The Day Breaking Bad Was Born

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  • Опубліковано 9 сер 2022
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    Exploring the origins of Breaking Bad, and the elements that made it great, until we find the first perfect episode.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 382

  • @EntertainTheElk
    @EntertainTheElk  Рік тому +108

    What should I explore next in my Day __ Was Born series? Let me know!

    • @frostlord1246
      @frostlord1246 Рік тому +8

      How about King of the Hill?

    • @houseofpibb1435
      @houseofpibb1435 Рік тому +9

      Why not keep the AMC thing going and do Mad Men

    • @tenebrousoul9368
      @tenebrousoul9368 Рік тому

      Small Wonder

    • @tucker215
      @tucker215 Рік тому +3

      The Day 'Better Call Saul' Was Born: Episode 201 "Switch"

    • @nickthelot
      @nickthelot Рік тому +2

      Star Trek: TNG has a notoriously shaky start then goes on to become the most beloved series in the whole franchise, your take on that would be fascinating.

  • @legojayman
    @legojayman Рік тому +1664

    Great video! However, You didn't mention what one of the most important parts of the early season - when Gretchen and Elliot offer to pay for all Walt's bills because they owe so much of their wealth to him. If Walt had been able to swallow his pride and take the money, he would have had his family AND cancer treatment. Instead he makes the choice to continue to become a gangster. He is not forced to by circumstance - he chooses to out of pride.

    • @kierantobin4553
      @kierantobin4553 Рік тому +218

      You’re 100% right. This is the decision that makes it the show it is. He doesn’t NEED to do any of this. He had a way out, right there in the first season. But he refused because of his pride

    • @chucksenhowzen9740
      @chucksenhowzen9740 Рік тому +51

      Agreed 💯 and he finally admits it to Skyler in “Felina”

    • @BronzeMantis
      @BronzeMantis Рік тому +49

      His family also insisted he get the best treatment possible and went with a doctor out of his insurance network, which is what made it expensive.
      I do respect the writers for going the extra mile with his health situation instead of just clinging onto low-hanging fruit.

    • @poogmaster1
      @poogmaster1 Рік тому +18

      Yeah way too many people are like “oh wow commentary on how expensive America is” when Walt choose not to take money from multiple people. It was about pride and just that

    • @coachmcguirk6297
      @coachmcguirk6297 Рік тому +73

      @@poogmaster1 he wouldn't need to make the choice between his pride/dignity and his health if he lived in a country with better Healthcare. It is a commentary on both.

  • @WhyIsYoutubeSoTerrible
    @WhyIsYoutubeSoTerrible Рік тому +161

    Breaking Bad in its true form wasn't really born until after the first season because of several reasons imo: 1) first season was written with the intent to kill Jesse at the end, but he was spared by the 2007-8 writers strike. Meant that they weren't writing it where the central anchor was Walt and Jesse's horrible relationship. 2) Science was essentially magic in season 1. A lot of the things Walt does are impossible like when he blows up Tuco's base with an exploding rock, This prompted a chemistry professor to write Vince Gilligan with calculations of how much rocks Walt would need to do that explosion. She was hired as a consultant for this and after that Walt doesn't do scientifically impossible chemistry magic to get out of sticky situations anymore, which was intended to be a much more central gimmick originally.

  • @aweldof
    @aweldof Рік тому +73

    I love that scene where Walt looks into the camera and says "It's time to Break Bad" I got chills

    • @PabloCruise1
      @PabloCruise1 Рік тому +1

      Hee hee

    • @sinanengin5756
      @sinanengin5756 Рік тому +6

      What about when Saul said "It's Saulin time!"

    • @Coryalan2
      @Coryalan2 Рік тому +5

      I prefer the movie when Jesse looks up as the camera pans to him putting on his sunglasses like David Caruso and he says those 2 immortal words:
      "El Camino 😎"

    • @joeb2487
      @joeb2487 9 місяців тому

      Jesse actually says something similar to Walt in the first season. He says, "You're like, what, 60? And you're just gonna break bad?"

  • @i_so_late
    @i_so_late Рік тому +226

    Vince Gilligan actually said something about Grey Matter being the episode that was a turning point, at that the decision Walt makes to turn down the money (that 99% of people would take) is what informs his character and propels the show forward

  • @Schrodinger_
    @Schrodinger_ Рік тому +186

    The show was "born" for me when Walter tried befriending Crazy 8, before killing him. That introduced what I love about BB/BCS the most. The way the show lets a person's motivations and characters' relationships really simmer, and build piece by piece in small detailed conversations, before getting to the pivotal scenes. It adds weight to those pivotal scenes. Walt trying to get to know Crazy 8 and convince himself not to kill him felt like it would in real life, with a real conversation that had a really dark elephant in the room avoided until the last minute. It made the missing shard and the strangling 100x more impactful than it would have been if we had just gone right to that.

