Post Classifieds

Entertaining Criticism: Breaking Bad

By Maurika Smutherman

On October 9, 2013

Pin It

Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) star in Breaking Bad. Photo courtesy of The Washington Post. The Washington Post

The "Breaking Bad" era came to an end, raking in 10.3 million viewers for the series finale Sept. 29.

Creator Vince Gilligan, the cast and crew have even more to celebrate after finally winning the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series this year. The final season kept fans on the edge of their seats, wondering if their favorite characters would make it to the end, or be killed off.

"Breaking Bad" had its rise to popularity after the first episode aired in 2008.

The plot was intriguing. Walter White (Bryan Cranston- Saving Private Ryan) is a chemistry teacher struggling to make ends meet when he is diagnosed with inoperable, advanced lung cancer. With a baby on the way and a disabled teenage son (RJ Mitte), he teams up with a former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul- "Big Love"), to produce methamphetamine. Their product becomes the best in Albuquerque, causing lots of drama with local drug dealers and kingpins.

The series focuses on Walter as he transforms from a humble high school teacher into the dangerous drug lord, Heisenberg.

Each character has developed immensely. Jesse, who began as a small-time drug dealer, battles with depression and anxiety as he struggles to handle the things that come along with making it big time. Skylar (Anna Gunn- "Deadwood"), Walter's wife, was once happy and supportive but ends up abandoning Walter in crucial times.

Hank (Dean Norris- "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"), Walter's DEA brother-in-law, loses his fight when he is paralyzed, but regains his strength as the series comes to a close.

During its 5-year run, "Breaking Bad" has won 10 Emmy's and received widespread critical acclaim.

Bryan Cranston, who many recognize as the quirky dad from "Malcolm in the Middle", has won three Emmy's for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Walter White and Forbes Magazine ranked the series as the "best show ever," above iconic dramas like "The Wire" and "The Sopranos."

The final episode tied up loose ends and left fans with the message that being bad always has consequences, but doing good will end in reward.