‘Breaking Bad’ comeback... Is acclaimed ‘cooking show’ as good as critics say?

by Bonnie Hall IV Leader Staff

The hit show Breaking Bad, airing from 2008-2013, which earned a 9.5/10 rating on IMDb and 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, is having a resurgence in viewers and popularity recently.

Memes of the main characters, Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, have been circulating online, prompting newer generations of viewers of the show.

The show about a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine kingpin, follows Walter White’s attempt to balance a half-mundane suburban life and his illegal drug manufacturing business, and how it all unravels.

Having just finishing the show myself, I asked students Sam Lucas and Leilani Landeros their thoughts.

What did you like most about Breaking Bad?

SL: I like how the show was about characters that are bad people, but they still have likable qualities. We sympathize with them because what they’re doing is really interesting, and we somewhat relate to their struggles of living mundane lives.

LL: The main thing I like about Breaking Bad was how every character that was introduced had a background and story. Everything comes full circle in the show. Another thing I like about the show was the complex relationships that they showed, especially how Jesse Pinkman and Walter White cared for each other yet made selfish decisions and had arguments with each other. Hank and Marie’s relationship was complex like that too.

Who was your favorite character and why?

SL: I like all the characters a lot. Every character is really interesting to follow, especially Saul, Hank, and Walter White, who is my favorite character. Walter is my favorite character because he acts the way a lot of people want to. Most people want to break free of their boring lives, and he is a character that’s never afraid to do that. If it weren’t for him there’d be no show. He’s always pushing the plot forward in crazy unexpected directions.

LL: This is a hard question because I liked a lot of characters. One of my favorite characters was Hector Salamanca because he was clearly a bad guy, but he also was loyal and cared for his nephew Tuco. My second favorite character was Steve Gomez or “Gomie”. No matter what, he was loyal and cared for Hank in his darkest moments. His character is someone people should look up to.

Would you recommend the show to others?

SL: I’d definitely recommend the show to others because it’s great from start to finish, and it’ll keep you hooked. It’s one of the best shows of all time probably.

LL: I would recommend this show. I learned a lot about the DEA and how someone’s actions can impact others and ruin a family. I also learned how you can find a bond with people even if they aren’t necessarily family. Walter and Jesse had sort of a father-son bond and relied on each other when they had nothing and no one else.