface, the season three episode “Fly” seems nothing more than just a bottle episode of Breaking Bad, yet it is one of the most significant of the series. Fans are often polarized over it; The episode’s lack of action and slow storytelling makes it boring, however it is one of the more psychologically engaging of the series. Initially, the episode begins with a restless Walter, who stares blankly at the blinking light of the smoke alarm on his ceiling trying to fall asleep. He later meets up with Jesse at the superlab to continue cooking their latest batch. When Walt calculates their yield to be less than what he expected, he begins to obsess over it. After Jesse leaves for the day, Walter stays late to figure out the reason for their shortcoming when he encounters a housefly in the lab. Consequently, Walt stops everything to exterminate the fly as it posed a contamination threat. When Jesse return the next day, he finds an irrational, sleep-deprived Walter persisting that they cannot finish their cook until the fly is killed. It is speculated that the fly symbolizes Walter’s guilty conscience, anxieties, and loss of control in his life as he frantically tries to do something to stop its “contamination.” He feels bad about his past immoral actions, most notably his hand in Jesse’s girlfriend, Jane’s death, as it weighs heavily on his conscience. Walter’s obsession with the fly directly shows that he is actively trying to get rid of his guilt and continue his current behaviors, but his soul and moral center is slowly catching up to him. Later on in the episode, Walter and Jesse discuss their families, and Walter tells him that he should have been dead already and reflects on the perfect moment to die. He explains to Jesse that his ideal moment would’ve been the night of Jane’s death, as he listened to Skyler sing their newborn baby to sleep and not be held responsible for any of his misdeeds. This conversation is one of the most psychologically revealing for Walter, since he implies his deep regret for letting Jane die and dragging his wife into the chaos of the drug business. In conclusion, while the episode “Fly” is overall uneventful, it is a significant part of Breaking Bad as it explores Walter’s guilty conscience. 

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What I Hope To See In El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

Since the release of El Camino is tomorrow, I thought now would be the perfect time to discuss what I hope to see in the film. Mostly, I just want to see Jesse Pinkman redeeming himself after the years he spent with Walter and finally get the happy ending he deserves. I hope he gets away from the business and restarts his life, possibly finding new love and gaining the family that he’s always wanted. Yet I know all of this will come with strings attached, because the movie would be boring without the high stakes and action that is guaranteed with anything related to Breaking Bad but part of me wants simplicity for Jesse. After being everyone’s punching bag on the show, I think Jesse has earned an easy way out of all the chaos that was his life due to all the trauma and heartbreak he has endured over the years. I want Jesse to find Brock, his deceased girlfriend Andrea’s son, and move on with their lives in a completely new place and just live peacefully. Equally important, I can’t wait to see all of the references to the show and cameos from the different characters. I know the characters Mike Ehrmantraut, Skinny Pete, Badger, and Ed the “Disappearer” are already confirmed, but I really hope to see Walter, Skyler, and Saul at some point in the movie. It wouldn’t be a Breaking Bad movie without seeing Walter in at least one flashback, and I really want to know how Skyler and her kids are after all of the disorder Walt caused for their family. Additionally, I’d like to know how Saul is doing after he restarted his life in Omaha, but I think that will be answered in Better Call Saul. However, no matter what the writers choose to do in El Camino, I know I’ll be impressed with because the stories they tell never disappoint.

The Comedic Relief of Saul Goodman

While Breaking Bad is primarily a serious and psychologically revealing drama, there are a few moments added throughout the show for comedic relief. Most of which are from the zany criminal lawyer, Saul Goodman. In season two, Bob Odenkirk’s character is introduced when one of Jesse’s distributors, Badger, gets arrested by the DEA. The noticeable contrast between all of the previous characters and Saul was an interesting and necessary choice by the writers. Previously, Hank had been the source of lightness for the show, but as his character began to get involved more seriously in the Heisenberg case, the writers added Saul to continue his comedic relief. Without his character, the writers would’ve had to rely on Jesse’s childish shortcomings and Walter’s awkwardness for the occasional snickers from the audience. Their bickering only goes so far however. Obviously people don’t watch Breaking Bad to laugh, but with the addition of Saul, the viewers are given brief moments of relief from the high tension action and drama that is associated with the series. Generally, Saul is depicted as being quick-witted and having a go-lucky attitude, as well as often being dressed in colorful, flamboyant suits. The way he conducts business also brings humor to the series through his henchmen he refers to as his “A-Team,” Patrick and Huell, as well as his unconventional law tactics. In addition, the writers purposefully chose the name Saul Goodman since it’s a play on the saying “it’s all good, man” which sets up his cheesy character perfectly. Therefore, Saul’s goofy and easy-going personality brings a light-hearted presence to the often serious and dark themes that are at the core of Breaking Bad.

Why The Music of Breaking Bad is Genius

Throughout Breaking Bad, music doesn’t play a huge role in the drama, but when it’s added it shows an insight to the character’s perspective and makes the scene that much better. I think the two most notable songs of the show are “Crystal Blue Persuasion” by Tommy James & the Shondells and “Baby Blue” by Badfinger because the lyrics and tone of the music sets up the scenes nicely. When “Crystal Blue Persuasion” is played, Walter is seemingly at the top of his game. He finally is rid of Gus Fring and all of the loose ends that connected him to his case, and now he can finally get back to cooking without threats. Walter’s product is starting to be shipped to the Czech Republic and cooking turns into just another workaday job. During the montage of business doing good, the lyrics of the song directly reflect Walter’s state of mind: “The sun is a’rising / Most definitely / A new day is coming, ooh, ooh / People are changing / Ain’t it beautiful, ooh, ooh / Crystal blue persuasion.” To elucidate, Walter’s fears surrounding Gus Fring are over and he is optimistic for his future business endeavors as the song suggests “a new is coming.” In regard to “Baby Blue,” I don’t think any song can top it, as it perfectly wraps up the end of Breaking Bad. After going on the run, Walter comes back to New Mexico to right all of his wrongs and finally get closure before he dies. Once apologizing to Skyler, ensuring his children will get his money, and freeing Jesse from his prison, Walter takes one last stroll around Jesse’s lab. Simultaneously, “Baby Blue” begins with the lyrics going: “Guess I got what I deserve / Kept you waiting there, too long my love / All that time, without a word / Didn’t know you’d think, that I’d forget, or I’d regret / The special love I have for you, my Baby Blue.” The tone of the song and the lyrics matches the context of the scene so perfectly with Walter reminiscing of all of his past crimes and being content with his choices while he’s dying. In conclusion, the writers of Breaking Bad chose music that reflected the character’s feelings and describes the set up of each scene.

