The roller coaster has reached the top and now we are heading toward the bottom. Hank has dug up enough to know that Walt is the guy. Once he knows, he can pick and choose incidents that were confusing before and put two and two together. Jesse has dropped from society and into the depths of depression. He knows his life is worthless. There is a dramatic scene where he drives down a street, throwing bundles of money onto yards and into trees. The major confrontation between the two former buddies is about as nasty as it can get, and Hank must know how dangerous Walter can be. We grew to love these guys through five seasons, even though Walter was as bad as it gets, so whatever happens is going to be hard to take.
35 Reviews
Dean Norris' best performance yet
hitdoctor244 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I'm so glad that I'm watching this show now, and not when it originally aired. Otherwise, the wait between Gliding Over All and Blood Money would've literally killed me. Thankfully, I was able to continue watching it immediately. And man was it great.
The two main plot points of this episode are: 1)Hank now knows that Walt is Heisenberg. He sparks his own investigation because he thinks there's no way it could be Walt. I'll speak more on this at the end of the post. But for now, I'll talk about the other point.
2)Jesse has officially crossed the line from dope slinging thug with a somewhat visible sense of morality, to a full blown good guy with a big heart. In this episode, he decides he wants to get rid of all the money from his share of the work he did with Walt and Mike. He feels guilty for the way he earned it, especially because of that happened to the little boy Drew, hence the title of the episode. He goes to Saul, requesting that the money be given to Mike's granddaughter Kaylee and the parents of Drew Sharpe. This leads into a truly heartbreaking scene involving Jesse and scum bag Walt.
Jesse is distraught, as he speculates that Mike is dead and that Walt knows about it. Walt is able to convince Jesse that he has absolutely no knowledge of Mike's death and that he is probably doing just fine... or so it seems. While Jesse doesn't question Walt's proclamation, he sure as hell seems to have his doubts about how much of what Walt said was truth. Seeing Walt blatantly lie to Jesse like this is so saddening. It really solidifies my hatred for Walter that has been growing since around the time of Crawl Space.
Another great scene with Jesse (one of so many delivered by the great Aaron Paul) has him giving his money to a homeless man. The genuinely honest look in his eyes when he gives the man the money is simply amazing. It really was one of the most emotional and powerful moments of the entire series.
But now back to the Hank issue. Hank makes a pretty big mistake by underestimating Walt and placing a tracker on his car. This arouses suspicion and a direct accusation from Walt because he realizes it's the same type of tracker Hank used on Gus Fring in Season 4. So Walt heads to Hank's for one of the most tension filled moments of Season 5.
Hank wastes no time. As soon as Walt arrives and brings up the tracker, he shuts the garage and beats the crap out of Walter. This was Hank taking out all the frustrations he had. He had driven himself crazy to track down Heisenberg over the last year. He'd risked his life. He'd even worked with Walt. Yet all this time, Heisenberg was right in front of him. This made Hank officially explode with emotions, leading up to an incredible final confrontation in this episode. The way Dean Norris displays his character's disbelief is simply breathtaking, and he deserves to be recognized for that. The last 2 lines of this episode are spine chilling.
Hank:" I don't even know you are."
Walt:" IF you don't know who I am, then I suggest you tread lightly."
Just amazing. Perfect leeway for the next episode. I can't wait for the rest of the season, especially Ozymandias, which I hear is the best episode of the entire series.
The two main plot points of this episode are: 1)Hank now knows that Walt is Heisenberg. He sparks his own investigation because he thinks there's no way it could be Walt. I'll speak more on this at the end of the post. But for now, I'll talk about the other point.
2)Jesse has officially crossed the line from dope slinging thug with a somewhat visible sense of morality, to a full blown good guy with a big heart. In this episode, he decides he wants to get rid of all the money from his share of the work he did with Walt and Mike. He feels guilty for the way he earned it, especially because of that happened to the little boy Drew, hence the title of the episode. He goes to Saul, requesting that the money be given to Mike's granddaughter Kaylee and the parents of Drew Sharpe. This leads into a truly heartbreaking scene involving Jesse and scum bag Walt.
