Breaking Bad = Best show ALIVE

[rknine15]

Just finished watching this. It is the best show ALIVE. Better than:

Prison Break, Oz, Wire, 24, Lost, Harper's Island, True Blood, etc(all very good shows)

YOU GOTTA TAKE THIS SHOW IN, IT'S CRAZY GOOD!!!!!!! EVERYONE MUST WATCH THIS SHOW!

http://www.icis.com/blogs/icis-chemicals-confidential/breaking-bad.jpg

Synopsis:

Walter White, a chemistry teacher with a pregnant wife, Skyler, and a son with cerebral palsy, is diagnosed with stage-three terminal lung cancer. Determined to develop a sufficient inheritance for his family before his death, Walter enters the drug trade using his chemistry knowledge to cook remarkably potent methamphetamine (crystal meth) with Jesse Pinkman, a former student.

[1987_Lakers]

Season 2 was awesome. Hopefully season 3 will deliver.

[Abd El-Krim]

It's not the best show ever, but it's very good.

[AtomSmasher]

what network does this run on?

[rknine15]

what network does this run on?
AMC

I watched it on MV though.

[pete's montreux]

what network does this run on?

:oldlol:

[pete's montreux]

Now downloading seasons 1+2 in 720p.

[AtomSmasher]

:oldlol:
:D

[rknine15]

Now downloading seasons 1+2 in 720p.
You WILL LOVE IT AND THANK ME!:rockon:

[andgar923]

Its very good, one of my top 4 shows but its not better than Lost.

I think its better in some aspects, such as the overall acting but not better as a whole.

[thekavorka]

it's way better than Lost (and i love Lost).

Breaking Bad is so ****ing good. but come on man. we all know nothing tops The Wire.

[rknine15]

Its very good, one of my top 4 shows but its not better than Lost.

I think its better in some aspects, such as the overall acting but not better as a whole.
The acting is just ****ing awesome.

Jesse, Walter :bowdown: :bowdown: .

[BankShot]

I just started watching it tonight.... about halfway through the pilot.

I knew the basic premise of the show, and the amazing accolades it has recieved.... and was still blown away by the opening sequence.

I haven't been this excited about a new show since I started Lost a couple years back.

[BankShot]

Please.... no spoilers!!!!

[pete's montreux]

Please.... no spoilers!!!!

bump this thread when you're done with season one

[brwnman]

not a huge fan. I thought it got better, but too slow for my taste...

[BankShot]

bump this thread when you're done with season one

Deal.... I've only downloaded the first episode, but I plan on getting the rest of the first season in 720p over night, and then proceeding to go on a Breaking Bad Binge over the next couple of evenings.

Like I said... I haven't been this excited for a TV program since Lost. :hammertime:

[pete's montreux]

Deal.... I've only downloaded the first episode, but I plan on getting the rest of the first season in 720p over night, and then proceeding to go on a Breaking Bad Binge over the next couple of evenings.

Like I said... I haven't been this excited for a TV program since Lost. :hammertime:

It's really great if you stick through the first season. That's why I want you to bump this thread, I want to get your reaction on something.

[andgar923]

Deal.... I've only downloaded the first episode, but I plan on getting the rest of the first season in 720p over night, and then proceeding to go on a Breaking Bad Binge over the next couple of evenings.

Like I said... I haven't been this excited for a TV program since Lost. :hammertime:

It only gets better.

[Saintsfan1992]

Game of Thrones :confusedshrug:

[BankShot]

Game of Thrones :confusedshrug:

I haven't seen it, but to annoint a show that hasn't even finished its first season as "The Best Show Alive" is premature to say the least :rolleyes:

[BankShot]

I haven't seen it, but to annoint a show that hasn't even finished its first season as "The Best Show Alive" is premature to say the least :rolleyes:

Partial nevermind.... I guess the first season has finished.

Somebody give me a 2-4 sentence argument that not only includes a basic premise, but also rationale as to why I should invest my small amount of allotted TV time that is already in tight competition with other programs.

Ok, go.

[IGOTGAME]

Game of Thrones :confusedshrug:

Luther or Dexter?

[BankShot]

Luther or Dexter?

Dexter is f*cking awesome.

That is another show that I've recently started (and worked through very quickly) that I was truly excited about after the pilot/first couple episodes.

[InspiredLebowski]

Love all the non-network shows mentioned here, even if Dexter's fallen off the rails a bit, but seriously fellas, get on the Deadwood train. Damn crime it wasn't cost effective for HBO. Boardwalk Empire's outstanding but not as good as Deadwood (obviously IMO) and probably even more expensive.

July 17th's the new season of Breaking Bad premiere.

[alenleomessi]

Its very good, one of my top 4 shows but its not better than Lost.

I think its better in some aspects, such as the overall acting but not better as a whole.
+1

[Blackisbig]

Meh, didn't like it. But then again, I hated The Wire as well.

[Lakerlove420]

Breaking Bad was soo good.
Just watched it like 3 weeks ago. 3 seasons..
in my top 3 all time favorite shows. (for now..

[brwnman]

Dexter is the sh!t...

[BankShot]

It's really great if you stick through the first season. That's why I want you to bump this thread, I want to get your reaction on something.

I didn't realize the first season was so short... so I was able to finish it in a night-and-a-half (albeit with very little sleep)

Absolutely love the show.... and can definitely see why Cranston has won so many awards with his performance.

So whats the question there pete??

[pete's montreux]

What did you think of ep 9 compared to the finale? I thought the climax of ep 9 would've been a MUCH more powerful end to the first season compared to the anti-climatic end of ep 10. It really irks me to this day.

