Breaking Bad Review: “Box Cutter”

Update: Rewrites, because season three was too distant of a memory to immediately recall as I was watching/writing initially.

Well as I’ve hinted in the past, I’ve officially adopted Breaking Bad as my next weekly show to review. My previous choice was Game of Thrones, and before that, Dexter and if you want to go waaay back, I was talking about Lost’s confounding mysteries every week.

Breaking Bad is going to be an interesting experiment to review for the simple fact that a lot less stuff happens during the course of the hour than with those other shows. Game of Thrones for example had plotlines that spanned entire continents, with a roster of characters so deep I still couldn’t keep track of them all by the end.

This show on the other hand is a relatively small cast with somewhat of a less epic plotline. But that doesn’t mean it’s not good, as the show is routinely praised as the “best drama on television” and lead actor Bryan Cranston wins an Emmy practically every year for his unnerving portrayal of high school chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin, Walter White.

Where’s his hat?

The “best drama” praise might be a touch exaggerated, but I am willing to admit it’s ONE of the best shows on television. The “best” is probably a matter of personal taste, and I would argue Mad Men, Dexter and Game of Thrones are all in the running for that title as well. But I’m going to do my best to talk about the show and its issues in this new feature, and if you’re a fan, do please join in the conversation in the comments.

When we last left Walter and Jesse, they were in a quite predicament as drug mogul Gus wanted them dead. Walt  and Jesse killed some of his dealers out of revenge, which was a slap in his face that he couldn’t let go. Walt saved Jesse, which directly enraged Gus further, and between that and Walt’s DEA connections through Hank, Gus doesn’t trust them. He put out a hit on them and was planning on having Gail take over the lab, which is why Jesse had to murder him on Walt’s orders, so he was the only one with the knowledge to continue making the pure meth that was such a cash crop for Gus. This is info I had to hunt down to remember, and I really do wish they had more of a recap to kick things off. It’s been a long, long time people. We could use more than a twenty second refresher.

In any case, their only recourse to avoid certain death is to kill the only other man that knows their 99% pure meth recipe that’s the envy of the entire meth market. That man is the unfortunate Gail, a simple chemist, and seemingly nice guy whom Walter has worked with in the past. Last season ended with Jesse pointing a gun in his face and pulling the trigger, and now we tune in to see the results.

“Totally not rad bro!”

I liked the intro that showed how much Gail respected Walter and his nearly flawless product, even before meeting him. It was a good way to kick things off, even if it did trick you into thinking for a few minutes that Gail had somehow survived the attack and everything was a-OK.

But not so, Gail’s brains are indeed blown, and a shocked Jesse lingers around the crime scene to be picked up by Gus’ Latino (Asian?) henchman whose name escapes me. Fortunately, I don’t actually need to take the time to learn it, it seems.

He brings Jesse back to the cookhouse where Walter is being held by Gus’s agent Mike, and they await a verdict from Gus.

To sum up the theme of the evening would be “silence.” Walt doesn’t speak for a solid half of the episode, though after that, he can’t seem to shut up. Jesse doesn’t talk at all until the last five minutes, and when Gus waltzes in, it created one of the series most chilling moments to date. In complete silence he suits up in a rubber lab gear, grabs a box cutter and slits Latino/Asian henchman’s throat right in from of Walter and Jesse, minutes after it was revealed he too could follow the cooking steps if he needed to. He gets dressed once more and exits, but pauses and says his only words of the episode, “Get back to work.”

Gus: Serious Business.

I’ve been trying to understand why exactly he’d kill his own loyal henchman who was more than a meathead and proficient in cooking as well. I guess it was meant to intimidate, but it seems like kind of a high cost when they clearly already knew they could be killed at any moment. It also shows us that despite his cool and calm manner, Gus is indeed not to be f*cked with, and this is the dirtiest we’ve ever seen his hands.

Meanwhile, the rest of the supporting cast isn’t up to a whole lot at this point. Saul the lawyer is paranoid and sweeping his office for bugs. Skyler spends the whole episode trying to track down Walter, and Marie and Hank are attempting to forge the road to recovery after his shooting. Not too sure how they can be useful this season with him in his present state, and they just seem like they’re there to be the new reason Walter needs money, so their medical bills can be paid. But it’s not like he can quit anyway.

The episode ends with Jesse chowing down on pancakes in a diner while Walter is shaken to his core. It was interesting to see after the initial shock of seeing two people murdered in a few hours in front of him (with him doing the deed once) he’s already hardened to it and moving on. Walter? Not so much.

Uh oh.

The cops are investigating Gail’s apartment and the camera pans to his lab notes folder. What exactly does he have written down in there? Presumably something linking him to meth, but anything tying him to Gus or Walter or the lab specifically? I’m guessing law enforcement might play a big part this season, but really this was just a bridge episode and it’s hard to see the big picture at present.

