Breaking Bad Analysis

In this increasingly media-driven society, competition in the entertainment industry to create the next big hit is fierce; it seems as though new shows assault our televisions in a ceaseless stream. Despite this influx of shows, it oftentimes feels as though nothing exceptional is offered to viewers; ideas are simply reused instead of created. Every now and again, however, audiences are wholly captivated by a show with a brilliance that far surpasses its competitors. When thinking of notable shows-- both older and more recent ones-- several come to mind, but throughout the entirety of television's history, it is 2008 that lays claim to the beginning of what may be the greatest show to ever air on television: Vince Gilligan's Breaking Bad. For …show more content…
With the amazing character development that takes place throughout the series combined with a cast of talented actors who play their parts wonderfully, Breaking Bad presents the public with characters that are relatable, realistic, engaging, and capable of change as well as throwing viewers into emotional turmoil. When Walter White is first introduced to viewers, he was perceived as an intelligent but sad man who was caught in life's vicious grip. We could all relate-- to some extent-- to the intimate-less marriage, to the dead-end job, to the seemingly endless barrage of unfortunate events. At the beginning, we felt the need to side with Walter; to hate his wife, Skylar, for scolding his suspicious behavior; to fall in love with his goofy drug-abusing sidekick and ex-student, Jesse. But as the series went on, we noticed something that many shows lack; a gradual change in their personalities. Walter was no longer what we thought he was-- he had become a monster, devoid of the morals and inhibitions we thought he possessed at the beginning of the series. Skylar was the voice of reason that wanted to protect the family. Jesse had become more mature and unstable as he furthered his partnership with his manipulative former teacher. The show's …show more content…
Each episode depends on one another and exists merely as another piece of the bridge that will lead its viewers over the water. Its story has the same sense of purpose and meaning of a story that can be found in a great piece of literature, and is one of the few shows to date with a finale that matches the rest of the show with equal superiority.

Breaking Bad truly is a masterpiece and a game-changer in the drama genre-- and in television shows in general, for that matter. It gives audiences an immersive story with dynamic characters, a story that ignores the standard code set for television shows. It is arguably the crowned jewel of television at the moment, as close to perfection as any show has come, and its originality has set a new precedent for future