Giancarlo Esposito is a phenomenal actor... and Gus: what a good character-- played to perfection, as a conservative but powerful foil to Walter's tenuously-strengthening tough guy act. I'm more interested in the show now than ever, and hope to see more of him. He commands the screen.
20 Reviews
Ups and downs
Tweekums9 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
It finally looked as if business was on the up for Walt and Jesse; they have a huge quantity of methamphetamine to sell; what could go wrong? The answer is 'quite a lot' after his arrest Badger went to California leaving Jesse with just two street dealers; then as this episode opened Combo was gunned down leaving only Skinny Pete... and he is understandably nervous. The loss of his friend leaves Jesse shocked and in need of a hit while Walt is more concerned about the business as his doctor has proposed a treatment that would cost a substantial amount of money. When Saul learns of their predicament and how much stock they have he suggests finding a professional distributor... not a psychotic addict like Tuco but a professional; a man who has been in the business for twenty years without a single arrest. Of course such a man won't do business with just anybody and he certainly won't deal with a user like Jesse; Walt will have to be very persuasive if he is to work with this man. Jesse's drug use doesn't just effect the business; it also affects Jane when she falls off the wagon and joins him in taking Meth... then she introduces him to Heroin. Meanwhile Skyler has a problem at work; it would seem that her boss has been cooking the books for some time.
This is very much an episode of ups and downs; Walt is on is way up as he works to get professional distributor Gus to sell his product and Jesse is going downhill fast following the death of Combo and his increased drug use. The regular cast did fine jobs as always and I really liked Giancarlo Esposito's understated performance as new character Gus; the polar opposite of the previous distributer they tried to get involved with. Jesse's downward spiral still has some way to go I suspect and I fear that things will get never bleak for him before they get better. Away from the main characters Combo's death came as quite a shock; not because it happened but because it came from an unexpected direction.
This is very much an episode of ups and downs; Walt is on is way up as he works to get professional distributor Gus to sell his product and Jesse is going downhill fast following the death of Combo and his increased drug use. The regular cast did fine jobs as always and I really liked Giancarlo Esposito's understated performance as new character Gus; the polar opposite of the previous distributer they tried to get involved with. Jesse's downward spiral still has some way to go I suspect and I fear that things will get never bleak for him before they get better. Away from the main characters Combo's death came as quite a shock; not because it happened but because it came from an unexpected direction.
The death of a friend sends Jesse on a downward spiral as Walt makes a deal with someone new
RicinBeans9424 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"Diet coke please. And five minutes of your time."
'Mandala' is an important episode, if for no other reason, because we meet Gustavo Fring for the first time. Played by Giancarlo Esposito, this is the ultimate professional - a fried chicken restaurant chain owner who is secretly a drug kingpin. The shot of Gus before we are even sure who he is, with half his face covered by shadow, is a terrific one and it tells us a lot about the man. At first, it looks as though Walt has missed his chance, as Gus finds Jesse to be unprofessional, but Walt talks his way into getting another opportunity.
By the end of the episode, it's apparent that Walt isn't going to miss that opportunity for anything - not even the birth of his baby daughter. Unlike Tuco Salamanca, Gus Fring is exactly the kind of man that Walt wants to work with - he feels that their caution makes them alike. Where Tuco, if in a bad mood, would beat the hell out of the closest person to him, Gus keeps his cards closer to his chest. However, that makes you wonder what kind of damage he could be capable of causing if things were to turn sour.
This episode, much like 'Down' earlier in the season, is at times hard to watch. I'm not referring to Skyler's unbelievably awkward rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to Ted (although that is the one scene in the entire run that I genuinely consider skipping past). I'm talking about, for one thing, Combo's death at the hands of a child - he may not have been one of the characters we are completely emotionally invested in, but it's tough to see how his death affects Jesse and even Skinny Pete. On another level, this is a world where children get mixed up in drugs and murder, partly because of people like Walter White, and that's a sad world to watch people live in.
