Ok, in some ways that episode felt a tad slow, given that it represents 1/8th of the total remaining tale. However, the truth is that it furthered things along pretty well, addressed key issues, and set up the remaining story.
Some bullet-point thoughts:
- The trailer was epic. Loved the continuation of the flash-forward we saw at the start of the season and was a bit shocked to see the reveal of the house. Glad to see that Chekhov’s ricin remains in play. Loved the “Heisenberg” graffiti, the shot of Walt in the broken mirror, and the encounter with Carol.
- Nice to start the main episode with a continuation of the last episode and seeing Hank first have a panic attack and then head into Captain Ahab mode.
- I liked the file box montage (and quite a contrast to the meth cooking ones).
- Loved the Star Trek script. I can’t help but think that the fact that Chekov was so prominent in the scenario was a nod to the fact that Vince Gilligan has often referred to the ricin as (as noted above) “Chekov’s ricin.” Great to see Badger and Skinny Pete in any event.
- Could Jesse have looked more tortured?
- The juxtaposition of Walt and his belief he can just move on and Jesse’s guilt over what they had done was well played.
- I was pleased that Jesse was smart enough to have a theory on what happened to Mike.
- How true was this: “I need you to believe me”?
- I was pleased, albeit a bit surprised, that Walt confronted Hank about the GPS device.
- I liked how Hank rattled off the connections between Walt’s behavior and the case.
- “If you really don’t know who I am, perhaps your best course is to tread lightly.”
- Man, Hank looked haggard.
- Minor point: loved the call-back to the RC car (and half expected it to get run-over again).
- Glad all the major characters (and some minor) checked in.
The only thing I would complain about is that I still do not fully buy the Walt-Skyler reconciliation.
Thoughts?
