25:54 that Ooooh! moment is always great to see when watching reactions to this episode, to see when the realization hits about what Walt is actually doing, great stuff.
I've watched a lot of reactions to this show and I think most of them actually didn't get it. Their comment sections were ofc full of explanations after that... So I felt almost relieved that he got it right away.
@@brei2670 Watching it in real time, I didn't get it either, perhaps because I was too distressed and distracted by everything that was happening in this episode, but James in on another level :)
I’ve seen plenty of reactors that didn’t know what Walt was doing. To me, it’s a testament to Bryan Cranston’s brilliant acting that made me realize what was going on. From the vitriol of his tone/words juxtaposed with the anguish on his face. You can tell saying those things is hurting him. Cranston is amazing to be able to pull off two very different emotions at once. One of the best actors out there.
Such an incredible hour of television. Blew my mind the first time I watched it. Not even fair to compare it to other episodes of other shows, cause it's an experience all its own. So painful. So heartbreaking.
A couple aot episodes had 10s until the toxic part of the BB community down voted the AOT episodes in question. Not surprising given the size of the BB fanbase
Everything about this show is such a love letter to true storytelling aficionados. The love and respect it shows the viewers with every minute detail is breathtaking. I literally feel honored to have been able to watch this masterpiece.
@@JamesVSCinema The best two episodes in Better Call Saul are better than this episode. Insane to believe this universe continues to get better with a prequel.
@@aquiler3959 I can't remember the names of the episodes that well but those two are great but the last episode Saul Gone is probably the best. Loved the walk in the desert too.
For me that is his best acting followed by the I am Danger speech. If you watch his face in that speech, so much more than "I am a badass" is going on , on his face. Cranston is built different
@@karabomasibi2331 Because the I Am The Danger speech is a dog barking. He's scared shitless and he's trying to put on the face. He's not the danger. He's in danger.
They really have him say "you had nothing to do with this" like 5 different, somewhat subtle ways, and yeah, many reactors do miss it, probably because they are so shocked by the episode and think anything can happen. But Walt is still Walt. He still does care about his family. And he's still extremely smart.
Fun fact that I can't even believe: apparently it wasn't even planned for Holly to say "mama", she just started saying it and Brian Cranston went with it. That's always been insane to me, because I really feel like that pulls the whole episode together.
The director of the “fly” episode did such a great job with a bottle episode and was such a joy to work with that he was asked to come back and directed one of, if not the greatest episodes in television history. Never take an opportunity for granted!
I mean that guy was Rian Johnson. He wasn't just some random director. Not as well known then, but at this point he'd already directed "Brick" which was an absolute tour de force and a great match for the style of this show.
@@Arkenway It was the best episode since Empire Strikes Back, or at least since Return of the Jedi because the prequels were absolute garbage and The Force Awakens was too safe, predictable and fanservicy
This episode imo features Bryan Cranston's best performance as Walter White, truly spellbinding and unforgettable... no wonder he won 4 emmys for this role. Phenomenal actor.
I’m glad you picked up that Walter was actually making a move when he made the phone call. A lot of people miss that the first time. He’s taking the heat off Skyler by portraying himself as the monster.
Yes, Walt finally sees his reflection, he sees it when Hank dies, when Skyler attacks him, Flynn calls the cops on him (terrified of a person he doesn't recognize), and finally when his beloved baby girl for whom he would kill and bleed cries for her mom. He never intended to become a monster, and as the transformation became complete, he screamed and bawled his eyes out pleading that he could take back his choices, but he couldn't. And yet, here he is. What now? In a moment of clarity he comes to a decision: he's a monster? So be it. He leans into it. The world, the cops, his own family all hate and fear him anyway. There's nothing to lose. He shall become the monster they think he is, and by doing so, perhaps he can at last truly protect them for once, taking their attention away from Skyler, his wife and accomplice, squarely upon himself. This decision culminates at last when he is asked about Hank's fate. For the first time his fake monster persona cracks as tears roll down his eyes. Hank was the casualty for which he would have given anything to avoid, he would have gladly burnt all his money to save him. Yet, for Skyler's sake, he can't waver, he can't let it show that this is just an act. He must double down on this fabricated version of events in which he is the devil. Walter must (though it splits his soul apart) say "you're never going to see him again. He crossed me." That's damn good television right there
For the shot at 13:05 Rian Johnson apparently built a rig that looked like desert floor that would break apart right when Bryan Cranston laid down on it. Insanity
Bro i saw the bts on that. Damn right insane… If that’s not attention to detail and a showing of a love for this art and the storytelling here I don’t know what is. Fuckin Masterpiece.