    • @theonlywizardwashere
      @theonlywizardwashere Рік тому +6

      couldn’t agree more, honestly one of my favourite scenes of the entire series

    • @PolishGod1234
      @PolishGod1234 Рік тому +3

      I agree. Still one of my favourite episodes out of any show

    • @wm_9640
      @wm_9640 Рік тому

      Well said.

  • @ardendarling5613
    @ardendarling5613 Рік тому +37

    I really like that when you were showing examples of when the 'Heisenberg' persona took hold, it wasn't just the "cool" moments of the show with all the tough guy lines, you showed the much sillier and absurd examples as well. Walt throwing the pizza on the roof, him screaming at a cop who's completely undeterred by it. Heisenberg isn't a man who has control of every situation he's in, quite the opposite in fact. It's a blind rage, a bluff of sorts. Bluffs work in situations built on distrust, such as the drug trade, but when people expect honesty and openness, a tough act just pushes them away.

  • @misterdarwin
    @misterdarwin Рік тому +221

    As for BCS, I think that might be a little harder. I have loved BCS since the start, but it is a slower, more deliberately paced series most of the time, with generally lower stakes. I think it's first outstanding episode was Five-O, which delved into Mike's story, but it is too atypical of the series for that same reason. Chicanery also stands out, but that is the culmination of a long story arc. I would probably go with Pimento. The main reason is this is the episode in which Jimmy and the audience discover Chuck, not Howard, was behind him being blackballed at HHM. At the time it felt like the episode that revealed what this show was really about, and that conflict with Chuck would drive the series through the end of season 3, and its ramifications echo to the end. Moreover, we get Mike's first real contact with the underworld as he accepts the job to protect Danny Squat Cobber from Nacho, and it is the first time we see Kim take a stand in support of Jimmy. Mike's take down of Steven Ogg doesn't hurt either.

    • @EntertainTheElk
      @EntertainTheElk  Рік тому +32

      Yeah you're totally right. This is going to be a lot harder of a show to dissect because of the chapters it goes through.

    • @tehCrusix
      @tehCrusix Рік тому +2

      This is a great, thoughtful take! Definitely have to think on it when I start my rewatch

    • @stevencoardvenice
      @stevencoardvenice Рік тому +6

      You mean trevor Phillips

    • @joepagram8287
      @joepagram8287 Рік тому +3

      I think you're defo right that its hard to pinpoint a particular episode where BCS was born. When i first watched the first season up until five-0 i was quite worried that the lower stakes of the show compared to its predecessor would ruin any potential but that episode showed me the emotional and psychological depths that could still be explored for mike and that this wouild occur over the show for jimmy too. pimento is also a very good pick.

    • @Angel-Otk
      @Angel-Otk Рік тому +2

      Chicanery is the best episode

  • @bruhman9111
    @bruhman9111 Рік тому +334

    When Walt said: “We are the Breaking Bad” I felt that

    • @overlookers
      @overlookers Рік тому +26

      "Jesse, it's time-"
      "For whaat?"
      "...to break...bad."

    • @HogartHughes
      @HogartHughes Рік тому +13

      “…before you make good, you have to Break Bad.”

    • @newsystembad
      @newsystembad Рік тому +18

      I couldn't believe when he stood up and said his catchphrase "It's breakin' time" for the first time. Such a powerful cinematic moment.

    • @777Gegenstand777
      @777Gegenstand777 Рік тому +6

      I really liked when he told the guy to say his name. And he said "Breaking Bad"

    • @Jk-we2hv
      @Jk-we2hv Рік тому +3

      Hey, it’s better call Saul!

  • @onemoreminute0543
    @onemoreminute0543 Рік тому +31

    For me, '...And the Bags in the River' was where I knew the show was going to be something special, something artful.
    The Pilot and second episode had already been a fun ride, but the way the third episode touched upon an almost philosophical question ('what makes a human?') and showed the struggle to actually take another human life was quite deep and profound.
    After Walt kills Krazy 8, he's then sitting in his car and watches life go by on the motorway as the flashbacks to him and Gretchen play. It's masterful- Walt's decision to take the life of another human being has forever changed and deeply impacted him, so much so that he actually steps away from the drug trade for two episodes.

  • @jaketaf98
    @jaketaf98 Рік тому +185

    I've seen Breaking Bad probably more than 20 times at this point. It's such a dark show but I literally put it on in the background for comfort. Absolute favorite show.