Jesse and Jane turning to drugs is incredibly sad for both of them. Aaron Paul is always brilliant in his role, but I cannot give enough credit to Krysten Ritter for what she has done with the character of Jane Margolis (anyone else reminded of Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction?) in such a short space of time. Just as with Bryan Cranston, the slightest facial expression or pause can tell us so much.
Meanwhile, Skyler finds out about Ted's wrongdoings and we just know this isn't going to end well. Of course, she is in labour at the end of the episode and so her mind will be taken off it, but will she get caught up in Ted's lies?
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode, with the highlight being the first conversation between Walt and Gus. Gus tells Walt that you can never trust a drug addict, something that appears to be increasingly true in the case of Jesse.
9.2/10
'Mandala' is an important episode, if for no other reason, because we meet Gustavo Fring for the first time. Played by Giancarlo Esposito, this is the ultimate professional - a fried chicken restaurant chain owner who is secretly a drug kingpin. The shot of Gus before we are even sure who he is, with half his face covered by shadow, is a terrific one and it tells us a lot about the man. At first, it looks as though Walt has missed his chance, as Gus finds Jesse to be unprofessional, but Walt talks his way into getting another opportunity.
By the end of the episode, it's apparent that Walt isn't going to miss that opportunity for anything - not even the birth of his baby daughter. Unlike Tuco Salamanca, Gus Fring is exactly the kind of man that Walt wants to work with - he feels that their caution makes them alike. Where Tuco, if in a bad mood, would beat the hell out of the closest person to him, Gus keeps his cards closer to his chest. However, that makes you wonder what kind of damage he could be capable of causing if things were to turn sour.
This episode, much like 'Down' earlier in the season, is at times hard to watch. I'm not referring to Skyler's unbelievably awkward rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to Ted (although that is the one scene in the entire run that I genuinely consider skipping past). I'm talking about, for one thing, Combo's death at the hands of a child - he may not have been one of the characters we are completely emotionally invested in, but it's tough to see how his death affects Jesse and even Skinny Pete. On another level, this is a world where children get mixed up in drugs and murder, partly because of people like Walter White, and that's a sad world to watch people live in.
Jesse and Jane turning to drugs is incredibly sad for both of them. Aaron Paul is always brilliant in his role, but I cannot give enough credit to Krysten Ritter for what she has done with the character of Jane Margolis (anyone else reminded of Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction?) in such a short space of time. Just as with Bryan Cranston, the slightest facial expression or pause can tell us so much.
Meanwhile, Skyler finds out about Ted's wrongdoings and we just know this isn't going to end well. Of course, she is in labour at the end of the episode and so her mind will be taken off it, but will she get caught up in Ted's lies?
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode, with the highlight being the first conversation between Walt and Gus. Gus tells Walt that you can never trust a drug addict, something that appears to be increasingly true in the case of Jesse.
9.2/10
The Show Begins Again, Again
TheFearmakers29 November 2020
This is a show that keeps beginning all over again. Once with Saul. And now with Gus. Who is the Darth Vader of the series, and from here on in, again, it's a new show entirely. And THAT will continue in a few episodes when Mike is finally introduced. The three mentioned are the trinity of Better Call Saul but before that, they were the characters who progressed the Bad of Breaking Bad the way Ray Liotta trumped the Wild in Something Wild. But that's another story.
Things are shaping up!
and_mikkelsen29 March 2023
This episode is where the show returns to the things that were set up with Tuco as they once again look for a distributor! The episode gives off a lot of vibes that I like about the show as well as showing the core aspects of the show such as drug-dealing and addiction!
The opening of the episode was shocking and cold! Really got me hooked for the rest of the episode! We qlso get a turning point for Jane as well as her relationship with Jesse! I guess i saw it coming but was shocked nonetheless!
Walt also shapes up in this episode and we get the introduction to the legendary Gustavo Fring! The ending of the episode was tense and exciting!
The opening of the episode was shocking and cold! Really got me hooked for the rest of the episode! We qlso get a turning point for Jane as well as her relationship with Jesse! I guess i saw it coming but was shocked nonetheless!
