Breaking Bad 4x08 'Hermanos' | First Time Reaction

Patreon for Early Access: / diegesischad
Delve into the compelling backstory of Gustavo Fring in "Breaking Bad," Season 4, Episode 8, titled "Hermanos." Join Arianna and Maple as they react to one of the series' most revealing episodes, where the layers of Gus's character are peeled back through a series of flashbacks that expose his motives and early connections with Hector Salamanca. Witness the tension in the present as Hank's investigation brings Gus in for questioning, leading to a gripping confrontation that tests Gus’s composure and intelligence. React with Arianna and Maple to the masterful storytelling and character development that make this episode a standout in the series, showcasing the complex web of relationships and past actions that define the present scenario.
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00:00 - Intro
00:10 - Reaction
25:04 - Review

[@jxchamb]

The Gus backstory is so wonderful. The Scarface reunion we didn't know we needed.

[@neil2444]

It explains a lot, right down to Gus's stoic demeanor. Perhaps he was emotional prior, but he became cold and calculated afterwards.

[@thedarkemissary]

Fun fact - Gus's finger twitch was an improv by Esposito. The director caught it and asked if he knew he was doing it. Esposito said, "Of course." The director was so impressed, they highlighted it in the scene.

[@procrastinator99]

I haven't heard this tidbit before, thanks. Awesome.

[@jerodast]

I've seen a bunch of things with Giancarlo Esposito both in front and behind the scenes, so I know he doesn't really sound like Gus normally, but I can't help but hear that "of course" in his voice...

[@Hollycb12]

​@@jerodastI was thinking the same thing!

[@michaelblake746]

Maple not understanding that Walt has to kill Gus is hilarious.

[@lalilulelo1989]

I think they take too much time between episodes. Its like they dont remember what has happened

[@bulbakirb5789]

I mean Walt really didn't have to do it. Walt is constantly pushing Gus to a breaking point because of his own ego, thats pretty clear.

[@the_crypter]

@@bulbakirb5789 The fuck you mean, they wanted to kill jesse, he literally ran over a few people to save jesse. Then they were going to kill him in the factory in the middle of the night when walt told jesse to kill gale. People keep saying that it's due to walt's ego which is true in some measure, but what do you expect him to do ? Let jesse die ? Let Mike kill him ? Let them kill Hank ?

[@mobiusbelts3607]

@@the_crypterYou’re hanging onto Walt’s nuts a little too tight there.

[@brettbaumler754]

The common speculation on Gus’ history in Chile is that he was involved in Pinochet’s secret police, who were also involved in drug trafficking. It would explain why there was no record of him. Remember that Hector called him “generallismo” in the other flashback

[@thephantompenance]

I harbor the belief that Gus is part of a Chilean cartel that he and Max joined around the same time. Kinda explains how he was able to fund Max’s studies, and explains why Eladio would kill Max-he would see them as a rival cartel encroaching his territory.

[@cliveklg7739]

@@thephantompenance Pinochet and his police were invovled in the drug trade, and pillaging Chile through corruption and bribes. They'd have money without having to be cartel.

[@Arsolon618]

He loved him a lot more than just a brother...

[@user-iy4it4ft6m]

He was gay

[@Ava-my9yj]

Im saying

[@iCortex1]

Oh is that true ? Did they point this out in the show and I just can't remember?

[@rogerjohnson9466]

@@iCortex1 The comment about 'clearly they are not brothers" "light and dark meat" and then finally the line "he is my companion(partner)", which is nearly the final thing he says. to me that is enough lol

[@Arsolon618]

@@iCortex1 Even in this episode the subtext is there. First we have Hector taking a piss right in front of them then teasing that they "like what they see" while blowing kisses at them. Bullies don't just tease you with random insults, they tease you about things that are true about you.

[@brettbaumler754]

The scene with Saul and Brock is one of the few times we see a more genuine side of him. Same with him in the car with Jesse. It’s scenes like that they made him an interesting enough character for a spin-off

[@isaiahmoungey3193]

That is one of the few Breaking Bad scenes where it feels like we’re watching Jimmy, not Saul.

[@bennyevans123]

The implication I believe is that gus has some level of involvement in Pinochet’s dictatorship

[@TheNativeEngine]

The implication...

[@jessewest5456]

How do you think?