    • @newsystembad
      @newsystembad Рік тому +8

      I actually haven't watched it again since the finale. It's such a good show, but it's...a LOT. I tend to prefer lighter stuff for comfort watching, but it's fascinating how it can be so many things to so many people!

    • @svvsti1544
      @svvsti1544 Рік тому +3

      have you watched better call saul

    • @autonomous8108
      @autonomous8108 Рік тому

      Same here

    • @salmanshah3846
      @salmanshah3846 Рік тому

      M just waiting for bcs to end so i can called BB again

    • @Nevyn515
      @Nevyn515 Рік тому +1

      How? I binged the first season after the 4th season was out and was so bored by it it was 3 years before I was so bored I ended up binging the rest until I was so sick of the boredom I just never watched the last 5 or 6 episodes. Seriously, how did you watch all of it on purpose, let alone more than once?

  • @ShayJ1337
    @ShayJ1337 Рік тому +11

    When him and jessy simultaneously said its breaking badly I felt that they really nailed that line

    • @leebarbs7176
      @leebarbs7176 Рік тому +2

      I loved when Tuco yelled "it's Morbin' time!!" while punching No-Doze

  • @ChristopherCoxFilm
    @ChristopherCoxFilm Рік тому +139

    This is one of my most anticipated videos of yours! So happy you're finally tackling this legendary show :)

    • @ChristopherCoxFilm
      @ChristopherCoxFilm Рік тому +3

      Also I'm super happy you picked Crazy Handful of Nothin'. I think many people collectively agree that is the birth of legendary Breaking Bad. My prediction for Better Call Saul: While Mijo was a great Saul centric episode and Five-O solidified Mike's story would be amazing in the show, I believe Pimento is the birth of Better Call Saul. Mike's storyline with the shlubby pharmacist was a great showcase of Mike's grandfatherly badass nature. Jimmy is betrayed by his brother and their rivalry (which is the entire basis of the first half of the show) officially begins. That to me is the episode that proved this seemingly pointless spin-off show would be special and live up to the name of Breaking Bad.

    • @EntertainTheElk
      @EntertainTheElk  Рік тому +2

      Hope you enjoyed it!

    • @SlayerFortress
      @SlayerFortress Рік тому

      Please do a Chris ranks on breaking bad 🙏❤️

  • @societycrumbles
    @societycrumbles Рік тому +81

    I think the moment that made me realize that this show would be good, was the scene with the acid bathtub. When it fell thorough the roof - that was just so awesome.

  • @walterdbrown
    @walterdbrown Рік тому +18

    I couldn't agree more. Any of the first 5 episodes could've been selected, but it's not until the iconic look is presented and how ruthless Walter was when going to Tuco's office that you learn this man has no line he isn't willing to cross.

  • @jamesedward3619
    @jamesedward3619 Рік тому +14

    This was the same episode that I realised I really liked this show. The way Walt used his knowledge of chemistry to outsmart Tuco was absolutely perfect for me. That's when I knew I was gonna stick with the show from then on.

  • @hoodymchoodson1499
    @hoodymchoodson1499 Рік тому +4

    Watching Tuco losing it over thinking gonzo was snitchin was intense.

  • @richardk54
    @richardk54 Рік тому +4

    What I really want is an origin story as to how Hector Salamanca became Ace Ventura's landlord.

  • @monkehp
    @monkehp Рік тому +11

    I completely agree with this choice. For me, it's the cathartic victory cry full of spit in the car that makes this one of my favorites. The perennial loser acts the stoic hero, and we see behind the curtain just how sweet that victory is. It's the first time I thought 'man, how could they beat THAT episode?'

  • @sunsetvibe1063
    @sunsetvibe1063 Рік тому +8

    You know a show is consistently good when Elk makes a video about when it was born before a video about when it died.

  • @Tomhyde098
    @Tomhyde098 Рік тому +32

    I both agree and disagree with this video. I didn’t like the pilot and I stopped watching it after. Years later a friend convinced me to try it again and when I got to episode 6 I fell in love with the show and binged it all and then watched the final season while it aired. Breaking Bad is the reason I have the three episode rule, when I try out a new show I give it three tries before I bail.

    • @EntertainTheElk
      @EntertainTheElk  Рік тому +15

      The three episode rule is vital. I also use the friend rule, where if 3-4 friends recommend the same show, I'll check it out.

    • @mo_musashi_284
      @mo_musashi_284 Рік тому

      Seen Fringe?

    • @Tomhyde098
      @Tomhyde098 Рік тому

      @@mo_musashi_284 Yeah! One of my favorite shows!

