Ever since those ducklings upset Tony Soprano back in 1999, US networks have produced more quality television that viewers know what to do with. It has indeed been a golden era for the medium, which has often celebrated innovation, originality, and artistic integrity beyond Hollywood standards.
In this era, US television drama tends to fall into two categories. Firstly, there’s the cerebral, slow burner: built on the foundations laid by HBO’s THE SOPRANOS, shows such as SIX FEET UNDER and MAD MEN have showcased classy writing, complex characters, and explorative themes. Then there’s the second category, created in the mold of the all-action 24 and THE SHIELD: breakneck pacing, high tension and cliffhanger endings. With ANC’s BREAKING BAD, however, you get both dramatic categories cooked up together. Indeed, Vince Gilligan’s darkly comic series is whip smart and furiously addictive, making it perhaps the most gripping TV event since THE WIRE.
For those new to the series, BREAKING BAD follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a chemistry teacher who turns to cooking methamphetamine when he is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Afraid for his family’s financial well-being following his death, Walt forms a partnership with former student and drug dealer Jesse (Aaron Paul), using his chemistry expertise to cook up the finest meth Albuquerque has ever seen. Things become complicated as Walt slips into the criminal underworld, and his product grabs the attention of his tenacious DEA brother-in-law, Hank (Dean Norris).
From the offset, BREAKING BAD charges along at a riotous pace, something that is maintained throughout its seasons. Even when the narrative slows down for the more thoughtful, introspective episodes, tensions are often unbearably high. Unlike other action-based US dramas, BREAKING BAD isn’t just guns, drug deals, and high-speed Winnebago chases. The series boasts some of the smartest writing on US TV, and plays the long game, slowly and quite brilliantly developing its characters, amongst ingenious twists and turns. It’s also heavy on metaphor and the kind of thematic play that made THE SOPRANOS so groundbreaking. Who knew the elements of the periodic table had so much in common with Albuquerque’s drugs trade?
As brilliant as the writing may be, it’s the cast who bring the series to life. Bryan Cranston proves himself to be one of the US’s most intriguing actors, and his dynamic with Aaron Paul provides one of series’ the much crucial elements, Walt’s troubled relationship with Jesse. As the seasons develop, other characters – and excellent performances to boot – are added to the mix, such crooked lawyer Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) and the terrifying Gus (Giancario Esposito).
If you’re late to the party, THN strongly urges you to check it out. BREAKING BAD embodies everything great about modern TV drama, and is an integral part of the golden era in which we live. Funny, dark, and strangely touching, this is the stuff box sets were made for.
BREAKING BAD seasons 1-3 are available to buy on DVD now. Season five is due to air later this year in the US.
