The 62 Greatest Scenes of 'Breaking Bad': Part 2, #30 - #1

30. Pop Pop can't say goodbye - 'Say My Name'

One of the many great things about Jonathan Banks' Mike Ehrmantraut is how he brings out an emotional core and depth to the character, despite him being easily the most gruff, no-nonsense and to the point character in the series. His relationship to his granddaughter Kaylee is a terrific part of this characterization, as it creates such a tender and heartwarming side to this ol' Gramps, and makes him an excellent counterpoint to Walt, a 'family man' but without the ego of Heisenberg. It makes the scene where he has to silently leave his granddaughter to evade the authorities so devastating.

29. Walt finds Jesse at the drug den - 'ABQ'

The climax of Season 2 is in contrast to the subsequent two seasons, much more subdued in terms of the stakes and threat posed to Jesse and Walt. What it does deliver in spades is in the emotional level, as we see Jesse Pinkman crumble into a wreck of his former self upon the death of his girlfriend Jane. This scene, where Walter comforts his partner in a drug den, is an exceptionally powerful moment for not just Paul but Cranston as well, as they deliver on this unspoken connection between the two men, akin to a father and son bond. A marvelously acted scene that is one of the highlights of both actor's work on the show.

28. Walt visits Elliot and Gretchen - 'Felina'

One of the lighter moments in the series finale, though still technically quite morbid as we have Walt essentially trolling, blackmailing, and psychologically torturing two individuals from his past who aren't quite horrible people. It's testament to the complexity of the series' writing that we're rooting for Walt in this scene, since it was Walt's ego after all which presumably caused him to leave Gray Matter, and was also the reason he rejected their money for his cancer treatment beforehand. Anyway, this scene shows Heisenberg at his most devious and entertaining, as he essentially forces his adversaries to help him out, while still gaining the upper hand with his money. In addition, the deft camerawork that builds up the tension of Walter entering the Schwartz household is incredible.

27. Jesse finds out about the ricin cigarettes - 'Confessions'

Having started on Better Call Saul, I'm seeing the side of Saul/Jimmy that this scene indicates, a more desperate man underneath that cocky and confidently sleazy exterior. Odenkirk and Paul are both incredible in this scene, the former at defending himself from the latter's extreme rage. Jesse, who'd been a relatively quiet presence for a couple of episodes, finally lets loose and it's beautiful to watch. We see Jesse wrestle his way out of Walt's control, while also becoming trapped in a mindless cycle of vengeance. Plus, there's ol' Huell always in the background for some nice comic relief.

26. The Last of the Salamancas - 'Crawl Space'

The genius of Esposito's work as Gus Fring is that his portrayal of restrained, intense villainy occasionally cracks to reveal the more emotional man underneath, while never quite losing that entire facade. This scene is a terrific example of it, as Gus approaches Hector in such a polite businessman-like manner, but takes such restrained glee at seeing his greatest foe so tortured by the loss of his entire family. Add onto that Jesse entering the scene, and we have a scene crafted to be excruciating, and even though we are watching the torture of a monstrous man, the satisfaction derived is balanced by an overwhelming sense of helplessness and even sympathy for Hector.

25. Walter and Donald have a chat at the bar - 'Phoenix'

A thoroughly unexpected little gem thrown into this episode where we get two father figures musing about their lives at a bar. It fits into the neo-Western style of Breaking Bad perfectly as we watch two world-weary men muse about the times a'changing, and briefly bonding over their concern for their offspring. Cranston and de Lancie are both terrific in the scene, the writing is impeccable too as John Shiban's dialogue flows so well between these two strangers. It works as both a thematic stamp of the series' preoccupation with the strains of providing for family, as well as a distinction between two men with the best interest of their children at heart, but are too late to stop their imminent corruption.

24. 'Go ahead...do it' - 'End Times' 

An amazing scene that only strengthens once you've finished the season, as you see Walt apparently breaking down into the madness of Heisenberg, yet when you realize how Heisenberg manipulating Jesse behind the scenes, and seeing his every move played to perfection, it becomes even more remarkable. We get to see the hapless Walt getting threatened by Jesse, turning Jesse's sympathies against Gus, and then finally seeming to 'snap'. But on re-watch the scene is entirely Heisenberg in control, and it turns from a tense and emotionally volatile scene, into a chilling depiction of his utter control over Jesse.

