Tuco (Raymond Cruz), having abducted Walter & Jesse, drives them to a remote homestead in the desert, where he proceeds to constantly intimidate them. His big plan is to flee with Walter to Mexico and make Walter a meth-cooking slave; he has no real use for Jesse. Meanwhile, Skylar, Hank, Marie, and Walter Jr. Are going to great lengths to find the missing Walter; at this point, they still have no idea of his double life, although the possibility that he is continuing to keep secrets from them IS briefly floated.
Marking the first series appearance for character actor Mark Margolis as the invalid, bell-ringing Tio Salamanca, this whole episode is a true case study in nail-biting tension. Directed with maximum efficiency by actor / director Charles Haid (a.k.a. Renko on 'Hill Street Blues'), this is a well-written and gripping chapter in the ongoing story. You can really see the fear on Walters' and Jesses' faces, as they frantically whisper to each other and try to think their way out of the situation.
The proceedings are thoroughly dominated by an intense Cruz, although Margolis makes quite an impact in his non-speaking role (he communicates through use of a bell on his wheelchair). Tess Harper briefly reprises her role of Jesses' mother, as Hank explores all possibilities of finding his brother-in-law and pays her a visit.
The ending is effectively violent, and satisfying, and fate throws Walter & Jesse another interesting twist when salvation supposedly arrives.
It will be quite intriguing to see how Walter & Jesse try to explain their disappearance in the next episode.
Nine out of 10.
Marking the first series appearance for character actor Mark Margolis as the invalid, bell-ringing Tio Salamanca, this whole episode is a true case study in nail-biting tension. Directed with maximum efficiency by actor / director Charles Haid (a.k.a. Renko on 'Hill Street Blues'), this is a well-written and gripping chapter in the ongoing story. You can really see the fear on Walters' and Jesses' faces, as they frantically whisper to each other and try to think their way out of the situation.
The proceedings are thoroughly dominated by an intense Cruz, although Margolis makes quite an impact in his non-speaking role (he communicates through use of a bell on his wheelchair). Tess Harper briefly reprises her role of Jesses' mother, as Hank explores all possibilities of finding his brother-in-law and pays her a visit.
The ending is effectively violent, and satisfying, and fate throws Walter & Jesse another interesting twist when salvation supposedly arrives.
It will be quite intriguing to see how Walter & Jesse try to explain their disappearance in the next episode.
Nine out of 10.