(A few weeks ago, I started these Breaking Bad recaps, and then fell a bit behind. Not one to give up without a fight, they’re still coming, just a tiny bit late. I’m going to dump a few of them today, so read them if you wish, and if you don’t watch Breaking Bad, turn off your computer and start it today)
First, a couple of notes about the cold open, in which Mike holes up in a truck and then kills a couple of guys who have machine guns. I said in an earlier recap that Breaking Bad so often has great scenes, even aside from the context of the show. I can’t see the actual reason this scene adds to the plot, as we had the scene we needed to show how insanely superhumanly badass Mike is when he took down that asian warehouse last season. The only thing I can think of is if the ear injury gets referred to again. Either way, though, bravo, great scene.
The scenes of Walt and Skyler working on the story they’re going to tell Marie and Hank about Walt’s gambling addiction highlight both the differences and the strengths and flaws in their two personalities (something we dealt with in last episode as well). Skyler is detail-oriented (her resume would read) and well-prepared – she wants to be practiced down to the word, and down to the exact emotion. That said, lying doesn’t come easy to her. Walt is impatient and impulsive, but he also has a point in realizing that to some extent the story is just going to have to flow naturally. They can plan a general guide for the story, but there’s something stiff about trying to actually write a script to the letter. The story seems to go over pretty well when the Walt and Skyler go over to Marie and Hank’s for dinner. Walt actually made money at cards, so his son doesn’t exactly understand why this addiction is a bad thing.
Hank brings Walt and Walter Jr. to check out the absolutely amazing video of Gale singing Major Tom karaoke, and Hank asks Walt to examine the notebook. When Hank points out the initials WW, for the first time I felt as if Hank didn’t believe Walt 100%, but I may just have been reading in deeper to the situation because of what I know as the viewer.
Walt, frustrated with everyone, and stressed out about being captured or killed, fumes at Saul Goodman, using his lawyer session for therapy, but is still unwilling to commit to going into hiding. He still thinks he can find a way out.
Jesse continues his vicious cycle of nihilism that he began in the first episode of the season, but it seems like something has to give. Walt is furious at Jesse that he didn’t take proper care at the crime scene, and even more so that that doesn’t even seem to bother Jesse, oblivious to the difficulty Jesse is having when reliving the murder. After some junkies burglarize Jesse’s funds, Mike gets it back for Jesse, who doesn’t seem to care. Mike and Gus are clearly concerned about Jesse too, and we’re left wondering exactly how concerned when the episode ends with Mike taking Jesse on a ride. Maybe it’s to his death, or maybe for ice cream.
Television, the Drug of the Nation 
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