Hey there again, all you fans!
Being on the off season of Breaking Bad, it would seem that not much excitement is surrounding the show. This is very false though! For a devoted fan, some new information has created a lot of hype for the show and in turn, all of its fans! Ill go over just a few of these new advancements that are allowing me to sleep at night!
Forbes Magazine, one of the most reliable and respected business magazines has given great feedback about the show. Covering, of course the television industry, this is even more relevant to the show! Written by someone who is still only in the second season of the show, Forbes calls Breaking Bad the best show on television. They agree with myself when they say the show takes television as a whole to a new level. In the article, the author gives six reasons why the show should be everyone's favorite show. All of which I agree whole heatedly on!
1) It's Visually Stunning
2) The Writing
3) The Acting
4) Humor
5) Science
6) The Soundtrack
To read in detail about these visit: http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2011/11/21/six-reasons-why-breaking-bad-is-the-best-show-on-television/
The Hollywood Reporter gives good news about the beloved show as well. On top of being probably one of the most sensible and respectable magazines in terms of entertainment, what they had to say is extremely exciting. Claiming that its obvious that writer Vince Gilligan is destined for a Golden Globe, more must be looked out after. The Hollywood Reporter says that Bryan Cranston and Breaking Bad as a whole may be on the road to a couple Golden Globes as well!
Thanks again and keep looking for exciting news about the show!
Til' next time!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Television Actors
Hey there fellow fans!
In the absence of our beloved show, I feel the need to explain reasons why reading up on the show is not a waste of time! TV shows are obviously like movies, but in more ways than many people realize. Because the media plays out televisions to be more highly respected than their fellow movie stars, this is only the case. I believe that this isn't completely true. This portrayed element and connection between the two starts an exponential stride towards such truths. Instead, I believe that in many cases it is the other way around. More specifically, I am speaking of Breaking Bad actors such as Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and pretty much any other main character in the show.
With proper direction and decent support, television actors have more limitations all while having more overall capabilities. This may sound strange, but allow me to exaggerate. While only have 15-45 minute spurts of acting, both writing and acting must be specific and most of all, powerful. This is why much of current television is of such poor quality, no one wants to spend time or money on great, quality actors and writers. Instead its easier to pay under qualified eccentric people to star in reality shows. In terms of capabilities, television actors have time. Time, in any artistic field or context, is a driver of quality art. This allows for skill, deep thought, and taste to take its abilities to sharpen every aspect of the piece. The same goes for acting, having 5 seasons thus far, characters have been able to slowly develop. This is something that a movie will not be able to accomplish as fluidly, possibly ever. Having this time to SLOWLY develop characters along with plots allows for extreme connection between audience and characters. Keeping this build up of actual character, however, is another point focus. Subtlety is a key in this. Fluid advancement must be apparent, otherwise it is cheap plot scares brought not by any previously established conflicts, but rather characters themselves.
Breaking Bad should be, and probably is, the main focus of how these shows should be written. Another reason it is the greatest show in TV history.
Thanks again!
In the absence of our beloved show, I feel the need to explain reasons why reading up on the show is not a waste of time! TV shows are obviously like movies, but in more ways than many people realize. Because the media plays out televisions to be more highly respected than their fellow movie stars, this is only the case. I believe that this isn't completely true. This portrayed element and connection between the two starts an exponential stride towards such truths. Instead, I believe that in many cases it is the other way around. More specifically, I am speaking of Breaking Bad actors such as Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and pretty much any other main character in the show.
With proper direction and decent support, television actors have more limitations all while having more overall capabilities. This may sound strange, but allow me to exaggerate. While only have 15-45 minute spurts of acting, both writing and acting must be specific and most of all, powerful. This is why much of current television is of such poor quality, no one wants to spend time or money on great, quality actors and writers. Instead its easier to pay under qualified eccentric people to star in reality shows. In terms of capabilities, television actors have time. Time, in any artistic field or context, is a driver of quality art. This allows for skill, deep thought, and taste to take its abilities to sharpen every aspect of the piece. The same goes for acting, having 5 seasons thus far, characters have been able to slowly develop. This is something that a movie will not be able to accomplish as fluidly, possibly ever. Having this time to SLOWLY develop characters along with plots allows for extreme connection between audience and characters. Keeping this build up of actual character, however, is another point focus. Subtlety is a key in this. Fluid advancement must be apparent, otherwise it is cheap plot scares brought not by any previously established conflicts, but rather characters themselves.