  • @andycandreva6840
    @andycandreva6840 Рік тому +1

    Great video! I think the day Breaking Bad was born for me was on the episode 'Peekaboo' I think in season 2. The one where Jesse is trying to get their money back from the meth addicts who robbed them, and he spends the episode in their home with them and their kid. That episode was the first time the show felt unexplainably real to me. Jesse' really blossomed as a character from there, and while the head being crushed by an ATM wasn't the most spectacular or gorey moment of the show, it was such an intimate and disgusting tragedy.

  • @marathonman2050
    @marathonman2050 Рік тому +6

    Your take on The Day Breaking Bad Was Born hits all the right note.

  • @samadams8533
    @samadams8533 Рік тому +8

    Two part series? Sounds like someone is forgetting the critical masterpiece that is the third series of this trilogy: the literary marvel that is Slippin’ Jimmy

  • @jaketaf98
    @jaketaf98 Рік тому +12

    I really can't wait to see the next episode on Better Call Saul, which will coincide with the airing of the finale, so that's rad.

    • @Tomhyde098
      @Tomhyde098 Рік тому +1

      Crazy life stuff happened and I never got around to watching it, or that much tv in general. Things finally got better for me a few months ago and I’m finally going to start binging Better Call Saul. I’m pretty excited!

  • @musicalBurr
    @musicalBurr 9 місяців тому +1

    No question about it “Crazy handful of nothin’” is CLEARLY the day Breaking Bad was born. Given how perceptive you are and, and how wonderful your video essays are, I would have been deeply shocked if you had not gone with this ep as the “Born” turning point. I’ve gone back and rewatched this episode several times in ADDITION to my usual rewatches of the entire series, it’s that good!

  • @LukaDaGoat77
    @LukaDaGoat77 Рік тому +6

    The greatest show ever. It's hard to pinpoint one moment in particular when everything changed. For me, I think the moment that solidified it as the greatest was the season two finale, and we discovered the origin of the pink teddy bear and everything that led up to it landing in Walt’s swimming pool.

  • @mathiaswalker350
    @mathiaswalker350 Рік тому +18

    Better Call Saul is gonna be an interesting one, because I feel the show has 4 distinct phases which are all very different from each other:
    1: s1e1-s3e10 The Chuck era
    2: s4e1-s5e3 Jimmys internal journey to 'Proto-Saul'
    3: s5e4-s6e9 Proto-Saul and the Cartel
    4: s6e10-s6e13 Saul Goodman and Gene Takavic era
    anyway I feel that for contenters of the Day Better Call Saul was born could potentially be
    s1e4 Hero
    s1e6 Five-O
    11e9 Pimento
    s2e1 Switch
    just my two cents though...

    • @EntertainTheElk
      @EntertainTheElk  Рік тому +1

      Love these recommendations. Yeah, BCS is going to be much harder because it's tied to BB and because it has different phases like you mentioned.

    • @misterdarwin
      @misterdarwin Рік тому +1

      Mostly agree. I would break most of season 1 off from the Chuck era as it isn't until Pimento that it is revealed he is the series antagonist. Otherwise it would be a minor quibble about exactly which episode is the break between each chapter.
      As for which episode, I chose Pimento. Five-O is great, but too Mike centered. Hero is fine, but the Kettlemen era feels like such a prologue. Pimento reveals Chuck as the antagonist, Mike meets Nacho which opens the door to the cartel war, and we see Kim take her first "protective mom" moment when she defends Jimmy against Howard. I can't go for Switch because it is obviously after Pimento. ;-)

    • @Parkproductions1991
      @Parkproductions1991 Рік тому +2

      For me I would have to pick Pimento because this is where you find out Chuck's true motives. While Five-O is an arguably equally as excellent episode, getting to see Jimmy figure out how Chuck has been betraying him for a decade is insanely powerful. I have always argued that Chuck created a self fulfilling prophecy by keeping Jimmy out of HHM. Sure Jimmy would have been a colorful lawyer, but I feel like if HHM hired him, he would have been the excellent lawyer we see in season 2 of the show. Maybe skirting the lines on what can legally be done, but a great lawyer none the less.

    • @mathiaswalker350
      @mathiaswalker350 Рік тому +1

      @@Parkproductions1991 I agree with you.
      I just threw out some potential candidates, but I'm pretty sure the pick would have to be either Pimento or Switch.

