By Winslow Laroche
Hey readers. I’m sorry this column is starting late in the year. Mostly due to my laziness. So I was wondering, how could I start a column? The opportunity was presented to me a few days ago when I was commissioned to write a review on the season two premiere of the AMC series, “Breaking Bad.” I was excited because my love for the show is immense.
Yes, I understand “Breaking Bad” is a drama based in Albuquerque about a 50-year-old science teacher who is going through a few “issues” in his life and turns to a life of crime by producing meth with a former student. Yes, it won two Emmys and yes, I love this show, but you are probably wondering, why should I listen to you? Well, let’s go into a few reasons why “Breaking Bad” is so badass.
1. Bryan Cranston
OMG, it’s the dad from “Malcolm in the Middle”! Oh, how times have changed. He left the claws of Fox for the cable network AMC and look what it got him: a leading actor Emmy. A well-deserved one for his strong-willed portrayal of man who could look so torn, yet so controlled at the same time. Bryan Cranton + beef with meth dealers = Badass. A formula that never fails.
2. Meth
The show is about meth. I don’t remember the last time someone told me they were making and selling meth to support their family. Oh wait. That didn’t happen.
3. Supporting Cast
The banter between the supporting cast is pure genius. Their side stories don’t seem irrelevant and contrived compared to other shows, but add more to the mixture that is “Breaking Bad.”
4. Partner in Crime
The pugnacious former student of Walter. The chemistry between Bryan Cranton (Walt) and Jesse (Aaron Paul) is unstoppable. The hot-heated street smart dropout compliments the controlled, aged chaos that is Walt. Oh yeah, and Jess is one of those badass troublemaker who you feel sorry for. Plus they had to please the vain: he is pretty good looking in a weird way.
5. Pregnant Wife
I love strong women in dramas. A strong woman is badass. Anna Gunn, who plays Walt’s wife in the drama is no exception. See also, diva is female version of a hustla. Ova hustla. Ova Ova hustla.
6. The Cops
Oh did I forget to mention that his brother works of the DEA?
7. Rack Focus Shot
Forget whoever said more cowbell. More rack focus all day.
You are probably wondering, why haven’t you talked about Season 2 yet? It was directed by Bryan Cranton, and you can clearly see the directorial changes .
What you have to remember is “Breaking Bad” is one of those shows that doesn’t change much because of all the questions it presents: How will Walt deal with his cancer? What will happen if Walt keeps being secretive to his wife? Will they get caught? Arrested? Killed? Will they make the amount of money Walt is thinking of? Will Jesse and Walt ever split up? The suspense is there. It is one of the driving force. The season premiere was left on a cliffhanger for Pete’s sake. “Breaking Bad” has a beautiful way of putting you on the edge of your seat, but it isn’t the classic “I’m surprised, but I really say that coming.” They don’t do that. As soon as you think something horrible might happen to the two main gentlemen, you are pushed into another direction.
As a viewer you might try to find something predictable about it, but the show blocks you from thinking so. If this season is as unpredictable and touching as the first episode, I won’t be surprise when more people take notice of “Breaking Bad.”
“Breaking Bad” is on AMC on Sundays at 10pm. You aren’t doing anything. Watch something good.