That phonecall scene always breaks my heart. The amount of buildup to make the scene that emotionally layered is insane. Marie is finding out Hank is dead but thinks Walt did it, (which he ultimately did) Skylar is realizing Walt is protecting her. Walt is throwing himself under the bus for his actions and essentially giving up on his future, but there’s still some truth to the anger hes portraying. And him crying is not only because he’s officially lost his family, but now everyone thinks he directly killed Hank, yet ultimately he’s crying because it’s his true realization of how his actions have destroyed his family.
The baby playing Holly basically improved the "Mama" bit and they just ran with it. The script just called for Walt to look at her and change his mind. We also had one last mirroring of Gus after Hank gets shot. They used the same angle to focus on Walt's reaction like when Gus lost his partner in that flashback.
One Easter Egg to look for: When Walt is rolling the barrel across the desert, he passes the pants he lost in the first episode of the show. Another great callback to the beginning of his journey.
The acting in this episode is amazing. Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn won Emmys for this episode and they deserved them. So much went down hill for practically everyone. Walt’s family finds out Hank is dead, Walt’s money is mostly gone, Jack and his gang have Jesse, Jesse knows Walt could have saved Jane but didn’t and Walt having to go on the run because of taking the blame for Hank and Gomez’s deaths. So much happened and to think how all of this began from season one. Things were a lot simpler back then. Great reaction James, I hope you’re doing well man. Take care!
The camera angles when Walt Jr and Skyler are cowering on the floor really shows the seperation and realisation that his family dont see him as the provider but a threat. This episode is a tough watch but amazing TV.
I'm so glad for you, that you picked up what Walt was doing on the phone call. Because if you hadn't, you would have had like 1,306 people telling you that you missed what he was doing, and explain it.
As a film major, 100% agree with your closing statements. Humans are storytellers by nature and so many good stories go unwritten by people who never sat down to write. Everyone is capable of doing it cause we practically do it everyday.
I'm shocked at how many reactors don't pick up on why Walt called Skylar. The moment she goes silent, you can see she's realizing his motives and letting him clear her name.
The cliffhanger last episode had everyone just yearning to get back to the gunfight scene. So the first lines in this episode are, "What's next?.....We wait." Just killer brilliant.
I really appreciated you taking the time to preview the trailer. I remember watching that trailer the week before the episode was first aired and it had people talking about it for weeks after the series ended. Ozymandias is a 19th century sonnet by Percy Shelly that was inspired by the ancient Egyptian Ruler Ramses the Great. There's plenty of analysis and interpretation of this work online, but the main takeaway is that it is a parable about absolute power and how temporary it is. In other words - All empires will eventually fall and Walter White's was no exception. It is a perfect set up to a perfectly written tragedy.
Last couple reactions to this episode COMPLETELY MISSED the subtext in Walter's call which is just a tragedy. Both Cranston and Gunn were perfect in that scene and it's all about the things that aren't said. I'm so glad it was followed and appreciated in the moment because I, too, missed all the nuance in those performances in my first watch through.
This episode has a perfect "10" on IMDB.........and I totally agree. An absolutely perfect hour of television. ........and this reaction is pretty much a "10" as well............so enjoyable watching it with you, James. Thanks for sharing.........
I don't think Ive ever seen you this shaken, this jumbled up or caught off gusrd, ever! Been waiting for this episode for ever, the shows most famous and belived episode and it wasnt a dissapointment! Also good job figuring out that Walter was seperating Skylar from any dirext involvement. I was legit too pissed to notice on first watch, hahaha. Poor Jesse though, man. I really do feel for him the most, he really is treated like a beaten dog.
I loved your reaction to the phone call scene. That wave of realisation which washed over me lingered long after the episode had ended, and I often wondered why. I think this scene resonated with me so much because it encapsualtes the themes of the show perfectly - the transition to evil and the complexity of human nature. Throughout the show you're constantly met with the hypocticy of Walter's moral justifications for his actions, yet there's always a sense of understanding for how he will act and which lines he will cross. But in this scene the lines are so blurred that we don't recognise immediately his intentions. As he spews venom at Skyler, it's only through the subtle acting of Cranston and Gunn that you realise it's his last-ditch effort to protect the little family he has left. For me this scene ties up the entire series perfectly. Even at his lowest, at his closest to evil, remnants of the good man he once was remains in Walter. It remains so subtely that on a first watch you'd be excused for missing it. The exploration of evil in this show is flawless, and to me demonstrates that no one is truly evil - everyone justifies their choices in one way or another.
I haven't finished bcs yet but I'll probably still disagree if only for the simple fact that breaking bad came first. So without breaking bad there would be no better call saul. Both great shows though, it doesn't have to be a competition.
