FILMMAKER REACTS to BREAKING BAD Season 2 Episode 12: Phoenix

[@JamesVSCinema]

On a chiller note, I'm so incredibly grateful to you guys..please let this video be just a sprinkle of genuine vibes for you. Much love! Also, this show is wild man..

[@mrtveye6682]

I allow myself to speak for your audience (I'm sure at least for the majority). We love you too, James. Thx for all the time we can spend together with you, enjoying the art of moving pictures in all it's facets.

[@gandhialwaysleavesanonion679]

Out of curiosity have you finished the show at this point? If not where are you in the series

[@davidcase8635]

@JamesVSCinema Walter White is dead. But cancer didn't kill him and took his face. Heisenberg did. And now Jesse's Cycle of Pain begins.

[@BertonMelch]

it's like watching it for the first time again! but with you lol i only watched the series in its whole week to week when it dropped. Thats when i declared it the greatest TV show ever made. HAHA

[@Silas.Marner]

You'll love Better Call Saul, James. You'll get a ton of background, not only about Saul, but Gus and some other key characters You'll get to know later in in BreBa.

[@nathancollins1715]

"You can paint, like, the local castles and sh*t!" It's simultaneously adorable and hilarious that Jesse thinks that New Zealand has castles, simply because they filmed Lord of the Rings there. It's such a tiny subtle line, but it's such a quintessential Jesse thing to say. The character writing in this show is phenomenal.

[@siobhan5486]

Ngl I thought they had castles cause of Jesse

[@KarlUrbahn]

There are in fact two castles in New Zealand, but they're both in Dunedin.

[@nathancollins1715]

@@KarlUrbahn Yes, but they're "mock castles" that were built in the last 60 years and are pretty much just fancy mansions. New Zealand only became a British colony in 1840, long after authentic castles were built for practical reasons.

[@brysonrichey6707]

"If he finds a C option in an A or B, he will take it"; This episode is the perfect embodiment of that statement and you couldn't have chosen a better time to say it. The foreshadowing broooo.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Caught shivers during that moment..!

[@ScorpionStrike7]

Agreed

[@keikosman]

You'll recall that after Skyler stopped by Jesse's house in S1E2 that Jesse said "good job wearing the pants in the family" to Walt. This is just, Walt returning the insult.

[@RoadPirateFilms]

I feel like this is the episode where Walter's Heisenberg persona takes over almost completely. In the final scene you can see the conflicting thoughts and emotions he is feeling as he watches Jane choke to death. I think the conversation at the bar prompted Walter to drive to Jesse's house in order to try to mend Jesse and his relationship. He sees Jane start to choke and rushes to her side of the bed to help her but the Heisenberg persona prevents him from helping her. She dies and he cries silently for a few moments and then he opens his eyes and the scene ends with us looking at Walter fully transformed into Heisenberg.

[@manfreygordon]

both jane and walter died at that moment.

[@tamarleigh]

It’s like the moment Sméagol’s eyes changed.

[@jakefromstatefarm6969]

Nah the idea that heisenberg is a persona that walt transforms into is ridiculous.

[@craftymasterproductions4218]

@@jakefromstatefarm6969 Exactly

[@jimwithaT]

Sleeping in your side was also brought up earlier in the episode with Walt’s daughter Holly. That final scene was done so well.

[@marvelsandals4228]

And then he meets Jane's dad, which further emphasizes the fact that Jane is a daughter of a good man, someone who Walt sees as a kindred spirit, cut from the same cloth, trying to look out for his family. This is what Walt has aspired to be the whole time, his justification for all of his crimes. Jane is a proxy for Holly. Walt chose crime over being a witness to the birth of his daughter. Now he has chosen to witness the death of Jane, a proxy for his own daughter. It is as if Walt killed Holly. That's why he looks so destroyed at the end. He realizes the gravity of what he has done. He is not a good man, like Jane's father. He is Heisenberg, a killer and criminal.