    • @misterdarwin
      @misterdarwin Рік тому

      @@Parkproductions1991 That's the thing that nags at me. There are unanswered questions about Jimmy that I can't resolve.
      1) Jimmy claims his father was ripped off by conmen, but Chuck says Jimmy robbed his dad blind and putting him in an early grave. I generally found Chuck to be honest - his obsession with following the rules was borderline pathological - but it doesn't mean he couldn't be wrong. Conversely, we know Jimmy will dodge responsibility, especially when death is concerned, so I can't trust him either.
      2) Chuck said at the end that he never really cared about Jimmy, but is that true? For most of the series it doesn't seem like it. It doesn't look that way in the childhood flashbacks, and it is rare for a person you don't care about to get under your skin so much.
      3) What exactly was Chuck's experienc e with Jimmy. I know people who have written off family the way Chuck did after years of lies and abuse. Was his refusal to let Jimmy work at HHM just jealousy, or well founded?
      4) And the one we know will never be answered: Could Jimmy have played by the rules the rest of his life and built a successful career? He failed at it at S&C, but he was rebelling against Chuck and landed at an office that was super uptight about the rules (most law firms are).

  • @SPQRKlio
    @SPQRKlio Рік тому +52

    Interesting analysis of Breaking Bad. The episode you pinpoint for its birth is the episode when I nearly gave up on the series, even after being so hooked by the bathtub episode (I didn't give up). I remember thinking of the episode at the time as being muddled (writing) and implausible. But it's too long ago, for me to say why I had that reaction. I might rewatch the first few episodes and see how they play to me now.

    • @EddyTheMartian
      @EddyTheMartian Рік тому +2

      Yeah S1 is honestly much weaker than the other seasons though still great. The writing was a lot more over the top and less subtle. It felt tonally different, and it’s basically an incomplete season. S2 onwards are instantly way better, but I don’t think the show became top tier till the last 2 seasons.

    • @thesnatcher3616
      @thesnatcher3616 Рік тому

      @@EddyTheMartian Seasons 1-3 range from good to great with very few low points. But none of their highs even come close to the stuff that came in Season 4 and 5. Makes sense, since those are the two seasons when everything pays off. The second half of Season 5 especially, basically has everything Walt ever did finally catch up to him to bite him on the back.

    • @joaovasco3059
      @joaovasco3059 Рік тому

      I dont quite agree, at least in some part...for me, all seasons and all episodes of breaking bad are at least good. The same happens with the Sopranos...thats why for me they are the two best shows ever...but yeah, it gets better and better, until endind in perfection

    • @foiled9491
      @foiled9491 Рік тому

      @@thesnatcher3616 i think season 3 has a lot of highs that rivals 4-5. The hank rv scene, the salamanca twins shoot out, walt killing 2 cartel grunts, jesse killing gale. I also like walt and gus relationship in that season since it came from 1-deal meth dealer to personal meth cook to being muddled up by jesse's personal affair

  • @BigLadpenguin
    @BigLadpenguin Рік тому +5

    I'm glad you brought up episode 3. The ending got me completely hooked.

  • @kdevinturner8778
    @kdevinturner8778 Рік тому +1

    Totally agree with you. Once I saw Walt retrieve the plate out of the garbage I was hooked.

  • @elinorris1739
    @elinorris1739 Рік тому +16

    honestly all of the first season episodes could be argued as the day the show was born. all of them are so good

  • @joshuagentry-1388
    @joshuagentry-1388 Рік тому +3

    I feel like better call saul is so underrated, I feel like I never hear anyone talk about it

    • @ThatIsDopeBro
      @ThatIsDopeBro Рік тому

      I feel like everytime I hear about BCS it's dickriders raving about how it's better than BB.

  • @DabiidA
    @DabiidA Рік тому +6

    I finished binging this yesterday and I watched the El Camino movie today.
    Breaking Bad truly is a masterpiece. I'm so glad to have finally watch it after all these years 😭

    • @dick8997
      @dick8997 Рік тому

      I wish I could forget it and watch it for the first time again

  • @tomcruise1
    @tomcruise1 Рік тому +4

    this was the moment when Saul Goodman became Walter White

  • @deBebbler
    @deBebbler Рік тому +2

    Interesting hypothesis.
    I happen to agree with you. I always looked at CHFON as being the episode where BB "hit it's stride", but the birth metaphor works as well. Especially since Walt's grunts after returning to the car sound like a mother-to-be pushing during labor.

  • @selder_7
    @selder_7 Рік тому

    First video I’ve found of the channel, really well thought out and reasoned

  • @johngard6795
    @johngard6795 Рік тому +5

    Great work as always. Gonna have to look for more Western nods on my next BB rewatch.

