The present holder of the 'best on tv' conch, in my opinion.

Premiere was about what I expected, but good. Love the title ("Box Cutter".)

I think I know where this season is going (kill Gus before he kills us)

Gus is not a man to be fucked with. He has the rage and insanity of Tuco, but the wits and the patience that psycho never had. Takes out his #2 man just to prove a point (and because he was seen at the crime scene I guess).

Mike's immediate reaction of shock to the killing of Victor was pretty amazing, with pointing the gun over at Gus/Victor as it was happening. It seemed like there was a bit of "this is unnecessary" in his eyes.

Jesse took so long to speak but it was quite worth it when he did, with the reference to their first body disposal and then the Denny's chat about how everyone's on the same page now.

Not a misstep as far as the eye can see. It's wonderful having the best--wonderfully cinematic--show on TV back.

Was there a reason why Gus killed Victor instead other than Victor being seen by witnesses but I dont think he knew that yet?

Mike filled Gus in on all the goings on, so Gus knew Victor had been seen by people. It seemed to me like he killed Victor for a variety of reasons: failing to protect Gale, being seen by witnesses, thinking he could cook the meth as a fine substitute, and just as a message/demonstration to Walt and Jesse of the power he has over everyone in his employ.

When Gus decides your time is up, that's that, and they should make no mistake that killing Gale gave them the upper hand.

It's real good, as always, though perhaps a bit too self-indulgent. Although I guess when you're one of the best shows on TV (not THE best - I'd still give that to Mad Men), you can afford to indulge a little bit.

It's really the dark comedy, more than anything, that makes this show.

My only criticism is that I wouldn't have taken Hank's legs. The police investigation side of the story chasing the Walt leads was always pretty interesting to me. Bed ridden Hank + Marie looks like it could be more meh. I'd have preferred a walking working Hank who's just more and more screwed up after that shooting. I trust the writers though I guess, that they'll be pushing his side to somewhere interesting

I think Gus just wanted to kill someone too.

And I heard Marie was gonna have an increased role this season. Maybe she'll pick up Hank's investigation? Surely she will become suspicious of Skylar now that she is "involved" with the business.

I'd hoped we were done with Jesse's moronic friends, but I guess not.

Now THIS is a show to get wood over. I love how pretty much nothing happened in this last episode but it's still as riveting as always with easily some of the best direction/cinematography/everything you'll find on TV.

Aaron Paul's knocking it out of the park even moreso this year than last. I wish I had the willpower to not watch for a few episodes so I could have a whole bunch to view, but that would mean a month or so of no Breaking Bad and I can't.

Last two episodes were pretty empty. Scenes from next time showed a bit more movement though. Hopefully they're just doing this to set up the chess pieces nicely for a great season. I do like showing the disintegration of Hank, Marie and Skylar but I'm here for entertainment first

wow

this show keeps getting better and better

As brilliant as 90% of the last two episodes have been, I have to say there's 10% so lazy that it's actually jumped the shark

The crux of the last two episodes have been villains doing something stupid - Don Eladio falling for the OBVIOUS poisoned gift trick, and Gus for no benefit reason at all telling Walt that he's going to kill Hank. There'd be no need for the family kill threaten if he just left his hit in the dark. And finally, Saul really couldn't catch onto the Whites not having enough money left?

Breaking Bad is now a show that cuts corners

Gus drank the poisoned alcohol (first), so it isn't as if Gus showed up with the gift and Don Eladio chugged it down. Based on what we've seen and know things have mostly been in the mutual dislike but co-exist zone between them, not a constant war for the last 20 years, so it seems he simply underestimated the lengths Gus was willing to go for retribution.

As for the Hank thing, Gus could've not said anything and simply killed Hank but from everything we've seen with how Gus taunts Hector I don't think it's hard to conclude Gus likes twisting the knife. There's no "benefit" to letting Hector live, yet Gus allows it because he wants to inflict the pain. He wants Walter dead but since killing him is off the table then he'll settle for torturing Walt with the knowledge that Hank will die specifically because of Walt. Plus, he made it quite clear that if Walter intervenes on Hank's behalf then any no-kill-Walt agreement is nullified--win win.

And come on, Saul is not Walter's accountant. He doesn't know how much is spent on Hank or Walt's medical bills or precisely how much cash Walter has on hand or that Walter was entirely out of the loop on the Ted stuff (I don't think).

I think you're being a little too nitpicky.

what malcolm said

I suppose I can buy the Gus twisting the knife thing for telling him about Hank. I also have a suspicion Gus could've wanted Walt to spill to Hank, that way he just scare the crap out of Hank and place the focus on the Cartel rather than kill him

I'm not buying a reason for Saul not dropping a "Um... you should know Skylar just used 600k before you're sure you have enough money" though.

Insane episode. I think Walt did it. Giveaway is him spinning the gun + Saul searching Jesse + Gus realizing something's up as soon as he heard Brock got poisoned

I dunno, I just don't think Walt is that evil yet. Plus the timing doesn't really work. I guess we'll see next week.

I've watched this scene a few times, lol.