1.01 Pilot

Summary and spoilers

Walter is a high school chemistry teacher, but he’s no lightweight – he’s advanced enough to have shared a Nobel Prize somewhere in the past. These days, however, he’s trying to energize bored high school students, and he even has to moonlight in a car wash to make ends meet for his family. His big brain is of no practical benefit, and it seems even more superfluous when he is diagnosed with lung cancer, despite the fact that he doesn’t smoke.

Why does he decide to partner with one Jesse, one of his failed students, to produce MethAmphetamine? On the surface, it doesn’t make sense, but within the context of the story, it does. We don’t know precisely why: is it a mid-life crisis (he just turned 50); the knowledge that he only has 2 years to live; or a way at getting back at his know-it-all brother-in-law cop. Whatever the combination of reasons, he’s going to do this correctly, manufacturing unadulterated, dependable meth prepared in safe conditions (with an eye wash station, no less) as warrants a Nobel Prize winner.

Walt and Jesse decide that their lab would best be located in a newly purchased Winnebago. They park it in a remote desert area and go to work. Trouble follows them when Jesse’s former meth-making partner suspects him of tipping the DEA, and wants in on the action. But Walt is like a Chem Teacher Superhero, using his knowledge of the table of periodic elements as a weapon.

Envigorated by his unusual choice of proaction, Walt finds that he is finally ‘awake’, and his self-confidence grows.

Comments

This could be dark and depressing, given the subject matter, but there’s a flippancy in the storytelling that makes it clear that this is a fable, not fact. Additionally, Walt’s character is a highly appealing downtrodden hero – you want him to succeed, despite his moral ambiguity.

There are plenty of reasons why Walter decides to go into the crystal meth business, but it’s surprising that a man who dedicated his life to science and teaching could ignore the results of meth use (increased violence, crime, death). However, this turn of events is in keeping with the fantasy aspect of the narrative.

In the opening credits, there’s a clever use of periodic table symbols highlighted within the letters of the cast names.

Memorable Moments

• Walt’s unexpected exuberance from living a life gone bad

Quotable Quotes

Marie: So how goes the novel?
Skyler: It’s not a novel, actually, which I –
Marie: You’re not writing a novel? You told me you were.
Skyler: No. Short stories. I said that if eventually I have enough good ones that maybe I’ll try and…publish another collection.
Marie: Those really didn’t sell. I just thought a novel would be easier to sell.
Skyler: Yeah, well, maybe so.
Marie: Ever want me to read anything, I could critique it for you.
Skyler: Oh! No.

Walter: No, this is a volumetric flask; you wouldn’t cook in one of these.
Jesse: Uh, yeah – I do.
Walter: No, you don’t. Volumetric flask is for general mixing and titration. You wouldn’t apply heat to a volumetric flask. That’s what a boiling flask is for. Did you learn nothing from my Chemistry class?
Jesse: No. You flunked me. Remember?
Walter: No wonder.
Jesse: Prick!

"Walt! Is that you?"
- Skyler (surprised at Walt’s new prowess in bed)