Walt also shapes up in this episode and we get the introduction to the legendary Gustavo Fring! The ending of the episode was tense and exciting!
Still exceeding expectations
Leofwine_draca3 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Another episode that introduces a fantastic new supporting character; first we had Saul earlier this season, now Gus. It's another episode of amazing quality, with great writing through, edgy set-pieces, surprising character developments, and acting that doesn't quit.
Amazing Episode!
g-bodyl14 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This is the eleventh episode in the second season of Breaking Bad and it's even better than the last episode. I'm getting really excited for the season finale, especially the cliffhanger the episode ended in. This episode is more action-packed and has plenty of amusing moments featured throughout.
In this episode, "Manadala," after one of their dealers is found dead and another one quits, Walt and Jesse's drug empire begins to fall apart. Meanwhile, Jesse finally tells Jane what he does for a living. Finally, Skylar learns she is about to give birth and finds out her boss has been stealing from the company.
Overall, this is a very good episode. With only 2 more episodes left in the season, I eagerly anticipate what's next. My favorite scenes are when Skylar impersonates Marilyn Monroe and when Jesse feels the full effects of a drug. I rate this episode 9/10.
In this episode, "Manadala," after one of their dealers is found dead and another one quits, Walt and Jesse's drug empire begins to fall apart. Meanwhile, Jesse finally tells Jane what he does for a living. Finally, Skylar learns she is about to give birth and finds out her boss has been stealing from the company.
Overall, this is a very good episode. With only 2 more episodes left in the season, I eagerly anticipate what's next. My favorite scenes are when Skylar impersonates Marilyn Monroe and when Jesse feels the full effects of a drug. I rate this episode 9/10.
Murphy's Law
Hitchcoc1 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Jesse becomes a lost cause after one of his dealers is shot and killed. He and his girlfriend start using like crazy. Meanwhile, Walter hooks up with Saul who directs him to a big time dealer. Unfortunately, Skyler has an issue that won't wait. The final minutes of this are another case of having to make a monumental decision on the fly--stay in the game or lose your marriage.
Oh that poor woman
Trey_Trebuchet8 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
So that was a lot more than I was expecting.
A really good episode, but it may be one of the few so far that actually depressed me. Walter seems to be getting better, or at least has options that'll extend his life expectancy, but after gaining some sort of confidence and finally feeling like he can now make decisions for himself, he'd rather invest his confidence and hard-heartedness in drug dealing. He seems to actually WANT to do it. What a dang shame.
Jesse's grief is understandable and quite tragic. I feel bad for him to some extent, but man... he got himself in to this, and now he has officially brought Jane, the one who notices him and makes him happy, in to the equation. I've got a bad feeling about that.
Another episode of Breaking Bad where I simultaneously feel and for the characters whilst also thinking they absolutely had these things coming... It's really well written and acted though. Can't wait for the finale. Already feels like I'm headed there with two whole episodes left to watch. Enthralling from beginning to end.
A really good episode, but it may be one of the few so far that actually depressed me. Walter seems to be getting better, or at least has options that'll extend his life expectancy, but after gaining some sort of confidence and finally feeling like he can now make decisions for himself, he'd rather invest his confidence and hard-heartedness in drug dealing. He seems to actually WANT to do it. What a dang shame.
Jesse's grief is understandable and quite tragic. I feel bad for him to some extent, but man... he got himself in to this, and now he has officially brought Jane, the one who notices him and makes him happy, in to the equation. I've got a bad feeling about that.
Another episode of Breaking Bad where I simultaneously feel and for the characters whilst also thinking they absolutely had these things coming... It's really well written and acted though. Can't wait for the finale. Already feels like I'm headed there with two whole episodes left to watch. Enthralling from beginning to end.
Crumbling empire
TheLittleSongbird5 June 2018
'Breaking Bad' is one of the most popular rated shows on IMDb, is one of those rarities where every season has either been very positively received or near-universally acclaimed critically and where all of my friends have said nothing but great things about.
