Breaking Bad - Season 1

Creator: Vince Gilligan

Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, RJ Mitte, Betsy Brandt

Year: 2008

Episodes: 7

The first season of the critically acclaimed television series 'Breaking Bad' introduces us to the characters of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, and crafts a meticulous and spellbinding narrative which truly sets the standard for all television shows.



When diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, out of desperation, teams up with Jesse Pinkman, a drug addict and cook who agrees to work as Walt's partner when he sees that Mr White has an exceptional talent in producing high quality meth. Together they tackle many different challenges and must overcome dangerous tasks which risks both their lives and others. Meanwhile, Walter must conceal this side business of his from his family and friends. His wife is pregnant and begins to suspect something when his absence from home becomes more frequent.

There is little wonder to why 'Breaking Bad' has been met with such praise from both audiences and critics - the first season alone is never lacking in tension, emotion and consistent plot twists. It rarely slows down and when ever it does loosen the tension, these moments are filled with emotional depth and superb narrative construction. From the immediate beginning of this show, we are plunged into a startlingly manic plot and this foreshadows the subsequent tone for the entire season. The tension feels well formulated and realistic, never lets up and keeps building to a satisfying release which is then followed by a new narrative device which shifts the plot in a completely different direction, yet it works in a sense that this is the logical path to take.

The writing, as in many contemporary television shows of the 21st Century, is flawless, paying careful attention to all necessary components for a narrative - character development, tension, plot, and slick dialogue.
The characters are well built from the instance that the audience meets them - they are diverse in personality but all function together in a coherent manner and help progress the story in necessary ways. There are no perfect characters in this series - all of them are flawed in some respect, whether it is physical, emotional, or psychological. And the writing takes it time to divulge into these areas, with careful development of these individual traits which humanises them and makes their characters more understandable and likable. Nobody who is in a major or supporting role, is left out of this equation or briefly acknowledged with little embellishment on themselves.
The plot feels well paced and well structured - anything that might be of some importance to the progression of the story is analysed and given relevant attention to where needed. Nothing ever feels like it drags on to the extent that the series is beating a dead horse, but neither does it feel like there could have been more elaboration. The plot itself is extremely intelligent, well thought out and thoroughly engaging as a whole. Its unique idea is inspiring and keeps audiences continually invested in it. From this narrative emerges iconic, memorable characters, of whom stimulate the story to progress; there are brilliant subplots which are slowly, yet somewhat naturally formed which work alongside the main one. Everything works so effortlessly that the show manages to ensnare you within this reality.

The performances here are magnificent and so tangible. Bryan Cranston absolutely shines in his role of Walter White, epitomising him and adopting all his qualities to the extent that he is that character. He is able to express all the emotions necessary - anger, sadness, intimidating, ruthless and caring, despite this being such a contrast. His character ends up holding so many different personas and suffers so much, yet Cranston delivers on every level in portraying the anguish and toll this takes on Walter.
Aaron Paul too is amazing as the lazy, paranoid accomplice, Jesse Pinkman, and he has impeccable chemistry (no pun intended) with Cranston. Both of them steal any scene that they are in, captivating audiences with their performances.
All other actors and actresses do reach a top standard of deliveries and despite them all being almost flawless in their portrayals, the two key stars completely steal the limelight. The audience can instantly become invested in all the characters because there is appropriate character development given to all the people that they feel genuine, yet for the most part, there is always a yearning, a eagerness to return to White's and Pinkman's narrative which absolutely drives the plot, both as a function to the plot but also due to how engaging their characters and story appear to be.
By the end of the season, so many major character arcs have taken place, leaving almost every single character a completely changed person by the end, which is both stunning and exhilarating to see and this is accomplished through the expert level of writing and stupendous performances across the board.

From a technical standpoint, there are so many mesmerising shots throughout the series. Some people may not expect cinematography to be as a much as a priority for television shows as it is for films, but 'Breaking Bad' pays as much attention to it as everything else. So many shots are beautifully taken which keeps the audience captivated to the screen. Added to that, the music used is brilliant, bringing an extra effect to many sequences that reinforces a tone that is trying to be set or as a way of suiting the atmosphere.

Ultimately, 'Breaking Bad' is a sensational television series that sparkles with talent, beauty and brilliance on every level; its sharp screenwriting, brilliant narrative, and engaging, realistic characters all work marvelously in delivering such a stellar series and sets the standard high for the following seasons to come.

Verdict: A*