Finally, the beginning of the end of Breaking Bad is here. The first episode of "The Final 8" makes its mark by telling us it's going to be a wild ride all the way the series finale. Things happened in this episode that I did not think would happen until at least a couple of episodes in. One of the qualities I always appreciated about the show is that it doesn't waste any time getting to certain plot developments. Events transgress naturally and without the need to slow down.
The whole series has been leading up to Hank figuring out about Walt. The end of "last season" ended with Hank stunned by his revelation that Walt might be Heisenberg. From there, it only took one episode for Hank to confirm it and for Walt to figure out he knows. In many other tv shows, a plot development like this would have dragged on for at least a couple of episodes (*cough Lost cough*). But this is Breaking Bad and we only have 7 episodes to go. The garage door closes and Hank punches Walt, something we've been waiting to see since we first started watching the show.
Before those tense last 10 minutes, the premiere episode succeeded in painting a bleak picture of life after "getting out" for Walt and Jesse. Walt wants nothing to do with the business and now concerns himself with selling air fresheners. Also, his cancer is back. Jesse is morally suffering and has no idea what to do with himself, or his money. Walter tries to talk to him and coldly lies to him about Mike.
What happens after this episode, I am unsure of. Walt and Hank have entered an endgame with each other where both characters have everything to lose. I don't know where this is headed, but am pretty damn excited to see what happens next.
Observations:
- Another flash forward scene. This time, it becomes apparent that Walt's identity will somehow be revealed to the world (evidenced by the Heisenberg graffiti). I'm not sure If I like how much information the show is giving us with these glimpses, almost seems like too much.
- Walt saying hello to his neighbor in the opening and again in the present story was a nice touch though.
- Walt's professional demeanor with Lydia at the car wash reminded me of the way Gus used to act at his restaurant.
- Speaking of Lydia, I found it funny she took her rental for a car wash.
- We get an awesome conversation about a Star Trek pie eating contest between Skinny Pete and Badger. I could watch a show about these guys getting high and talking.
- It was hard for me to watch Jesse give away all that "blood money". He's in self-destruct mode again.
- I doubt this will be the last we see of Lydia.
- Saul kept all those people waiting because he was getting a massage.
- "If you don't know who I am, maybe your best option is to tread lightly"- Walt threatening Hank.
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