Breaking Bad should be, and probably is, the main focus of how these shows should be written. Another reason it is the greatest show in TV history.
Thanks again!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
More Cool Things
Hey there guys,
After showing you the AMC video customizer with Walt motivating some friends of yours, I really wanted to keep looking for some more fun interactive things all over the web. Now I really have to say that AMC and Breaking Bad really put out awesome toys via the web.
So I have decided to show a couple more!
'Walt's Warning'
This is a cool interactive flash video that starts off with you running through the desert, then being struck down. You wake up in Walt's RV with the man himself standing in front of you. You can move your mouse around to look all around the room while Walt yells at you. He gives his famous speech that really sums up a good portion of the background needed for the first season!
Give it a try!
Check all of these out and I will put some more up soon!
Thanks and see ya soon!
'Gale's Case file'
Here you can experience what was running through Hanks head while investigating Gale's case. This interactive player is nostalgic and funny at the same time. This expands Gale's character as well, since we really only knew him while at work!
http://www.amctv.com/shows/breaking-bad/gale-boetticher-case-file
'Hank's Interrogation'
I have written a post about Jesse's interactive graphic novel before, but I overlooked something. Hank already had one of these, and it has been nominated for awards! Its a great game that allows you yo experience a side plot surrounding Hank, while interacting to build and promote the story! Check it out!
http://blogs.amctv.com/breaking-bad/2011/02/interrogation-sxsw-peoples-choice-award.php
After showing you the AMC video customizer with Walt motivating some friends of yours, I really wanted to keep looking for some more fun interactive things all over the web. Now I really have to say that AMC and Breaking Bad really put out awesome toys via the web.
So I have decided to show a couple more!
'Walt's Warning'
This is a cool interactive flash video that starts off with you running through the desert, then being struck down. You wake up in Walt's RV with the man himself standing in front of you. You can move your mouse around to look all around the room while Walt yells at you. He gives his famous speech that really sums up a good portion of the background needed for the first season!
Give it a try!
Check all of these out and I will put some more up soon!
Thanks and see ya soon!
'Gale's Case file'
Here you can experience what was running through Hanks head while investigating Gale's case. This interactive player is nostalgic and funny at the same time. This expands Gale's character as well, since we really only knew him while at work!
http://www.amctv.com/shows/breaking-bad/gale-boetticher-case-file
'Hank's Interrogation'
I have written a post about Jesse's interactive graphic novel before, but I overlooked something. Hank already had one of these, and it has been nominated for awards! Its a great game that allows you yo experience a side plot surrounding Hank, while interacting to build and promote the story! Check it out!
http://blogs.amctv.com/breaking-bad/2011/02/interrogation-sxsw-peoples-choice-award.php
Walt's Wisdom
Hey there fans,
Today i found something on a little bit of the lighter side of the show. It is hilarious and really funny. It is an interactive customized video maker. I really suggest you try this and send it to your friends, its really fun!
First it asks you for a friend's name: Choose another fan, but context being understandable is key.
Second it asks you for your friends email: This sends it to them, but can also be considered a (cheap) price for the interface!
Third it asks for an age group for your friend: teens, twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, sixties, etc.
Fourth it will as you for where the friend lives: Dont worry it is just for the video, and maybe some target research (which is good for you).
Then comes the fun part: Choose a subject or action that your friend spends too much time doing. I chose more or less sarcastic things, because that actually creates an awesome climax to the video. Some include: On their Apperance, On their Cell Phone, On Ebay, On Facebook, Gambling, On Myspace, Reading Comics/ Magna, Shopping, Worrying, on Second Life, Smoking Up, and even On World of Warcraft. In other words, they have pretty much every demographic covered in some way!