[@alexreverman4585]

A lot of reactors miss that so many of Walt's "badass" lines and speeches this season have a lot to do with Walt trying to grapple with his own lack of power under Gus, so I'm glad that hasn't gone unnoticed here

[@joetamburello6292]

I definitely wouldn’t put the word badass with Walt 😂

[@rjharikumar6555]

​@@joetamburello6292- I mean, his first meeting with Tuco was pretty badass, along with a few other moments in the show.

[@wilwaycoholland4337]

"I'm in charge" *camera immediately cuts to meth lab prison*

[@libertarianvoter]

I wish I was in a prison that paid me $1M a month that I only had to be in for 40 hours a week.

[@cheappoetry2798]

This is really the yellowing of mexico imo

[@4o4o4]

they didnt invent it but damn did BB really lay it on thick. you could even say its the turning point of the yellow mexico meme

[@Jermrants]

@@4o4o4it 100% Is the reason why it’s a meme 😂😂😂😂😅

[@abouttime2569]

Yea Mexican oxygen is yellow

[@JohnnyBNerdy]

I appreciate the meta of this

[@jamesadkins9904]

These conversations at Pinkman's house always bothered me. Mike bugged Walt's house. Walt knowes that. What are the odds Gus doesn't have Pinkman's, the unstable drug addict, house bugged?

[@Josh-GT]

Great point! I never thought of that..

[@RiffRaffish]

I was just thinking that lol

[@comeatmebro8120]

I think the only thing we can gather is that Walt is scared for his life and not thinking clearly. He is clearly spiraling due to the fact that he has no control over his feud with Gus. Not sure if that’s a satisfying explanation but its the only one I’ve got that makes some sense

[@ViraL_FootprinT.ex.e]

9:00 Andrea's new NIMBY neighbor grilling Huel is one of my favorite little underrated moments of this episode 🤣😭💀

[@stepheng1523]

"IM SURE IF YOU KEEP DIGGING YOULL FIND ME"

[@ViraL_FootprinT.ex.e]

That part.

[@archstanton664]

27:49 The realization of Gus' genius is so funny. Can't wait for them to see how much smarter he is the more they watch. Best TV villain ever.

[@andrewmarkland4231]

"Why didn't you get glasses for our guests?" He knew why.

[@rayquaza_is_da_boi8661]

I don’t think you guys really understand that Walt was team Gus from the beginning. It was Jesse who went and tried to kill the rival dealers for murdering Tomas that broke everything apart. Or maybe it was that Gus told the two dealers to kill the kid in secret in order to get Jesse to try to take them out in and killing himself in the process. Either way Walt saved Jesse by killing the dealers and then everything fell apart. Walt had no choice but to have Jesse kill Gus to save his own life and Jesse’s. Gus has been planning to kill them all from the beginning and Walt sees it coming and is planning for it, and you guys act like he can just calm down, and Gus will change his mind.

[@centerstagemediaoutlet2268]

Gus going down WOULD BE a problem for Walt. Gus has records and Walt is on camera. They showed you Gus watching it.

[@RobertMorgan]

Magnets, bitch!

[@jerodast]

Watching it. How long does he keep it recorded? Where?

[@ViraL_FootprinT.ex.e]

Besides Gus' relationship with his "Chicken Brother" (😉), another thing that's kind of implied is that Gus may have been major player in Pinochet's dictatorship. *Edit to Add:* Which makes Gus pretty comfortable around, or at least famiar with, violence and atrocities.

[@joshuawhitford5509]

Absolutely cannot wait for them to get to Better Call Saul

[@bilkywaygalaxy]

BCS broke me honestly

[@footnotesforfilmbuffs9600]

You will love Better Call Saul.

[@Hollycb12]

Omg I know, right?? I was looking for this comment!

[@bigpictureguys8415]

I root for Gus over Walt too but let’s acknowledge how that’s predominantly based on Gus’s competence at being a drug kingpin relative to Walt. And Gus had a major head start. Gus has gotten more people killed than Walt ever could. And his motivation for being who he is (revenge) while understandable, is worse than wanting to provide for one’s family.

[@jerodast]

My understanding is they aren't team Gus because he's a better person, they're team Gus because he has a core backstory now that would generate some satisfaction in seeing him "win" and he's a cool-as-ice motherfucker compared to Walt flying into egotistical and/or panicked ranting every other episode :)

[@bigpictureguys8415]

@@jerodast i re listened to the discussion and you are correct. It makes sense to get more satisfaction watching a kingpin being a kingpin than it does watching a newbie becoming a kingpin.

