Breaking Bad Season 1: My Honest Reaction!

Alright, guys, buckle up! I just finished watching Breaking Bad Season 1, and I'm here to spill all the tea. I know, I know, I'm super late to the party. Everyone's been raving about this show for years, but hey, better late than never, right? So, without further ado, let's dive into my reaction to this critically acclaimed first season.

Initial Thoughts: Hooked From the Start

From the very first scene, Breaking Bad grabs you and doesn't let go. The sheer chaos of Walter White, a seemingly ordinary chemistry teacher, driving an RV through the desert while cooking meth is unbelievably compelling. I mean, who wouldn't be intrigued by that?! Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Walter White is nothing short of phenomenal. He perfectly captures the character's transformation from a meek, mild-mannered man into a ruthless drug lord. The writing is sharp, the pacing is tight, and the cinematography is stunning. Each episode left me wanting more, and I found myself constantly thinking about the characters and their situations even when I wasn't watching. I also appreciated the way the show introduced the supporting characters, like Jesse Pinkman (played brilliantly by Aaron Paul), and gradually developed their backstories. It created a sense of depth and realism that made the show even more engaging. The opening scene with the pants flying in the desert was so strange, but it immediately set a tone that lets you know that things will get weirder as the season progresses. I am surprised by the number of decisions that Walt makes that are clearly wrong from the start, but it makes sense given the situation that he is in. The stakes of the show are also immediately made clear, so that creates a lot of immediate drama that sets up the rest of the season. Overall, Breaking Bad sucks you in from the start and makes you want to keep watching.

Walter White: From Mr. Chips to Heisenberg

Okay, let's talk about Walter White. Seriously, what a character arc! At the beginning of the season, he's a high school chemistry teacher struggling to make ends meet. He's diagnosed with cancer, feels emasculated, and decides to cook meth to provide for his family. It's a drastic decision, to say the least, but you can almost understand his motivation. He wants to leave a legacy, to be someone other than just a pushover. As the season progresses, we see him slowly morph into Heisenberg, his alter ego. He becomes more confident, more assertive, and more willing to do whatever it takes to protect his interests.

What really struck me was the gradual nature of this transformation. It wasn't an overnight change. It was a slow, insidious process that was both fascinating and disturbing to watch. You see him grappling with his conscience, trying to justify his actions, and slowly losing his grip on his old self. His relationship with Jesse Pinkman is also a key element in his transformation. Jesse is his partner in crime, his confidant, and his connection to the criminal underworld. Walter initially sees Jesse as a liability, but he gradually comes to rely on him, and their relationship becomes more complex and nuanced as the season progresses. What is also fun to watch is how Walt uses his chemistry knowledge to solve problems in unusual ways. It is fun to see the more creative side of the character, and see how the intelligence can be used for good or bad, depending on the circumstances.

Jesse Pinkman: The Heart of the Show

Speaking of Jesse Pinkman, he's definitely one of my favorite characters. He's a screw-up, a drug addict, and a small-time criminal, but he also has a good heart. Aaron Paul's performance is heartbreakingly realistic. You can see the pain and vulnerability in his eyes, even when he's acting tough. Jesse is constantly struggling with his demons, trying to stay clean, and trying to find his place in the world. His relationship with Walter is complicated, to say the least. They're partners, but they're also constantly at odds with each other. Walter sees Jesse as a means to an end, while Jesse looks up to Walter as a mentor and father figure. But despite their differences, they also have a deep bond. They rely on each other, protect each other, and ultimately care about each other. Jesse acts as the moral compass of the show. He is always concerned with the ethics of what they are doing, and he is often the voice of reason that tries to get Walt to do the right thing. However, his own personal demons make him an unreliable character, and he struggles to follow through on the goals he sets for himself. This creates inner conflict within Jesse, as well as conflict with Walt. I am interested to see how his character arc progresses as the series moves forward. Overall, Jesse is a great character who contributes a lot to the dynamic of the show, and to the story as a whole.

The Supporting Cast: Solid Performances All Around

While Walter and Jesse are the central characters, the supporting cast is also fantastic. Anna Gunn as Skyler White, Walter's wife, is great at portraying the concerned and increasingly suspicious wife. Dean Norris as Hank Schrader, Walter's brother-in-law and a DEA agent, provides some much-needed comic relief, but he's also a serious and dedicated law enforcement officer. Betsy Brandt as Marie Schrader, Hank's wife and Skyler's sister, is quirky and eccentric, but she also has a dark side.

The dynamics between these characters are so well-written and well-acted. You can feel the tension and the unspoken secrets that are simmering beneath the surface. Each character has their own motivations and their own flaws, which makes them feel real and relatable. Even the smaller roles, like Tuco Salamanca, the ruthless drug dealer, are memorable and well-defined. The writing and casting are top-notch, and it shows in the overall quality of the show. I think that the way the writers incorporate the family is unique. It puts extra pressure on Walt because he knows the harm that his actions could potentially cause. This creates a lot of inner conflict for him, as well as creates a compelling story that can keep you hooked episode after episode.

Season 1 Highlights: Moments That Stood Out

There were so many memorable moments in Season 1, but here are a few that really stood out to me:

• The pilot episode: As I mentioned earlier, the opening scene with Walter driving the RV through the desert is iconic. It immediately sets the tone for the show and introduces the main characters in a dramatic and unforgettable way.
• The bathtub scene: This scene is both hilarious and horrifying. Walter and Jesse try to dissolve a body in hydrofluoric acid, but they end up melting through the bathtub and causing the ceiling to collapse. It's a darkly comedic moment that perfectly captures the absurdity of their situation.
• The Tuco Salamanca confrontation: This scene is intense and suspenseful. Walter and Jesse try to sell meth to Tuco, but things quickly go south. The confrontation is violent and unpredictable, and it shows just how dangerous the drug world can be.
• The cancer reveal to the family: This is an important turning point in the show, as the family begins to come to terms with the reality of Walt's cancer. It marks a time of transition from the ordinary life that they had before, to a completely new reality that they are forced to face together.

These are just a few of the many great moments in Season 1. The show is full of surprises, twists, and turns, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Overall Impression: A Must-Watch Show

So, what's my overall impression of Breaking Bad Season 1? I loved it!. It's a well-written, well-acted, and well-produced show that deserves all the hype it gets. The characters are complex and compelling, the plot is engaging, and the themes are thought-provoking. It's a show that will stay with you long after you've finished watching it. I can definitely see why it's considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time. I'm already hooked, and I can't wait to see what happens in Season 2. If you haven't seen Breaking Bad yet, I highly recommend it. Just be prepared to be addicted!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Breaking Bad Season 1 is a masterpiece of television. It is extremely good, and well worth watching. I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, given the premise of the show. The show explores the morality of characters, and the decision making that they go through during times of crisis. It will make you think about your own decision making, and make you consider what you would do in similar circumstances. The writers did an excellent job with the story, and made it an incredible experience to watch. I look forward to seeing what happens in Season 2 and beyond!