Check it out!
http://www.waltswisdom.com/blog/2008/09114hv8sq
And he is mine for my cousin Kev (or Kevbot)!
As you can see, the video ties in with the actual plot from the first season. So this one is probably best kept for real Breaking Bad fans! This, I believe, would be taking place in the first episode right before Walt goes out and waits for his seemingly approaching fate.
Enjoy, and I will see you next time!
Thanks!
Today i found something on a little bit of the lighter side of the show. It is hilarious and really funny. It is an interactive customized video maker. I really suggest you try this and send it to your friends, its really fun!
First it asks you for a friend's name: Choose another fan, but context being understandable is key.
Second it asks you for your friends email: This sends it to them, but can also be considered a (cheap) price for the interface!
Third it asks for an age group for your friend: teens, twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, sixties, etc.
Fourth it will as you for where the friend lives: Dont worry it is just for the video, and maybe some target research (which is good for you).
Then comes the fun part: Choose a subject or action that your friend spends too much time doing. I chose more or less sarcastic things, because that actually creates an awesome climax to the video. Some include: On their Apperance, On their Cell Phone, On Ebay, On Facebook, Gambling, On Myspace, Reading Comics/ Magna, Shopping, Worrying, on Second Life, Smoking Up, and even On World of Warcraft. In other words, they have pretty much every demographic covered in some way!
Check it out!
http://www.waltswisdom.com/blog/2008/09114hv8sq
And he is mine for my cousin Kev (or Kevbot)!
As you can see, the video ties in with the actual plot from the first season. So this one is probably best kept for real Breaking Bad fans! This, I believe, would be taking place in the first episode right before Walt goes out and waits for his seemingly approaching fate.
Enjoy, and I will see you next time!
Thanks!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Breaking Bad's Awards
Hey guys,
As I was sitting in class today, I realized I have overlooked a huge aspect of being a fan writer of Breaking Bad. Being my very very favorite show, I must show how much everyone else reacts to the show. Not only on fan level either, I mean overall. I am going to dedicate this post to Breaking Bad's winnings. Having many awards for writing and other categories, This show deserves some special attention.
Here they are!
Nominated fields:
Emmys:
Outstanding Dram Series- for Production Staff on season 3
Outstanding Directing in Drama Series - for Michelle MacLaren
Outstanding Drama Series- for Production Staff on season 2
Outstanding Supporting Actor in Drama Series for Aaron Paul
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series for Vince Gilligan
Outstanding Cinematography for a One Hour Series (2010) for Michael Slovis
Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series for Skip MacDonald
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series
Outstanding Cinematography for a One Hour Series (2009) for Michael Slovis
Outstanding Cinematography for a One Hour Series (2008) for John Toll
Winning Fields:
Emmys
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Bryan Cranston for 'Full Measure'
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Aaron Paul for 'Half Measures'
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2009) for Bryan Cranston for 'Pheonix'
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2008) for Bryan Cranston for 'Pilot'
Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series for Lynne Willingham for 'ABQ'
Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series (2008) for Lynne Willingham for 'Pilot'
I learned some things that i actually was unaware off before this. Breaking bad kills it even in the creative arts categories, and rightfully! I like the cinematography awards!
See ya soon!
thanks!
Saul Goodman
Hey there everybody,
Today I have decided to talk about our protagonist’s crooked lawyer, Saul Goodman. ‘’Better Call Saul” says his TV ad, which is a bad sign for a lawyer. However, being criminals Saul is a perfect match for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. As an awesome actor, and a really awesome character, Saul Goodman has added a lot of value to the overall show with both comedy and criminality.
Walt and Jesse first contact Goodman for his services after becoming their own distributors of the blue meth. Badger is hit by an undercover cop while selling the product, and Walt and Jesse know they must do something quick. So they call Saul. The new lawyer meets with Badger and informs him to turn in ‘Hesseinburg’ but not Walt. Sounding like a lazy idea, we viewers are put on edge. However Goodman’s plan unveils and it’s a smart one as well. After giving a description of Hesseinburg, Badger is let free, but what about Walt? Saul hires a man who enjoys going to jail to take the bail for them, and the team of meth dealers is again safe thanks to Saul Goodman.