Jesse is distraught, as he speculates that Mike is dead and that Walt knows about it. Walt is able to convince Jesse that he has absolutely no knowledge of Mike's death and that he is probably doing just fine... or so it seems. While Jesse doesn't question Walt's proclamation, he sure as hell seems to have his doubts about how much of what Walt said was truth. Seeing Walt blatantly lie to Jesse like this is so saddening. It really solidifies my hatred for Walter that has been growing since around the time of Crawl Space.
Another great scene with Jesse (one of so many delivered by the great Aaron Paul) has him giving his money to a homeless man. The genuinely honest look in his eyes when he gives the man the money is simply amazing. It really was one of the most emotional and powerful moments of the entire series.
But now back to the Hank issue. Hank makes a pretty big mistake by underestimating Walt and placing a tracker on his car. This arouses suspicion and a direct accusation from Walt because he realizes it's the same type of tracker Hank used on Gus Fring in Season 4. So Walt heads to Hank's for one of the most tension filled moments of Season 5.
Hank wastes no time. As soon as Walt arrives and brings up the tracker, he shuts the garage and beats the crap out of Walter. This was Hank taking out all the frustrations he had. He had driven himself crazy to track down Heisenberg over the last year. He'd risked his life. He'd even worked with Walt. Yet all this time, Heisenberg was right in front of him. This made Hank officially explode with emotions, leading up to an incredible final confrontation in this episode. The way Dean Norris displays his character's disbelief is simply breathtaking, and he deserves to be recognized for that. The last 2 lines of this episode are spine chilling.
Hank:" I don't even know you are."
Walt:" IF you don't know who I am, then I suggest you tread lightly."
Just amazing. Perfect leeway for the next episode. I can't wait for the rest of the season, especially Ozymandias, which I hear is the best episode of the entire series.
Tread Lightly !
UsmanSyed11 August 2013
You might be wondering what the title of this review means but if i told you,that would actually spoil everything.Atlast after almost an year of waiting Breaking Bad returns with a reminder that it still is undoubtedly the king of television.Long awaited things have a way to disappoint its fans with not putting out the expected quality but Breaking Bad starts with an absolute BANG which tells the fans that the wait was worth it.This episode has every element that makes Breaking Bad the best;the acting,the direction,the dialogs and of course the end of the episode is mind blowing.The only thing which is not very good is Walt's future.I am not gonna go into much detail but i can say that Hank is finally out of the toilet and is not very happy..! Good Day !
Chilling
awesomness-9474829 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the best episodes of this show, no doubt. I always liked Dean Norris on this show, but he goes so above and beyond in this episode it's ridiculous. Hank and Walter's scene in the garage can only be described with one word: bone-chilling. Overall, the confrontation at the end was better than I could have ever pictured it.
Top notch acting
Leofwine_draca28 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The first episode back after the mid season finale. Time has moved on and everything's changed, with the characters now more mature and reflective and haunted by their experiences of what's happened before. It all seems to be coalescing into a showdown between Hank and Walt, which leads to a great garage set-piece in which the acting is top-notch.
Breaking TV Apart
theneilrules12 August 2013
Oh man, What a comeback! Breaking Bad is really flying sky high. Perhaps this episode was the most expected one and it certainly delivered. Superb performance by each and every actor. For an episode with so many powerful performances because of the likes of Dean Norris and Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston continues to stun us with his histrionics.
A Powerful episode with performances that will stun you. You cannot miss this one.
Long Live Breaking Bad. I know for sure the finale will be absolutely unexpected.
A Powerful episode with performances that will stun you. You cannot miss this one.
Long Live Breaking Bad. I know for sure the finale will be absolutely unexpected.
Hank knows, Walt knows that Hank knows
Tweekums1 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
After Hank's epiphany at the end of the previous episode he quickly makes his excuses and he and Marie head home. In a state of shock he crashes the car; telling Marie he was clearly less well than he thought. Staying home from work he has files brought to him and starts looking for evidence that Walt really is Heisenberg. Meanwhile Jesse is sitting at home wracked with guilt, he decides he doesn't want anything to do with the money so instructs Saul to give half of it to Mike's granddaughter and half to the parents of the boy Todd shot. Saul passes the money to Walt who in turn returns it to Jesse; explain that he too is out of the business. Lydia is not happy about Walt's retirement; clearly Todd isn't as good as Walt as quality has fallen significantly. As Hank seems to be avoiding Walt the later starts to worry and after finding a tracker on his car he confronts Hank.
