Breaking Bad | S3 E10 | Fly

I think "Fly" is definitely a very funny episode and a great ep in general! It's peak Walt and Jesse dynamic which they lean into a lot with the jokes and editing, Walt's annoying neuroticism is on full display, they build a lot of tension when Walt almost gets himself into trouble while high (again!), and there are some great character moments. I like Jesse's story about the racoon. You think it's just another random, meandering thought; but it's slowly revealed that, really, Jesse is broaching a really tough topic in a sensitive, thoughtful way. I also like Walt's monologue about the right time to die. It's tragic, shows very good acting from Brian Cranston, and is the first time in a while that we are invited to empathize with him. Like you said, I think it is probably important for the audience to understand that all of this does have a real effect on his mental. Then there's also the fly which they set up as a memorable visual motif which recurs in the show, and they do a really good job of tying it to the word "contamination." Something about the visual of Jesse climbing up the ladder while Walt clings to the bottom and tries to apologize really works for me too. I think it's a little silly when people say it's their favorite episode of the show, just because BrBa has so many spectacular episodes, but it is good! It's a shame it has a relatively low IMDB rating, the worst of the series. I think much like 6x10 of BCS, it's just frustrating to take a break like that when watching it live. I was happy to see someone enjoy it and laugh at the funny parts. Sometimes, people are (probably rightfully) too jaded about him at this point to laugh at what would be some of Walt's more goofy, endearing, human traits under different, less-contaminated circumstances. DAFW!

Forrest