Spoilers: that scene where he watches the girl choke to death was so powerful, i really think that would've been better had it been the climax for the entire season rather than ep 9

[BankShot]

Honestly, I think you're a bit confused, and maybe are combining shows here.

First off, Breaking Bad Season 1 only had seven episodes.... and none of them ended in the way you said in your white spoiler.

Second, the end of episode 6 (the second to last episode in season one) had (Spoiler) Hank walking away from Tuco's headquarters, after blowing the place up with fulminated mercury and reaching an agreement based on quality product and respect... which would have been a solid way to end the first season, but if you ask me it would have been too tidy and feel-good. (Spoiler) For a story based around the chaos involved with the drug world, Hank walking away with money, security, and safety, would have been too easy.

The end of the seventh, and final, episode of Season One had (Spoiler) Hank and Jesse standing in the junkyard after Tuco mercilessly beats his own man for simply speaking out of line, and realizing that there's going to be more to this life than simply making a shit-ton of money This ending, to me, was not only more powerful, but more indicative of the moral struggle Hank has with the drug world, and also representative of how clueless they were about dealing with ruthless hard-ass criminals. .

Either way, great show. :rockon:

[BankShot]

Bumping it for Pete.

Now i definitely know you have your seasons confused (i'm into Season 2 now.... I can't stop, I'm seriously addicted). Anyways it really is too bad because it has seriously spoiled the (Spoiler) relationship between Jane and Jesse... and how it apparently ends

I'm not mad.... just disappointed. :facepalm

[pete's montreux]

Unfortunately, yes, I completely confused the seasons. I'm usually extremely careful when it comes to spoilers and I apologize profusely. I meant to reply yesterday but I forgot.

[BankShot]

Unfortunately, yes, I completely confused the seasons. I'm usually extremely careful when it comes to spoilers and I apologize profusely. I meant to reply yesterday but I forgot.

Its all good. In the end its good to know that (Spoiler).... that chick Jane isn't a lasting character on the show... the last the Dynamic Duo needs is some clingy junkie whore along for the ride

[pete's montreux]

I actually think Krysten Ritter is a talented actress when she takes serious roles. She was very good on Showtimes "Gravity" which only lasted one season. She's got a seriously nice ass.

[Bosnian Sajo]

Just finished episode 2...the ONLY thing I would of done that this guy did, is smoke some of the kids weed he had lying on the table :oldlol:

Although very entertaining indeed, im really liking the show alot. I felt real bad when it showed he has lung cancer, thats real tough :/

[Lakerlove420]

I actually think Krysten Ritter is a talented actress when she takes serious roles. She was very good on Showtimes "Gravity" which only lasted one season. She's got a seriously nice ass.

http://img.listal.com/image/584368/600full-krysten-ritter.jpg

pretty skinny.. not much ass. .
but there is definitely something about her..
I'll give you that

[IlliniFan]

Recently watched all 3 seasons of this. I'm hooked. And the list of tv shows continues to grow..

[pete's montreux]

http://img.listal.com/image/584368/600full-krysten-ritter.jpg

pretty skinny.. not much ass. .
but there is definitely something about her..
I'll give you that

You should watch her on a show called "Gravity", It's cancelled now but she was scantily clad in several scenes and her ass was pretty nice.

[RoseCity07]

Dude, this show is awesome. I just started watching last weak from the pilot episode. AMC is playing 3 at a time, from 11 pm to 2 am.

Great show. I haven't had a show since Nip/Tuck and The Shield went off the air. This is my show now.:cheers:

[Bless Mathews]

Peep the avatar b..itches..

one week till season 4

season 3 is going to be tough to top!!!!!

[andgar923]

You should watch her on a show called "Gravity", It's cancelled now but she was scantily clad in several scenes and her ass was pretty nice.

Nvd....

http://img002.lazygirls.info/people/krysten_ritter/krysten_ritter_gravity_s01e01_J2DGiXW.sized.jpg

http://img002.lazygirls.info/people/krysten_ritter/krysten_ritter_gravity_s01e09_As9hXME.sized.jpg

[Bless Mathews]

Shards
Chode

[SayTownRy]

Peep the avatar b..itches..

:pimp:

[niko]

Dude, this show is awesome. I just started watching last weak from the pilot episode. AMC is playing 3 at a time, from 11 pm to 2 am.

Great show. I haven't had a show since Nip/Tuck and The Shield went off the air. This is my show now.:cheers:
Don't watch the commercials for Season 4. They basically give you every spoiler from season 1 to 3.

[pete's montreux]

Nvd....

http://img002.lazygirls.info/people/krysten_ritter/krysten_ritter_gravity_s01e01_J2DGiXW.sized.jpg

http://img002.lazygirls.info/people/krysten_ritter/krysten_ritter_gravity_s01e09_As9hXME.sized.jpg

mmm delicious

[pete's montreux]

Reviews for the 4th season are pouring in, critics are saying It's the greatest American drama ever.

[Bless Mathews]

Reviews for the 4th season are pouring in, critics are saying It's the greatest American drama ever.

agreed


im finna get me a fat satchel of some shards and put in work then watch season 4 premier

[andgar923]

I really hope it turns out as good as the early reviews claim.

I got tons of heat when I stated a while back, that it was better than The Sopranos.

True... The Sopranos was groundbreaking and this show wouldn't be alive without it. And YES it was well written, acted and directed, but the shit was a snore fest compared to Breaking Bad. This show packs everything that made The Sopranos great, but delivers it in a more exciting/fast paced package.

[1987_Lakers]

OMFG I can't wait till Season 4. Just 3 more days.

If this season is a masterpiece which many think it is I will rank it behind "The Wire" as the greatest show ever.