  • @abdelrahmansherif1459
    @abdelrahmansherif1459 Рік тому +1

    The fact that the pilot premiered on my 3rd birthday is amazing watching this show was awesome and I think it deserves all awards

  • @sethw.4966
    @sethw.4966 Рік тому +4

    5:00 what is that song? It sounds awfully relaxing given the background footage, such a stark contrast being drawn between the audio and visuals, I can appreciate it

    • @EntertainTheElk
      @EntertainTheElk  Рік тому +1

      All the songs in this video are from White Bat Audio. He's fantastic. Check him out on UA-cam.

  • @roble8943
    @roble8943 Рік тому +8

    To play devil's advocate for people that want a "Day Breaking Bad Died" episode I distinctly remember there was a short period of time people thought the finale of Breaking Bad was a disapointment. I personally thought it was fine but there were people who were legitimately outraged. In a weird way I think as time went on and other series failed to end decently from Dexter, Game of Thrones to even stuff like How I Met Your Mother I think it really helped make people appreciate BB's simple but sensible and satisfying ending.
    Hell I think Ozark might end up being this too. People are flabergasted and greatly upset about how the villains never got redemption nor punishment but that's sorta the whole point. If BB is about how karma eventually gets everyone Ozark was about how in reality the bad guys usually get away with it, and that miffed people.

    • @thrgg
      @thrgg Рік тому +1

      The only thing I would fault the finale for is not being as good as season 4's finale. However, we got Ozymandias two episodes earlier which was even better.

    • @josephgreene9789
      @josephgreene9789 Рік тому

      I personally found the finale pretty disappointing, but not terrible. It had several contrived moments. Jack going to get Jesse to prove to Walt that he wasn’t lying was pretty ridiculous IMO. Still not a bad episode by any means.

    • @DefenestrateYourself
      @DefenestrateYourself Рік тому +2

      Walt won in my opinion. He was going to die of cancer and lose his family regardless. He ensured they wouldn’t ever suffer financially again.

    • @xanoft5047
      @xanoft5047 Рік тому

      @@josephgreene9789 That was a total egotistical and power playing thing characteristic of Uncle Jack though, in my humble opinion.

  • @Tony_Pesta
    @Tony_Pesta Рік тому

    Love the idea for this. Focusing on the episode that each series became great is such a cool concept

  • @Neurospicy_Nerd
    @Neurospicy_Nerd Рік тому +2

    Breaking Bad is my all time favorite show and this was the best analysis ever given for it!!!

  • @TheTastyPancake
    @TheTastyPancake Рік тому +1

    Definitely agree. To be honest, any of the first four episodes could be the one where the show was born. You've done so many videos recently and I've been away, I've got some catching up to do!

  • @IMMACHARGINMYLAZOR
    @IMMACHARGINMYLAZOR Рік тому +1

    It's always exciting to see a fresh take on what makes a great show great. Thanks!

  • @kevandre
    @kevandre Рік тому +1

    I do hope you do a BCS episode too, I'd almost expected you to cover it here too and was surprised when the video wrapped up

    • @EntertainTheElk
      @EntertainTheElk  Рік тому

      That'll be part 2! Just waiting for BCS to wrap up its run. Expect it in less than a month.

  • @ciaranpatrick6859
    @ciaranpatrick6859 Рік тому

    I love how in the Heisenberg compilation you showed him throwing the pizza on the roof, truly him at his most terrifying

  • @5th_floor_productions
    @5th_floor_productions Рік тому +1

    It seems that Gilligan's experience in the X-Files was critical for the development of BB. Thank you for the insightful video.

  • @mbryson2899
    @mbryson2899 Рік тому

    I think you nailed it as to the true beginning.
    I chanced upon "Breaking Bad" while I recovered from being injured. I got to binge and rewatch. Gilligan and his crew really nailed it, they are among the finest storytellers.

  • @lightninlarry8936
    @lightninlarry8936 Рік тому +1

    Crazy Handful of Nothin' is the right answer. This was the episode that hooked me. After that cold open I immediately knew something had changed for the better.

  • @MarkARoutt
    @MarkARoutt Рік тому +4

    The 2 episodes that sent it over the edge for me didn't come until later in the series. Season two episode 12 and 13. Walt has seen his partner turn away from him and betray him, but partly due to an outside influence Jane.
    After coming over to try and make peace he realizes that they are strung out unresponsive. The reasonable and responsible thing to do is to call 911. His head is racing and he does know how to deal with the situation. And then, Jane rolls over. As she does this she vomits and begins to drown.
    And then we see the absolutely best scene and best acting from Brian. It's a moral delima. Does he help her and let her continue to push Jesse into a direction he seems not suitable? Or does he let her die and have Jesse "learn a lesson" and possibly gain control again.