Very few shows in recent memory had me so hooked from the very start that before the week was over the whole show had been watched, especially when for a lot of shows now airing watching one episode all the way through can be an endeavour. 'Breaking Bad' had that effect on me, and its reputation as one of the best, consistently brilliant and most addictive shows in many years (maybe even ever) is more than deserved in my eyes. Its weakest season is perhaps the first season, understandable as any show's first season is the one where things are still settling.
Actually everything is established remarkably from the very start, but once the writing and characterisation becomes even meatier the show reaches even higher levels.
"Mandala" is yet another brilliant episode of a consistently great season, one of the season's best. Really loved the character of Saul, who adds an enormous amount. Likewise with Gus. Not quite as amazing as "Better Call Saul" but has everything that made that episode so good.
Visually, "Mandala" is both stylish and beautiful, with photography and editing that are cinematic quality and put a lot of films today to shame, where there are a lot of visually beautiful ones but also some painfully amateurish looking ones. The music always has the appropriate mood, never too intrusive, never too muted.
The writing in "Mandala" is a fine example of how to have a lot of style but also to have a lot of substance. The dialogue throughout is thought-provoking and tense, while also have a darkly wicked sense of humour, nail-biting tension and heart-tugging pathos. The story is texturally rich, intimate, tense and layered, with the pace of it consistently deliberate but taut.
Can't say anything bad about the acting. Bryan Cranston is phenomenal as one of the most fascinating anti-heroes, or even of any kind of character, in either film or television. Aaron Paul has never been better and Anna Gunn is affecting. The characters are compelling in their realism. Bob Odenkirk is wonderfully shady as Saul and Giancarlo Esposito does understated superbly.
Overall, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Very few shows in recent memory had me so hooked from the very start that before the week was over the whole show had been watched, especially when for a lot of shows now airing watching one episode all the way through can be an endeavour. 'Breaking Bad' had that effect on me, and its reputation as one of the best, consistently brilliant and most addictive shows in many years (maybe even ever) is more than deserved in my eyes. Its weakest season is perhaps the first season, understandable as any show's first season is the one where things are still settling.
Actually everything is established remarkably from the very start, but once the writing and characterisation becomes even meatier the show reaches even higher levels.
"Mandala" is yet another brilliant episode of a consistently great season, one of the season's best. Really loved the character of Saul, who adds an enormous amount. Likewise with Gus. Not quite as amazing as "Better Call Saul" but has everything that made that episode so good.
Visually, "Mandala" is both stylish and beautiful, with photography and editing that are cinematic quality and put a lot of films today to shame, where there are a lot of visually beautiful ones but also some painfully amateurish looking ones. The music always has the appropriate mood, never too intrusive, never too muted.
The writing in "Mandala" is a fine example of how to have a lot of style but also to have a lot of substance. The dialogue throughout is thought-provoking and tense, while also have a darkly wicked sense of humour, nail-biting tension and heart-tugging pathos. The story is texturally rich, intimate, tense and layered, with the pace of it consistently deliberate but taut.
Can't say anything bad about the acting. Bryan Cranston is phenomenal as one of the most fascinating anti-heroes, or even of any kind of character, in either film or television. Aaron Paul has never been better and Anna Gunn is affecting. The characters are compelling in their realism. Bob Odenkirk is wonderfully shady as Saul and Giancarlo Esposito does understated superbly.
Overall, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Mandala (#2.11)
ComedyFan201026 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Wonderful episode! So much is happening!.
First, I must say the death of Combo was absolutely gruesome. I was especially shocked by it.
Love the new partner they have. Seems like an incredibly interesting character with so much potential. And a great acting. Just like with Combo's murder I didn't expect this.
There is also more happening with Jesse. He seems to get more and more into drugs, including shooting up heroin which makes him less reliable for Walt now.
And the fact that baby was coming now is what I would call bad timing!
First, I must say the death of Combo was absolutely gruesome. I was especially shocked by it.