23. Mike's death - 'Say My Name'

At this juncture in Season 5, it's as satisfying as ever to see Walt called out on his bullshit, especially by Mike and his utter distaste for all of Walt's posturing and egotism. Their argument scene is pitch-perfect acting by both Cranston and Banks, and Walt's instinctual moment of killing Mike is a perfectly played moment in that we're not sure if it's the emotionally volatile Walt acting in response to his pride being attacked, or the cold Heisenberg carrying out a necessary evil. Then there's Mike's death were he goes out the only way Mike does, quietly gazing out into the distance, and delivering a final 'shut the fuck up' to Walter. One of the most restrained and quiet death scenes in the series, and works just as well as any explosion or shootout.

22. 'Stay out of my territory' - 'Over'

An early transformation of Walter into Heisenberg, as he oh so inconspicuously instructs someone on how to purchase the right materials to make meth, before storming out to confront these miscreants daring to sell meth on his territory. It's another instance of perfect acting by Cranston, and perfectly accompanied by DLZ's 'TV on the Radio'. 

21. 'Wire' - '4 Days Out'

THE most hilarious scene in the whole series. Walt and Jesse are already deep in the meth cooking business, and yet Jesse is as dim and wholly oblivious to science as ever, and Walt is still very much a chemistry geek within. Mr White explaining how he'll create his 'battery' to Jesse, and hopefully awaiting an easy response to a scientific question posed to his former F-grade student, is met with the iconic, confident delivery of 'Wire' by Paul. This is only topped by yet another unforgettable face of exasperation by Cranston. It's not all gloom and doom on Breaking Bad, and these moments of levity help make the central relationship so strong and affecting.

20. 'No half measures' - 'Half Measure'

Well I just finished 'Five-O' on Better Call Saul and that was absolutely incredible. The sheer intensity, guilt, overwhelming sadness and grief that gushed out of Mike was brilliantly delivered. Here Banks delivers a monologue with more of that taciturn Mike side, yet no less powerful in stating to Walt his personal philosophy, and giving some insight into his troubled past. It's an incredible scene, further amplified by the shading of Mike's face with darkness, juxtaposed with this reserved man revealing a very intimate side of himself to Walt.

19. Walt tries to save Jane, Heisenberg watches Jane die - 'Phoenix'

Walter White goes beyond just murder in self defence, and watches as Kristen Ritter's Jane chokes to death from a heroin overdose. One of the bleakest scenes in a series full of them, the painful death of a flawed but beloved love interest to Jesse is further intensified by Cranston's impeccable acting in this scene. He wordlessly shows what goes on in Walter's mind as he decides to let a spanner in the works die, and the combination of the callous Heisenberg coolly watching death to the tearful Walt knowing there's no going back makes for an immensely tragic scene.

18. The one minute in 'One Minute'

One of the most thrilling action sequences I've ever seen in a television series, the whole episode builds up to this titular span of time where Hank is hunted down by the vicious Salamanca twins, and having handed his gun to the DEA, he's forced to use wits, guile and brute force to take them down. It's a fantastic scene from every technical point of view, from the visual touch of having Hank's PTSD combine with the tension of the oncoming killers, to the impeccable sound editing of every crash and gunshot.

17. 'Run' - 'Half Measures'

Another tense and emotionally volatile Jesse Pinkman situation you know he's going to get out of, you just don't know how. The whole buildup of him taking these drug dealers head-on is nail-biting stuff, resulting in a truly rousing moment when Walt comes out of nowhere to 'save the day'. As always, Breaking Bad explores the moral quandries of the viewer, and we are impelled to feel both relief and terror at what an efficient killing machine Walter White has become.