Hey look at that, there WAS stuff to talk about. See you next week.

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26 Comments

  1. Paul, you’re (in my opinion) the only readable writer on this site, so sloppy posts like this are discouraging.

    You moan about them not putting a 20-second refresher at the beginning of the episode, but as a reviewer, shouldn’t you have, at very least, taken the time to get the names of major or recurring characters to put into your review? Could you not spend 60 seconds looking up what Walter and Jessie did to get on Gus’ bad side? Without remembering WHY they’re in this mess, how are you to give any real critical analysis?

    You can’t, and that’s the final reason this is a poor excuse for a review. You gave a recap, not a review. It’s a very important distinction that you need to make. If you’re going to recap, that’s cool, some people dig that. But at least learn the character’s names and do some research on the plot. And if you’re going to review the episode, we need some analysis/speculation, not a retelling of events with the second-to-last paragraph being the only part of this “review” that actually took any insight.

    Step your game up.

  2. “I’ve been trying to understand why exactly he’d kill his own loyal henchman who was more than a meathead and proficient in cooking as well.”…

    I believe he killed him because he was clearly seen by all the bystanders at the Gayle crime scene and couldn’t risk be being id’d…

  3. @Shinebox

    That makes sense.

    @lacy

    I’m behind on True Blood. That was Madison’s gig back in the day, but he doesn’t write here anymore.

    @Matt

    I come at these things from the perspective of the average show watcher. I was pointing out that with the other season so far behind us, more of a review would have been nice to catch people up, instead they spent a minimal amount of time doing that.

    The line between recap and review is blurry to me, and I’m not quite sure what a full fledged “review” is supposed to consist of. People have always said this about my show reviews, but readers read and comment regardless. I recount what happened, then try to discuss its implications. As of now, there isn’t terribly much to go on as this is merely the first episode of the season.

    The not-dead guy’s name is Mike. Jesse and Walt killed some of Gus’s dealers and he doesn’t trust them. There.

  4. 1. The guy’s name was Victor.

    2. Obviously to each man his own, but I think this is the best show currently on TV. Dexter has really fallen, and outside of Michael C. Hall himself I think the cast is pretty awful. Definitely not in my discussion for the best shows around today.

    3. Sorry, but this is a show that has a huge foundation on the importance of characters and the story (which is one huge story about Walter’s decent into villainy) and you did not give enough thought/ effort into it.

    For one, I got a season recap when I watched the premiere, but maybe your case is a different one. I also watched the previous two episodes (the last two from season 3), so I knew what it was all about.

    But seriously, how in the hell do you not remember what Gus was angry about? It makes me question whether you’re reviewing this show because you really like it or because it’s one of the most popular shows on TV and generates a LOT of talk, buzz, fans, etc.

    This review just doesn’t cut it at all. It’s just a step-by-step recap of what went down, and it’s lagging even in that aspect because for some reason you forgot the end to Season 3, which is baffling in its own right. You don’t offer any insight on the inner workings of Gus’s brain when he goes all box cutter on Victor.

    This is a neat site that I frequently visit, but this review is too much. I beg of you to bulk up on some knowledge of Breaking Bad so your next review can be better and worth reading. Re-watch the final two episodes of Season 3 at least so you can know why this episode happened in the first place.

  5. *upon reading your explanation

    Ok, that makes sense. Still, I’m a huge Breaking Bad geek, so obviously I take this shit seriously. Still, you should re-watch Half Measures and Full Measure. It’ll re-charge your brain, and it’s just kick-ass TV

  6. I dont comment here often but I took a minute because I thought this was important.

    Firstly – I’m a really big fan this is my favorite show ever, and I dont think Dexter comes no where near with it’s episodic structure where you know the plot will be similar in every episode. New killer, find him, kill him (all whilst not trying to get caught by your friends, co workers, in earlier seasons anyway) where as Breaking Bad is one of few shows like The Wire, Sopranos or Game of Thrones where there’s one over arching story and it is deep, metaphorical and truly unpredictable.

    Secondly – I love this site and just like mentioned multiple times above this is not a proper review or even a decent discussion about the show as it seems you know very little about it, and you pretty much ask the readers to explain or point out things to you. It took me 10 minutes to watch a Youtube video that recaps the whole show that’s all the effort it takes. Small cast is exactly what make this show great, it is all about the evolution and progression of the main characters, all of them ‘Breaking Bad’ sort of speak. How they have all evolved and the extreme measures they now must take, this episode has metaphors about Heisenbergs ego how he manages to blame the others and not himself as well as the suffering that induces on everyone around him (see Hank, Jesse and even Saul) How Skylar has changed and now has no problem in lying and all because of Walter.