The flash-forward opening scene which makes it explicit that Walt's business has become public knowledge nicely sets up the final half series suggesting we are about to see the downfall of Walter White. Now that Hank knows about Walter's activities and Walt knows that he knows the tension has risen even more and there is a feeling that nobody will be safe in the upcoming episode. Dean Norris and Bryan Cranston, as Hank and Walt, are great throughout this episode but especially in their final confrontational scene. Aaron Paul is also on top form as he portrays the guilt stricken Jesse. Overall a fine episode that shows you don't need action and mayhem to have a really tense and interesting episode.
The flash-forward opening scene which makes it explicit that Walt's business has become public knowledge nicely sets up the final half series suggesting we are about to see the downfall of Walter White. Now that Hank knows about Walter's activities and Walt knows that he knows the tension has risen even more and there is a feeling that nobody will be safe in the upcoming episode. Dean Norris and Bryan Cranston, as Hank and Walt, are great throughout this episode but especially in their final confrontational scene. Aaron Paul is also on top form as he portrays the guilt stricken Jesse. Overall a fine episode that shows you don't need action and mayhem to have a really tense and interesting episode.
Dean Norris COMMANDS it!!
and_mikkelsen29 April 2023
Usually you will Walts character outshine everyone in an episode and in any scene featuring him, Bryan Cranston will steal the scene giving off the best performance! In this episode however, Dean Norris manages to outshine Bryan Cranston!
When Hank starts to actually piece things together, Dean Norris expertly captures a character in shock and disbelief! Some powerfull scenes! The final scene with Hank and Walt, Dean Norris commands the scene! He is in complete control getting the upper hand with a powerfull performance!
The episode also shows that Jesse is struggling to move on, knowing what he and Walt did together and the innocent lives yhat were taken and ruined in the process! Can he accept the money knowing what they did to make them?
Overall a great episode that sets up the second half of the final season that will leave you with emotional scars!
When Hank starts to actually piece things together, Dean Norris expertly captures a character in shock and disbelief! Some powerfull scenes! The final scene with Hank and Walt, Dean Norris commands the scene! He is in complete control getting the upper hand with a powerfull performance!
The episode also shows that Jesse is struggling to move on, knowing what he and Walt did together and the innocent lives yhat were taken and ruined in the process! Can he accept the money knowing what they did to make them?
Overall a great episode that sets up the second half of the final season that will leave you with emotional scars!
Great season opener
thehustler319 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Only two shows I've ever watched command so much control over my jaw. Lost and Breaking Bad.
Within 5 minutes Breaking Bad shows they have not lost their ability to confound. The show opens to a group of teen boys skateboarding in a park bowl. Up and down, up and down as the camera follows the wheels. Grinding and slapping against the concrete. The camera pans back. It's NOT a skate park but the swimming pool of the Walter White (Bryan Cranston) household. The place is ram shackled abandoned and is as dirty as a highway underpass. Mind bending. After this the show picks up exactly where we left off and nothing seems out of place, it's like the 12 months never happened.
Hank stumbles out of the bathroom dazed at the revelation that Walt his brother in law in actually Heisenberg. The one he referred to indirectly as a 'monster' who he had grown tired of chasing. The very man that orchestrated the murders of eight men in jail cells across the country. Hank returning to the dinner party can barely look Walt in the eye. You could literally see his thoughts etched on his face as he glanced multiple times. This was subtly acted by Dean Norris who has always been excellent in his role as Hank. He immediately leaves with Marie and they drive home. Only the shock has finally hits him hard and he swerves off road and onto a driveway the splintering of a post box crunching under the tyres. He jumps his face is contorted in raw panic. The show dulls the sound to allow the viewer to experience what Hank is feeling first hand. Marie's voice could be heard muffled in the distance shouting "Hank are you okay?"