[@Kestrel512]

When I saw Breaking bad for the first time, just like you guys I felt a little bit bad when we saw Hector being tortured by Gus. After I saw Better Call Saul and then rewatched this BB episode, I was giggling the entire time. Hector deserves everything that he gets in this episode, I promise lol.

[@fog10101]

that cold open always throws people off thinking are they watching the right episode ?lol.

[@terenzo50]

Now finally you know where Gus is coming from and on what precise level of depravity he operates. Earlier there was a glimmer. But now you know.

[@thedarkemissary]

But, they completely missed that at one point Gus was on the same level that Walt is now. Grasping at straws, in over his head, taking dangerous initiative. It's a parallel.

[@terenzo50]

@@thedarkemissary I agree. Something of a counterpart as I recall from my college lit class.

[@twoheart7813]

Walt's people skills sucks, Gus is a people skills genius

[@ubermorph1000]

At the end of the second season of The Mandalorian, Luke Skywalker takes Baby Yoda to train him as a Jedi.

[@gravewaxxsupercoven1980]

Tio is Uncle in Spanish..his actual name is Hector Salamanca

[@Fantomex.]

I swear to God that's been pissing me off that people don't get that

[@Kettlecadd]

I don't think you guys have seen Scarface or at least not on the channel but Steven Bauer who plays Don Elado is one of the 2 main characters in that film.

[@ollybomb2100]

you could say that gus and max were good friends or roommates even

[@DarthRandal1138]

Oh my god, they were roommates…

[@digitaldroo]

“Daddy, chill” has become my favorite reaction meme.

[@buhlenzimande9303]

When I say Seasons 4 and 5 of BB were next level stress and anxiety for me, it's because of episodes like this

[@fire._editsz]

Gustavo's whole motive is revenge he wants revenge he wants blood for blood for what they did to him that's why he tortures Hector in makes him sit back and watch while all these things happen around him like his family dying under the hands of Gustavo

[@dman4130]

I live near the real restaurant and there really are ostrichs next to the place😅

[@jasonarmstrong3908]

Wait until you watch the prequel series, Better Call Saul. Some of these back stories will shake you to the core. And it’s what makes that series even better than Breaking Bad for many.

[@martinroybal4231]

There is absolutely no solution for Walt the whole reason bud hates him bc of crybaby Jesse like I don’t get the Walt hate he’s so smart that he’s hatable he’s like a drug king pin politicion like he’s the best of the best💀

[@bigpictureguys8415]

2:12 atta boy Walt. Hyping up the guy stressing about his cancer 👍🏻

[@depressivemonke8497]

This is really the show of the point turn.

[@Hollycb12]

The point of no return for the show?

[@TheRepublican777]

His finger twitch was him being pissed and knowing that Hank got his prints off touching that cup when he came by his restaurant that time

[@jerodast]

That's a good point. I suppose it's not good for your "I have nothing to hide" routine if your first question is "wait how do you have my prints."

[@sim6446]

i think this is where gus fring really turns into GUS FRING

[@paigeatwork]

I feel that the show is implying that Gus was somehow connected to the Pinochet regime in Chile, the military government that jailed, tortured, or killed tens of thousands.

[@bleepbloop6234]

26:38 "Is today the day?" Is in reference to Hector's refusal to ever look Gus in the eye, I'm pretty sure. Every time he meets him he demands that he look at him, and Hector looks away. Same with "Maybe next time" when he leaves. I think the looking/refusal to look is a symbolic form of revenge and Hector's attempt to deny that bit of satisfaction. Since Hector killed his friend, made him look at his dead body and told him "you did this to him." Gus is now killing Hector's family and friends, going up to Hector and saying "You did this to them, now look at what you did."

[@williammccormick984]

It's a perfect episode of television. You realize that Gus has put in 20 times the work of Walter. Walter is a spoiled smart guy who wants to make money and never be questioned, but Gus has put in 20 years in the name of revenge. It's such a huge swing because you almost want Gus to win. The rest of the season is just out of control. Some of the best TV ever.

[@MontgomeryWenis]

There are lots of ostrich farms here in Michigan. I assume there's a lot more in New Mexico where the climate is more familiar to giant dino birds.