16. 'You're goddamn right' - 'Say My Name'

I'd heard the phrase and seen the memes beforehand, but when I actually watched Bryan Cranston deliver these lines in the context of 'Say My Name' is when I realized how chilling a moment it really is. We see Heisenberg in all his deranged glory as he swiftly, so easily dominates both his companions and his adversaries with his limitless ego. The ease with which he proposes his side of the deal to the increasingly befuddled and afraid associates in front of him culminates in the immortal delivery of 'say my name', and the even more insidious delivery of 'you're goddamn right'. Think someone urging you to call them by their cute pet name or kinky bedroom name, notched up to eleven in intensity and creepiness.

15. 'We're a family' - 'Ozymandias'

In the best episode of the series, the highlight is clearly the opening sequence, but what comes after that should not be sniffed at either. This scene, where the extent of what Walter White has done is revealed to his son, and where he finally lashes out at Skyler, is an exceptionally acted scene by all parties involved. It's a terrifying sequence where we see the monster truly come out, and when Cranston delivers the first 'we're a family' we get a taste of the terrible, nasty mastermind Walter has become, using his family as a means to his selfish ends. Then with his second 'we're a family' you see the hints of a good, or at the very least remorseful, man underneath, shocked at his own actions. R.J. Mitte and Anna Gunn are both also absolutely astounding in this scene as well.  

14. Jesse kills Gale - 'Full Measure'

A tense and immaculately directed sequence, first and foremost with the heartpounding depiction of Walter White's swift decision-making to one-up Mike and Victor's plans for him, and chillingly satisfying in Walt's delivery of 'you might want to hold off'. Then in the climactic cliffhanger between Jesse and Walt's lab assistant Gale (David Costabile) it's such a horrible and haunting scene, through the loss of a life by one of the less unsavoury and more sympathetic characters in the series, and the complete breakdown of one of the more upbeat characters in the series. It sets up Paul's best arc in the series, and features mesmerizing acting by not only him, but also the underrated Costabile.

13. 'Get back to work' - 'Box Cutter' 

Gus at his brutal best, as he manages to subvert Walter's 'victory' over him into a terrifying display of his utter callousness, making his mark on the series as the best villain. Simply seeing Gus pace around is spine-chilling as you wonder what he's going to do next, and when he does what he's done it's so sudden and surprising, yet completely makes sense. It's a truly shocking moment in the series that causes even Mike to react with shock, and the best part is how Gus never flinches throughout, showing that all of this is simply business as usual for him.

12. 'Problem Dog'

Jesse Pinkman's interactions with his drug addiction support group, led by the Group Leader (a fantastic Jere Burns), are some of the highlights of the series, providing both heartwarming and hilarious moments (see the hijinks Skinny Pete and Badger get up to) as well as very sad insights into the lives of recovering addicts. It all culminates in this mesmerizing sequence where we see Jesse call out himself essentially, haunted by what he has become and all the horrible things he's done. It's an exceptional scene in almost every regard, but most notably in Paul delivering his best and most powerful scene in the series as we watch a man unable to live with what he has become, shunning all possibility of redemption and self-acceptance.

11. Robot gun on the Neo-Nazis, Jesse kills Todd and Jack - 'Felina'

The Neo-Nazis are the most simplistic villains in the series (besides Todd), which in turn makes their demise all the sweeter. Walt's final plan to rid them all is so ingenius and ballsy that despite all the horrible things he's done and the horrible person he is, this final sequence of Heisenberg's wrath is extremely rousing and exciting to watch. The slow and tense way he sets up the Nazis up for the big kill with his car keys, to that brief but oh so powerful moment of understanding with Jesse that makes him do what he does, all add up to a very satisfying finish to these despicable crooks. Then with the deaths of Todd and Jack we get such fitting revenges upon two despicable characters for Andrea and Hank.

10. The flashback sequence - 'Hermanos'

Breaking Bad rarely uses any non-intro flashbacks, and very few with this sort of length and importance to the overall narrative. Contrasting this flashback with say, the flashback in 'Five-O' in Better Call Saul, I'd say it only serves to show the strengths of this sequence all the more. Both reveal a poignant and sympathetic side to the great characters Mike Ehrmantraut and Gus Fring, and rely strongly upon the amazing performances of their respective actors, but this is by far the more overall well-acted, and captivating scene. Every line, every shot in this scene just builds upon what we've seen of Gus so far and shatters our preconceptions. Esposito's depiction of a younger, less reserved and far more desperate Gus is a highlight, but really everyone on this scene is pretty great, including Mark Margolis as a more mobile, and no less devious Hector Salamanca. The revelation of what caused Gus to be the man he is brings us sympathy for the devil, and makes this an amazing scene, amplified by his the present day framing of this scene in another confrontation between Gus and Hector.