The Sopranos started to decline after season 2, Breaking Bad gets better and better every season, very rare for a TV show.

[alenleomessi]

i have 3 and a half days to rewatch the first 3 seasons
GO!!! :rockon:

[Bless Mathews]

i have 3 and a half days to rewatch the first 3 seasons
GO!!! :rockon:

lol

just smoke a fat ass shard

[Lakerlove420]

I really hope it turns out as good as the early reviews claim.

I got tons of heat when I stated a while back, that it was better than The Sopranos.

True... The Sopranos was groundbreaking and this show wouldn't be alive without it. And YES it was well written, acted and directed, but the shit was a snore fest compared to Breaking Bad. This show packs everything that made The Sopranos great, but delivers it in a more exciting/fast paced package.

what do you mean Breaking Bad wouldn't be alive without Sopranos?:confusedshrug:

What does the one have to do with the other?

what do you mean Breaking Bad has everything that made Sopranos great? :confusedshrug:

Like what? What exactly did both shows have that's the same?
same directors or writers :confusedshrug:

or are you just saying in general they were both hit shows?
both having a strong lead character and great surrounding cast members?

By the way.. I'm not giving you crap right now . .
just wondering how you see it.

I watched both series this year (2011) all episodes and seasons.
And yes they are both pretty much at the top of my list.
And that is what they have in common. They were both GREAT.
But what are you saying?

[andgar923]

what do you mean Breaking Bad wouldn't be alive without Sopranos?:confusedshrug:

What does the one have to do with the other?

what do you mean Breaking Bad has everything that made Sopranos great? :confusedshrug:

Like what? What exactly did both shows have that's the same?
same directors or writers :confusedshrug:

or are you just saying in general they were both hit shows?
both having a strong lead character and great surrounding cast members?

By the way.. I'm not giving you crap right now . .
just wondering how you see it.

I watched both series this year (2011) all episodes and seasons.
And yes they are both pretty much at the top of my list.
And that is what they have in common. They were both GREAT.
But what are you saying?

The Sopranos introduced a new way of storytelling for tv. It focused on themes and characters that had yet to be explored on tv. And of course these are crime, corruption, and a deep deep exploration into their psyche. No other show before had delved as deeply into a character's life as Sopranos. Specially that of a criminal and their family life.

After the Sopranos, there was an influx of shows that tried to copy it in one way or another, of course, most of them failed. But the door was opened regardless, and we all became a more sophisticated audience because of it. It became the new standard of what great writing, acting, and directing should be. And that is why without the Sopranos, this show doesn't exist.

Criminal elements aside, Sopranos' influence was in its storytelling. Focusing on nuance and details at its own pace. Letting the viewer really think and let things sink in, it was like watching a novel and not a tv show (or film).

Both shows share a deep character analysis, in a non-romantic role. Breaking Bad doesn't romanticize shit. It straight up shows you every character both the good and the bad, in all their flaws. All told with great directing, writing, acting, and breakdown of a criminal's life.

[ZeN]

cant freakin' wait for sunday..!!..

[Lakerlove420]

The Sopranos introduced a new way of storytelling for tv. It focused on themes and characters that had yet to be explored on tv. And of course these are crime, corruption, and a deep deep exploration into their psyche. No other show before had delved as deeply into a character's life as Sopranos. Specially that of a criminal and their family life.

After the Sopranos, there was an influx of shows that tried to copy it in one way or another, of course, most of them failed. But the door was opened regardless, and we all became a more sophisticated audience because of it. It became the new standard of what great writing, acting, and directing should be. And that is why without the Sopranos, this show doesn't exist.

Criminal elements aside, Sopranos' influence was in its storytelling. Focusing on nuance and details at its own pace. Letting the viewer really think and let things sink in, it was like watching a novel and not a tv show (or film).

Both shows share a deep character analysis, in a non-romantic role. Breaking Bad doesn't romanticize shit. It straight up shows you every character both the good and the bad, in all their flaws. All told with great directing, writing, acting, and breakdown of a criminal's life.

great explanation. I agree.
I don't really have much to add. good post.

We all can't wait for Sunday!

[bluechox2]

great show, ive been waiting for this for a whole year
finaly its here

[NastaMaverick]

bump.



:D:D:D:D

[catch24]

Will be watching tomorrow... :cheers:

[andgar923]

Can't wait!!!

Breaking Bad, Curb Your Enthusiasm, hell... even True Blood is turning out better than last season (which aint hard to do).

I haven't been this excited since the new Gossip Girl season last year!!!

[Saintsfan1992]

Greats how jus finished season 3.

one of the best shows on TV.

Not better than Game of thrones. :pimp:

[InspiredLebowski]

Greats how jus finished season 3.

one of the best shows on TV.

Not better than Game of thrones. :pimp:I'm not going to say put GoT on AMC because it'd clearly never get off the ground, but put BB on HBO and watch what happens. A show about a cancer riddled every man turning to the drug trade to provide, set in current times, on HBO?! Jesus Christ. Much as I adore HBO's programming I feel like they're very much missing a "common appeal" type show. Not that BB's exactly that, but you get what I mean. What was their last show (that didn't just suck) since Sopranos to take place in modern day? No TrueBlood doesn't count, I mean legit dramas, TB's camp as camp gets.

[ZeN]

tonight is the night.. gonna be epic..

[Unstoppabull]

What is breaking bad about?

[ZeN]

What is breaking bad about?
your a sick son of a b*tch

[pauk]

dling now season 1-2-3-4 :pimp:

[Myth]

I started watching BB about a month ago and it is my favorite non-comedy of all time. I have about 4 more episodes of season 4, and then I have to wait 10 months for new ones :cry:

About 6 months ago I thought Lost was the greatest non-comedy show ever. Now, Lost can't hold a candle to Breaking Bad.