    If for you as a writer the line blurs between a recap and a review that’s pretty shocking. Please check a bunch of other sites that review the show and you will see that they don’t just retell the story but:
    1. Give their views and perspective or characters, where the plot of the episode took them (beginning exposes the sad Irony of Gale’s honest character which brought his own demise as he got Gus to hire Walter, and that makes his death so much more tragic)
    2. Direction of the episode, the silence through out the episode creates tension
    3. Cinematography – the whole in the kettle, the way it teases us but we don’t know for sure
    4. Interesting facts: throwback to season 1 with the acid and Jesse’s first 2 words in the show.

    And it’s pretty obvious Victor was killed because he was seen by witnesses. Gus is a cold blooded business man and this murder paints his character perfectly, the fact you don’t fuck with him. This is something you should mention in the review instead of having readers explain in to you.

    -Rant end.

  7. “And it’s pretty obvious Victor was killed because he was seen by witnesses. Gus is a cold blooded business man and this murder paints his character perfectly, the fact you don’t fuck with him. This is something you should mention in the review instead of having readers explain in to you.”

    I definitely think strong characterization of Gus was seen in this act. He wanted to show Walt what he was capable of and to reassert who exactly was on top. He did not hesitate to kill someone valuable to him (Victor was one of Gus’ top goons), and that Walt could only hide behind his “value” for so long.

  8. I realize how harsh I must sound btw, I’m just a big fan so it’s nothing personal, love the site and love your posts (99% of the time)
    đŸ˜‰

  9. This review was a let down. Its pretty clear to me and the other readers and followers of the show. Breaking bad is an awesome show and this review seems to be treated more like a chore when compared to the other reviews. Stuff does not need to happen to make it an interesting or dramatic show. The characters are few yes but the depth they have is immeasurable. Doesnt seem like paul has any love for this show which is a bummer.

  10. The reasoning behind Victor’s demise was quite clearly outlined when Mike was talking to Victor about being sighted at Gayle apartment, and failing to sweep it for incriminating evidence. Clearly Gus had to kill Victor as if he is implicated in the murder it would come back to incriminate Gus. This aside the more interesting thought is why Gus chose to do it himself, and in such a dramatic and violent way. I think this wasn’t just a warning to Walt and Jesse, but to Mike too, who we clearly saw was uncharacteristically unsettled with the prospect of telling Gus that Gayle was dead, and upon calling him seemed to accept the possibility that Gus may well kill both of them for letting Jesse murder Gayle.

    Hopefully this could turn into a plot point in later episodes, as it’s clear that Walt and Jesse are running on borrowed time, it may transpire that Gus is feels as angry with Mike as well, an alliance could be formed to take out Gus and to put Walt in as the leader of the Cartel. Just a thought, also I think it’s interesting that Hank seems to be getting increasingly embittered, whereas before the shooting he was starting to lose it he appears to be getting angry at his condition, maybe this will cause Hank to fall into bad ways just as Walter did.

  11. I think Kyle is right. Gus’ killing of Victor was not only punishment for Victor being a blatant eyewitness at the crime scene, it was not only a “this is what I would like to do to you” message to Walt; Gus was showing Walt how you deal with a subordinate when they make a mistake. Walt protects/values Jesse despite numerous mistakes. Gus’ message to Walt is to survive in this business, you must purge yourself of human emotion and attachment. Gus liked Victor, but he is running a business. One mistake, and you’re “fired.” Also, I’m amazed at how many reviewers failed to understand why Victor was killed. I mean, they really emphasized this screw-up in the conversation between Victor and Mike. It’s quite an egregious mistake on his part.

  12. Same Here…

    BB Fans do not need a recap of the show..its the hidden insights thats interesting to read. Catching the colors of the scenes (Gale thinks its like christmas – room is red and green) or the subtleties…(walt inching away from the pool of blood)

    This stuff – Lost never had. They wanted it – but failed miserably. In the end of Lost it turns out that everything meant absolutely nothing and it copped out.

    Its just the opposite with Breaking Bad. Every detail is shown for a reason, every sentence is said for a purpose – there are no lost words.

  13. Arty has a point Paul.
    Your “reviews” are usually recaps. You remind the readers of what they just saw and you question why things happen (Gus killing his henchman).
    Try diggin deep into the show/episode and start plotting theories and put a subjective spin on it.
    For me, this episode was week. It took a year for us to find out that yeah, Gail was shot. Duh!
    And the “crazy” Gus moment that was a “shocking thrill”, was not so much a a thrill to me. I saw it coming a mile away and it was not as surprising as everyone thought. People need to realize that everyone is capable of evil actions. The proof is Walt and Jesse (with their intended murders).

    So, please don’t view me as a dick because i’m just pointing out that i think you need to try a different style of writing.

  14. Dont review a show if you dont know it.

    Trying to hop on a bandwagon becomes painfully obvious to anyone who actually knows and loves this show.

    Nice try though.

    Maybe you should review Jersey Shore, I hear they have a new season coming up.. may be more your speed.