[@onniruusunen9444]

@@marvelsandals4228 walt didn't know it was his daughter

[@brandonthesteele]

The internal parallels in this episode are so satisfying

[@marvelsandals4228]

@@onniruusunen9444 But she was someone's daughter, that's the point. She is a stand in for any daughter, that could be Walt's own daughter

[@EdenMcCoy-rt9hp]

Kristen Ritter has said that doing this death scene was the epitome of her acting career and something she is most proud to be a part of. It is such a turning point in the entire storyline when it comes to Jesse and Walt's character development

[@alwayzchillin0714]

I feel like this is the episode where there was no going back for Walt. The final scene of this episode is iconic! Heisenberg is here to stay.

[@raineyj560]

💯

[@headwound]

(❗️SPOILERS❗️) I mean doesn't Walter himself basically say that in Fly? That the perfect moment for him to die was in this episode when he was watching the documentary about elephants or smth. If he had died, Jane would probably still be alive, his family would be rich, the plane crash would've never happened I mean the list goes on

[@gregory3499]

She brought that on her self. I'm on Walts side.

[@gregory3499]

@@headwound cant stand when people blame walt for the plane crash. I blame Jane for most of the bad shit that happens after Jesse meets her. If Jesse wasn't high walt doesnt have to break in and they get the deal done. Clean. Jane is the reason for everything that goes down.

[@headwound]

@@gregory3499 Then sit down. Idc

[@oliverhughes610]

The acting in this episode from everyone involved is so good. John de Lancie does a great job as Jane's dad (any Blizzard fans may recognise him as the voice of Alarak in Starcraft 2/Heroes of the Storm). Aaron Paul and Kristen Ritter really sell the excitement of coming into that much money. And Bryan Cranston is just unreal throughout.

[@ankhtahr1401]

And for most Star Trek fans he will always be the fantastic character Q. What a great actor. But on the other hand, I feel like Breaking Bad only has great actors.

[@nicholasloduca6668]

He's also the voice of Desmond Miles' Dad in the first few Assassin's Creed games I believe too

[@mattoscientisuto5525]

He’s the voice for Discord from my little pony as well lol. Iconic villain in the series

[@shocbomb23]

They do a hell of great job showing what it's like when 2 hard core drug addicts run into a large amount of $.

[@saylosrelyks8645]

His voice work as Alarak was so cool, remember hearing it for the first time and saying "this guy's voice is like razors being sharpened by knives."

[@kareningram6093]

This is a big turning point for so many characters in this show, and as dark as things seem right now, they are going to get so, so much darker. And darker. And darker. But on the plus side, you're about to be introduced to my favorite character of the show, Mike. So that's nice.

[@mimin1331]

yeeeeeessssa mikeeee

[@sandwich1734]

He's mine too, he's just a relatable character. He only does things for his family

[@flameracer93]

Pretty sure he went back to Jesse's place after the conversation in the bar because he sees Jesse as a nephew/son, and the conversation convinced him to try and fix his relationship with Jesse.

[@kaitlinsullivan3134]

When it comes to directors, keep an eye out for Michelle MacLaren. She directs some all time greats in Breaking Bad and a bunch of other series. If I see her name in the credits, I know to be excited and terrified.

[@johnny-vu6rl]

same with Rian Johnson

[@gwenkay8218]

Also - she directs a lot of the best eps of “Better Call Saul”!!

[@CraigKostelecky]

This episode hits hard for me. About a year after I watched it, my then wife had a near fatal overdose in front of our four young children (oldest was 8 at the time). I don't know how long she was out before I got home from work, but I do recall thinking of this episode before I dialed 911. It was probably only a second delay at most before I did dial, but I explicitly remember thinking if I did what Walt did if we'd be better off in the long run for it. We are now almost six years later and there have been many more downs with her health, but there have also been glimpses of hope that she might just figure it out after so many failures. I know that even if I had to do it over again, I still would have called 911 just as quickly, but I do go back to that day every so often in my head and wonder what if...