[niko]

I'm not going to say put GoT on AMC because it'd clearly never get off the ground, but put BB on HBO and watch what happens. A show about a cancer riddled every man turning to the drug trade to provide, set in current times, on HBO?! Jesus Christ. Much as I adore HBO's programming I feel like they're very much missing a "common appeal" type show. Not that BB's exactly that, but you get what I mean. What was their last show (that didn't just suck) since Sopranos to take place in modern day? No TrueBlood doesn't count, I mean legit dramas, TB's camp as camp gets.
Treme but that show is boring as shit.

[chips93]

im about 4 episodes into the first season. looks pretty good, not as amazing as some poeple say, but still very good.

[Go Getter]

im about 4 episodes into the first season. looks pretty good, not as amazing as some poeple say, but still very good.
Just wait.

[andgar923]

Just wait.

haha... I kept telling my co-worker to watch it and she kept putting it off. She recently hurt her ankle so she began to watch BB, 4 shows in she was like "Its okay." Two days later I get an email saying how she and her husband are hooked on it and how its the greatest thing ever.

She was almost done with the 2nd season.... I simply told her... 'wait'.

[Godzuki]

im about 4 episodes into the first season. looks pretty good, not as amazing as some poeple say, but still very good.


yea i felt the same way. i kept waiting for them to get their shit together and start running a meth lab making money but it just kept being everything but that happeniing....it got to the point i was getting mad at their stupidity. maybe it does that later on but i was expecting a lot different than what i saw after the first handful of episodes :confusedshrug:

[Myth]

I'm even surprised that people are saying it takes 4 episodes or so for them to start getting into it. I was hooked from the first episode, heck, the opening sequence.

[Godzuki]

I'm even surprised that people are saying it takes 4 episodes or so for them to start getting into it. I was hooked from the first episode, heck, the opening sequence.


for me it went a lot of places i wasn't expecting and a lot of it sort of just showing him miserable, failing at everything and abused by people, then hooking up with that screw up sort of compounded my frustration with him getting anywhere. but i went into it thinking it was about him cookiing/selling meth...similar to Weeds. it was almost a surreal downer show in the episodes i saw but like i said it was only the first handful~

[JohnnySic]

I haven't seen season 4 yet (waiting on the dvd) but things got really wacky in season 3...

[pauk]

Just finished season 1 and am in middle of season 2...........

and............


i...


agree...........


BEST SHOW TODAY!!

[RoseCity07]

Just ordered season 1,2, and 3 on blu-ray off Amazon. You're going to love season 4.

[Myth]

Just finished season 4 the other day. HOLY.... F*CKING.... SHIT!

[Eat Like A Bosh]

Absolutely love this show, I can say, I'm a BB addict at this point.

[enayes]

Just watched all 4 seasons in less than 2 weeks. I had been meaning to watch this series awhile ago but never got around to it. All in all probably my second favorite show behind Dexter.

Favorite parts:

When Walt and Jesse are trapped in the trailer at the scrapyard with Hank trying to get in, awesome scene.

When Walt goes back to pollos hermanos and is convinced that Gus is the man he was supposed to meet, I love Gus's demeanor and how cautious he is.

Season 3 finale when Walt calls Jesse and tells him he has a 20 minute window to get to Gail and kill him to save himself and Walt.

[Myth]

Anybody else see that Gustavo was on Community today?

[ImmortalNemesis]

Just finished season 3. :cheers:

[chazzy]

Can't wait for the last season. The way this show builds tension is incredible

[Eat Like A Bosh]

It's seems like forever since I last watched BB lol. I don't think I've watched any in 2012 at all. Hurry up Season 5! When does it premiere?

[RoseCity07]

I don't like how they broke it up into to 8 episode parts for season 5.

[neilio23]

Anybody else see that Gustavo was on Community today?

Ya, I saw that. He had all the awesome weapons haha!

[rknine15]

Game of Thrones ain't got nothing on Breaking Bad

:cheers:

[rknine15]

Yup still the best!!!!

[RoseCity07]

Wow...saw the ending.:applause:

Have to see the first 20 minutes though.

[Bless Mathews]

All around. Yes. Best show ever.

Acting. Story. Others close. Filming sets it over. As best.

[rknine15]

:bowdown: :bowdown: :cry:

[Lebron23]

Just watched El Camino. I love the Evolution of Jesse.
https://youtu.be/oRpc6gQ-KjI?si=xXaXi3nbCAhhZNie

[ArbitraryWater]

Good times watching this... truly never experienced anything like it since.

[ArbitraryWater]

There must have been another thread because this is 4 pages raving about the show ahead of season 3 and then is never bumped/talked about anymore during season 3 and only gets 2 more pages in..

[tpols]

Sopranos is the GOAT show. They even hired real maifiosos as actors. Some of the guys weren't even acting. :lol

[Full Court]

I thought Better Call Saul was better.

[diamenz]

Sopranos is the GOAT show. They even hired real maifiosos as actors. Some of the guys weren't even acting. :lol

bro don't be coming up in BB hood flashing rival gang signs u get clapped round hurr.

[diamenz]

Sopranos is the GOAT show. They even hired real maifiosos as actors. Some of the guys weren't even acting. :lol

bro don't be coming up in BB hood flashing rival gang signs u get clapped round hurr.

...not even gonna apologize for dbl posting having to deal with these shitty, non responsive servers.

[Baller234]

I concur that in terms of hour long drama series, The Sopranos is still GOAT.