My favorite thing Saul does is in the third season. Skylar and Saul are at each other’s throats about where Walt should launder his money. Eventually once things start to boil up with Gail and Gus, Saul’s character really shows through. He goes up against the kingpin of the southwest, showing that he actually does care about Jesse and Walt. After hiding out in a lazer tag business, Saul helps cover up and plan with the two protagonists to lead up to one of the best episodes of the entire series.
Keep watching!
Thanks!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Hector Salamanca
I'm currently re-watching the second season of Breaking Bad, and have noticed something that I moderately over looked previously. Actually, not something but rather someone. In the beginning of the second season, when crazy man Tuco Salamanca by force, takes Walt and Jesse to a home in the middle of the desert. Tuco is taking them because they witnessed a murder that was unexpectedly exposed.
At this secluded home, one person accompanied the three characters. This person was Hector 'Tio' Salamanca, Tuco's uncle. Hector has seen better days; he is in a wheel chair, hooked up to an oxygen tank, and cannot speak. Hector communicates through yes or no answers to any of Tuco's question. He also comes off as very frustrated and mean as well.
Originally the show conveys importance on Tuco, with Hector just there as a half struggle builder. This, however is far from the truth. Hector Salamanca turns out to be a vital character all the way up to the shows current state.
After things boil with Tuco, and he ends up dead, Jesse ends up being held at the DEA offices. Jesse had no evidence against him, until Hector is wheeled in by Hank. When questioned, however, Hector does not rat out on Jesse. Why? Because we ind out later, how much he hates the DEA. Why again? Watch the fourth season to understand this great character. Hector ends up having a phenomenal back story that is so well integrated into the overall plot. The writing is amazing.
Thanks again!
See ya next time.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Hank
Hey there you guys!
Last night I had a hand full of strange dreams, including helping bears with broken legs and living in my dream house. By dream house, I don't mean the house that I hope to live in one day; I mean the house that, for some reason, I end up being in my dreams constantly. However one most down to Earth dream was one about me meeting Dean Norris, the actor who plays 'Hank' in Breaking Bad. After hearing what my subconscious would hypothetically to Hank, I feel like I should press on the character for a post.
Hank is Walt's brother in law, in other words; their wives are sisters. Hank is very macho and extremely sarcastic. But above all he is a good guy that cares about his family immensely, including the Whites. The scarce connection between the Walt and Hank is that they are on opposite ends of the plot. Hank is a high up DEA (drug enforcement agency) agent.
The show never uses this connection to make easy conflicts. Instead the connection is emphasized through Hank's sanity, in essence. Hank is always one step behind Walt, finding his tracks of deaths and product. Walt produces a product like no-one in the world: Blue Meth. This is easily singled out by the DEA, however they cannot find the 'Hesseinburg' who supposedly makes this product. Walt's criminal name is Hesseinburg. Hank is more and more annoyed with the fact that he cant find this man. Further and further down the road, Hank dwells over this man (Walt) day and night and eventually starts to loose his sanity.
After a turn in the third season, however Hanks side-plot takes a turn. Now us viewers get to put together two feelings conveyed by this great character.
Keep watching!
thanks!
Last night I had a hand full of strange dreams, including helping bears with broken legs and living in my dream house. By dream house, I don't mean the house that I hope to live in one day; I mean the house that, for some reason, I end up being in my dreams constantly. However one most down to Earth dream was one about me meeting Dean Norris, the actor who plays 'Hank' in Breaking Bad. After hearing what my subconscious would hypothetically to Hank, I feel like I should press on the character for a post.
Hank is Walt's brother in law, in other words; their wives are sisters. Hank is very macho and extremely sarcastic. But above all he is a good guy that cares about his family immensely, including the Whites. The scarce connection between the Walt and Hank is that they are on opposite ends of the plot. Hank is a high up DEA (drug enforcement agency) agent.