  15. Also as a BB fan, I must agree with the posters above and suggest you leave this show alone as far as “reviewing” it goes (at least until you give it the attention it deserves). Even the re-write doesnt skim the surface of what makes the show great.

    Love the site, but don’f force a review that it seems you neither wanted to nor enjoyed writing. You set the bar to high for this bs dude

  16. Alright everybody, relax. I think he got it. The first few posts got the job done. Hopefully Paul will take all of this into consideration for next episode. I agree with you guys and Paul needs to work on a lot if he wants to review Breaking Bad (after all, this is Breaking Bad we’re talking about, not Dexter or those other much weaker, simpler shows. Here, every small detail matters), but let’s just leave it at that.

    Let’s actually talk about the episode! I loved it. The tension, the way the characters were all introduced again and the way the episode gave us some insight as to where they all are at this point in their lives, etc. Hank pisses me off!! Marie should speak out. I understand his frustration but he’s taking it out on the person that’s most supportive and most caring. Let him wallow in self-pity and loathing by himself. Poor Gale, though. He was a good man. Pity to see him die. It seems like Jesse is going to go down a destructive path again! I feel bad for him. Everything Walt is putting him through, albeit entirely his fault too. He seems to be okay with it but I can predict a downward spiral for him.

    MOST IMPORTANTLY, wtf was up with the product placement? Ugh! That was distracting and a bit disappointing..

  17. I was not a fan of it. It was not ad entertaining as everyone built it up as. It was expected and lackluster.
    I like the soon to be destructive side of Jesse but I hate the begging and weakness of Walt they are (still) showing.

  18. Damn, so many comments to read, so I’ll be brief. Gus is gonna get tagged as The Blue Meth guy IF there is anything in that note book about meth. Trust me.

  19. Victor was killed because he was not a docile chemist like the others. The reason Gail thrived is that he made superior meth and he posed zero threat to take over Gus’ operation. Victor had a thug mentality that would eventually lead him to believe that if he can cook the meth and strongarm people, he could overtake Gus’ operation. All that witness crap is flimsy. Gus likes to keep docile cooks around him because they won’t get big ideas to overthrow him. He can’t have a cook in his outfit that is also capable of the brutality required to run sh!t.

  20. I just wanted to follow up after seeing the wave of comments that followed my initial post.

    Paul, don’t take these comments as a slight against your work overall. I think you’re an above average entertainment blogger and clearly the best writer on this site.

    That said, being a blogger, a part of the reality of the job is instant feedback on your work — if an article appears to be lazily written, you’ll hear about it. I appreciate your point-by-point response to my comment, and I realize that since it’s your first write up on Breaking Bad that you may have not worked out the kinks in your system. Arty’s first comment expands upon the difference between a recap and review, and explains how a little insight can make your readers think and expand their appreciation of the show, challenge their views or present new facts that were unknown to them.

    If you still don’t see our point, try re-reading the article and asking yourself if there’s anything in your review that couldn’t be learned by watching the show. In fact, delete each part of your review where you are re-telling what happened in the show. Keep everything else, and see what you’re left with.

    I know there are tons of people who can comment on a blog post saying “This shit sucks and so do you,” but if you look at the comments in this post, everyone is offering suggestions and ideas to help improve future reviews. To dismiss these constructive criticisms as the same thing as the “This shit sucks” group is missing the point. I hope that you take them into consideration.

    I want to again reiterate that this is not a argument that you’re somehow incompetent or lazy. It was a lazy post, sure (as I and many others have pointed out, a quick google search could have given you the names you had forgotten. If you comment on a show’s small core of characters as a possible detriment, then can’t be bothered to remember the names of two important characters and the major cliffhanging plot point from last season.), but overall, your body of work on this site and others shows that you’re capable of providing insight, intellect and wit.

    It was a bad article, but move on and try to take our criticism without dismissing us as haters. Even the best writers make missteps. Sorry if it seems like the commenters are piling on you.

  21. Hey Paul, I don’t know much about reviewing films, series, etc. but I really like your reviews, and personally didn’t think this was a bad article. I really enjoyed it, and I read this blog just for the fun of it (definitely my favorite).

    I think the “Latino/Asian dude” reference was A LOT more descriptive of the character (I immediatly located it in my memory) than remembering his name (“Victor??? never heard it on the show”). That’s just the way we talk about films and series with our informally and it’s fun. If you go technical just as you’re been suggested, you’ll be just another movie critic.

    In other words, the informality of your reviews make them a lot better and readable.

    On the reason Latino/Asian dude was killed, besides his mistake letting himself be seen, I think Gus took on account the fact that he knew how to cook Blue Meth, and could become a potential competitor if he betrayed him. Gus chooses Walt as he is a true chemist and could take in account all those variables like season changes and bad barrels, etc.

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