I'll say this about BB. Most shows peak early and then just fizzle out, but BB was the only show I've ever seen that got better and better each season and continued to raise the bar. The hype and the stakes going into that final season were astronomically high and not only did they stick the landing but they delivered in spades.

The reason I don't put it above Sopranos though is because BB is extremely plot driven. It's character driven too sure but it's REALLY plot driven. Once you experience all the ups and downs and know where everything leads, there's less reason to rewatch episodes of the show again once the suspense is gone. Only speaking for myself, as much as I loved watching BB when it was on, I've rarely if ever gone back to it. I've watched YT highlights and stuff and revisited some key scenes that were memorable, but I have zero desire to rewatch the entire series again or even a handful of episodes.

Sopranos I can go back to non-stop. The show is so layered and character driven. Each time you watch it you pick up on something new. The plot is important sure but it's really the interpersonal relationships that provide the foundation for the show. I can watch a Sopranos episode at any moment and any time. You're not driven by suspense, you're driven by the emotional drama. Along with the characters and the goat tier acting of course.

This is also why I put The Wire and GOT above BB too. Just more layered and has more going for it.

But BB is still flames and was an extremely satisfying roller coaster ride.

[SouBeachTalents]

I concur that in terms of hour long drama series, The Sopranos is still GOAT.

I'll say this about BB. Most shows peak early and then just fizzle out, but BB was the only show I've ever seen that got better and better each season and continued to raise the bar. The hype and the stakes going into that final season were astronomically high and not only did they stick the landing but they delivered in spades.

The reason I don't put it above Sopranos though is because BB is extremely plot driven. It's character driven too sure but it's REALLY plot driven. Once you experience all the ups and downs and know where everything leads, there's less reason to rewatch episodes of the show again once the suspense is gone. Only speaking for myself, as much as I loved watching BB when it was on, I've rarely if ever gone back to it. I've watched YT highlights and stuff and revisited some key scenes that were memorable, but I have zero desire to rewatch the entire series again or even a handful of episodes.

Sopranos I can go back to non-stop. The show is so layered and character driven. Each time you watch it you pick up on something new. The plot is important sure but it's really the interpersonal relationships that provide the foundation for the show. I can watch a Sopranos episode at any moment and any time. You're not driven by suspense, you're driven by the emotional drama. Along with the characters and the goat tier acting of course.

This is also why I put The Wire and GOT above BB too. Just more layered and has more going for it.

But BB is still flames and was an extremely satisfying roller coaster ride.
I honestly agreed with virtually everything you said until the bolded. The Wire I'd have no issue with, I personally believe Breaking Bad is better but there's certainly a valid argument that can be made there, though my beef with the Wire is it's last season, while still good, is by far it's worst imo while Breaking Bad's is it's best.

GOT though? The first 4 seasons were genuinely terrific, then it gradually declined before it's abomination of a final season. I just don't see the argument there over BB.

[diamenz]

I concur that in terms of hour long drama series, The Sopranos is still GOAT.

I'll say this about BB. Most shows peak early and then just fizzle out, but BB was the only show I've ever seen that got better and better each season and continued to raise the bar. The hype and the stakes going into that final season were astronomically high and not only did they stick the landing but they delivered in spades.

The reason I don't put it above Sopranos though is because BB is extremely plot driven. It's character driven too sure but it's REALLY plot driven. Once you experience all the ups and downs and know where everything leads, there's less reason to rewatch episodes of the show again once the suspense is gone. Only speaking for myself, as much as I loved watching BB when it was on, I've rarely if ever gone back to it. I've watched YT highlights and stuff and revisited some key scenes that were memorable, but I have zero desire to rewatch the entire series again or even a handful of episodes.

Sopranos I can go back to non-stop. The show is so layered and character driven. Each time you watch it you pick up on something new. The plot is important sure but it's really the interpersonal relationships that provide the foundation for the show. I can watch a Sopranos episode at any moment and any time. You're not driven by suspense, you're driven by the emotional drama. Along with the characters and the goat tier acting of course.

This is also why I put The Wire and GOT above BB too. Just more layered and has more going for it.

But BB is still flames and was an extremely satisfying roller coaster ride.

who wins you over on the acting front?

bb or sopranos?

cranston or gandolfini?

[ShawkFactory]

I honestly agreed with virtually everything you said until the bolded. The Wire I'd have no issue with, I personally believe Breaking Bad is better but there's certainly a valid argument that can be made there, though my beef with the Wire is it's last season, while still good, is by far it's worst imo while Breaking Bad's is it's best.

GOT though? The first 4 seasons were genuinely terrific, then it gradually declined before it's abomination of a final season. I just don't see the argument there over BB.

Agreed about the last season of the Wire. David Simon even commented on it that because it was only 10 episodes instead of the usually 12 or 13, story lines were condensed and thus with it the characters more unbelievable things.

The Wire at its best is better overall than BB to me though for sure.

[diamenz]

Agreed about the last season of the Wire. David Simon even commented on it that because it was only 10 episodes instead of the usually 12 or 13, story lines were condensed and thus with it the characters more unbelievable things.

The Wire at its best is better overall than BB to me though for sure.

i haven't watched the wire. guess i should bump that up high on my list with all of the praise you guys are giving it.

[Im Still Ballin]

Hot Take: The first two seasons of Dexter are on par with Breaking Bad's. When Dexter was at its best, it was genuinely some of the most suspenseful shit ever. God, it's a crime the premise/show was wasted on Showtime with the poor writing, cheap supporting cast, and copouts beginning with the S2 ending. HBO would have done so much more with it.