[@odasdefe]

the Chilean Dictatorship lasted until 1990. The fact that Gus was refferred to as Generalísimo means that he was a high ranking military member. Since it was the Chilean army who overtook the democratic goverment in the 70s, it makes sense that as the Dictatorship was coming to an end, those military leaders would try to flee to avoid been trialed for their many crines against humanity. And it would make sense that those leaders who would flee succesfuly would do so with lots and lots of money on them

[@fire._editsz]

Gustavo and Max were partners like dating even the creators confirmed this multiple times

[@joey1547]

Btw he was his romantic partner not just a business one , it’s fine to say because they don’t go back to it in this show

[@MartialBoniou]

"No more children"

[@jerodast]

uh huh

[@Elephant2024-wi2li]

Quite a backstory there. Now we know why Gus despises Hector so much.

[@Etticos.]

If you ladies like Gus like that, you’re gonna love Better Call Saul.

[@jxsh03]

Just blatantly spoiling Better Call Saul arent you?

[@gnoogie]

@@jxsh03 "gus is in better call saul a lot" isnt exactly a world ending spoiler to worry about lmao

[@Lazurmang]

One thing that I really enjoyed from the flashback is that it also gives some insight/reasoning to why he puts up with Walter's shit. Gus also had a partner who was begging and trying to keep his partner alive... much like some Walt/Jesse business

[@Fantomex.]

In film and television, there's a trope that all the in closet characters wear long sleeve clothes without ANY skin showing, maybe its because they're saying they can't control their sexuality so they control their clothes or because they have something to hide 🤷🏻‍♂️ idk but its a common thing

[@LearnToRefine]

Tio's (Hector's) entire family was evil and extremely violent. Now you know who taught them to be that way..

[@user-qz1sj1ru3d]

I Iike the cop that's investigating Gale's murder. You can tell he's more inclined to agree with Hank than Gomez and the Boss.

[@andreschavez8319]

lol maple cant handle discomfort at allll

[@grumpyboomer61]

And even with that look into Gus's past, there are still questions that are never completely answered. Starting with, what exactly was Gus in Chile that a Mexican Cartel boss not only knows of him, but seems unwilling to kill him?

[@havok6280]

They are answered if you're paying attention. They name-dropped Pinochet for a reason...

[@grumpyboomer61]

@@havok6280 My suspicion was that he was part of Pinochet's security services, but it's never really made clear. At least, not so far as I recall.

[@amandac.d.4216]

I like to think that his family was somehow connected to Pinochet, but not himself necessarily. Though that might just be because I'm Chilean myself and I really like Gus, and the idea that a character that I love might be connected to such a horrible thing (even if Gus _is_ evil anyway) is too repulsive to me.

[@AdityaKaul-dm8fk]

Between Walt's chemistry genius and Gus's "business" genius, they could have been an empire bigger than Escobar and actually made it last because the covers Gus comes up with are airtight. What could have been...

[@jerodast]

It was more important to Gus that his dealers be allowed to murder children.

[@josephsarto689]

Why didn’t the cops or dea ask Gus about the part for the air filtration system that Gale signed for?

[@adam.f89]

Similar to what a lot of others have said in the comments - can't wait for you to react to Better Call Saul, it's SO good

[@theheretic569]

Glad to see you enjoyed this visit into Gus's past. Can't wait to see how you feel about S4 E10 🙂

[@Hollycb12]

And Better Call Saul!

[@cactusjuice8277]

Can't wait for this season's finale 😅😈

[@yw1971]

LOOK at me

[@antionedebusei6378]

29:10 Oh we're going to Belize, but not yet.

[@Hollycb12]

They don't know what that means yet, do they? Lol

[@jarodsmith6890]

Arianna's mind blown @27:15 parallels this one? @23:41

[@MrAMP1520]

I don't think there's anything to prove this but my theory is Gus's partner was also the love of his life. Based strictly off this origin story it would make sense why he wanted to get revenge so badly

[@gravewaxxsupercoven1980]

There is some evidence..one example is Hector mentions it

[@MrAMP1520]

@@gravewaxxsupercoven1980 Don't remember that, must've missed it

[@amandac.d.4216]

Have you seen Better Call Saul? Because if not, I really think you should!

[@MrAMP1520]

@@amandac.d.4216 I have! Just didn't want to get into any spoilers from it!

[@Hollycb12]

They were definitely lovers

[@Kane52630]

The turning point of the whole show!

[@RachManJohn]

The way I clicked on this at 4 AM in the morning.

[@thepimp31]

go to sleep... like I wasn't awake late last night.