@@cavaughngrace1488 And without Vince Gilligan's father's ball juice, there would be no Breaking Bad. So Vince's father is better than both shows? Bravo Vince's dad
Hit the nail on the head with how great the acting is. Also, watching this show this time around, I noticed how many exits life gave Hank to leave this pursuit. Unfortunately, he couldn't due an obsession, and he lost his life for it. It was like life was telling him to leave it alone, but he just couldn't
This is probably the single greatest episode of any TV series, ever. Watching along and just waiting for the 💡 moment during the phone call, like you can immediately tell after realizing that Skylar made the same connection and started to play along. Spectacular writing and acting all the way round
it is by far my favorite episode of any show ever. This is the greatest show of all time. I felt in this show every season just kept making the show better and better, when alot of other shows just slowly tend to die.
"And on the pedestal these words appear. My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings. Look on my works, ye mighty and despair." An amazing double meaning. The powerful look at Ozymandias and despair, not because of the power and accomplishments he did, but because eventually they will fade away and crumble just like him. A fantastic metaphor for Walter in this episode.
One of the greatest pieces of media I've ever witnessed. It's so good that you don't even care if it's a mainstream opinion. It's just nonstop thrill and heart-wrenching tragedy. Absolute masterpiece
They said in the commentary that they decided to wait to put the credits after the scene at the beginning because they didn’t wanna take away from the seriousness of the scene. This show was incredibly well done.
What an insane journey! When this first aired I was speechless after the ep ended. Heartbroken that Hank went out, but happy he went out like the badass he is. This truly is a masterpiece in television.
another genius' association is that in Alan Moore's Watchmen Ozymandias' super power is he's the smartest man in the world but also blinded by hubris, Hank echoes this "you're the smartest guy i ever met but you're too stupid to see he made his mind up 10 minutes ago" its so cool how a poem can have so many tonal and narrative facets when incorporated in an original story
James I have loved rewatching breaking bad with you. It’s so fun seeing your level of admiration and surprise at Breaking Bad’s quality. Just wanted to say your channel and this show has been a major inspiration to me in pursuing my filmmaking aspirations. Love your content and I will make sure to write, it’s my right!
Finally, Ozymandias. I have been waiting for ages for you to react to it and it was prizeless. It is indeed one of my favorites too. Brace yourself to the craziness that is about to come. :)
I have been waiting to watch you react to this episode for this for I do not remember how long I've been following you. Totally worth the wait. Your reaction was absolutely beautiful. For me this was the absolute pinnacle of television as an art form.
Easily one of the greatest episodes of television ever. Your reaction was pretty spot on to so many people, including myself, when we first watched this episode. I'm so excited for you to finish the series, it is something to behold.
Anna Gun got an emmy for her acting in this show for this season. so well deserved. this episode was so fucking good i get chills every time i watch it. everyone is so fucking good, the filming is so good, even the child did fucking amazing. its insane. Breaking Bad will always be my Best Tv show of all time. the absolute, indisputable GOAT.
I like how one guy called this episode "an episode of reactions", seeing all these characters react to all these tragic events is what makes this episode the most emotional and the best one in the show
I can't wait for you to see the finale !To this day I haven't seen a show better than Breaking Bad !The characters,the acting and the writing is just amazing.
This is my favorite Breaking Bad episode. The acting from everyone is just top notch. I love your analysis of the Ozymandias poem. I've always interpreted it the same way.
Let me get the poem out 😂😂You're a true trooper, this goddamn episode made me tear up multiple times, gomey and hank going out like legends, poor jesse being tortured and slaved, flynn in general, the fight at the house (that soundtrack SLAPPED), marie breaking down.... fucking INSANE EPISODE
I have been waiting for this moment since you started this series. The whole reason why I subscribed on Patreon.
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Rian Johnson directed not only the best episode of Breaking Bad, but one of the best and highest-rated episodes in TV history. He has the gift of taking something pre-established and improving it.
Best episode indeed. Notice how this is basically a season finale (you are a few eps ahead, so I think I can talk about it). Basically, the whole show started with Walt, Jesse and Hanl. New players came in, plot got complicated, but season 5 brought us back to the basics. Hank, Walt and Jesse. And this episode literally goes through every very major plot thread. Walt's and Hank's series long rivalry ends here. Walt and Jesse part ways. Walt and his family part ways. Three biggest relationships end in this amazing, monumental and powerful episode. The last 2 eps feel more like an epilogue, while this episode feels like something the entire 5 seasons were building towards. Also, it's crazy how I remember when you started BB and I was really hyped to see you get to this episode, and thought that it's gonna be a while. And now we are here.
James, I've been waiting for you to get here. Been subscribed to your channel since the beginning. Former vfx artist here. You're eyes are very discerning and detail oriented when breaking down the frame, respect man. ❤
24:20 - During the scene where Holly asks for "mama", her real mother was standing just out of camera view on set. Holly was calling for her mama. But the director thought it was so brilliant that he kept it in the film.