  • @gwencurtis1940
    @gwencurtis1940 Рік тому

    The Howard Dean Yell in the background is the exact moment the show became Breaking Bad.

  • @danieltirado6669
    @danieltirado6669 Рік тому +2

    Best show of all time in my book. Awesome. No show has had me waiting all week for a new episode like breaking bad , since that 70's show .

  • @8bitmagic
    @8bitmagic Рік тому +2

    Yeah you're spot on. This is the episode that truly hooked me into the series.

  • @Bedardo12
    @Bedardo12 Рік тому

    Terrific and well put

  • @TheDukeofMadness
    @TheDukeofMadness Рік тому +1

    I think that Bryan Cranston had the prototype for Walter Whyte in Hal from Malcolm In The Middle. There are moments where Hal loses control and you see Walter Whyte/Heisenberg in embryonic form.

  • @elialexander-tanner5784
    @elialexander-tanner5784 Рік тому

    Thanks! Looking forward to the final episode!

  • @gabrielvieira1528
    @gabrielvieira1528 Рік тому +1

    That episode where Walt said "Jesse, we're breaking bad"

  • @daryak2137
    @daryak2137 Рік тому

    Excellent video, as usual ❤️☺️

  • @zackamania6534
    @zackamania6534 Рік тому +1

    I’ll never forget the Sunday night before MLK JR DAY in 2008. I was staying at the Westin in Charlotte and watched the first episode and was absolutely blown away… and happy because the Sopranos had ended the year before

  • @6u6u7o
    @6u6u7o Рік тому +2

    Glad to know I'm not alone in loving episode 6!!!

  • @MiamiChicken
    @MiamiChicken Рік тому +1

    Love your vids man

  • @geodaet83
    @geodaet83 Рік тому

    fully agree, also really glad, they sticked the landing... again

  • @miloz1207
    @miloz1207 Рік тому

    I love that moment when Walt says “it’s time to break bad” and the avengers assemble

  • @BoyNamedSue4
    @BoyNamedSue4 Рік тому +1

    Great video as always. With your comments about westerns at the end, so you think you’ll ever cover some John Ford movies?

    • @EntertainTheElk
      @EntertainTheElk  Рік тому +1

      I'd love to. Honestly diving deeper into film history would be so much fun, but those videos just don't perform as well. Look at my previous video on Rashomon. One of my worst performing videos... :/ Frustrating.

    • @BoyNamedSue4
      @BoyNamedSue4 Рік тому

      @@EntertainTheElk unfortunate but I get it. You got to pay the bills. Just hate seeing so many amazing films by the general public.

  • @esojzelev
    @esojzelev Рік тому

    Great vid. Thank you.

  • @sjajsjsja4523
    @sjajsjsja4523 Рік тому +1

    As much as I love Breaking Bad, Mad Men is even better. Wish it got more recognition today.

  • @judeannethecandorchannel2153
    @judeannethecandorchannel2153 Рік тому +1

    Thanks to videos like this, I get to learn so much about this notorious and Hugely admired show-- that I didn't watch and probably never will. But a character like Walt is Fascinating, and Jesse is tragic. Learning about the inner workings and interpersonal dynamics of such character is totally worth the time spent.
    I hope the Algorithm remembers to notice and promote Entertain the Elk. 😌

  • @bortonshort3761
    @bortonshort3761 Рік тому +2

    That is exactly the episode that got me hooked. Before that, it was interesting, but somehow failing to reach me. Now I've come to appreciate the show from the very beginning

  • @AnthonyTheMostWanted
    @AnthonyTheMostWanted Рік тому +2

    You think there are connections between Columbo (1968) and Better Call Saul? I recently started watching Columbo for the first time and wouldn't be surprised if Vince said he took inspiration from that for Better Call Saul, as he did with the X-Files and old Westerns.

    • @EntertainTheElk
      @EntertainTheElk  Рік тому +1

      Wow, I honestly can't say. I haven't watched Columbo since I was a child at my grandparents house. Ha. I like that thought though!

  • @arch1017
    @arch1017 Рік тому +1

    Yeah - I absolutely loved the Pilot and, well, all of the first season really.
    Crazy Handful of Nothin' was the episode that made me realise that this wasn't just a great show that I was fully on-board with - it was actually something quite special.

  • @Ironicuss
    @Ironicuss Рік тому

    The moment that got me hooked was when Walt poisoned Emilio with the Phosphene gas. Had to play the scene back to truly appreciate it.

  • @daydreamyn5943
    @daydreamyn5943 Рік тому +2

    “I like Stylized westerns mixed with other genres to make something unique.” Cowboy Bebop anybody?