What I love about the show is the tone. Another great scene is Jesse and Walt's (well Walt's) conversation about the money. What was really chilling was Walt's lie to Jesse about not murdering Mike. Walt did it with such confidence and apathy to a soundtrack of lawn mower humming from outside. Normally a show wouldn't allow anything detract from a scene. Scenes like this almost feel like it's not a show but we are watching real life story.
The best scene in the episode is the confrontation with Hank and Walt in the garage. Everything in the first parts was meant to lead to this point and it was done fantastically. Not that I have the right or ability to judge what the writers should be doing. If I may analyse for a moment though the build seemed realistic and wasn't too hurried for Walt to clock on that Hank knew he was Heisenberg all along.
Walt's cancer coming back was the catalyst to lead him to the toilet and discover the Leaves of Grass was missing. It also serves as a plot device that will mean Hank has to decide whether pursuing Walt is worth it. Or will he just let him alone to die in peace. I think it's obvious what Hank will do.
9 out of 10
Within 5 minutes Breaking Bad shows they have not lost their ability to confound. The show opens to a group of teen boys skateboarding in a park bowl. Up and down, up and down as the camera follows the wheels. Grinding and slapping against the concrete. The camera pans back. It's NOT a skate park but the swimming pool of the Walter White (Bryan Cranston) household. The place is ram shackled abandoned and is as dirty as a highway underpass. Mind bending. After this the show picks up exactly where we left off and nothing seems out of place, it's like the 12 months never happened.
Hank stumbles out of the bathroom dazed at the revelation that Walt his brother in law in actually Heisenberg. The one he referred to indirectly as a 'monster' who he had grown tired of chasing. The very man that orchestrated the murders of eight men in jail cells across the country. Hank returning to the dinner party can barely look Walt in the eye. You could literally see his thoughts etched on his face as he glanced multiple times. This was subtly acted by Dean Norris who has always been excellent in his role as Hank. He immediately leaves with Marie and they drive home. Only the shock has finally hits him hard and he swerves off road and onto a driveway the splintering of a post box crunching under the tyres. He jumps his face is contorted in raw panic. The show dulls the sound to allow the viewer to experience what Hank is feeling first hand. Marie's voice could be heard muffled in the distance shouting "Hank are you okay?"
What I love about the show is the tone. Another great scene is Jesse and Walt's (well Walt's) conversation about the money. What was really chilling was Walt's lie to Jesse about not murdering Mike. Walt did it with such confidence and apathy to a soundtrack of lawn mower humming from outside. Normally a show wouldn't allow anything detract from a scene. Scenes like this almost feel like it's not a show but we are watching real life story.
The best scene in the episode is the confrontation with Hank and Walt in the garage. Everything in the first parts was meant to lead to this point and it was done fantastically. Not that I have the right or ability to judge what the writers should be doing. If I may analyse for a moment though the build seemed realistic and wasn't too hurried for Walt to clock on that Hank knew he was Heisenberg all along.
Walt's cancer coming back was the catalyst to lead him to the toilet and discover the Leaves of Grass was missing. It also serves as a plot device that will mean Hank has to decide whether pursuing Walt is worth it. Or will he just let him alone to die in peace. I think it's obvious what Hank will do.
9 out of 10
Blood Money (#5.9)
ComedyFan20106 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
And now we start the final batch of Breaking Bad.
The first scene already shows us that Walt will not be able to get away. Everyone knows that he is Heisenberg.
Jesse is still having a meltdown of guilt. Once again Walt tries to make him feel better but it doesn't work.
And the confrontation between Walt and Hank was great. Wonderful acting and amazing lines. I am glad they did it in this episode and not make us wait longer.
I sure don't like what is happening, I wish Walt and Jesse could live all happy after leaving the business, but I guess this would be less exciting.
The first scene already shows us that Walt will not be able to get away. Everyone knows that he is Heisenberg.
Jesse is still having a meltdown of guilt. Once again Walt tries to make him feel better but it doesn't work.
And the confrontation between Walt and Hank was great. Wonderful acting and amazing lines. I am glad they did it in this episode and not make us wait longer.
I sure don't like what is happening, I wish Walt and Jesse could live all happy after leaving the business, but I guess this would be less exciting.
The End Begins...
ljs379912 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This much anticipated episode got my heart beating again, like nearly every Breaking Bad episode. It definitely lived up to my expectations, if not surpassed them.