9. Showdown at the hacienda - 'Salud'

The genius of Season 4 is that it somehow manages to make the 'villain' and his revenge story resonate as strongly as Walter White's own personal journey. Every moment of this takedown of the Mexican cartel is astounding, from the acting among Paul, Banks and especially Esposito, to the slow build up of tension and various fake-outs as to how exactly these three gentleman are going to get out of this situation. Every moment in this sequence is classic Breaking Bad from the cool and collected way which Gus handles his poisoning, to Gus' speech to the remaining members of the cartel, to the way the cinematography calls back to the flashback in the hacienda and makes the revenge all the sweeter. There's even a bit of comedy in the background if you look close enough, like Jesse's uncharacteristic awkwardness with the bikini-clad women and Mike's complete indifference.

8. Walt calls Skyler for the last time - 'Ozymandias'

The scene preceding this is pretty powerful too, in Walt's soft and tender interactions with baby Holly and her first words of 'Mama' showing Walt just how deeply he's divided himself from his family with his actions. It makes the transition to his heated, vehement and nasty phone call with Skyler all the more jarring until you get a grip on what Walt's trying to do: absolve Skyler from complicity in Heisenberg's actions. The voice of Heisenberg juxtaposed with Walter's weeping face is simply breathtaking acting by Mr Cranston, and not to be outdone Anna Gunn is also incredible in silently showing the struggle Skyler has in putting the final touches on the monster everyone finally sees him as.

7. Gus and Hector's final face off - 'Face Off'

The relentless tension of season 4 builds to an amazing sequence I've mentioned below, but the emotional undercurrent builds up to this explosive finale and showdown between two of the greatest characters on the show. It should be mentioned that the scene where Gus readies himself for his long-awaited revenge on the final Salamanca is an incredible scene for Esposito, as he internalizes all the emotions of hatred and sorrow within that chilly facade. His final walk towards Hector and his final fate is a surprisingly emotional moment since we know what's in store for him, and yet feel little satisfaction in this inevitable fate of the 'villain'. Then there's his showdown with Hector as he so callously mocks him for being rata to the DEA, still unaware of how he's been duped, and Hector finally looking Gus in the eye, which is an amazing scene for Mark Margolis as he does so much with a change of expression. The scene is technically two despicable people getting rid of one another, and feels so satisfying yet strangely moving as we've become so invested in both these characters. I should note that though Gus' final moments may be stretching the boundaries of realism a bit, it does make for a great and fitting end to his character.

6. The train heist - 'Dead Freight'

A train heist jumping straight out of an old-fashioned Western, this is simply the best action sequence throughout the whole series. It's pulse-pounding and tense all the way through, with nice doses of humour throughou in the various complications that come their way, and it momentarily turns Breaking Bad into a terrific heist thriller where we root for our loveable anti-heroes to get away scot-free. Which they do, and it's a great celebratory moment as we watch them congratualte one another over their success...and so swiftly undercut by that disturbing final moment which shows that really, crime never pays.

5. Walt says goodbye to his family - 'Felina'

A quietly devestating footnote to the White family as we get a proper resolution to Walter and Skyler's relationship, as the former finally admits that all he did was not for the family, but rather 'I did it for me'. It's an extraordinary moment for Cranston as he shows just exactly what compelled him through all his actions was how cooking meth made him feel alive, gave him power and a sense of purpose to his existence. We see what compels the side of Heisenberg to this man, as well as the love for his family despite all as he bids goodbye to his daughter, and watches his son from afar. Pitch perfect acting by Cranston (and Gunn), and a moving denouement to Walt the family man.