[Baller234]

I honestly agreed with virtually everything you said until the bolded. The Wire I'd have no issue with, I personally believe Breaking Bad is better but there's certainly a valid argument that can be made there, though my beef with the Wire is it's last season, while still good, is by far it's worst imo while Breaking Bad's is it's best.

GOT though? The first 4 seasons were genuinely terrific, then it gradually declined before it's abomination of a final season. I just don't see the argument there over BB.

I won't argue with you, the last few seasons of GOT were total dogshit. Basically once they ran out of book material to cover and had to start writing on their own.

I still place it above BB because I'm probably more likely to revisit an episode of GOT than I am an episode of BB. Those first few seasons of GOT were as good as anything ever. You're average GOT episode just has way more going for it than your average BB episode. Way more layered.

[Baller234]

who wins you over on the acting front?

bb or sopranos?

cranston or gandolfini?

Hard to say.

Don't know if there's a wrong answer.

[Baller234]

Hot Take: The first two seasons of Dexter are on par with Breaking Bad's. When Dexter was at its best, it was genuinely some of the most suspenseful shit ever. God, it's a crime the premise/show was wasted on Showtime with the poor writing, cheap supporting cast, and copouts beginning with the S2 ending. HBO would have done so much more with it.

Dexter S2 and S4 are goat tier for me as well.

S1 was good enough I guess but not goat tier, S3 was ehh, the rest was forgettable. Really fell off towards the end. Haven't even bothered to watch it since it came back.

But I agree that when it was at it's best, Dexter was as good as anything.

[ShawkFactory]

i haven't watched the wire. guess i should bump that up high on my list with all of the praise you guys are giving it.

I’m fairly surprised that you have already seen it to be honest.

I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about it but I’ll say this as if you haven’t. It’s the most realistic and layered show narratively that’s ever existed. Almost like GOT but real life, which makes it hit harder for me obviously. As it probably does for most.

It utilizes iffy systemic ills, whether that be local drug empires, law enforcement, politics, and education as a backdrop for an incredible Greek tragedy on the level of Shakespeare.

Not quite the amazing character study of Sopranos but it builds a different type of world and you know as things unfold that that was EXACTLY how shit went down in real life in Baltimore. Very fascinating and well done stuff.

[highwhey]

i haven't watched the wire. guess i should bump that up high on my list with all of the praise you guys are giving it.

You'd appreciate it.

half of kblaze's gifs are from the wire :oldlol:

[GOBB]

Game of thrones for me. I will say Peaky Blinders was really good. Doesn’t get mentioned much amongst top shows ever. Can’t say it’s the best but it’s up there in the rankings for me. I caught on to it late like Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad is the best binge watching experience of a tv show I ever had tho.

[ArbitraryWater]

Game of thrones for me. I will say Peaky Blinders was really good. Doesn’t get mentioned much amongst top shows ever. Can’t say it’s the best but it’s up there in the rankings for me. I caught on to it late like Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad is the best binge watching experience of a tv show I ever had tho.

GoT last season was dogshit

[BurningHammer]

GoT last season was dogshit

Wrapping up shows that the original materials are still ongoing rarely please everyone. :ohwell:

[GOBB]

GoT last season was dogshit

Most tv shows have seasons like that. Or periods where it begins to tail off. The reasons vary. Sopranos went through the same thing

[Baller234]

What's beautiful about The Wire is that in addition to being a phenomenal show, it's also a giant commercial for the republican party.

The creator of the show, David Simon, is actually more left leaning and probably didn't intend it as such... but if there is one single takeaway from the show it's that democrats fukk everything up.

:oldlol:

[ArbitraryWater]

Most tv shows have seasons like that. Or periods where it begins to tail off. The reasons vary. Sopranos went through the same thing

Yea but for best show ever? Thats a clear disqualifier. BrBa last season was GOAT. It was the perfect show.

[ShawkFactory]

What's beautiful about The Wire is that in addition to being a phenomenal show, it's also a giant commercial for the republican party.

The creator of the show, David Simon, is actually more left leaning and probably didn't intend it as such... but if there is one single takeaway from the show it's that democrats fukk everything up.

:oldlol:

Leave it to you to take it that way :lol

[GOBB]

Yea but for best show ever? Thats a clear disqualifier. BrBa last season was GOAT. It was the perfect show.

Hardly perfect. Season 3 was slow and all over the place. And not for nothing first season to breaking bad wasn’t ground breaking either.

[ArbitraryWater]

Hardly perfect. Season 3 was slow and all over the place. And not for nothing first season to breaking bad wasn’t ground breaking either.

:kobe:

Season 3 is probaby the most popuar season lol and no one made any difference between the first seasons of BrBa and GoT.

Quite clearly BrBa has 5 spotless (or at the very least elite seasons, considering season 3 as weak is an insane take) seasons and GoT ends shit.

Its preference at the end of the day but its not exactly logical.

[GOBB]

:kobe:

Season 3 is probaby the most popuar season lol and no one made any difference between the first seasons of BrBa and GoT.

Quite clearly BrBa has 5 spotless (or at the very least elite seasons, considering season 3 as weak is an insane take) seasons and GoT ends shit.

Its preference at the end of the day but its not exactly logical.

You’re not applying logic. You’re applying an extreme bias. I’m pretty sure I could go searching and see what fools are saying about Breaking Bad seasons and how they view them. Doubt I would be far off from what I said. And like you said it’s preference but to pretend what I said is some sort of blasphemy could be easily debunked by simply posting other Breaking Bad fans thoughts. Not worth arguing but you’re also not about to leave some parting short like you hit a HR like Bonds either.

[1987_Lakers]

who wins you over on the acting front?

bb or sopranos?

cranston or gandolfini?