The intro already got me so hooked and the shot of the wall in his house where somebody had written in graffiti: 'Heisenberg', got me thinking about so many things at one time.
Jesse seems to be depressed once again and did suspect something about Mike. He does not yet fully believe nothing happened to him and he also suspects Walt (or should I say Heisenberg).
It seems as if Walt's world is crumbling down around him. When vomiting in the same toilet where Hanks realization took place, he notices his Walt Whitman book was gone. He does not think much of it yet but gets him thinking. When he finds the GPS tracker on his car, that's when the classic Breaking Bad suspense kicked in and I got really scared.
Finally the confrontation between Walt and Hank. I had not fully anticipated this scene to take place in the first episode, but nevertheless I'm glad it did because it got me hanging on the edge of my seat, almost swallowing a pillow, literally. And the final quote: "Tread Lightly"! Genius! Awesome episode! 10/10
The intro already got me so hooked and the shot of the wall in his house where somebody had written in graffiti: 'Heisenberg', got me thinking about so many things at one time.
Jesse seems to be depressed once again and did suspect something about Mike. He does not yet fully believe nothing happened to him and he also suspects Walt (or should I say Heisenberg).
It seems as if Walt's world is crumbling down around him. When vomiting in the same toilet where Hanks realization took place, he notices his Walt Whitman book was gone. He does not think much of it yet but gets him thinking. When he finds the GPS tracker on his car, that's when the classic Breaking Bad suspense kicked in and I got really scared.
Finally the confrontation between Walt and Hank. I had not fully anticipated this scene to take place in the first episode, but nevertheless I'm glad it did because it got me hanging on the edge of my seat, almost swallowing a pillow, literally. And the final quote: "Tread Lightly"! Genius! Awesome episode! 10/10
Get Over It Jesse
TheFearmakers13 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
When Jesse starts getting the guilts, drives around, throwing his cash around it's sickening and this is where that begins. I get it. It's a Noir and he's the good guy who remains good of the two good people doing bad things, but he goes too far, whines too much. His scenes between having no money and then having the 5 million between being kidnapped are pretty torturous. Without Mike, the show lost its heart. It's just coasting to end now.
The wait is over!
axg-712 August 2013
So Breaking Bad finally returns after what has been an agonizingly long wait, but not for nothing. Without any spoilers, this review is meant to assure you that BB has returned to squat on the pole position in all of television, with brilliant direction, a story that moves fast and gives you just what you expect - Pure adrenalin rush. It jumps right on to the tracks, promising entertainment that will make us wait with bated breath. But be advised, take Hank or Walt lightly at your own peril, neither would go down without a fight and I wouldn't wanna bet my money on anyone of them yet.
Give yourself a little less than one hour completely free from everything else and watch what has taken a year to finally enthrall one and all.
Give yourself a little less than one hour completely free from everything else and watch what has taken a year to finally enthrall one and all.
Blood Money Review
peterjs_9511 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
WOW, just wow is all I can say. Well worth the almost 1 year wait and this episode showed why this show is loved by millions. The episode shows the "future" Walt coming back to his home in Albuquerque which is now a dilapidated mess, the inside of the house trashed and graffiti on the wall with the word "Heisenberg". So obviously everyone knows that Walter White is the infamous Heisenberg, who let the secret out Hank, Lydia or even Skylar? We don't know as of yet.
After the title credits the scene then goes to the moment every BB fan has been waiting for, Hank's realization and reaction to finding out his brother in law is the drug kingpin he's been hunting for.
Jesse is even more broken down now and feels disgusted over Todd shooting that little kid and he has grown worried for Mike's safety and knows Walt may have killed him off along with Mike's men that were in the prison. One scene with Jesse where he feels like he needs to rid himself of his Blood Money so he tries and tries and tries to get rid of it but he can't so he ends up throwing wads of cash into people's front yards.
There are a few moments that bring you back down and realize that these characters are just normal people behind all the murder and drugs, one scene where Badger and Skinny Pete were talking about a new Star Trek movie script and also the scene between Walt and Skylar talking about re-arranging the car freshener stand are also quite humorous.