The show never uses this connection to make easy conflicts. Instead the connection is emphasized through Hank's sanity, in essence. Hank is always one step behind Walt, finding his tracks of deaths and product. Walt produces a product like no-one in the world: Blue Meth. This is easily singled out by the DEA, however they cannot find the 'Hesseinburg' who supposedly makes this product. Walt's criminal name is Hesseinburg. Hank is more and more annoyed with the fact that he cant find this man. Further and further down the road, Hank dwells over this man (Walt) day and night and eventually starts to loose his sanity.
After a turn in the third season, however Hanks side-plot takes a turn. Now us viewers get to put together two feelings conveyed by this great character.
Keep watching!
thanks!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
'I HATE Skylar'
Fans,
After discussing Breaking Bad with others or quite a while now, I have noticed a common comment. With the popularity of the show growing exponentially over the last two seasons, many more people are avid watchers of the show. Initially, I would always try to bring it up to people who were on the vague topic of television, only to be met with wandering eyes.
Skylar is Walt's wife, and she's assertive. When Walt was a much easier going guy, previous to even the first season, he would bow to Skylar in almost every regard. But Walt loves Skylar. Alot. So when Walt starts to act strange, and eventually seemingly out of control, Skylar reverts to her assertiveness. This comes off as really annoying and results in most viewers despising her. What should be realized however, is this IS the point!
Walt goes through different struggles with other underground drug dealers, which seem to be the conflicts with our protagonist, and the plot overall. Hank being in the DEA is obviously one, however this is never really banked off of for cheap scares or plot points. Instead, the conflict that keeps the show seamless between sagas is Skylar. Skylar is our true antagonist.
Now with people constantly hearing good things about the show, the views have gone up. And with with views, common perceptions have arrived. Nearly every time the show is being discussed, a sentence seems to constantly be present; 'I HATE Skylar.' However, I do not disagree at all. What people must realize about the show is the role these feelings have in the show, that only build to the beautiful Breaking Bad program.
This fact is also beautifully conveyed. Skylar is a good person, she does what is best for her family (most of the time). This is the same ends that Walt has on the, usually competing side, of what Skylar agrees on. However, while Walt is able to sacrifice stability and laws for his cause, Skylar is able to sacrifice her husband for hers.
Til next time
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Gus Fring
Hey fans,
For this post I am very excited to be explaining my view on the character Gus. Played by Giancarlo Esposito, Gus is the meth king pin of the south west. He is a very famous and successful business man outside of his illegal industries as well. Most notable is his fast food chicken restaurant, Los Pollos Hermanos. He also has a seemingly vertically integrated industrial size laundry plant. All of these he uses to harbor, launder, and protect his products as a high-end meth distributor.
Gus Fring is first introduced in the third season of Breaking Bad as a very unfamiliar face. So far in Walt and Jesse's experiences up the drug pyramid, distributors have been over powering and mostly scary. Gus is a very upright business man, something that Walt immediately assumes to mean stability. And lucky for Walter, Gus wants him to cook for him as well. Through out the rest of the third season, Gus is a very likable and stable character.
WRONG. The only difference between Gus and the past distributors is being meticulous. He doesn't show off that he gets what he wants, instead he takes the time to make sure it happens. Eventually, after finding out that Gus will even poison children as means to his ends, things start to fall apart. Soon, Walt is on the other side of Gus's overall intentions. Of course he wont kill Walt off just yet: that would stop his yield. Now, by the fourth season, Gus and Walter are in a complete face-off (notice this).
Both of these men's attitudes were extremely absolute. Working together under such conditions are only fatal, the presence of 'this town is too small for the both of us' is a vital factor of each character. The best part about the drawing of this dual is shown in Gus's character. The camera only sees him in his business persona, which is a beautiful writing technique. The scariest part about the man is his power: shown in the second to last episode. You find out Gus is on the board of the hospital, making him ever so powerful. this gives the feel that everything Walt does, has a good chance of coming back to Gus.
see ya next time!
