Something I talked about in my review of the last episode, 'Phoenix', is that actions have consequences in this show. In 'ABQ', Breaking Bad's second season finale, Walt's decision not to save Jane indirectly causes a series of events on a scale he could not have dreamt of. Jane's father, Donald Margolis (played by John de Lancie, who has done some fantastic work as the troubled father in these last few episodes), returns to his job as an air traffic controller and causes an aircraft crash. The flashbacks that began at the start of the season finally become clear.
Now, on a first watch, many people seem to feel almost cheated and let down because they expected a more direct consequence - a cartel explosion perhaps. After watching the episode for a third time, I can honestly say it's one of the best episodes of the season and a completely fitting ending.
Breaking Bad manages to end its second season with a completely shocking turn of events that do indeed feel like an ending, while still leaving numerous threads hanging for season 3 - Gus Fring finding out about Walt having cancer and having a DEA brother-in-law, for instance.
Jesse, much like Donald, struggles to cope in this episode and Aaron Paul does a brilliant job. Just as we lose Jane, a character who reminded me a great deal of Mia Wallace, we get a Wolf-like cleaner who works for Saul, played Jonathan Banks. He is great here in his first scenes and I look forward to seeing more of him.
The confrontation between Walt and Skyler is on the same level as the very best Tony/Carmela moments in The Sopranos. By this point, we are completely invested in these characters and it's difficult, yet brilliant, to watch.
This season has given us some of the best television ever, with 'Phoenix', 'ABQ', 'Grilled', '4 Days Out' and 'Peekaboo' being particular highlights. It is truly an excellent achievement.
Episode: 10/10
Season: 9.5/10
Now, on a first watch, many people seem to feel almost cheated and let down because they expected a more direct consequence - a cartel explosion perhaps. After watching the episode for a third time, I can honestly say it's one of the best episodes of the season and a completely fitting ending.
Breaking Bad manages to end its second season with a completely shocking turn of events that do indeed feel like an ending, while still leaving numerous threads hanging for season 3 - Gus Fring finding out about Walt having cancer and having a DEA brother-in-law, for instance.
Jesse, much like Donald, struggles to cope in this episode and Aaron Paul does a brilliant job. Just as we lose Jane, a character who reminded me a great deal of Mia Wallace, we get a Wolf-like cleaner who works for Saul, played Jonathan Banks. He is great here in his first scenes and I look forward to seeing more of him.
The confrontation between Walt and Skyler is on the same level as the very best Tony/Carmela moments in The Sopranos. By this point, we are completely invested in these characters and it's difficult, yet brilliant, to watch.
This season has given us some of the best television ever, with 'Phoenix', 'ABQ', 'Grilled', '4 Days Out' and 'Peekaboo' being particular highlights. It is truly an excellent achievement.
Episode: 10/10
Season: 9.5/10