My Top 10 Favorite Breaking Bad Episodes

1. “Pilot”  – I don’t think any other show’s pilot can compete with Breaking Bad’s. The opening scene is iconic and it’s interesting to see Walter’s beginning again, knowing what is instore for him. 
2. “Better Call Saul” – I love the introduction to the quirky and charismatic Saul Goodman, and I always find myself rewatching this episode because I love his character. 
3. “Dead Freight” – This episode is easily one of the coolest with the planning and risky execution of the train heist. I love that the writers emphasized Jesse’s role in the operation and gave him the spotlight of making the plan.  
4. “Ozymandias” – This episode is where everything falls apart in the series, as Hank and his partner are killed, Jesse is captured by Jack Welker and his gang, and Walter loses his family and goes on the run. It’s sheer insanity. 
5. “Face Off” – Easily one of the most recognizable of the series, as it’s the episode with Gus Fring’s death. The suspenseful game of cat and mouse between Walter and Gus comes to an incredible close and I still love to rewatch it. 
6. “Say My Name” – This is Mike’s final episode of the show and it’s still frustrating to see Walter kill him out of anger, but the opening scene is too iconic not to have on my list.  
7. “Caballo Sin Nombre” – I just love the opening scene where Walt gets pulled over because of his broken windshield and gets pepper sprayed for mouthing off to a cop.
8. “Crazy Handful of Nothin’” – Walter first shaves off his hair and adopts his pseudonym Heisenberg. Additionally, Walt confronts Tuco by blowing up his place of operation with fulminated mercury to get back at him for putting Jesse in the hospital and not paying them in full for their product.  
9. “Peekaboo” – This episode is one of the first to show Jesse’s caring nature, which I think is pretty notable.
10. “Gliding All Over” – It looks like Walter might actually get away with his crimes as he seemingly is at the top of his game, but Hank finally realizes that Walter is Heisenberg because of a careless mistake. 

Why Do People Hate Skyler White?

The general consensus on the character Skyler White is that viewers love to hate her. People dislike her because she comes off as a nag and stuck up, but in actuality she wants what’s best for her family, unlike Walter. I think Skyler is necessary to the storyline of Breaking Bad because someone has to butt heads with Walter. Although she is not well informed on the ins and outs of Walter’s business, Skyler holds her own against Walter and makes due with what options she has once she is dragged into his chaos. Skyler adapts to change quickly and avoids anything that could be detrimental to the family. For instance, she creates the whole gambling story Skyler tells her sister, Marie, to explain how they are able to afford to pay for Hank’s medical bills. Her commitment to the “story” is what makes Skyler more reasonable than Walt, who actively does things that threatens the safety of their family. Skyler realizes the position they’ve been put into and handles is in the least suspicious way and with her kids as her first priority. Contrariwise, Walter often spoils himself and Walter Jr. with fancy cars and directly contradicts their facade of almost having to file for bankruptcy. I think the majority of  Breaking Bad’s audience chooses to hate Skyler because she is not a sheep and consistently stands up to Walter and his corruption. The thing about this drama that draws you in is the story of the average man transforming into a drug kingpin and all of the insanity that ensues because of that. Having Skyler limit Walter and pose as his rival obviously made viewers hate her, since they watch the show to see the danger Walter gets them in. In conclusion, I think Skyler should be appreciated as the strongest female character in Breaking Bad rather than Walter’s naggy wife. 

Is Hank Schrader A Tragic Hero?

In the world of Breaking Bad, there is one consistent driving force that hinders Walter’s plans– his DEA brother-in-law, Hank Schrader. In the pilot episode, Hank is introduced as an arrogant and egotistical man, who takes immense pride in his very masculine career. The writers make sure to juxtapose season one Walt’s modest life and typically unmasculine career with Hank’s hotshot job to showcase the differences in their personality. As a result, Hank belittles Walter, insulting his fragile masculinity and riding off his above average intellect as unimportant. Having these preconceived notions of Walter allows him to commit crimes right under Hank’s nose, because nobody would ever suspect old, nerdy Walt to be a drug kingpin. However, unlike Walt, Hank has a moral compass that he generally sticks to throughout the entire drama. It’s Hank’s arrogance that makes him a tragic hero, since he self sabotages by his letting toxic masculinity and success get to his head. It is only after he is attacked by the cartel, that Hank begins to put his ego aside and starts viewing his cases through a different lense. Now, Hank starts to use more logic to piece together the Heisenberg case as he is determined to get justice. Subsequently, Walter is able to dive even further into his drug empire, as he is not as directly threatened by the DEA while Hank is bedridden. The switch in the character’s personalities showcases the damaging effects of toxic masculinity, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of both Hank and Walter. In conclusion, Hank’s arrogance is what stops him from connecting Walter to the leads in the Heisenberg case sooner, as he ignored all redflags due to his ego and low opinions of Walter.