MovieChat Forums > Breaking Bad (2008) Discussion > So I decided to binge watch the entire s...

So I decided to binge watch the entire series (seasons 1-5)

posted 6 years ago by CinemaDemon989 (1286)
39 replies | jump to latest

Seeing I recently got Netflix, and couldn't figure out what to watch, I decided to watch the entire Breaking Bad series.

I remember when this show first came out back in 08. It was such an up-and-coming popular show at the time. There wasn't any other show quite like it. Initially, I enjoyed the first two seasons, but then for whatever reason, I got bored with the series around season 3, and quit watching it. I was quick to assume that the story-line went downhill, and pretty much gave up on it. But now I realize that I judged this show super harshly, all based on one season.

First off, let me just say that Bryan Cranston is a terrific actor. And it's so weird seeing him in a serious show like Breaking Bad, seeing that I grew up watching him on the show Malcolm in the Middle. But all in all, he did a great job at portraying Walter White. Cranston, along with Aaron Paul is the glue that kept this show together. They were two impressive and unique casting choices.

As in for the seasons, I actually thought the first two seasons were some of the best in the series, despite how depressing they could be, and how tame they could be considered compared to other seasons. What made the first two seasons special, in my opinion, is that it's when we (the audience) get to see Walt and Jesse's journey into becoming meth cooks / hardened criminals. Plus there were a lot of memorable moments. Now season 3 on the other hand was a bit slow and dull at times. Definitely my least favorite season. But seasons 4 and 5 made up for that. I won't spoil the ending. But let's just say that everything in the plot unraveled in a really intense manner. The ending shocked me.

But overall, I really enjoyed this series, and I'm glad I gave it another chance. My only criticism about the show would be the two characters of Skyler and Walt Jr. Especially Skyler...dang her character could be annoying and super unlikable. But regardless, I still think Anna Gunn is a great actress. And I also think the show tried too hard sometimes to be edgy and mysterious. Sometimes plots were over-complicated, in my opinion. And also, the way the show portrayed meth users was super far fetch sometimes. But other than that, the show was still enjoyable. One of the best series I've ever seen.

[–] tph890 (489) 6 years ago

Good post!
This show was definitely a slow burner.
I couldn’t get into it at first either, but the rewatches really pay off, and now it is one of my favorite series.

[–] CinemaDemon989 (1286) 6 years ago

Exactly. It's a show that you kind of have to force yourself to watch. Because there are episodes here and there that could make the show seem boring. Like you said, it's a slow burner, but the pay off is worth it.

[–] R_Kane (15828) 6 years ago

I tried to binge it, and gave up after 3 episodes. I liked nothing about it. I didn’t hate it. I was simply unengaged. I’m strictly a Premium cable kind of person.

[–] CinemaDemon989 (1286) 6 years ago

When you say premium cable, I assume you mean things like Showtime and HBO? If so, trust me, I know what you mean. Usually, I never watch these kinds of shows. But 3 episodes definitely won't give you enough insight into the story. But then again, I guess if you simply didn't like it, than so be it. I'm just saying, the first 3 episodes definitely doesn't define the overall series.

[–] R_Kane (15828) 6 years ago

That’s what I mean.

And I don’t doubt that the show improves. Neither the basic concept nor the lead actor have ever had the slightest appeal to me. He will always be Silence of the Lambs’ Buffalo Bill to me. So many had sung me its praises—many of them Walking Dead fans, a show I won’t even give a chance, which made me doubt that my taste was congruent with their’s—I decided to give it a go when I got Netflix. Not for me. Then again, Counterpart, Westworld and Billions aren’t for everyone, either.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

What did you mean by "he will always be Silence of the Lambs' Buffalo Bill to me"?

Bryan Cranston wasn't in Silence of the Lambs, that was Ted Levine who played Buffalo Bill.

[–] R_Kane (15828) 6 years ago

I was wrong.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

And yet there are parallels between 'Silence' and 'BB' so this mistake is somehow not coincidental. Frankly, I'm surprised you didn't enjoy Breaking Bad.

[–] scarlit (50) 6 years ago

you sound really biased (and blissfully ignorant to boot).

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

"I’m strictly a Premium cable kind of person."
Not being from the US I'm not familiar with your tv infrastructure

So how does the content of your "premium cable" differ from whetever kind of distribution channel Breaking Bad arrives by?

[–] dmac8 (5050) 6 years ago

I'll answer for him.

Breaking Bad is on "basic cable". The most significant difference being that it's written around commercials. That changes the format as well as putting limits on the creative freedom allowed.

[–] GotWood84 (384) 6 years ago

Which had no impact on the show whatsoever.