[@crispy_338]

‘Straya gang

[@iCortex1]

​@thepimp31 you realize some people WAKE UP at that time right ?

[@thepimp31]

@@iCortex1 Watch out guys, Joke Police is patrolling

[@BurnDem101]

AM already means "in the morning"

[@bushhhyy]

29:02 lole

[@Tone_Loc303]

Gus should go somewhere they don't extradite him or something. Beliz? 👀

[@joeblankenship377]

Ahh, this show gets SO GOOD here in these next few episodes. Can't wait for yall to see it play out.

[@pricemoore2022]

Awesome reaction of my favorite Breaking Bad episode!!!!!😊😊😊😊😊

[@MrBreezeLI516]

Ariannas' hair has me slain; is it 55 past 7? because um, high 5, IT ATE!! 🥹💍 I'n talking soooo D E D, carry the A for Ari, that girl is going off Queen YES!!! 😍

[@MrHartApart]

Walt was probably at the right state of mind for that young man to be speaking with about dealing with the BIG C. In my Oh-pinion.

[@miguelgomes2542]

I cant wait for the reaction to the season finale, all this talk about power....

[@JAVACAPPUCCINO]

hey guys welcome back to DIE JESUS my name is Maple

[@BB13131313]

Such an incredible episode.. Walt and Hank at Los Pollos with Mike and Gus is another perfect example of the show creating the most intense tension lol..

[@Hollycb12]

I can't wait till they watch Better Call Saul, man

[@MarvelousMusicmmusic]

Seeing you guys enjoy the flashback makes me think you're going to LOVE Better Call Saul if that's in the cards

[@Hollycb12]

They've Already announced they will be watching Saul next :)

[@Hollycb12]

I'm super excited. As a character study, BCS might be better than BB

[@Ken_G.]

I never noticed the emu before.

[@mr.nesbitt8967]

Don Eladio is Manny from Scarface by the way

[@nkanyisoinnocentkhwane3752]

3 more weeks 😮

[@onepureturtle]

Barbaric yawp

[@IRL_Lore]

3:00 can you imagine the chorus of "yasss queen slay" and "so empowered" that reaction videos will have for this scene when Netflix finally does the diverse gender swapped remake 😅

[@mabeyitsjo]

Gus Fring has beeen confirmed as being gay, Hector makes the comment about him and max liking what they saw when he was peeing in the pool, along with his reaction max's death and the fact that he named his scholarship program after him hints that Gus and Max were more than just business partners, Gus' revenge on the cartel but specifically Hector is almost him getting revenge for Hector killing his partner, both in business and in life

[@ariannaw6858]

WOAH

[@TorchySmurf]

The fact that they were together makes this all the more sad and the only time that I have compassion for Gus.

[@sampostol4430]

BELIZE!!!!!!1111

[@extremelyvivid]

All I’m going to say is 💣

[@babiddyboo1246]

Point show whole turning is this the of the

[@tragedystrixesagain]

I can’t wait till they get to BCS

[@djmizzou3030]

Y'all are awesome

[@TheRepublican777]

I feel like it was Gus and Max similar to a Walt a Jesse relationship only they got along better

[@mahmudurrahman8377]

"He's just an old man"!!! Wait till you watch better call saul.

[@ernestorodriguez791]

👍🏾

[@jbwade5676]

I am Big Fans ❤

[@goldenapple6720]

Watch Dr.stone pls

[@SaintTvK]

‘Come on just stick it in there’ 💭

[@lxveaqua5017]

Yall should react to attack on titan

[@erndaburn7745]

I'm just here for my daily dose! 😜

[@Didders29]

Lmao what do these people want with Walt, he’s not a good guy, but sheeesh

[@jerodast]

He acts like a lunatic half the time. Don't get me wrong it's a great character and BC is wonderful but how is everyone so defensive about him? He's clearly written to be blatantly panicking and flailing, A LOT. Honestly it cracks me up to see people so offended on Walt's behalf in this of all seasons, when this is Top Gus season, the coolest most steely competent drug kingpin of the last 40 years. Of COURSE Walt looks like a child next to him.

[@sammyk4403]

It’s said that Gus’ partner was his romantic partner too, makes it all the more devastating 😢

[@DripStopShop]

girls watching Breaking Bad are so annoying. They refuse to give Walt the benefit of a single doubt about anything, yet they love grandpa Mike, who's a literal hitman.

[@jerodast]

aw. poor Walt

[@ViVaLaRan]

Pffft