Blood Money

Foreshadowings at the beginning of a new Breaking Bad season are something audiences of the show have got accustomed to by now, and "Blood Money" has one just as fantastic as the pink teddy moistening in the Whites' pool in season two or the, at this point in this series still unsolved, birthday party a hirsute Walt holds in a diner in season five's first half. The message the desolate house, now used as a skater park by some teenagers, conveys is unequivocal: things aren't going to stay nice after Walt's retirement from the drug business.

Of course, the charismatic criminal functioning as the protagonist of the series has already had his new adversary introduced – to be exact, since the pilot – and the forward-thinking Breaking Bad fans will have expected that a DEA agent in the family of a drug kingpin is sure to make for a little hiccup sooner and later. As we come close to the finale of the series, push comes to shove and some major domestic violence commences its first act in an extraordinarily tense confrontation, including what is possibly the best acting performance Dean Norris has given in his career up to that point. The decisive factor in this scene, however, is the phenomenal screenplay by Peter Gould, making the more or less mundane moments in "Blood Money" an intense experience as well. The series's customary comical relief comes through Jesse sparking some L in Saul Goodman's anteroom, Saul Goodman himself, and a desperate Lydia stopping by at the Whites' carwash to chat about meth distribution – you know, the usual topic in seller- costumer conversations at such places.

Nonetheless, "Blood Money" isn't a perfect episode, in my opinion, lacking tension and entertainment in the middle part and stretching its believability with the conclusion Walt comes to near the ending. In terms of score/soundtrack, cinematography, or set design, the episode doesn't accomplish anything noticeable either, thus I'll spare better ratings for some of the following episodes.

'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.

"Blood Money" is another incredible 'Breaking Bad' episode, one of the best of Season 5. The sizzling tension and emotional impact are only a couple of truly great things and even more the rich subtlety and a story-advancing revelation that will leave one reeling.

Visually, "Blood Money" 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 "Blood Money" 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 supporting cast are both intriguing and entertaining, Dean Norris giving his best performance perhaps of the show. The characters are compelling in their realism, likewise with their chemistry (particularly between Walt and Hank), and the episode is superbly directed.

All in all, another episode that is difficult to find fault with. 10/10 Bethany Cox

You might be wondering what the title of this review means but if i told you,that would actually spoil everything.Atlast after almost an year of waiting Breaking Bad returns with a reminder that it still is undoubtedly the king of television.Long awaited things have a way to disappoint its fans with not putting out the expected quality but Breaking Bad starts with an absolute BANG which tells the fans that the wait was worth it.This episode has every element that makes Breaking Bad the best;the acting,the direction,the dialogs and of course the end of the episode is mind blowing.The only thing which is not very good is Walt's future.I am not gonna go into much detail but i can say that Hank is finally out of the toilet and is not very happy..! Good Day !

Breaking Bad, is one of the best show ever which I have watched, cant wait to see the, final episodes of Breaking Bad. I just watched all the previous episodes of season 5 again!.. Still cant believe this will be the final season of one of my best shows. Hope this ends with the bang. We will miss you Mr.White.

Breaking Bad, is one of the best show ever which I have watched, cant wait to see the, final episodes of Breaking Bad. I just watched all the previous episodes of season 5 again!.. Still cant believe this will be the final season of one of my best shows. Hope this ends with the bang. We will miss you Mr.White.

Expectations have always been a great hindrance when it comes to enjoying anything in life. think of a restaurant with the best reputation --> if you liked the meal, you will keep spreading the word. if you hated it, you will simply speak mud of the place.

This episode had that little hindrance. we have been expecting (waiting, gagging) for this episode. not only because it's the beginning of the second half of the season finale of BB, but also because you want more. you need to know more about it. the expectation was simply gigantic.

But I only needed the first two minutes of the episode to know that that expectation has been fulfilled. so let us approach this episode from two angles: our reality and the show's reality.

angle 1 --> man, these actors and actresses definitely deliver. the great problem is usually having actors or actresses who get fat, who fail to act as they usually do, who can keep us attached to the series. believe you me, these people do keep you there. Attached. Even more, DEA agent Hank (Mr Norris) is getting the place he deserves.

angle 2 --> tension is growing. you can feel it. it is there and there is nothing you can do as a spectator.

favourite scene? last few seconds of the episode.