[@Ashjohnsonm8]

“These characters they just find a way to be in each others gravitational pull of destruction” I love that you said that right before the next episode

[@dsembr]

This was Colin Buckey's first episode that he directed, and he directs one episode in each of the next 3 seasons.

[@ankhtahr1401]

That scene was tough to film for Bryan Cranston. He said in later interviews, that when he looked at Krysten Ritter, he imagined his daughter in her place.

[@gandhialwaysleavesanonion679]

Its so strange cause this happened to Daniel Day Lewis the last time he ever performed in theater a long time ago, he completely lost it and had to leave the stage i believe

[@Hoobyj]

I think it's been established Walt cares about Jessie by now. When he took back his decision to "take care" of Splooge, he didn't do it because it made business sense - he did it because he wanted to protect Jessie's innocence and mental health. You can see that play out by how concerned he is when he first shows up at Jessie's house. Until he realizes there's still bullets in the gun.

[@Michael_Scarn0403]

Walt saying "nice job wearing the pants " was a callback to when skyler almost caught Jesse moving Emilios body, and Jesse yelled at Walt. "She almost caught me moving Emilio. Nice job wearing the pants in the family!"

[@GimmeJimmy23]

This was the exact moment at which Heisenwalt became Waltzenberg.

[@llorona7847]

I love the details in this show. Walt shows all the love & attention to his daughter by carefully laying her on her side but watches Jane die while falling from her side onto her back. The writing, directing, acting it’s all amazing.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^!

[@adamduhamel9754]

i look forward to these reviews every week. i normally dont enjoy reaction videos. but your passion for the material is obviously genuine . and its like i get to experience my favorite show all over again

[@JamesVSCinema]

happy to hear

[@TehCream]

Crazy episode. One of the biggest things where you see Walt changing. Knowing she’s getting in his way and interfering with his control of Jesse so he just watches her die is insane. Then how it causes an even bigger butterfly effect later on. Just crazy good writing.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^*

[@vladutmarica3765]

It's so cool to watch somebody so passionate about what they enjoy as you are. I'm not as much into cinematography but i resonate on the same level about music and the way you're able to see details and make stories out of thin pieces is really nice.

[@newspooiechannel]

Colin Bucksey directed the episode. He directs another episode in each of the next three seasons and then returns to direct three more episodes in the first two seasons of Better Call Saul. Adam Bernstein goes on to become the most prolific director on the show. He has already directed three episodes and will be directing the next episode, with 8 in total for Breaking Bad and 4 on Better Call Saul. If memory serves me well, I believe he also did a few uncredited pickup shots for another episode in Better Call Saul when one of the actors was injured and had to film their scenes at a later date.

[@EntrEsprit]

Gus words about never trusting a junkie come in play again, if Jane's dad stick with his initial decision this wouldn't have happened, and it's even more tragic when you realise that his speech to Walter about family made Walt visit Jesse's apartment and cause this whole thing

[@AceCorban]

That foreshadowing from earlier with Holly is brilliant. This show uses a lot of different directors. Cranston himself directed a few. I don't think Walt went to Jessie's with any ill-intent. I think his conversation with Jane's dad made him realize he cares about Jessie and I think he went there to reconcile, until things went where they did. This episode is rough. Poor Jane, every person who gets into the orbit of these two ends up having their lives destroyed.

[@stuartwait]

I’ve come to think that Jesse is almost a surrogate son to Walter…even though he loves his own son Walter jr he doesn’t spend much time with him.Jesse in some way is the troubled son that needs his attention,advice etc.

[@AshDub86]

11:10 he is also saying "no" and unhappy about the fundraiser website because of one huge thing that is central to his character, everything he does, and his true subconscious motivations for his actions: Pride

[@Cyber_Noot]

You brought up a really good point about how the camera lingers on characters as they react to something or process what they're feeling. Something about this show is, is that it's really good at capturing those little moments for the characters, the smaller expressions. So you hit the nail on the head basically.

[@TropicalHat420]

One of the hardest episodes of Breaking Bad. So tragic and beautifully well done. Years later, watching it back still hits in new ways.

