It’s arduous to imagine, however AMC’s Breaking Unhealthy premiered again in 2008, kicking off with a primary season that was simply seven episodes lengthy. In fact, the sequence went on to grow to be an Emmy-winning hit that spanned 5 seasons — most of them significantly longer than the primary. However Breaking Unhealthy Season 1 featured some of probably the most memorable installments of the sequence, together with its iconic pilot episode.
That sequence premiere is one of the highest-rated installments from the primary season, second solely to one different. What was one of the best episode of Breaking Unhealthy Season 1, and which was the least-loved amongst viewers?
‘Breaking Bad’ Season 1 was probably the most light-hearted season
Whereas a present a few man pressured to make meth so as to pay his medical payments can hardly be referred to as light-hearted, Breaking Unhealthy Season 1 most likely suits that description one of the best. Whereas the later seasons push Walter White past redemption, the early episodes of Breaking Unhealthy see him and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) fumbling to begin their meth-making enterprise.
Naturally, Walt’s transition from chemistry trainer to drug lord begins out with humor. Most followers will keep in mind the early episodes of Breaking Unhealthy with one picture burned into their brains: Walter waving a gun round within the center of the desert, carrying a inexperienced shirt and tighty-whities.
As a result of Walter begins the sequence as a relatable character, it makes it straightforward to empathize with him at first. Maybe that’s why followers loved the season 1 episodes that highlighted his causes for making meth within the first place.
The perfect episodes of season 1 showcase Walter’s desperation
The 2 highest-rated episodes from Breaking Unhealthy Season 1 are the pilot and “Crazy Handful of Nothin’.” The latter landed a 9.3-star ranking on IMDb, making it one of the best of the season. Nevertheless, the pilot didn’t fall far behind. It snagged a 9.1 ranking, the one different first-season installment to surpass 9 stars.
Walter will get his most cancers analysis in the course of the pilot, however his chemo signs come out in full power throughout “Crazy Handful of Nothin’.” Breaking Unhealthy‘s lead solves both problems by diving headfirst into his newfound talent for making meth. Of course, he’s much more critical about the entire thing by the ninth episode. He returns to the enterprise
Walter’s sharp flip throughout “Crazy Handful of Nothin’” appears to be a spotlight for many viewers. Opinions praised Cranston’s portrayal of the character, in addition to the flip of occasions that takes place on the finish of the episode. As one fan wrote on IMDb, this episode appears like a turning level — and that’s half of what makes it so compelling:
“This is where it all changes. The show gets even better than it already was. The characters take dramatic turning points. We also get a brilliant ending, which is set up fantastically throughout the episode, through masterful foreshadowing.”
‘Cancer Man’ is the lowest-rated episode of ‘Breaking Bad’ Season 1
Whereas the episodes the place Walter struggled appeared to entice the very best rankings, the least-loved installment of Breaking Unhealthy Season 1 focuses on household. “Cancer Man” sees Walter lastly telling his family members about his analysis. In the meantime, Jesse makes an attempt to set issues proper together with his dad and mom — one thing that’s simpler stated than completed, particularly given their estrangement.
Whereas “Cancer Man” delivers first rate character work centered on Breaking Unhealthy‘s leads, followers felt it was a “setup episode.” As one IMDb reviewer wrote, “This is a stage-setting episode.”
Primarily, “Cancer Man” presents viewers with the exposition mandatory to make the remainder of the story work. Nevertheless, nothing too important occurs throughout this first-season installment. For a lot of, it felt just like the calm earlier than the storm.
In fact, the Breaking Unhealthy episode’s 8.3 ranking can hardly be thought-about dangerous. Each chapter of Breaking Unhealthy Season 1 obtained an above-average rating on IMDb. If nothing else, that proves the AMC sequence is compelling even in its slowest moments.