Breaking Bad Re-Up: No Mas
A line of crawling Mexicans…what a way to kick off another season of Breaking Bad.
As season two progressed and gradually more of the “flash-forward” was revealed, a lot of people theorized that the destruction was the aftermath of the Cartel. But I don’t think anyone could have predicted the plane collision caused by a grieving air-traffic controller linked through his dead daughter to Jesse. Despite it being ultimately the fault of Walt and Jesse, I was even a little disappointed that a plane crash was the cause of the one-eyed bear and haz-mat suits. But now it’s season three and the Cartel are coming. Specifically in the form of two identical Mexican cousins with skull-tipped boots (they’re brothers in real life, Luis and Daniel Moncada). They don’t flinch at explosions.
Bryan Cranston’s face is like a wrinkled map of misery. As Walt, he’s choking on his own bullshit and constantly in a state of self-denial. Even during his surprise disclosure to Skyler, he states that he’s a drug “manufacturer,” not a “dealer.” The saddest line of the evening would have to be “We’re happily married!” He sees their seperation and her push for a divorce as only minor setbacks. They’ll get over it. Then during the school assembly, he makes everyone uncomfortable by explaining how the crash wasn’t that bad. Well, it was bad, but it wasn’t bad bad. There have been worst tragedies before. It was difficult to watch and reflected how Walt handles everything: we survive and we overcome. He blames everyone but himself.
And for once, Jesse is able to see things in perspective and appears to have his shit together more than Walt. He (rightfully) blames himself for the death of Jane and the 167 people on the plane. His stint in rehab taught him self-acceptance. Whether that means he’s going to actually change his ways or not we’ll just have to wait and see.
Can’t wait for Odenkirk’s return. The AV Club has a great interview with him up in which he discusses how he got involved with the show, his thoughts on acting in a drama, and fatherhood.
- Oh Mars
March 22nd, 2010 at 9:15 am
I have just been initiated in the world of Breaking Bad thanks to the recent marathon to promote the season premiere yesterday and I’m hooked!
Yesterday’s premiere was definitely an interesting start with the introduction of the Cartel cousins and Walt’s reveal to his wife. My favorite line of the night, though, has to go to Jesse when he tells Walt that he’s accepted his role in life as “the bad guy.” Gotta feel sorry for the kid.
March 23rd, 2010 at 7:16 pm
It’s hard to imagine Walt getting any more cringe-worthy than his current state. What a sad, pathetic cocksucker. Any sympathy I had for him has long since expired. It’s gotta be tough to write a show where the lead character is such a horrible bastard. I hope Jesse kills his ass in the season 3 finale.