[@OscarMartinez-fu6jn]

Honestly been wanting you to see this episode because personally Jane dying is like a huge driving force for Jesse after this and Walt just going full throttle

[@tovbyte]

I love the theme in the show of how drugs have the power to corrupt anyone and anything that might have had potential to be something good. Here we see it with Jesse and Jane’s relationship, we saw it with jesse’s friends who at first only hang with him if he has drugs, and we saw it in the drug house family with the neglected child. It’s just heartbreaking to see what dark roads good people can go down in the shadow of addiction. Like you said Walter is also an addict in his own way, only with power and control. The theme will even become more pronounced in the later seasons. It’s a harrowing portrayal of addiction.

[@Wuero1029]

Technically Walt didn't "steal" Jesse's meth because it was both of theirs and Jesse was just holding it since Walt can't have it in his house. That's why he called Walt to tell him it was stolen because it was both of theirs but Jesse was too fucked up to tell Walt where it all was so he ransacked the place looking for it

[@Dublin.655]

This episode was so intense. One of my tops from Season 2. Great acting from everyone.

[@desertrose0027]

I love Bryan Cranston's acting in the scene with Jane's death. He doesn't even say anything, but you can see exactly what Walter is thinking on his face. At first he's concerned and then he gets this look on his face and he's Heisenberg. Suddenly he sees the advantage of the blackmail problem "going away". It's so cold and calculating. Compare this to how he agonized over killing Crazy 8 in Season 1.

[@criert135]

I couldn’t disagree more. I don’t think the blackmail problem is why he lets her die. It’s because he cares about Jesse and he sees a way out from him. He knows Jane got Jesse on heroin and he considers that letting her die will save him. That’s what I think’s running through his mind in that scene, Bryan Cranston talked about it like that in an interview as well.

[@desertrose0027]

@@criert135 fair enough. That does make sense. It is still a rather chilling moment for him though.

[@criert135]

@@desertrose0027 Definitely

[@officialmonarchmusic]

@@criert135 Furthermore, even if Jesse lives, he's going to leave the meth business. I think it's a mix of all three reasons why he lets her die

[@lancedement40]

Just met Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul this past Saturday as they were signing their tequila bottle 'Dos Hombres'. Had to camp out 10 hours outside just to get a minute of their time before I was whisked away, but well worth every second I spent waiting. If I may tell a little story about how amazing Aaron Paul is; I camped out overnight to save a spot and guarantee a bottle for myself and my sister. She couldn't camp out because she has a one year old with down syndrome, and no one she trusts enough to properly watch him. She still showed up early enough with my nephew, and we got inside (everyone around me was very nice about letting her in as well). I was ahead of her, so after I got a picture and moved to the side, I watched my sis talk to Bryan. However, what I couldn't take my eyes away from was Aaron interacting with my nephew. He was matching his energy, following his gaze constantly, smiling and fist bumping my nephew the ENTIRE time they were at the booth. I saw a completely genuine, kind and caring soul in that moment...the eyes don't lie. I gained so much respect for Aaron Paul after this, and I will continue to spread this little moment that I'll always think about when I see him on screen. I wish I could tell him thank you, but he knows the kind of person he is, and now so do I. It's always so nice to see a celebrity not consumed with stardom and fame, he's one of them. Real recognizes real! Thank you to anyone that took the time to read this

[@persephone9177]

The crew actually had to take a 10min. break after that last scene, because of how emotional it was.

[@polopena3337]

In the end you got the answer Jesse is family to Walt. Yes in Walts sick twisted mind Jane dying is going to be better for Jesse than her living also he also benefits from her being death but I think he still thinks more about Jesse in that moment.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@jayalexander3356]

I guess I see the situation differently. He had to let Jane die or he knew she'd take Jesse down with her. I think he does have a sort of twisted affection for Jesse.

