Half Measures

Episode Summary & Review

Summary

Jesse ignores Walt’s advice and finds himself in a dangerous situation. Fearing for Jesse’s safety, Walt takes drastic measures to try to put things right. And tragedy strikes following an unexpected confrontation.

Our Take

“No more half measures, Walter.” Mike’s speech — the story of a domestic abuser he should have killed and the woman who died because he didn’t — is the season’s thesis delivered in a monologue, and Walt takes it as gospel. Jesse’s plan to poison the dealers who used a child (Tomás) as a shooter forces the confrontation: Walt, racing to intercept Jesse, runs over the two dealers and shoots the survivor in the head. The final ninety seconds are the hinge of the entire series: Walt chooses Jesse’s war as his own, in full view of the organization.