Wow. After a couple of slower, less impactful (but still good) episodes, Breaking Bad ratcheted things way back up in "Bullet Points." It was a great episode from start to finish, mixing tension, action, and even comedy together almost perfectly. Here are my lab notes for the episode.
Opening With A Bang
The action in tonight's episode could not have gotten any more intense than in the cold opening, in which Mike lays in wait in a Los Pollos Hermanos truck as it is riddled with bullets, only to shoot down both gunmen with seemingly relative ease. Despite all the gunfire, he escaped with only a torn ear, and at most he seemed mildly agitated by the injury. It remains to be seen who exactly had the truck shot up, and why, but it will be interesting to find out. Additionally, this scene only solidifies my belief that it would not be plausible for the show to ever let somebody get the drop on Mike. If anybody is going to be the last man standing on Breaking Bad, it should be Mike.
Skyler Takes Control
Watching Skyler meticulously lay out her plan to hide where Walt got his money from has been a lot of fun the past few weeks. She's just as fastidious as Walt, but with more paperwork. The scene where she and Walt run through the bullet points for their explanation to Hank and Walter Junior was tremendous, and frequently laugh out loud funny. It brought out Walt's most obnoxious behavior, and Skyler's digs at Walt in the storyline were a nice touch. I also liked how the show jumped right to the endgame when the speech is actually delivered at dinner.
The Glory of Gale
Even dead, Gale still brings good stuff to the show. The juxtaposition of the silliness of his karaoke video with Walt's terror and anguish was probably my favorite part of the episode, and perhaps of the season. His notes were a treat as well. I wonder if and when we will see the last of him. Aside from in the "Previously on Breaking Bad" segments, of course, where his murder has started off every episode this season I think.
Science!
It was a small moment, but I really enjoyed Walt undercutting Hank discussing his mineral with Walt Jr. It wasn't just Walt stealing the thunder from Hank, it was also educational to the viewer.
Disappearing
Saul telling Walt about the guy who could make his family disappear is an intriguing possibility. While I don't know if the show would go that route, and I don't think it would be a good way to go personally, I'd at least like to meet the character that could make that happen. It's worth introducing.
Jesse's Ride
It would appear Jesse's self-destructive behavior may finally spell doom for him. You can only have junkies crashing at your place for so long until things are going to fall apart. While I don't think Mike will end up killing Jesse, I will be interested to see where things are going in the next few episodes. As we learned last season, Mike doesn't take half measures.
Yeah, so many amazing moments to sift through in this one, Chris.
And agreed that the cold open with Mike in the chicken truck goes right into the top of the list of the best of the series' history. We are now on notice that Gus' drug enterprise is now under attack from a rival drug gang (the Mexicans again?) as well as the feds... by way of the recuperating Hank.
Excellent update! Breaking Bad sometimes moves at a snail's pace, but at the same time, they always keep me eagerly waiting for more! This show is simply brilliant and always unpredictable! I can't wait for more!