[@guero1961]

One of my most memorable episodes from the series, The show will begin picking up pace now

[@Doritheexterminator]

Bryan Cranston stated that this was the hardest scene for him to ever act, because Jane reminded him of his own daughter. In fact, he said that in that exact moment when Jane was chocking to death he saw his daughter's face on her, so probably most of his reaction is genuine.

[@acrobat89]

I guarantee you that by the end of the series, you're not going to forget Heisenberg's name anymore.

[@MJKeenan30]

You're god damn right.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@iCortex1]

I'm so happy you're this hyped about this series!! Hard to believe but it does get better and better til the end

[@jamie4892]

It's so refreshing to see a reactor (especially a male reactor) see through Walt's BS in how he justifies doing what he does and not see him as some type of hero or anti-hero. Great insights and reactions! Can't wait to see your reactions for S3 to S5 and BCS! Also the director for the episode is Michelle Maclaren and this was her first episode. She would go on to direct more episodes than any other director for BB and has been nominated for multiple major awards. Iirc, she also became a producer from season 3 onward. EDIT: I stand corrected. Michelle directed ep 9 not 12.

[@antirevengineer784]

Michelle Maclaren's first (and only) directing credit for S2 is for E9, "4 Days Out"; she didn't direct this episode (though she did end up directing the most episodes, a total of 11 when the series finished). This episode is directed by Colin Bucksey (his first - he did one ep per season in seasons 2, 3, 4 and 5.1), as can be seen from the onscreen credit at 6:56 that James mentions.

[@jamie4892]

@@antirevengineer784 My bad, you're right! I got my eps mixed up! Sorry about that!

[@thomasortom2352]

Perfect timing 🎉 I was literally just watching one of you’re older videos

[@JamesVSCinema]

Ay hope you enjoy this one! 🤘🏽

[@TheUnknownDungeon]

As a former heroin addict, the scene where Jesse first tries it is a pretty accurate representation. Being hit with euphoria so powerful that you literally feel weightless and are in total awe. If heaven exists, everyone is on heroin lol.

[@DeterminedFC]

sounds like hell to me

[@hardcorehistorybuff5230]

former? still sounds like youre on it

[@maxs2480]

this comment not helping for recovering addicts 🤣

[@Siggy29]

@@hardcorehistorybuff5230 bruh do you not know how these things work? People will always get the urges to do these things. Just because someone stops using something that doesn’t mean they have to lie about how good it feels regardless

[@hardcorehistorybuff5230]

@@Siggy29 lmao did i hit a nerve haha

[@zacharypadron783]

I absolutely love the names of the episodes in this show. I haven’t seen anyone comment this but this episode is named Phoenix, and Jane died while Holly was born in this episode.

[@elliott389]

I like to think that there is a little bit of looking out for Jesse in letting Jane die. Obviously he is concerned about the blackmail but he had just come from talking with Jane's father about never giving up on family, and he was going there to try to make amends with Jesse. He was worried about what them doing heroin together might lead to for Jesse. Still inexcusable of course

[@ganjiblobflankis6581]

It's Heisenburg, the guy with the Uncertainty Principle named after him. Walter White has two exclusive states: Walt/Mr White and Heisenburg. At certain points, when he interacts with other people you can measure him with varying certainty to be in one or the other of those states. The rest of the time, he is both until some measurement forces him into one state or the other again. The show takes a very rigorous scientific principle and poetically uses it to describe an extreme version of an interpersonal reality we all experience when people act in a shocking way.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^!

[@matthollands7771]

I've watched a lot of reactors react to the last scene, and I can honestly say yours is by far my favorite so far!

[@AshDub86]

Hits harder because he just had that conversation with Jane's dad at the bar, and just had a baby girl himself, like WTF. I also really appreciate the lingering shots in eps like these.

[@bobbyreyes7474]

Great episode! Think about it why would Walt save Jane? She knows too much and is a problem for him and even Jesse. Walt was right when he said they would be dead in a week with all that cash.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^!