Love the new partner they have. Seems like an incredibly interesting character with so much potential. And a great acting. Just like with Combo's murder I didn't expect this.
There is also more happening with Jesse. He seems to get more and more into drugs, including shooting up heroin which makes him less reliable for Walt now.
And the fact that baby was coming now is what I would call bad timing!
The introduction of another of the show's most recurring characters
bellino-angelo201423 November 2023
When the episode begins Combo (a dealer that works for Walter and Jesse) is shot by a kid for orders of a rival gang of dealers. Jesse and Walter are so left without dealers so they ask some help to Saul Goodman and he proposes them to meet with the perfect guy, a serious and honest dealer that works completely different than psychotic Tuco. They establish an appointment with the guy in the fast food Los Pollos Hermanos (that will be a recurring place throughout the show's run). Walt arrives on time at the appointment while Jesse late and possibly stoned, and the man seems like a not too tall guy with two glasses. Walt then calls Saul angry because the man they were waiting wasn't at the appointment but Saul replies that the man was there, just evaluating Walt and Jesse's behaviours and especially after seeing Jesse's stoner mannerisms he is not that interested in the deal. Walt wants a second chance so he goes again in the fast food and stays until late night, and the black man from before finally discusses with Walt saying that for him Jesse looks lazy and always stoned but Walt convinces him to work for them. Next day Walt receives an SMS with written POLLOS and goes again in the fast food but doesn't find the man: a guy tells Walt that the man is Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) and is the owner of the fast food chain Los Pollos Hermanos and that wants the meth on a certain place. So Walt rushes to Jesse's home and since Jesse is sleeping thanks to Jane that made him try some heroin first, Walt goes in the kitchen and takes the meth from under the kitchen sink, all this while receiving an SMS from Skylar that finally her baby is coming.
This was an episode full of surprises, Esposito was nice in his first episode as Gus Fring and Jesse's heroin situation was shown in a comedic fashion. And btw, Mandala means circle of life: in the beginning Combo is killed, and in the end Skylar is about to give birth. Just another winner.
This was an episode full of surprises, Esposito was nice in his first episode as Gus Fring and Jesse's heroin situation was shown in a comedic fashion. And btw, Mandala means circle of life: in the beginning Combo is killed, and in the end Skylar is about to give birth. Just another winner.
Succeeds In Making You Excited for the Season Finale, But Isn't That Good of an Episode in Itself
stillworkingfortheknife4 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
"Mandala" had a rather ridiculous start with one of Walt's and Jesse's dealers getting shot by a grade school kid – the fact that the victim was the fat one only reinforced that. But fortunately, the episode only got better after that – slowly gaining more and more quality until it ended it a fantastic cliffhanger.
I don't want to spoil what happens in this episode, but I'll say that much: all of it is due the killing of Combo, the aforementioned dealer, and Skinny Pete's quitting after that incident, which leaves their two 'bosses' without anyone to sell the humongous amount of meth they've recently cooked. Cue Giancarlo Esposito's Gus – a mysterious new character that I'll only say one thing about: he's awesome. The same goes for Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman who once again gets the silliest stuff to say, yet impresses the most. However, speaking of the drama in the episode, Bryan Cranston is the one stealing the show. At first, he has an intense and momentous conversation with Gus, just to then experience the heaviest collision of interests imaginable in the final scene. In between that, there's some uninteresting talk with doctors again, boring time with Skyler and her new boss Ted (including an impersonation of Marilyn Monroe's famous singing of Happy Birthday that gave me almost as big of a vicarious shame as Walt's WTF moment in "Over" did), and Jesse and Jane mutually leading themselves into disaster (which sounds more thrilling than it actually is).
That's about it with "Mandala" and in my opinion, one awesome scene at the end doesn't justify flaws throughout the rest of the episode. Anyway though, now that I'm over the Breaking Bad drought, it's time to look forward to the great season finale and the next season, which is even better.