4. Walt and Jesse say goodbye, Heisenberg and cooking say goodbye - 'Felina'

The ending to Breaking Bad manages to wrap everything up in an unforced, organic and perfectly fitting fashion. There's Jesse's final confrontation with Walt where he forces the latter to admit to manipulating him all this time; Walt's 'I want it' and Jesse's 'So do it yourself' is such a powerful depiction of Jesse finally wresting himself out of Heisenberg's manipulations. There's even a bit of dark humour in the demise of Lydia (Laura Fraser), from Todd's creepy use of Groucho Marx's 'Lydia the Tattooed Lady' for his ringtone for her and Walt's unassuming 'goodbye Lydia'. The final wordless acknowledgement and goodbye between Jesse and Walter is as powerful as their final confrontation, as we see that beyond their hate and the various tragedies they've suffered, many caused by Walt, there were still some good times, and a mutual sense of respect, even friendship. Then there's the death of Walt, or rather Heisenberg, as he passes away not from cancer but from a ricocheted bullet from his own gun, gazing lovingly at the meth cooking lab that represents what truly made him happy in life.

3. The ending - 'Granite State'

One of the greatest cliffhangers of all-time. We watch an exhausted and devestated Walt finish a heartbreaking call to his son, call the authorities to inform them of his whereabouts, and sip his drink (without ice, he's given up trying to embody Mike's drinking patterns) as he awaits his arrest. That is until Elliot and Gretchen Schwartz, the founders of Grey Matter, appear on television, denouncing Walt and diminishing his significant contributions to the founding of the company. It's a mesmerizing moment as we watch an utterly defeated man transforming one more time into Heisenberg. All capped off with the brilliant use of the show's full theme song; I love how it's the first time it's utilized in all its glory, and it earns the rousing moment completely.

1. Crawl Space Laugh - 'Crawl Space'

One of the most harrowing breakdowns I've ever seen onscreen, and most certainly Cranston's finest acting in the series. The whole of season 4 is a non-stop nailbiter, and this episode gives the payoff. The soundtrack is so perfectly ominous and claustraphobic in showing the disintegrating psychological state of Walt, as he searches for a way out of his predicament. The final darkly glorious, darkly comedic touch as he learns most of the money he's saved up, which he desperately looks for to help protect himself and his family, has been given by Skyler to Ted Beneke. This is all capped off into a chilling, unbridled burst of emotion from Walt as he screams, unleashing the full monstrosity of Heisenberg as the scream turns into a terrifying cackle, as the madness that has been overtaking him the whole series, has finally overcome him. It's such a creepy and unnerving scene through and through down to the disembodied laughter in the background as Skyler takes the call from Marie, as it plays as almost a darkly twisted laugh track to how screwed the Whites and Schraders are.

1. Hank's death, and 'I watched Jane die' - 'Ozymandias'

The inspired choice for this climactic shootout to take place in the same area where Walt and Jesse started cooking meth in their old RV is just icing on the cake, of this amazing extended opening sequence of 'Ozymandias' which starkly contrasts the easygoing and lighthearted past and friendly rapport between Jesse and Walt before everything went wrong. The whole sequence starts off in an extremely cold fashion with the offscreen death of the loveable Gomez (Steven Michael Quezada). We then move onto the climax of Walt's relationship with his brother-in-law and former best friend Hank, and the tense buildup to an inevitable death, futilely prolonged by Walt dropping his facade of Heisenberg and showing the scared and meek man trying to use his book smarts to get their way out of the situation. It contrasts the delusions of Walt that he can use money to get Hank out alive, with Hank's world-weariness and final understanding with Walt where he indirectly praises and mocks Walt as being the 'smartest man' he's ever met, but too stupid to truly understand the harsh realities of their world. It's the saddest death in the series, of a flawed but ultimately moral and righteous man, and perfectly performed by Cranston and Norris. The silent breakdown of Walt and the callousness of the Neo-Nazis then culminates in another amazing moment where Walt confronts Jesse in what he believes will be the last time, coldly pointing out his hiding place, and heartlessly adding pain to Jesse's predicament as he recalls how he 'watched Jane die'. It's a despicable villainous moment but not just that, as when we watch Heisenberg exacting his wrath on Jesse, it's driven also by the grief at Hank's death, and traces of the tears wept by Walt when he had gone through that 'beyond the pale' moment.