[@jakefromstatefarm6969]

You can't know for sure what the future would be for them. If Jane's dad managed to get them into rehab, and jesse got away from walts influence they could have ended up ok. I mean the only reason jane backslid was because of jesse, and the only reason he backslid was because a close friend of his was murdered. Getting away from that might stop them from backsliding in the future. Anyways, as to the question 'why would walt save jane?' the answer is that letting someone die when you could save them is a really immoral thing to do. Even when justifying his actions, you have to admit walt chose to do a terrible thing for selfish reasons.

[@Hurricane_Manners]

A couple of months ago I left a comment saying how much I enjoy reliving Breaking Bad vicariously through your channel and that there will be upcoming episodes that will leave you speechless. I know you can't literally be speechless but I'll settle for, "I don't know what to say" ;) Great reaction as always.

[@lanagievski1540]

At this point in the show, I was completely done with believing Walt could have some kind of redemption and he was already on the most thin of ice already. On the other side of the coin, this was when I wanted Jesse to not only survive the series but get out completely because his life has only gotten worse since Walt entered into it.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@bentowle3478]

The thought that career criminals probably lead some of the most stressful lives possible brings me a lot of joy ngl

[@TheGourdKing]

My brother got to watch this episode a few days before me but I'll never forget how haunted he was after seeing it. He wouldn't say what it was but he just seemed so sickened and upset. Then I saw why and understood.

[@biandito]

man I watch your movie reactions and I’m gonna hop on brbad and barry! happy the channel is doing good

[@azcactus2008]

Even though I have watched this complete series numerous times, your observations helped me see the series from a different perspective. Thanks for the good work.

[@TJinMO]

Heisenberg's name will always be associated with his theory of quantum mechanics, published in 1925, when he was only 23 years old. For this theory and the applications of it which resulted especially in the discovery of allotropic forms of hydrogen, Heisenberg was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for 1932.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@Spartannex]

This show is so good but gives me so much anxiety lol. It continues to get better which is amazing.

[@The.Pickle]

6:33 It tickles me to see John de Lancie in this, with a kid. John de Lancie played "Q," an omnipotent being from Star Trek Next Generation, who tormented Captain Pickard and the Enterprise crew and wanted to have a child with Janeway from Star Trek Voyager...I guess he did it lol. The thought of Q messing around in the Breaking Bad universe makes me laugh.

[@astherphoenix9648]

walt came over to be father figure to jesse, help him and 'not give up' on him. but as you said, heisenberg who sees jane as a obstacle took over as soon as the opportunity to get rid of her appeared

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^!

[@leogothisoscar271]

A lot of people say the real Heisenberg began when he let Jane die, but there have been glimpses of him since the first episode, such as when he went after the guys that were making fun of Walt Jr., blowing up that guys car, certain moments of anger throughout, etc. In my mind, Heisenberg has ALWAYS been there, just doing something dangerous and against his norm (getting into the meth game) let him start coming out.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^!

[@jakefromstatefarm6969]

It's because heisenberg isn't some alter ego like a lot of people seem to think. 'Heisenberg' is just walt when he allows himself to act on his worse emotions which he usually keeps hidden away. He's like a volcano that's been dormant up until the pilot and erupts sporadically since then, increasing in frequency and intensity as the show goes on. But even when he was dormant the hot magma was still there beneath the surface. I think when people talk about heisenberg as if it's a separate entity it shifts the blame away from walt and that's not right.

[@pinkninja1410]

I was excited to see your reaction to this one and you did not disappoint once again lmao

[@thebigshep]

I had generally enjoyed the show up to this point when I first watched it, but the final scene in this episode locked me in

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@gn0megirl]

just have to say that i seriously look forward to every video in this breaking bad series you post! and your other content in general, of course. i love movies and shows, but feel like some people can be pretentious about cinema. but you are so genuinely passionate, informed, creative, and just a joy to watch. thanks for all the great videos, man!

[@JamesVSCinema]

that’s a vibe!

[@formdusktilldeath]

And this where it starts.