For this post I am very excited to be explaining my view on the character Gus. Played by Giancarlo Esposito, Gus is the meth king pin of the south west. He is a very famous and successful business man outside of his illegal industries as well. Most notable is his fast food chicken restaurant, Los Pollos Hermanos. He also has a seemingly vertically integrated industrial size laundry plant. All of these he uses to harbor, launder, and protect his products as a high-end meth distributor.
Gus Fring is first introduced in the third season of Breaking Bad as a very unfamiliar face. So far in Walt and Jesse's experiences up the drug pyramid, distributors have been over powering and mostly scary. Gus is a very upright business man, something that Walt immediately assumes to mean stability. And lucky for Walter, Gus wants him to cook for him as well. Through out the rest of the third season, Gus is a very likable and stable character.
WRONG. The only difference between Gus and the past distributors is being meticulous. He doesn't show off that he gets what he wants, instead he takes the time to make sure it happens. Eventually, after finding out that Gus will even poison children as means to his ends, things start to fall apart. Soon, Walt is on the other side of Gus's overall intentions. Of course he wont kill Walt off just yet: that would stop his yield. Now, by the fourth season, Gus and Walter are in a complete face-off (notice this).
Both of these men's attitudes were extremely absolute. Working together under such conditions are only fatal, the presence of 'this town is too small for the both of us' is a vital factor of each character. The best part about the drawing of this dual is shown in Gus's character. The camera only sees him in his business persona, which is a beautiful writing technique. The scariest part about the man is his power: shown in the second to last episode. You find out Gus is on the board of the hospital, making him ever so powerful. this gives the feel that everything Walt does, has a good chance of coming back to Gus.
see ya next time!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Vince Gilligan Wins Another Award.
Fans,
Credit owed is now being placed properly and righteously at Breaking Bad's feet. Although, feet is not the correct ending to this sentence, but 'brain' does not sound nearly as sleek. Vince Gilligan has recently received CableFAX Program's Award for best writer. Good job, CableFAX.
CableFAX is a program that ranks and awards quality cable television, something that should be done more often. In my opinion it would make programs become more ambitious and write overall better shows. If these cable dramas didn't get an automatic disregard to premium channel shows, then they would be more motivated. This season of Breaking Bad has pushed more limits, in context of cable and gore, than even showtime's Dexter. This is worth pointing out, since Dexter IS about a serial killer.
Gilligan took on fellow AMC writer, Matt Weiner, of Mad Men. This award, is added on to Gilligan's already six Emmy Awards for Breaking Bad. After the awards, Vince Gilligan sat down with the Irish Film & Television Network for an interview. The interviewer posed some great questions that I was very excited about:
(source: http://www.iftn.ie/broadcast/BroadcastNews/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4284389&tpl=archnews&force=1)
Thanks Again!
Credit owed is now being placed properly and righteously at Breaking Bad's feet. Although, feet is not the correct ending to this sentence, but 'brain' does not sound nearly as sleek. Vince Gilligan has recently received CableFAX Program's Award for best writer. Good job, CableFAX.
CableFAX is a program that ranks and awards quality cable television, something that should be done more often. In my opinion it would make programs become more ambitious and write overall better shows. If these cable dramas didn't get an automatic disregard to premium channel shows, then they would be more motivated. This season of Breaking Bad has pushed more limits, in context of cable and gore, than even showtime's Dexter. This is worth pointing out, since Dexter IS about a serial killer.