Cranston is probably the better overall actor, but the Gandolfini (RIP) as Tony Soprano will probably be remembered more. The show got into his psyche in ways that haven't been seen before or since. Walt is smarter, Tony was far more entertaining and funnier. Also the first true anti-hero in TV history, there is no Walter White without Tony.

It's crazy how re-watchable The Sopranos is. I loved Breaking Bad and the quality of the show never dropped off the way shows like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, & The Wire did towards the end, but I don't think I've gone back to watch Breaking Bad since it ended, alot of their classic scenes relied on shock and surprise, which loses it's luster on 2nd viewing. The comedic value of The Sopranos makes it more re-watchable.

[1987_Lakers]

:kobe:

Season 3 is probaby the most popuar season lol and no one made any difference between the first seasons of BrBa and GoT.

Quite clearly BrBa has 5 spotless (or at the very least elite seasons, considering season 3 as weak is an insane take) seasons and GoT ends shit.

Its preference at the end of the day but its not exactly logical.

Season 4 to me was the best. Hard to top Walt vs Gus. Walt looking for his money in the crawl space then laughing like the joker when he realizes his wife gave it to someone else was peak television.

For The Sopranos I would maybe say Season 2 was the best. Great storyline with Tony vs Richie & Puzzy being a rat. Tony's mom was supposed to testify against him in season 3, but the actress who played Tony's mom died which is why the storyline in general was weaker, but still had some great individual episodes. I thought seasons 3, 4, and 6A were pretty weak in terms of story telling compared to season 1, 2, 5, & 6B. The focus on Vito being gay in season 6A was ridiculous.

[SouBeachTalents]

Season 4 to me was the best. Hard to top Walt vs Gus. Walt looking for his money in the crawl space then laughing like the joker when he realizes his wife gave it to someone else was peak television.

For The Sopranos I would maybe say Season 2 was the best. Great storyline with Tony vs Richie & Puzzy being a rat. Tony's mom was supposed to testify against him in season 3, but the actress who played Tony's mom died which is why the storyline in general was weaker, but still had some great individual episodes. I thought seasons 3, 4, and 6A were pretty weak in terms of story telling compared to season 1, 2, 5, & 6B. The focus on Vito being gay in season 6A was ridiculous.
I felt like Breaking Bad got better every season, and just as impressive, they managed to end their seasons on complete high notes. The peaks of the show imo are the ends of Seasons 3 & 4, and Season 5 is honestly the best television I've ever seen, with Season 4 of the Wire a close 2nd.

I honestly disagreed with almost everything you said about the Sopranos :lol I thought Season 3 was the best season, in addition to so many classic scenes like the ones below, it has the best episode of the entire show in Pine Barrens. And I actually found the Vito being gay saga to be quite compelling, the only issue I had with it is I just never bought Johnny Cakes being attracted to him lol.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYDbiodGMKk&ab_channel=TonySoprano


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lxk0PiYSqc&ab_channel=DrewBrown


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzVeLjj6Ao8&ab_channel=TheSopranosCrazy

[1987_Lakers]

I thought Ralphie was a great add to the show and Pine Barrens is probably the best overall episode which happened to be on season 3, but the overall storyline was kinda lacking to me, too much focus on Jackie Jr which no one cared for. The last episode of that season ends with him getting whacked. Kinda meh.

Season 2 and season 5 endings were much better for me.

[GOBB]

What got me hooked on binge watching Breaking Bad was the fact it got better each season. Usually the opposite holds true for most tv shows. I don’t know why but True Blood first to come to mind. A great finale can make you forgot the overall season of that show. Breaking bad season 3 would be it. Sopranos season 6 would be it. One thing we can all agree on is these are amongst the best of the best, elite company when it comes to tv shows. Crazy to think Breaking Bad and Sons of anarchy were the two shows that got me addicted into binge watching.


Does anyone think it’s best to binge watch or wait week to week? Does it matter?

[Baller234]

Yea but for best show ever? Thats a clear disqualifier. BrBa last season was GOAT. It was the perfect show.

BB has a higher batting average but that doesn't mean it was the better show. BB was more consistent than GOT but not better. Rewatchability has to be a factor I think when discussing all time shows.

GOT sucked towards the end but those first few seasons are still amazing. If I had to choose I would rather rewatch a great GOT episode than a great BB episode. It's like a really good burger being compared to gourmet steak dinner. GOT just has more subsistence.

[Baller234]

Leave it to you to take it that way :lol

It's true. In the show Baltimore is run by democrats. You see the corruption and the stupidity first hand. You see why their version of criminal justice is a farce and why the government is incapable of truly making things better. You also see that when it comes to hood violence and hood culture it has nothing to do with evil white racism.

Making the hardest and toughest gangster on the show a literal gay is really the only telling sign that the show was made by a lefty. Btw I'm not even mad at that, Omar is a great character, just saying. A righty probably doesn't go in that direction.

Everything else on the show is an indictment on democrats and their shitty, unrealistic, fake, virtue signaling policies.

[Baller234]

I thought Ralphie was a great add to the show and Pine Barrens is probably the best overall episode which happened to be on season 3, but the overall storyline was kinda lacking to me, too much focus on Jackie Jr which no one cared for. The last episode of that season ends with him getting whacked. Kinda meh.

Season 2 and season 5 endings were much better for me.

Joey Pants is a great character actor and he was great (and funny) on the show, but he was more of a "hollywood" version of an italian whereas the other actors in the cast were authentic east coast italian. And yes there is a difference. Growing up in NYC there is a big difference between italians from the city and jersey compared to the ones in long island. Joey Pants reminds me more of a long island italian.