  • @StsFiveOneLima
    @StsFiveOneLima Рік тому

    I LOVE the X-Files tie-ins. "Cancer Man" (etc.)

  • @justablackhole9585
    @justablackhole9585 Рік тому +5

    I liked when walt said "it's breakin time" and broke the bad

  • @viper7454
    @viper7454 Рік тому

    Ahhh. I was looking for the best video on this sinking platform. Thank you for delivering amazing content to make UA-cam worth a damn.

  • @reli1157
    @reli1157 Рік тому

    looking forward to your Better Call Saul video! :) How about - Day Buffy the Vampire Slayer was born?

  • @lunantix
    @lunantix Рік тому +1

    *Walt went from awake, to alive.*

  • @KobaAM
    @KobaAM Рік тому

    …And The Bags In The River > CHFON.
    All day. Every day. It’s the best episode of Season 1 and one of the best in the series. The opening with Gretchen and Walt talking about what makes a human being as present day Walt is cleaning up Emilio’s remains, Walt and Krazy 8s talk, the missing plate piece and killing of Krazy 8. 100000x more captivating than Walt blowing up a building.
    Maybe it’s because I watched the show from the night the pilot aired, so there was no consensus that Breaking Bad was the greatest show of all time or even really anything other than a dark comedy, but nothings ever caught me off guard more. That was the exact episode the show came across as having the potential to be what it became.

  • @peterklenner2563
    @peterklenner2563 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for the pointers to X-files and Jekyll and Hyde!

  • @danzmen9965
    @danzmen9965 Рік тому

    Where is 8:31 from? Never seen that shot in the show before.

  • @nicholasharvey5628
    @nicholasharvey5628 Рік тому +1

    YESSSSS!!! I JUST STARTED THE VIDEO, BUT YASSSS!!! THANK YOU!

  • @chonchjohnch
    @chonchjohnch Рік тому

    For me the best better call Saul episode is when he has the suits and gets fired from Davis and Maine

  • @travisspazz1624
    @travisspazz1624 Рік тому

    The two best series in recent memory.
    Hell yeah, I love Mr Robot and The Leftovers!

  • @BartRovers_
    @BartRovers_ Рік тому

    Great essay

  • @ocdmusic
    @ocdmusic Рік тому

    Transformation, that reminds me of the episode where he was teaching a chemistry lesson and he talks about transformation. Walter White transforming into Heisenberg, like he was talking about what was happening/about to happen to himself but without even realising it. Im at 10:22 I bet you will bring that up next unless you already did and I missed it lol

  • @mechajay3358
    @mechajay3358 Рік тому

    Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul (which just wrapped up) are the Master Class of Television Storytelling.

  • @rohannayak282
    @rohannayak282 Рік тому +1

    Shared a small UA-cam "Thanks" as a thank you for doing that email interview for me :)

  • @otikalambada441
    @otikalambada441 Рік тому

    i think the better call saul episode
    maybe because we watching the final of saul now

  • @mikeb3702
    @mikeb3702 Рік тому +1

    Great video!

  • @girlspooptoo8567
    @girlspooptoo8567 Рік тому

    Really good
    Thanks

  • @iainronald4217
    @iainronald4217 Рік тому +6

    For the duration of season 6 of Better Call Saul, I've been watching video essays from these sketchy, nebulous channels with under a thousand subscribers because nobody else was doing them. To be fair, I'd say, 75% of the channels I've found are pretty alright to good, but thank you for making this video. I wish bigger channels would actually talk about these shows.

  • @richardk54
    @richardk54 Рік тому

    The second he killed Domingo with the bike lock I knew I wasn't leaving this show.

  • @HistoryandHeadlines
    @HistoryandHeadlines Рік тому +1

    What order would you watch Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and the film?

  • @fabiansuckfull9446
    @fabiansuckfull9446 Рік тому

    Agreed! Crazy handfull of nothing was the episode that made me realize I will watch this series to the end

  • @fogalicious2644
    @fogalicious2644 Рік тому

    This was the episode that did it for me too.

  • @Dragoon803
    @Dragoon803 Рік тому

    Everyone always tells me this is one of the best shows out there right now, but for some reason I've never taken the time to sit down and watch it. Maybe I'll finally give it a go.

  • @CaptainLicorice
    @CaptainLicorice Рік тому +1

    Despite him becoming a villain I can only hope I can be as badass as Walt

  • @benhester3806
    @benhester3806 Рік тому

    Great video

  • @artiemilano378
    @artiemilano378 Рік тому

    Come on now, I'm almost certain that we ALL knew as soon as we started the video that crazy handful was the birth. It was quite literally the bang that started the inner feeling of "Okay, now THIS is peak television."