[–] JayReed (0) 5 years ago

[deleted]

[–] TaRaNRoD (1579) 5 years ago

And why do you feel the need to be so mean? Dounds like sexual frustration. Don't worry, I've been there.

[–] dmac8 (5050) 5 years ago

Where's your other socks and their comments to support you b/c no one else will?

It's strange how y'all seem incapable of mastering URL tags around a link, huh?

Then again, dont bother. I see these comments getting deleted by mods already.

Your troll game is pathetically weak. Welcome to my ignore list. hahaha

[–] FoffLsrTrl (0) 5 years ago

[deleted]

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I also binged watched it a few years back. It starts off really strong but towards the end becomes a little cartoonish. Jesse is an interesting character at times but can also be very annoying.

[–] CinemaDemon989 (1286) 6 years ago

Yeah, I agree. Around the end it seems to go over-the-top. Like the writers tried too hard to make it as dramatic as possible. And I also agree about Jesse. I liked his character most of the time, but his dramatic crying / emotional moments became so repetitive.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

[deleted]

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

yeah , the whinging and crying did , but so did the beatings ...

[–] scarlit (50) 6 years ago

my issue with skylar was casting. physically, i just couldn't see her and walt being into one another. a lot of people seem to dislike her character and i'm not sure why. "annoying and super unlikable" doesn't really cut it.

[–] CinemaDemon989 (1286) 6 years ago

Well, what more do you want me to say about her character? I didn't like her. Lol

[–] scarlit (50) 6 years ago

i like reasons, but since we sometimes don't like people for no apparent reason irl, i'll accept.

(i just believe there's always a reason)

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Nobody liked Skyler because she was against being a criminal.
what a bitch eh?

[–] scarlit (50) 6 years ago

finally: an answer that cuts to the core.

i agree with you. people seem to demonize her character for reactions that were believable and appropriate. it's almost like she triggers memories of a nagging mother or something...

her character was never pious or holier than thou. just dealing with some crazy circumstances.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

[deleted]

[–] scarlit (50) 6 years ago

interesting perspective.

i think she was frustrated by the growing awareness that she was being lied to, like anyone in her position would be.

[–] Jinx (3724) 5 years ago

I think because the story was told from Walt’s perspective we were on his ‘side’. We were supposed to identify with Walt and we understood his motives. Skyler is the guilty conscience, she hasn’t been on the journey with us so her perspective of things is completely different. She was the wife of a school teacher, that was the life she had and then while she’s pregnant, Walt becomes this different person who she knows is lying to her and going missing for hours/days. We aren’t given that side of the story so when she’s so angry and pursues the divorce with such anger, we don’t like her. We aren’t ‘supposed’ to like her.

[–] snepts (11123) 6 years ago

I never dedicated myself to watching the show as close as I did to others, but I did get a little restless when the other couple were featured a lot. Not that there was anything inherently wrong with the characters, but the side stories with them and the son just didn't seem as strong as when focusing on Walt and his protege. Almost seemed like they had a hit on their hands and had to pad the story out some to fill the seasons. I never did watch every episode, but I caught the finale. Wouldn't mind starting from the top and going through the whole thing.

[–] GotWood84 (384) 6 years ago

[deleted]

[–] CinemaDemon989 (1286) 6 years ago

Really, what's so great about season 3?

[–] GotWood84 (384) 6 years ago

Personally it is not my favorite season. I think people gravitate towards that season because the story really starts to pick up and take form. We learn of the super-lab. Walt starts to work for Gus. We meet Gale. A connection to the Cartel is introduced. We meet Tuco's cousins (who have that wild shootout with Hank). Walter finally tells Skylar about the meth.

The show was so great, I just don't see how someone could get bored with it.

In your initial OP you came off as pretentious to me, so that is why I responded the why I did.

[–] CinemaDemon989 (1286) 6 years ago

Hmmm, interesting. I could agree with you on some terms. I didn't hate season 3. I'm just saying it was my least favorite. I thought it was so too slow.

I hope that response wasn't too pretentious for you. Just trying to keep it real. lol

[–] scarlit (50) 6 years ago

you're calling OP a fag for his opinion of a TV show? get outside more buddy

[–] GotWood84 (384) 6 years ago

Who.. me?

[–] scarlit (50) 6 years ago

yes you!

[–] Knish (1721) 5 years ago

The only thing I was bored with was the Ted Beneke side story.

[–] CinemaDemon989 (1286) 5 years ago

Agreed.

[–] Volley (3433) 5 years ago

Yeah regarding Skyler--she was written like that specifically to help us, the viewer, get to know--and see Walt's perspective a little better, what he had to live with, and just one of his many motivations to get into cooking. :)

Glad you found the series enjoyable. I love every episode of the show, except for 'Fly', which I have skipped on my previous rewatches.