Ralphie still worked, he was a fun character, but imo he was nothing compared to Richie. He was the best villain on the show hands down and it really sucks they killed him after one season. Wish they could have gotten at least another season of out of him.

[ShawkFactory]

It's true. In the show Baltimore is run by democrats. You see the corruption and the stupidity first hand. You see why their version of criminal justice is a farce and why the government is incapable of truly making things better. You also see that when it comes to hood violence and hood culture it has nothing to do with evil white racism.

Making the hardest and toughest gangster on the show a literal gay is really the only telling sign that the show was made by a lefty. Btw I'm not even mad at that, Omar is a great character, just saying. A righty probably doesn't go in that direction.

Everything else on the show is an indictment on democrats and their shitty, unrealistic, fake, virtue signaling policies.

I've read David Simon's book and a lot of his work, plus had countless conversations online and in-person with people about this and not once has someone mentioned Democrats in those conversations.

If that's your takeaway from the show then that's fine. I would expect nothing else to be honest. But it certainly isn't the takeaway.

The takeaway (at least the primary) is that individuals are largely powerless to the systems that be. Whether that's the drug business, law enforcement, politics, education, blue collar workers, etc. These people's fates are mostly sealed regardless of what they do.

[1987_Lakers]

Joey Pants is a great character actor and he was great (and funny) on the show, but he was more of a "hollywood" version of an italian whereas the other actors in the cast were authentic east coast italian. And yes there is a difference. Growing up in NYC there is a big difference between italians from the city and jersey compared to the ones in long island. Joey Pants reminds me more of a long island italian.

Ralphie still worked, he was a fun character, but imo he was nothing compared to Richie. He was the best villain on the show hands down and it really sucks they killed him after one season. Wish they could have gotten at least another season of out of him.

Ralphie was probably the sickest character I have ever seen on TV.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djpi1HHQucM

[Baller234]

I've read David Simon's book and a lot of his work, plus had countless conversations online and in-person with people about this and not once has someone mentioned Democrats in those conversations.

If that's your takeaway from the show then that's fine. I would expect nothing else to be honest. But it certainly isn't the takeaway.

The takeaway (at least the primary) is that individuals are largely powerless to the systems that be. Whether that's the drug business, law enforcement, politics, education, blue collar workers, etc. These people's fates are mostly sealed regardless of what they do.

I think the show makes the case that some people have an uphill battle, but not that people are powerless to rise above. Not everyone in the show meets an unfortunate end.

When it comes to the gang violence in particular, I don't think the show is trying to make the case that it's the byproduct of some failed government system. It contributes to it but it's not the root cause. The root cause is generational cycles of bad parenting, as emphasized in S4 of the show.

[ShawkFactory]

I think the show makes the case that some people have an uphill battle, but not that people are powerless to rise above. Not everyone in the show meets an unfortunate end.

When it comes to the gang violence in particular, I don't think the show is trying to make the case that it's the byproduct of some failed government system. It contributes to it but it's not the root cause. The root cause is generational cycles of bad parenting, as emphasized in S4 of the show.

Well, no but there are very few true "happy endings" as well. And the ones that do end happily (thinking about Naymond) took a lot of happenstance and luck. What if he never meets Bunny?

I'd say the vast majority are either worse off or exactly the same though. And if they ARE technically better off then it took some sort of moral compromise to get there.


When it comes to the gang violence in particular, I don't think the show is trying to make the case that it's the byproduct of some failed government system

No and I should rephrase then. By "system" I didn't necessarily mean a government system specifically. More like a cycle as you said or more vaguely just "the way things are".

[Baller234]

Well, no but there are very few true "happy endings" as well. And the ones that do end happily (thinking about Naymond) took a lot of happenstance and luck. What if he never meets Bunny?

I'd say the vast majority are either worse off or exactly the same though. And if they ARE technically better off then it took some sort of moral compromise to get there.



No and I should rephrase then. By "system" I didn't necessarily mean a government system specifically. More like a cycle as you said or more vaguely just "the way things are".

Be that as it may, I appreciate that the show refrains from laying blame at the feet of "evil white racism". In fact racism is barely even a theme at all in The Wire which is refreshing.

The criminals and thugs of The Wire are mostly in the situations they're in because of they're own doing or because they were bred to be that way. They are products of their environment and their culture. The government can't save them.

That's why I consider the show to have an anti-democratic message, because democrats believe the opposite. Not only do they believe that government has the power to save people from themselves, they believe the government has an obligation to do so.

[ShawkFactory]

Be that as it may, I appreciate that the show refrains from laying blame at the feet of "evil white racism". In fact racism is barely even a theme at all in The Wire which is refreshing.

The criminals and thugs of The Wire are mostly in the situations they're in because of they're own doing or because they were bred to be that way. They are products of their environment and their culture. The government can't save them.

That's why I consider the show to have an anti-democratic message, because democrats believe the opposite. Not only do they believe that government has the power to save people from themselves, they believe the government has an obligation to do so.

I believe it's a little more nuanced than that, with several interconnected things taking effect. In particular, the specific arc of Carcetti is pretty telling.

He comes into lower office as a well-meaning individual truly looking to make a difference with the city's violent crime rates and school systems. As he ascends the ladder he both finds more political jockeying and red tape and also shirks his previous ideals and makes decisions solely to continue climbing. The message here is that politicians care more about themselves and their own ambition/careers than acting on things that will truly make a difference for their cities.

Yes, it just happens to be Democrats in this case. However, the point wasn't that this only happens with Democrats. It was that this is what happens in politics.

Just like you said, there is no systemic racism angle here. But there also isn't a left/right political angle at all. Also doesn't really take an angle of good vs bad guys. Some of the hood guys are more upstanding people than some of the cops and politicians.