Like almost every episode in its final season, the conclusion to Breaking Bad was always about the journey rather than the destination. Those expecting a grand scheme; a major twist or turn that would unhinge the preceding 61 episodes were destined to be go to bed feeling upset. However, creator/writer/director/mastermind Vince Gilligan never promised to pull the carpet from underneath his vehement (and constantly expanding) viewing audience. He set out to tell a story — albeit a six-year, five season, opus. We saw two characters slowly change, grow, and erode before our eyes. Within its somewhat short run, there has never been a television show with so many quotable lines, so many memorable moments. Breaking Bad has become to television what The Godfather had done to film: created a saga with a wealth of brilliant performances and stirring moments that will stick with us long after its over.
Watching the conclusion of Breaking Bad, I pondered over the contrasts between an event like this to the finale to MASH back in 1983. MASH’s closing episode remained the most watched television broadcast for decades. Nearly 60% of the country tuned in to learn what happened to Hawkeye after peace was finally declared, the last shot was fired, the surgeons stitched their last wound.
Breaking Bad’s finale comes to us during a different time. We will never again experience a “must see” event when a majority of the viewing public tunes into the same channel. We’re simply too polarized now. There are too many channels; too many other forms of entertainment to distract us. Even now, most TV viewers haven’t seen a single episode of Breaking Bad. But, with each passing hour, thousands of people are starting to sample Breaking Bad for the first time — not on AMC, but on Netflix. The show’s popularity will peak only after its run is over.
The final episode remains a culturally significant event nonetheless. It insured the show’s legacy may become as potent as The Sopranos, Seinfeld, or Star Trek. Like many pieces of great entertainment, recognition only arrives much later — and only in increments. Take, for example, movies like Shawshank Redemption, which was discovered only after it hit home video — or Wizard of Oz, which only became the most cherished film in history once it starting running on television. Folks will rewatch the entire show just to re-experience it all again. But there will be a new wave of fans who will join in the frenzy only after the good word spreads.
I’m grateful that I could watch (and laud) Breaking Bad while it was still on the air. There’s something refreshing about having watercooler discussions over entertainment rather than sports or politics. (If only I had a nickel each time I convinced another to watch it.) I also appreciate that a show as grim and dark can be embraced, praised, and picked apart episode-by-episode, scene-by-scene, line-by-line. Its success reminds me how we continue to cherish good drama, that its most enthralling element remains the characters and the lines and actions they’re provided by great writers and TV — I mean — film-makers. A show this gutsy almost never survives, let alone flourishes.
As for the finale itself…
The dominoes fell in their natural order. My hopes and predictions were met — no more. The surprise factor came from the emotional weight of everything that had been built; from all the anticipation and foreshadowing that finally paid off in a single hour. I sat quietly during final credit roll feeling completely fulfilled and emotional drained.
I eagerly await tomorrow so I can hear the opinions from the rest of the world — as well as my workmates, friends, and loved ones. Despite the show’s universal love, there will always be room — little facets — open for debate. (The moment with the guns seemed like a stretch, but I’ll reserve my thoughts until I get a second viewing.) Regardless, the show’s over, but there will be plenty to discuss tomorrow and for the indefinite future.
I’m off to bed feeling somewhat pessimistic that any program can top the journey I just experienced. But Breaking Bad (among a few other recent programs) have destroyed my initial qualms towards the small screen. It does leave a modicum of hope over the future of character-driven fiction. Despite its limited audience, this little cable show has become a cultural phenomenon. I seriously cannot recall any Hollywood blockbuster creating such a conversation stir. Also, its audience, overall, is smart — not just in guessing plot-elements, but by recognizing the core meaning and for being able to impart their views on top of them. It invites even the casual viewers to look at a piece of art and search for the deeper meanings in between the cracks. In other words, it’s a show that invites us to think!
For that, thank you, Walt, Jesse. I will miss you both! Thank you, Vince Gilligan for rocking our world for 62 episodes; for taking risks and for both illuminating and entertaining. Now that the last batch of meth has been cooked, I can safely attest Breaking Bad is the greatest show of all time.
Hollywood, you’re up!
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