“Breaking Bad,” created by Vince Gilligan, is often regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time. Its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and dark themes of morality have captivated audiences worldwide. However, for newcomers or even long-time fans revisiting the show, it can be difficult to know exactly how to watch “Breaking Bad” in the best way possible. The series, which aired from 2008 to 2013, is often watched in the standard order of its original air dates. But are there other viewing strategies that could enhance the experience?
In this article, we will explore the best ways to watch “Breaking Bad,” from the traditional release order to alternative viewing methods. We’ll break down the show’s structure, the importance of each season, and the potential impact of watching it in a non-linear fashion. Additionally, we will look at the connection between “Breaking Bad” and its prequel series, “Better Call Saul,” and how watching these two series together can provide a deeper understanding of the story and its characters.
Watching “Breaking Bad” in the Original Airing Order
The traditional way of watching “Breaking Bad” is to follow its original release order. This is the method by which most fans experienced the show when it first aired. The series consists of five seasons, with each season consisting of multiple episodes that build on the story and character development.
Season 1 introduces viewers to Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. The first season is brief, with only seven episodes, but it sets the stage for the transformation of Walter into the infamous Heisenberg. The season begins with Walter’s diagnosis of terminal cancer, setting in motion his decision to enter the criminal world. From there, the show gradually explores the consequences of his actions, relationships with others, and his descent into criminality. Watching the first season first gives audiences a clear understanding of Walter’s motivations and the beginnings of his moral corruption.
As you move through the remaining seasons, the complexity of the plot increases. Season 2 delves deeper into Walter’s partnership with Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), a former student who becomes his business partner in the meth trade. Their partnership and dynamic are central to the show’s development, with each character evolving as the series progresses. Season 3 ramps up the stakes as Walter and Jesse’s operation grows, introducing new characters such as Gustavo Fring (Giancarlo Esposito), the calculating drug kingpin who becomes a major antagonist.
Season 4 culminates in a high-stakes battle between Walter and Gus, one of the most memorable arcs of the series. Walter’s actions and decisions throughout the show become increasingly darker, as he begins to lose his humanity in pursuit of power and money. Season 5 is divided into two parts, showcasing Walter’s complete transformation into Heisenberg, his rise to power, and ultimately, his downfall.
Watching “Breaking Bad” in the original airing order allows you to experience the gradual build-up of tension and drama, as well as the complex character arcs. The emotional and narrative payoff of the final season is incredibly rewarding when you’ve followed the characters’ journey from the beginning.
Watching “Breaking Bad” in Chronological Order
While the original airing order is the most straightforward way to watch “Breaking Bad,” some fans prefer to watch the show in chronological order, which means viewing the episodes based on the timeline of events rather than the order in which they aired. This alternative method can provide a different perspective on the story and characters, as it allows you to follow the events as they occur in the world of the show.
Watching “Breaking Bad” in chronological order may change the pacing and tone of the show. Since the series is full of flashbacks and time jumps, watching the events as they unfold in real-time can create a different emotional experience. However, it’s important to note that this order might spoil certain plot twists and diminish some of the mystery that is built throughout the show. The suspense in “Breaking Bad” is a key element of its storytelling, and rearranging the episodes could take away from the impact of certain revelations.
Additionally, watching in chronological order doesn’t allow for the gradual buildup of tension that occurs when watching the show in its original airing order. Key developments and shifts in the characters’ motivations may feel less impactful when viewed out of sequence. For example, Walter’s slow transformation into Heisenberg is one of the most compelling aspects of the show, and seeing his decline without the buildup of the preceding seasons could reduce the emotional weight of his journey.
Ultimately, watching “Breaking Bad” in chronological order can provide a different perspective on the characters and events, but it may not offer the same emotional impact and suspense as the original airing order. It’s a method worth considering for fans who have already watched the series and are looking for a new way to experience the story.
