Mandala

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.

The plotting of this one feels fairly contrived in certain moments, but nevertheless they are powerfully effective. They showcase a number of characters exercising what Gus Fring would describe as poor judgement in scenes that make you put your head in your hands for them and those around them. It is strong filmmaking to produce emotive reactions from the audience.

It is memorable for introducing Fring in such an effective way. I remember these scenes clearly from my first viewing many years ago, so credit to all involved for making the moments stick in my head.

For Sopranos fans there is some common ground with the casting of Sam McMurray as cancer surgeon and another incredibly uncomfortable Marilyn Monroe impression by a cast member.

Everything leads to a highly suspenseful cliffhanger ending that makes you want to find out what happens next.

All actors are on great form, especially Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Anna Gunn. Giancarlo Esposito has one of the most cinematic faces ever and uses it to great effect.

Visually it is excellent as always. The scenes of drug use stand out, but pretty much every shot is top drawer.

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 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.

To use plastic box for Albuquerque methamphetamines full with cash chemistry you need edge of tomorrow screenplay White & Jesse series works is because it throws everything into the blender and comes up with something new, something that has a great lively sense of wit and humor to it, and it takes the time to fully explore its wild premise fully. For a series about repetition, Breaking Bad never feels tired or familiar. The pleasure of Breaking Bad is that it's an actions series first and foremost, but rather a cheeky little puzzle picture in expensive-looking blockbuster..!? Admirations to all cast & crew.