One of the most consistent themes in Breaking Bad is change. It's reflected in the show's advertising. "Change the Equation," the posters said. Nowhere is this theme more prominent than it is in the mentality of one Walter Hartwell White. After being in full on Heisenberg Mode to conclude last season ("Your boss is gonna need me"), Walt has reverted to the rationalizing, bargaining Walter from seasons past. Not necessarily timid, but not the same sort of criminal genius the Season Four promos would have you believe. At least not yet. Heisenberg is in hibernation. Next week's promo sees the return of the porkpie and a deadly promise from the elusive Heisenberg.
Along the same lines as Walt's chemical shift, Jesse too is acting differently than the end of Season 3 would have you believe. Jesse seems to have (again) fully embraced his self-imposed "bad guy" role, and seems more than ready to meet Gus on the proverbial field of battle, a mentality best symbolized by Jesse locking eyes with Gus during the episode's signature scene.
There isn't really anything I can say about Gus Fring's scene that will do it any justice aside from his first and only line of dialogue. "Get back to work." And did anyone else notice Mike drawing his pistol when Gus did the deed to poor Vincent?
Speaking of Vincent, a fond farewell to both he and Gale Boetticher, who probably have made their final appearances on the show. As great as a show as this is, it was still pretty apparent, with his suddenly increased role, that Vincent wasn't surviving the episode. The "Mature Viewers" advisory that ran directly proceeding didn't help, either. Regardless, his death was memorable, as was the Season 1 callback that was the disposal of his body. Breaking Bad is nothing if not Dark Comedy.
The rest of Clan White had a less eventful episode, highlighted by Skyler becoming continually better at lying for no reason, although I felt her finding the old eyeball from Season 2 a little heavy handed, personally. Hank and Marie had one scene together (although Marie had another minor scene with Skyler), and all it served to do was remind us how destitute Hank is, although his newfound hobby of collecting minerals was an unexpected touch. Who wants to bet that Gomez will bring him Gale's lab notes, and that he'll suddenly feel like walking again?
Breaking Bad has always been, compared to other high level dramas, a small show, cast wise. The purpose of this is to show how Walt's decisions effect those around him. Still, Sunday's episode felt even smaller than normal.* It dealt almost solely with the ramifications of Gale's death, meaning that there wasn't really much room for the side characters. It's not like this is a bad thing, but a little Skinny Pete once in a while never hurt anyone.
*As an aside, it looks like Andrea, Jesse's sort-of girlfriend and sister to Combo's killer Tomas, will be returning next week. I have to confess I hadn't really taken her into account. Maybe she'd want some revenge on Gus, too?
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