Watching “Breaking Bad” Alongside “Better Call Saul”
Another viewing option for fans is to watch “Breaking Bad” alongside its prequel series, “Better Call Saul.” “Better Call Saul,” which premiered in 2015 and concluded in 2022, follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) into the morally questionable lawyer Saul Goodman, who becomes involved with Walter White and the criminal world depicted in “Breaking Bad.”
Watching both series simultaneously can offer a deeper understanding of the characters, their motivations, and their relationships. Since “Better Call Saul” begins before “Breaking Bad,” it provides important context for the characters and events in the latter series. For example, the character of Gus Fring is introduced in “Better Call Saul” and is shown in greater detail, giving viewers a more comprehensive understanding of his actions and influence in “Breaking Bad.” Similarly, characters like Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) and Hector Salamanca (Mark Margolis) play significant roles in both series, and watching “Better Call Saul” provides valuable background on their actions and histories.
The prequel series also explores the world of the cartel and the criminal justice system, offering insight into the events that lead up to the rise of Walter White and his involvement in the drug trade. Watching both series together allows viewers to follow the characters’ paths in a more chronological order, starting with Jimmy’s early days as a lawyer and progressing through the events that lead to the rise of Heisenberg.
For those who have already seen “Breaking Bad” and want to explore more of the world that Vince Gilligan created, watching “Better Call Saul” provides additional layers of depth to the story. It enhances the experience of watching “Breaking Bad” by offering background information and character development that might not be fully explained in the original series.
The Impact of Watching “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” Together
Watching “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” in tandem can significantly enrich your viewing experience. Since both series are set in the same universe and share many of the same characters, watching them together allows for a more complete understanding of the world and its complex relationships. The two shows complement each other, with “Better Call Saul” providing important backstory and context for the events that unfold in “Breaking Bad.”
One of the key benefits of watching both series together is that it allows you to see the full arc of characters like Saul Goodman, Mike Ehrmantraut, and Gus Fring. In “Better Call Saul,” you get to see Saul’s transformation from a well-meaning, struggling lawyer into the morally corrupt character that viewers come to know in “Breaking Bad.” Mike’s character, who is already a major player in “Breaking Bad,” is given much more depth and complexity in the prequel series. Gus Fring’s rise to power is also explored in “Better Call Saul,” providing a more detailed look at how he became the criminal mastermind who plays a significant role in the downfall of Walter White.
Watching both shows in tandem also helps to build suspense and anticipation for the events in “Breaking Bad.” Since you know where the story is headed, you can watch “Better Call Saul” with a sense of foreshadowing, picking up on subtle clues and details that will later have significant consequences in “Breaking Bad.” This approach enhances the experience for fans who are already familiar with the world and characters of “Breaking Bad,” as it allows them to delve deeper into the motivations and actions that lead to the events of the original series.
The Ultimate Viewing Experience: A Combination of Both
The ultimate viewing experience for fans of “Breaking Bad” is a combination of watching the series in its original order, while also incorporating “Better Call Saul” as a companion piece. Starting with “Breaking Bad” and then following up with “Better Call Saul” after finishing the original series provides the most traditional and satisfying approach. However, for those looking to explore the world of “Breaking Bad” in a more comprehensive way, watching both shows simultaneously can offer a deeper understanding of the characters, story arcs, and motivations behind the actions of the protagonists.
This combined viewing approach not only enhances the storylines and character development but also enriches the experience of watching both series. By the end of the journey, viewers can appreciate the full extent of the transformation of characters like Walter White and Jimmy McGill, while also gaining insight into the intricate world of the criminal underworld that drives the plot of both series.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to watch “Breaking Bad” in its original airing order, in chronological order, or alongside “Better Call Saul,” each viewing method offers a unique perspective on the story and characters. The original airing order remains the most popular choice, as it allows viewers to experience the show as it was intended, with suspense and character development unfolding at a natural pace. However, for those looking to explore the world of “Breaking Bad” more deeply, watching the series alongside its prequel can offer new insights and enrich the experience. Ultimately, the best way to watch “Breaking Bad” depends on your preferences, but no matter how you choose to experience it, the show remains a masterpiece of storytelling that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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