I don't want to spoil what happens in this episode, but I'll say that much: all of it is due the killing of Combo, the aforementioned dealer, and Skinny Pete's quitting after that incident, which leaves their two 'bosses' without anyone to sell the humongous amount of meth they've recently cooked. Cue Giancarlo Esposito's Gus – a mysterious new character that I'll only say one thing about: he's awesome. The same goes for Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman who once again gets the silliest stuff to say, yet impresses the most. However, speaking of the drama in the episode, Bryan Cranston is the one stealing the show. At first, he has an intense and momentous conversation with Gus, just to then experience the heaviest collision of interests imaginable in the final scene. In between that, there's some uninteresting talk with doctors again, boring time with Skyler and her new boss Ted (including an impersonation of Marilyn Monroe's famous singing of Happy Birthday that gave me almost as big of a vicarious shame as Walt's WTF moment in "Over" did), and Jesse and Jane mutually leading themselves into disaster (which sounds more thrilling than it actually is).
That's about it with "Mandala" and in my opinion, one awesome scene at the end doesn't justify flaws throughout the rest of the episode. Anyway though, now that I'm over the Breaking Bad drought, it's time to look forward to the great season finale and the next season, which is even better.
Ohhh
zhyarTheChosen3 July 2020
Bonnie and Clyde
firmanfmn18 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
There so much going on in this episode,Skyler found out about some accoubtibg dirty work his boss/friend did,Walter got new distributor called Gus who had a restaurant as his cover and got strike a pretty got deals when in times for Skyler who supposedly didnt in labor yet but turns into an early one ,and top of that Bonnie and Clyde here ,Jesse and his gf get high on toll.What walts gonna do?is he gonna mis his baby delivery ?
Tough choices under immense pressure
paullwetzel23 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Walt stays persistent in his attempt to find the man who is capable of distributing his crystal meth at Los Pollos Hermanos. However, he does not seem very convinced of Walt's attitude, especially in holding on to Jesse.
When Walt seeks to look for him again, he is confronted by one of Gus' dealers who tells Walt a place that he has to have transported the meth to within an hour. Walt urgently breaks into Jesse's house and takes the meth just when he sees Skyler's text message that his daughter is being born. Walt decides to go through with the deal and to see his daughter afterwards.
I love it when the writers manage to craft a believable situation in which the characters have to make such heavy, morally - grey choices. This is storytelling at it's finest and really let's the egoistic and dark side of Walt shine through.
When Walt seeks to look for him again, he is confronted by one of Gus' dealers who tells Walt a place that he has to have transported the meth to within an hour. Walt urgently breaks into Jesse's house and takes the meth just when he sees Skyler's text message that his daughter is being born. Walt decides to go through with the deal and to see his daughter afterwards.
I love it when the writers manage to craft a believable situation in which the characters have to make such heavy, morally - grey choices. This is storytelling at it's finest and really let's the egoistic and dark side of Walt shine through.
Turning point episode!
mm-3930 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Jesse and Walt have a problem. Walt's medical assumptions (his own diagnosis) force him to create too much product. Jesse and Walt being amateur criminals feeble attempts to unload the drugs lead the business partners to Saul! Saul brings the character Gus into the fold. Walt is introduced into the criminal big leagues! A huge plot turn, how will Walt adapt in the big league criminal environment? The viewer knows that Jesse will be a problem, and Walt's new business associates are serious people not to be taken lightly. Well written and directed episode. The drama between Walter and Skyler continue. Will she eventually accept Walter's criminal dealings? I give Mandala a seven out of ten.
a Goofs in this episode ?
ashkan-2201829 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Hey. this movie is great but I wanna talk about something else. at the Episode 11 of Season 2, when Walter white went to jessie's house and took the Crystals himslef, when he (carrying the crystals) was leaving the house, someone was behind him and watching him at the Frame of the door, behind walt.
at first I thought that it could be a spy of Walter's enemies but when I watched all the season of the movie, I saw nothing refers to that Scene.
I searched too much about this but got nothing. maybe someone has seen it and can help me to figure that out.
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