I remember when i saw this the first time, no other episode of any show has made me feel so much physical anxiety and sadness. It's that weird feeling like there's a black blob of bad feelings inside your stomach almost like some horrible shit just went down in real life and not a tv show.
Just in case no one pointed it out yet-when walter is rolling his barrel back through the desert, you can see his pants that flew off the RV in episode 1in the background.
13:48 It was this moment that killed any sympathy I had for Walter. "Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!" indeed. Thanks for including the poem Ozymandias, it added a detail and depth to the reaction. 24:57 Yeah, Walter knows the cops are listening, so he's makng the cops think it was all him, so she won't be charged. The big gun, can't wait for you to see what he does with it, it's EPIC. So sad, they were a happy family, but his pride destroyed everything he loves.
I have been waiting for this episode since you started. Some absolutely insane details: 1) when walt calls skyler in the beginning flashback, we get the the same shot of the knife block in the kitchen that we do when Skyler uses the knife on walt. 2) when walt is rolling the barrel of cash, his pants from the first episode are on the ground 3) the chess board has the white king cornered on the verge of checkmate The craziest episode of tv i've ever seen.
I only just caught the tie between Walt rolling the barrel and Hanks suggesting to roll it when he saw the CCTV off Walt and Jesse masked up, robbing the warehouse, struggling to manhandle a barrel away.
And there you have it. The greatest TV episode ever made. And I honestly don’t think it will ever be topped. Just incredible in every department. The writing of the episode. The character building throughout every episode that makes you feel every moment. The cinematography. The acting. Even the fucking title for god sake. It’s just perfection.
- You are starting. Employed. - Please show your face at the laundry again. - Stay close to Pinkman. - Go near him... always. - I will protect your wife - I will protect your son - I will protect your infant daughter _Not Gustavo Fring_
I was living and working in a hostel in Christchurch, New Zealand during my travels when this came out and because the internet data was so stupidly expensive in my room I instead went to the local library after hours and used their wifi to stream this episode the day it released. On the other side of the world, outside in the cold, sitting on the ground next to the library is how I first watched this masterpiece of television and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. An Italian guy at the hostel who was even more obsessed about the show asked me how it was and I told him he just has to watch it. There's no way I could explain what I just saw without spoiling it or messing with his expectations.
That intro/ad for the episode is the BEST ad I've ever seen for a TV show. The fitness of the content of the sonnet, the production, the visuals, the sound. And Cranston killed it with the reading. BLEW me away and still gives me a shiver every time.
I’ve been out of school too long; I’d almost forgotten the AMAZING feeling of hearing great poetry, read well. That feeling of how meaning can hit you before full understanding, of how word choice can color content, it’s amazing.
I agree this is one of the best episodes ever, if not one of the best in television history. And there is still more to come! Great reaction James. I was the same when he was speaking on the phone to Skylar, when I realized he was saving her. This season also does a great job of elevating secondary characters, like Marie - how supportive she is to Hank. And seeing Gomie (Gomez) was just heart breaking because he was the only one from the force to believe in Hank and back him up but it cost him his life.
You said one important thing: "they just started the credits". In fact, Vince Gilligan pushed to get the credits after the entire desert scene just to let the moment sink in. What a fn episode, this is going to outlive the actors and the entire crew working in this universe.
It's crazy how even with the right "ingredients" (good actors, an interesting premise/setting, good writers/directors/producers/and anyone else behind the scenes), a TV show or series is not guaranteed to be successful or even good. The payoff for the many things being set up throughout the series is at an all time high in Breaking Bad's final season. The idea of actions & consequences is handled so well throughout the series & the writing is unbelievably good, it's no wonder the show is revered as much as it is & it is 100% deserved.
Thanks for showing that poem voiced by Walt at the beginning. I'm a huge fan of this show but never saw that before! I'm gonna watch it like 5 times now lol.
" Who are you talking to right now? Who is it you think you see? Do you know how much I make a year? I mean, even if I told you, you wouldn't believe it. Do you know what would happen if I suddenly decided to stop going into work? A business big enough that it could be listed on the NASDAQ goes belly up. Disappears! It ceases to exist without me. No, you clearly don't know who you're talking to, so let me clue you in. I am not in danger, Skyler. I am the danger. A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!" Nothing beside remains. Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare, the lone and level sands stretch far away...
Your reaction was fantastic man. If I could give it 50 thumbs up I would. Unlike a lot of reactors you’re getting every single nuance and story beat because you’re an amateur writer/director. You get it. Hands down this is the best series of ALL TIME and you clearly see why. EVERYTHING will tie together by the end. loving the journey you’re taking with us again 🤘 Btw, just wait for season 5 of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Best season by far!
Here we go. Been waiting for this reaction. Every couple months I revisit this one episode and it still hits me with the same horror and fascination. There's no word too superlative to describe this hour of tv