And then of course the inevitable confrontation between Hank and Walt where Hank knows Walt is Heisenberg and Walt knows that Hank is after him. After a punch is thrown and a few indirect threats are made Walt still doesn't straight up admit he's Heisenberg, all he says is "If you don't know who I am, then maybe your best course is to tread lightly" which is obviously a vague threat to back off.
Over all I believe that this episode was amazing and well worth the wait, it was great seeing every single main and minor character in the episode. I would give it a 9.5 out of 10 it was shocking, haunting and quite amazing to see how far Walt has fallen in the first scene before the credits and a nice change to see Walt in the Gustavo Fring position where Lydia comes to see him at work and Walt is trying to act as a car wash manager by saying phrases like "Have a A1 day!" etc.
After the title credits the scene then goes to the moment every BB fan has been waiting for, Hank's realization and reaction to finding out his brother in law is the drug kingpin he's been hunting for.
Jesse is even more broken down now and feels disgusted over Todd shooting that little kid and he has grown worried for Mike's safety and knows Walt may have killed him off along with Mike's men that were in the prison. One scene with Jesse where he feels like he needs to rid himself of his Blood Money so he tries and tries and tries to get rid of it but he can't so he ends up throwing wads of cash into people's front yards.
There are a few moments that bring you back down and realize that these characters are just normal people behind all the murder and drugs, one scene where Badger and Skinny Pete were talking about a new Star Trek movie script and also the scene between Walt and Skylar talking about re-arranging the car freshener stand are also quite humorous.
And then of course the inevitable confrontation between Hank and Walt where Hank knows Walt is Heisenberg and Walt knows that Hank is after him. After a punch is thrown and a few indirect threats are made Walt still doesn't straight up admit he's Heisenberg, all he says is "If you don't know who I am, then maybe your best course is to tread lightly" which is obviously a vague threat to back off.
Over all I believe that this episode was amazing and well worth the wait, it was great seeing every single main and minor character in the episode. I would give it a 9.5 out of 10 it was shocking, haunting and quite amazing to see how far Walt has fallen in the first scene before the credits and a nice change to see Walt in the Gustavo Fring position where Lydia comes to see him at work and Walt is trying to act as a car wash manager by saying phrases like "Have a A1 day!" etc.
Chilling, Brilliant
legithappo4 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I was not expecting to see Hank-Walt confrontation this early. I thought I had to wait couple of episodes more. That moment when the garage door began to close my heartbeat started pounding. So intense geez...Absolutely incredible performance by Dean Norris.
I also liked the way Jessie deduced how Walt killed Mike. I felt sickened the way Walt flat out denied the accusations.
Overall a really good episode. Brilliantly acted, directed.
I also liked the way Jessie deduced how Walt killed Mike. I felt sickened the way Walt flat out denied the accusations.
Overall a really good episode. Brilliantly acted, directed.
"If you don't know who I am, then...maybe the best course...would be to tread lightly."
dspman1112 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Wow! In the long-anticipated premiere of the summer, Breaking Bad wastes no time jumping right into what will be the conclusion of a fantastic series. The episode was captivating and featured great acting from Dean Norris, Bryan Cranston, and certainly Aaron Paul.
I love the character of Walter White as of now. Actually, I hate him. I hope he dies. However, the Breaking Bad viewers are very evenly split between liking Walt and hating Walt. That's why I love the character. Watching this episode, you could say that Walt is trying his best to get on the road to redemption: he's out of the business, his cancer is back, and he's getting more and more involved in his family life once more. You could also watch this episode and say Walt is a two-faced liar who shouldn't even go by the name Walter White anymore; Heisenberg should be his permanent name. I'm in the latter group. But the writing and acting in this show lets viewers have more than one opinion on the character, something fresh and unique in the world of television that Breaking Bad has been flaunting for many seasons now.
It's hard not to feel bad for Jesse Pinkman. The episode is accurately titled "Blood Money" because of Jesse's guilt over owning $5 million in "blood money." It's interesting to see Jesse try to get Saul to give the money away when common sense says it could never work out. Mike's granddaughter's account is under full surveillance by the DEA and the parents of the child shot in "Dead Freight" would simply be confused by the $2.5 million at their doorstep and it would probably do little for their psyche. But Jesse doesn't think it through. He's in a dark place. And the way he disposes of the money at the end of the episode is simply riveting. Aaron Paul is a gifted actor.
