In the unlikely event that the underbelly of a rock suits you as a desirable abode, you’ve probably heard of the AMC series “Breaking Bad.” As production begins this year on the final season, there is nothing on television I have ever been more excited to see.
Throughout four seasons of mind-blowing television, creator Vince Gilligan and his team of reckless, brilliant writers have forged new territory on the small screen. Bryan Cranston’s unflinching performance as Walter White makes “Breaking Bad” unequivocally better than any current television show.
Watching White descend into new levels of madness, villainy and degradation is an absolute wonder to behold. The show questions the nature of morality in a realistic, shocking way that is unaccomplished in any other program.
It seems as if there is a lump of shows recently landing on every critic’s best-of-the-year list. This includes “Boardwalk Empire,” “Mad Men,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Good Wife,” “Breaking Bad” and a slew of unnecessary, uninteresting programs on Showtime and HBO.
I am a massive fan of the aforementioned TV shows, besides “The Good Wife,” which I have cared way too little about to give it a shot.
However, only “Breaking Bad” offers the viewer an involved, compelling view into a character that exists neither in the realm of heroism or villainy.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching this show yet, my points about the final season will have little relevance and make little sense. In that case, watch the show.
Walter White evolves throughout the series in such a way that he avoids labels and remains compelling despite his dastardly acts and devious deeds. What makes him a remarkable human being to watch is the way in which the viewer can relate to his everyman status.
He begins as a suffering cancer victim who finds a means of providing for his family and leaving money for them when he is gone – all of which is accomplished through nefarious, criminal acts.
But writer Vince Gilligan begins to challenge the viewer most in the recent fourth season, when White transforms into a different entity, a villain in every shape and form.
Yet it is still impossible not to root for the man.
Through all his twisted methodology, his actions can be traced in a logical manner, whether or not they are moral. Regardless of all the astonishment White has inspired, he needs to die come the end of this next season.
While I would hate to see him go, I’d love to watch him leave.
For “Breaking Bad” to remain as unpredictable, incendiary and awe-inspiring as it has been since the beginning, Mr. White deserves his comeuppance.
There is no chance in the world Mr. Gilligan has constructed that Walter White’s actions can occur without repercussions. Despite all of his seemingly untouchable crimes, White will gloriously face the reaper when he comes a-knockin’ at the end of the series.
Gideon Resnick is a Medill freshman. He can be reached at [email protected]
All opinions expressed in this column are solely the opinions of the columnist and do not reflect the views of The Daily Northwestern. If you would like to respond to the column, you may comment below, email the columnist or submit a 300-word letter to the editor to [email protected].