[@BrandonWestfall]

Yup...that's the episode I've been waiting for. It makes you realize how much Walt has changed.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@themistoklestheodosopoulos6253]

I think the thing with this character and all flawee anti heroes really is that we as viewers understand* the point of the character is to appreciate their nuance and how complicated people can be but as people ourselves we are just too tempted to view the characters as either good or bad. You have people who make excuses for characters like Walter White and they almost like glorify their stupidity. But then you also have people who just view them all as shitty people from head to toe. Like Walter didn't "really" care about his family it was all about him. As if it can't be both.

[@chiphandz991]

This 100%. It annoys me so much to see people try to oversimplify characters like Walt. Yes, he’s insecure, ego driven, and extremely manipulative, but he also deeply loves those in his life and often puts himself in harms way for their sake. Theirs more nuance to him, as with all of the characters in the BB and BCS. Both can be true.

[@jamo8378]

"Iv'e tried 10 years of love and understanding. Maybe what you need is to dry out in a jail cell...." ...............sounded just like my dad. Which I am VERY grateful for.

[@CraigKostelecky]

Colin Bucksey directed this episode and it was his first time behind the camera for Breaking Bad. You will see him again for episodes 308, 404, and 506 (no comments about those episodes until we get there).

[@wrfg8025]

FINGER IN A WEEK

[@hotsauce69247]

Waltuh…

[@Sheamuscz]

I've said it a couple of times, I'm saying it again: as you can see, it gets better and BETTER. The acting is so good it can make you forget that it's fictional.

[@thrownot5740]

Ah yes Jesse, the famous castles of New Zealand

[@anthonyzarate9807]

Hey James, love your reactions. While Walt has definitely developed the "Heisenberg" persona, and it comes out of him when necessary, that wasn't the case in the classroom. When Jessie shows up to confront "Mr. White" about the crystal being taken and his share of the money, Walt takes on his 3rd persona. That is the "concerned father" one that he has for Jessie. Walt was very concerned, disappointed and very upset with Jessie, more because of the serious drug use and the parh he was headed down. Yes, Walt was pissed becaue he missed the birth of his daughter and they almost missed the deal of a lifetime, but ultimately was very worried about where Jessie was headed (once he got the deal done and seen his baby).

[@ChezizzleRocks]

this is an episode that i keep coming back to even after watching the series multiple times. This is when Walt really switches for me personally.

[@victorewah2659]

Walt does genuinely care about Jessie but Jessie has a habit of behaving as an untrained pet that shits everywhere in your place, so you can't help but be tempted to take out your aggressions in some way while in the process of trying to provide them the appropriate guidance to stop them from f*cking up constantly. lol

[@wozing]

That scene gave me chills. There's just so much going on and so many characters affected. It's just Insane.

[@jond7972]

You keep uploading these right about the time I get off work on Tuesdays. I'm always ready man as soon as I get home I smoke a bowl and press play

[@JamesVSCinema]

Love it g!

[@tankmaster1018]

20:21 I like how every single thing you said there is exactly what happened, just not in the way you thought it was gonna!

[@beerme8949]

I think the reason they make such point to keep on their faces in certain situations is because of just how incredible the acting is. I would say it kinda stays that pattern since they recognized how great the cast really is. Maybe to let them showcase it or be creative in their craft. Idk just a thought. I have never seen a show in my opinion where the acting is so superb from literally every character big or small. I know alot has to do with script and writing. But still blows me away.

[@nem447]

been waiting for this episode from the moment you started season two, you did not disappoint 😆

[@Eowyn187]

Walt missed his baby's birth because Jesse was out of it. It was IMPERATIVE that the deal take place. Not doing that would've been catastrophic. Just think about the scenario if he hadn't done it. THAT'S why he missed the birth of his daughter.

[@anelentraying6949]

Can’t get enough of these reactions ❤️

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@nickc127]

It sucks that, for once, Walt felt bad and went over there to work out things with Jesse and then that happens.

