‘Breaking Bad’ Retro Recap: ‘Over’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There is a prevailing belief in modern society, that when we make a career change or life changing decision… we are to stick with said decision. Because we live in a society where changing one’s mind on such matters, is viewed as potential weakness and that perhaps the person making this all-important call… isn’t quite ready to walk the path they’re thinking of walking and well, that’s just stupid. Because the reality of the matter, is that we simply don’t know how a big decision is going to work out for us, which is why it is normal to waffle or waver or wait to make that choice since it is undoubtedly going to alter our lives in all kinds of dynamic ways. For that helps us to truly weigh our options and make sure this is the right path for us and really, this is relevant to our discussion today… simply because this particular process was on full display in the next episode of Breaking Bad.
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Because ‘Over’ saw Walter White second guessing his decision to commit to a career as a drug lord, despite making every effort to go all-in, in prior episodes. And what brought about this concern about continuing down that path, is that Walter had a little time to think and ponder upon his future. For he was in essence, granted a second chance in the last episode, one that would allow for him to take the incredible amount of cash he and Jesse were going to make on their product and live comfortably for years to come. Allowing for him to pursue new endeavors in life and potentially spend more time with his wife and children and well… being able to lead that normal life again and enjoy some benefits for working the system, motivated him to think twice about the drug trade and retire from it.

A decision that seemed as though, it might suit Walter at first. For he was able to finally get a little rest for a change and he no longer had to run around town to cook. Plus, he was able to finally deal with some problems around the house, since he replaced the water heater, and even got some of the superstructure of the house fixed, thanks a little water rot and really, this segment is what brought about the exploration in question. Because Walt was really able to think about where his life was going while he tore out two by fours and installed a new water heater, and this time away gave him perspective on whether or not the commitment he made toward being a drug kingpin was the right one or not and well… in the end, Walt came to realize that being an everyday teacher and dad again just wasn’t for him and he missed the thrill of being a part of something illegal and of being in charge.

Which is why Walt was quick to challenge his brother at a party to celebrate his healing, since it provided him with a chance to once again stick it to the system, since Hank represents everything that Walt cannot stand about the world and of course, it led him to finally abandon his housebound projects and return to the trade… especially after a chance encounter at the hardware store. Since Walt came to learn that others were trying to get in on the Meth business, undoubtedly, to cut in on the craze that Walter and Jesse had created on the street and well, just like that… Heisenberg is back in the game and he’s scarier than ever. Because now Walt knows his worth and what he is capable of, and he has nothing to lose because if things get too hot, he can back away and that means he is going to commit himself to this role completely and continue to rake in the dough and of course… eventually find tragedy.

In the end however, this really was quite the delightful episode when all is said and done. Simply because this once again allowed for the audience and the characters to catch their breath, and it was also a wonderful character growth story. Since Walt’s conflict here was all part of his journey toward the dark side, since he needs to truly abandon the man he was, to completely embrace Heisenberg and everything he is capable of. Plus, it also featured some lovely character moments with Jesse, the kind that showed us he is a hardcore romantic through and through and if it wasn’t for that sequence, we would not have enjoyed a lovely cameo from veteran actor and Star Trek: The Next Generation alum, John de Lancie, and well, all this particular tale does is leave us hungry for more. Since we are all now eager to see, what Walter is going to do without any physical constraints holding him back from taking charge of the meth trade in Albuquerque. Until next time.

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