Gilligan took on fellow AMC writer, Matt Weiner, of Mad Men. This award, is added on to Gilligan's already six Emmy Awards for Breaking Bad. After the awards, Vince Gilligan sat down with the Irish Film & Television Network for an interview. The interviewer posed some great questions that I was very excited about:
(source: http://www.iftn.ie/broadcast/BroadcastNews/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4284389&tpl=archnews&force=1)
Q. Why are you ending Breaking Bad?
A. A big part of me does not want to end ‘Breaking Bad’ because I suspect and feel that it will be a definite highlight of my life and I’m having a wonderful time doing it. My crew and my cast are like family to me and I have such a good time doing the shows so a big part of me indeed, does not want the show to ever end. I’m ending it ultimately because it was always intended to be a very finite story. It’s a story about a man who starts off as essentially the good guy and, by force of will, chooses to become the bad guy. At a certain point, we run out of story. I want to leave the audience satisfied and perhaps, wanting a little bit more. But that is always preferable to me than to have your audience saying “Oh My God, is that show still on the air? End it already, put it out of its misery.”
Q. When you wrote the final episode of season 4 you were still in negotiations with AMC, so there was a chance that this could have been the last episode of the show. Would you have been comfortable or happy with that episode to have been the final ending?
A. That’s a very good question and a part of me thinks that the answer to that is yes. I am very proud of the last episode of season four and I feel like that would not have been a bad ending of the entire series.
I have to admit that while negotiations were ongoing during the writing of that episode I sort of suspected that AMC and Sony – our two partners in producing this show – were not going to let the show die. I really suspected that the last episode of season four would not be our final episode.
In a sense you suspect what the outcome will be, but you have to protect against the possibility that the episode you are working on will be your final one and you desire to leave the audience satisfied on some level. You try to do double duty as a writer.
I have to admit that while negotiations were ongoing during the writing of that episode I sort of suspected that AMC and Sony – our two partners in producing this show – were not going to let the show die. I really suspected that the last episode of season four would not be our final episode.
In a sense you suspect what the outcome will be, but you have to protect against the possibility that the episode you are working on will be your final one and you desire to leave the audience satisfied on some level. You try to do double duty as a writer.
I guess I try to make the end of every season as satisfying as possible, just on the off chance that god-knows-what – a meteor strikes the earth or something and that’s the last episode we ever do! We try to end on a high note with every season and season four was no exception.
Q. Was it particularly difficult to say goodbye to the character Gus and Giancarlo Esposito?
A. It was very hard. I took Giancarlo Esposito into my office in Albuquerque probably about two or three months before we killed off his character, just the two of us and I was very nervous. I had to say it to him; I had to give as much advanced warning as possible and I told him, unfortunately, at the end of this season, we are going to kill off your character. I was so nervous about it. I was humming and hawing and stuttering and he just sort of sat there and very politely listened to me.
The best way I can put it is – sometimes the story dictates what it needs from the writer. In ‘Breaking Bad’ season four it was very much a situation of, “This towns not big enough for the two of us” and then that was sort of the situation with Walter White and Gus Fring. They were very similar in a sense – they were both very brilliant and ruthless men and one couldn’t succeed unless the other one failed. They were playing something of a zero sum game all through season four. Bryan Cranston was really sad that we were loosing Gus Fring but we all kind of knew that on some storytelling level, it was best to kill off the character of Gus so that Walt could come back. The town wasn’t big enough for the two of them. Or if you like the movie ‘Highlander’ – there can be only one!
A. It was very hard. I took Giancarlo Esposito into my office in Albuquerque probably about two or three months before we killed off his character, just the two of us and I was very nervous. I had to say it to him; I had to give as much advanced warning as possible and I told him, unfortunately, at the end of this season, we are going to kill off your character. I was so nervous about it. I was humming and hawing and stuttering and he just sort of sat there and very politely listened to me.
The best way I can put it is – sometimes the story dictates what it needs from the writer. In ‘Breaking Bad’ season four it was very much a situation of, “This towns not big enough for the two of us” and then that was sort of the situation with Walter White and Gus Fring. They were very similar in a sense – they were both very brilliant and ruthless men and one couldn’t succeed unless the other one failed. They were playing something of a zero sum game all through season four. Bryan Cranston was really sad that we were loosing Gus Fring but we all kind of knew that on some storytelling level, it was best to kill off the character of Gus so that Walt could come back. The town wasn’t big enough for the two of them. Or if you like the movie ‘Highlander’ – there can be only one!
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