Season Guide
Breaking Bad — Season 5
Season 5 Review
With Gus Fring dead, Walt’s transformation from well-meaning family man to ruthless drug kingpin is nearly complete. Forming a partnership with Jesse and Mike, Walt proceeds to make a killing in the meth business until the fruits of his murderous schemes are threatened by a new development in the investigation led by his relentless brother-in-law Hank.
Season Review
The endgame: Mike’s exit, the empire business, Heisenberg at full height — and then Hank on the toilet, Ozymandias (the best hour of television ever broadcast), the knife fight, New Hampshire, and Felina, the finale that lets Walt admit the truth before finishing his business with a machine gun and a lab. Sixteen episodes, zero misses.
Episodes
1
SummaryIn the series 5 premiere, Walt deals with the aftermath of the explosion, while Hank wraps up his investigation of Gus and his criminal empire.Our TakeThe magnet heist: Walt, Jesse,…
2
SummaryWalt and Jesse seek out an unlikely partner for a new business venture. The DEA follows up new leads in its investigation.Our TakeMadrigal's layers: Lydia Rodarte-Quayle, the corporate executive whose…
3
SummaryWalt and Jesse put a business plan into action. Walt confesses a secret to Marie.Our TakeThe mobile cook: the fumigation company as cover — Walt and Jesse cooking inside houses…
4
SummaryWalt celebrates another birthday. Skyler considers her options. An associate complicates Walt and Jesse's plan.Our TakeWalt's 51st birthday: a party nobody wants, a car he buys his son as an…
5
SummaryWalt's team must get creative to obtain the materials they need to continue their operation.Our TakeThe train heist: methylamine siphoned from a tanker car in the desert, staged with Sorcerer-grade…
6
SummaryWalt, Jesse, and Mike struggle over the future of their business, as occupational hazards weigh on Jesse.Our TakeThe buyout: Jesse and Mike want out (sell the methylamine, take the payday,…
7
SummaryWalt takes control of business matters as Mike grapples with the consequences of his actions.Our TakeMike's exit: the lawyer flip, the names, the bag of money for his granddaughter that…
8
SummaryWalt ties up loose ends. Seeing the evidence of his success, he makes a startling and dangerous decision.Our TakeThe empire montage: cooks stacked like a stock reel, money baled like…
9
SummaryAs Walt and Jesse adjust to life out of the business, Hank grapples with a troubling lead.Our TakeThe trap: Hank, knowing, plays calm long enough to confirm; Walt, spooked, hides…
10
SummaryWhile Skyler's past catches up with her, Walt covers his tracks. Jesse continues to struggle with his guilt.Our TakeOzymandias. Directed by Rian Johnson, written by Moira Walley-Beckett, and it is…
11
SummaryJesse decides to make a change, while Walt and Skyler try to deal with an unexpected demand.Our TakeGranite State: Walt in exile — the New Hampshire cabin, the barrel of…
12
SummaryAn unusual strategy starts to bear fruit, while plans are set in motion that could change everything.Our TakeFelina. The perfect ending: the Gretchen-and-Elliott visit (two fake assassins with laser pointers…
13
SummaryThings heat up for Walt in unexpected ways.Our TakeA well-built episode with more hits than misses. Worth your time.
14
SummaryEveryone copes with radically changed circumstances.Our TakeA standout hour — the kind of episode that justifies the whole series. Breaking Bad at the top of its game.
15
SummaryEvents set in motion long ago move toward a conclusion.Our TakeVery good — not the series' peak, but an hour that reminds you why Breaking Bad works.
16
SummaryThe acclaimed crime drama comes to a close in the series finale.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning and the character work pays.