[@OpenMawProductions]

The thing with the Walter stealing the meth is actually very true to life in the mob. The mob expects you to put the family above everything else. Period. No arguments. That is one of the horrible trade offs of being in the criminal world. 10:30 to be fair, Jesse did drop the ball. He was getting high, just like Gus told Walter. "You can't trust a junkie." As to Walt's motives. It was, in the beginning, about trying to have something for his family, but the moment he got the good news, any pretense of that being the case went out the window. I do think he sincerely started out thinking "I'm gonna die, I need to take care of my family." The justifications became foggier and foggier with each development, including his former coworkers offering to help. That rubbed his ego.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^

[@seekermel3079]

R.I.P. Jane. You had no idea who you were threatening with possible future blackmail.

[@dlweiss]

I feel like that moment when Walt hangs up on Jesse without a word is actually even worse than just "Walt doesn't care about Jesse." I think it's Walt thinking: "This screwup junkie was so stoned he doesn't even remember I was there yesterday, so his punishment is that I'm gonna leave him to stew in his own guilt and anxiety for awhile longer. He doesn't deserve the release that would come from me revealing it was me who broke in and took the meth."

[@josephclay7315]

Hell. yes. It's tuesday, I'm back from class, i have food and I KNOW JAMES JUST UPLOADED BB

[@jaym10918]

Just a little trivia - the bell ring on Flynn's website is the same sound as Hector Salamanca's bell.

[@josephclay7315]

There is an interview where both main actors specifically said that this episode was the one that hurt them the most. Cranston said he imagined it was his own daughter and it made him cry for much longer than on camera.

[@mai-anhle4395]

side note, Heisenberg is actually a famous physicist in history. If you're interested, look him up. I don't think the writers chose this name by accident.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@Tyrantofthewind]

I feel like this really is the turning point for Walter White as a character. Prior to this he had darker elements but he really was as much of a junkie as Jesse, constantly chasing that adrenaline high post-cancer diagnosis. But the decision to let Jane die was done in opposition to his natural inclination - he had to intellectually restrain himself from saving her.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@coyotelong4349]

This is one of those pivotal episodes in the series 🙌 So well-done, well-acted and well-directed

[@llamadice1]

I know this was filmed ages ago but Walt didn’t lie to Jesse about taking the drugs, he left voicemails but that subtle notion is easy to glance over during moments of commentary

[@HobbesTWC]

great video James. I love that camera movement revealing Ted in the background. Walt's choices have led him down a path where not only is he absent from his family (imagine missing the birth of your own daughter in order to sell meth!), but he's also replaced by another man which for a guy with such massive ego issues as Walt must hurt. All this said through the visual language of cinema. At least that's my take.

[@Wafellow0-Text]

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙢𝙚👉𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 You are selected among my giveaway winners 🎁🎄🎄🥳🎁^^^^°

[@Tigermania]

James "treats Jesse like a dog on a leach", if only you knew what we know :) amazing observation though.

[@dariodelvoije]

I thought about the same thing lol

[@TUSKEN_KUSH]

This is like the moment when Michael corleone gunned down the 2 dudes in the restaurant in godfather. It’s the moment when the “good man” dies and you start becoming what you hate.

[@nicholasloduca6668]

Hi James, are you planning on watching El Camino (the Netflix Breaking Bad movie) follow-up after you finish though? I highly recommend it as I think it does a really nice job rounding off the final character arcs/moments for the show and closes everything out

[@helvete_ingres4717]

I thought it felt completely pointless

[@MegaMilenche]

@@helvete_ingres4717 Hardly pointless. It showed Jesse going from hunted, wounded animal to a man at peace, letting go of past hurts and forgiving.

[@elwyndude]

There are plenty of react channels for BB but I find your channel James to offer more in depth or a richer experience. I have seen BB 2 or 3 times now and its so enjoyable to watch it through someone elses eyes, especially with someone with such insights and great perspective. AND great reactions. Keep up the great work sir. 🎵Purple jacket pocket full of weed 🎶 love it

[@JamesVSCinema]

Love this! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@JK.47]

You called him Eisenhower damn . It's Heisenberg