Caballo sin Nombre

'Breaking Bad' is one of the most popular rated shows on IMDb, is one of those rarities where every season has either been very positively received or near-universally acclaimed critically and where all of my friends have said nothing but great things about.

Very few shows in recent memory had me so hooked from the very start that before the week was over the whole show had been watched, especially when for a lot of shows now airing watching one episode all the way through can be an endeavour. 'Breaking Bad' had that effect on me, and its reputation as one of the best, consistently brilliant and most addictive shows in many years (maybe even ever) is more than deserved in my eyes. Its weakest season is perhaps the first season, understandable as any show's first season is the one where things are still settling.

Actually everything is established remarkably from the very start, but once the writing and characterisation becomes even meatier the show reaches even higher levels.

"Caballo sin Nombre" (the review summary being in reference to the English meaning) is more 'Breaking Bad' excellence, even if it may lack the red-hot intensity and tautness of the best of Seasons 1 and especially 2. Yet it is a slower-paced episode that still engrosses and doesn't get dull, it just lacks the extra something.

Visually, "Caballo sin Nombre" is both stylish and beautiful, with photography and editing that are cinematic quality and put a lot of films today to shame, where there are a lot of visually beautiful ones but also some painfully amateurish looking ones. The music always has the appropriate mood, never too intrusive, never too muted.

The writing in "Caballo sin Nombre" is a fine example of how to have a lot of style but also to have a lot of substance. The dialogue throughout is thought-provoking and tense, while also have a darkly wicked sense of humour, nail-biting tension and heart-tugging pathos. The story is texturally rich, intimate, tense and layered, with the pace of it consistently deliberate but taut.

Can't say anything bad about the acting. Bryan Cranston is phenomenal as one of the most fascinating anti-heroes, or even of any kind of character, in either film or television. Aaron Paul has never been better and Anna Gunn is affecting. The characters are compelling in their realism and the episode is strongly directed.

In summary, great once again. 9/10 Bethany Cox

This is the second episode in the third season of Breaking Bad and so far, I continue to be impressed. The tone of the episode is rather slow, but it is understandable because of the story itself, which still held my complete attention. The acting is great and we can see the frustration of everyone in the family building up. My favorite scene is when Walt threw the pizza onto the top of the house in a fit of anger.

In this episode, "Caballo sin Nombre," Walt is trying to reconcile with his wife, but she is not having it at all. Walter Jr. and the rest of the family is trying to figure out what is going on. Jesse, fresh out of rehab, still has a poor relationship with his family but with the help of Saul, he is able to buy the house that his family has on for sale. Meanwhile these two mysterious cousins head to town to pay Walt a visit.

Overall, this is an excellent episode and I felt like the slowness added to the episode as this is about Walt trying to reconcile his family, which adds to the realistic tone of this show. I'm happy Saul returned, as well as the character played by Jonathan Banks, and that makes for an intriguing episode. I rate this episode 9/10.

Acting: 8/10 Pace: 7/10 Story: 9/10 Writing: 7/10 End: 6/10

7.5/10

A pretty boring episode, definetely the worst episode in my opinion in a long time, maybe even the worst this season and a massive let down from the previous one. The Salamanca cousins are great but why would they live Walter at that time? What kind of plot armor is that or are they scared of gus? That shouldnt be the point for a Salamanca so im wondering.

The first half of the episode was paced so slowly, i found it quite boring. But give credit where credit is due, there were some pretty good scene's this episode, for example the laywer meeting with Saul and Jessie going into the house were pretty fun and entertaining to watch.

Overall almost no development to the show, the previous episode did that instead of this one and a bit too much plot armor surrounding Walt.

Reading some other review's i saw(and hope it is true) that the eyeball on Walt's suitcase represents that Walt is being watched, which is kind of interesting, the way the Salamanca cousins act.

Why Walt? Why would you threw away that pizza like that? I don't think I'll ever forgive you for that.

I like the quiet Mexican cousins, there's tension in every scene they are featured.

I like also the song Walt's been singing. It's my new favorite song.

This is strong episode with memorable character moments.

Walt and Jesse are at opposite ends of the self awareness spectrum in this one, with numerous memorable scenes that show them coping with life in very different ways.

Walt's scenes are darkly funny as he tries to act like everything is normal with spectacularly bad results. Some moments are hilarious and Bryan Cranston is on top angry-funny form when the character loses his s***. (Glad I don't live in the Breaking Bad house or I'd probably lose it too if randoms kept throwing pizzas on my roof)

On the theme of humour Bob Odenkirk makes a great contribution again with more great examples of Saul Goodman pragmatism. His character is used well by the writers, seemingly as a catalyst for bad behaviour from the lead characters.

Jesse's scenes feel more serious, with his new attitude being quite noticeable. Aaron Paul is excellent in playing this character in various states of mind and this feels like a new dimension that works well. One situation he is involved in results in a very satisfying outcome (although it shouldn't) and is very slick in its portrayal.

The writers also expand the plot involving the drug cartels and the character Mike in away that lays good foundations for what is to come.

It's an 8.5/10 for me but I round upwards.