What to do with Lydia? Lydia is a loose end. I'm worried that the "moving parts" and the falling business she talked to Walt about may come back to bite Walt. Lydia is known for being very easy to squeeze answers out of. If Walt receives any sort of threat from the drug world, it will most certainly be Lydia's fault. It is my prediction that Lydia is an indirect cause of what we see in the cold opening of this episode; Walt's identity figured out and the house in ruins.
And finally what everyone is talking about: the confrontation between Walt and Hank. I predicted that there would be a confrontation in this episode, and I was not disappointed. Dean Norris is a very talented actor, and Cranston also plays it off beautifully. My only issue: the idea of "What's the point of convicting me if I'm going to die?" seemed rather silly to me. What about what it'll do to Hank's career? How it'll totally destroy the White and Schrader families? How Walt Jr. and Holly will grow up fatherless because their uncle exposed their father out to be a drug lord? How it'll be hard for Hank to convince anybody that he wasn't in on it with Walt from the beginning (the ride along from Season 1 Episode 1 where Hank let Walt look at the meth lab, the fact that Hector saw Hank last before he killed Gus (who's to say it wasn't Hank who strapped that bomb to him?)). So many things Walt could have said, but the cancer bit...I don't know. They could've went in a number of different directions. Even when Walt says, "My cancer's back," it seemed like an awkward interjection. It didn't fit with the mood of the scene. That's my only criticism of the scene though.
So what will happen? How will Hank approach this? What sort of danger does Walt face now? And who is that ricin from the cold opening for? All questions that will be answered in the final episodes of this exceptional series. I can't wait.
I give the episode a solid 8.5 out of 10.
I love the character of Walter White as of now. Actually, I hate him. I hope he dies. However, the Breaking Bad viewers are very evenly split between liking Walt and hating Walt. That's why I love the character. Watching this episode, you could say that Walt is trying his best to get on the road to redemption: he's out of the business, his cancer is back, and he's getting more and more involved in his family life once more. You could also watch this episode and say Walt is a two-faced liar who shouldn't even go by the name Walter White anymore; Heisenberg should be his permanent name. I'm in the latter group. But the writing and acting in this show lets viewers have more than one opinion on the character, something fresh and unique in the world of television that Breaking Bad has been flaunting for many seasons now.
It's hard not to feel bad for Jesse Pinkman. The episode is accurately titled "Blood Money" because of Jesse's guilt over owning $5 million in "blood money." It's interesting to see Jesse try to get Saul to give the money away when common sense says it could never work out. Mike's granddaughter's account is under full surveillance by the DEA and the parents of the child shot in "Dead Freight" would simply be confused by the $2.5 million at their doorstep and it would probably do little for their psyche. But Jesse doesn't think it through. He's in a dark place. And the way he disposes of the money at the end of the episode is simply riveting. Aaron Paul is a gifted actor.
What to do with Lydia? Lydia is a loose end. I'm worried that the "moving parts" and the falling business she talked to Walt about may come back to bite Walt. Lydia is known for being very easy to squeeze answers out of. If Walt receives any sort of threat from the drug world, it will most certainly be Lydia's fault. It is my prediction that Lydia is an indirect cause of what we see in the cold opening of this episode; Walt's identity figured out and the house in ruins.
And finally what everyone is talking about: the confrontation between Walt and Hank. I predicted that there would be a confrontation in this episode, and I was not disappointed. Dean Norris is a very talented actor, and Cranston also plays it off beautifully. My only issue: the idea of "What's the point of convicting me if I'm going to die?" seemed rather silly to me. What about what it'll do to Hank's career? How it'll totally destroy the White and Schrader families? How Walt Jr. and Holly will grow up fatherless because their uncle exposed their father out to be a drug lord? How it'll be hard for Hank to convince anybody that he wasn't in on it with Walt from the beginning (the ride along from Season 1 Episode 1 where Hank let Walt look at the meth lab, the fact that Hector saw Hank last before he killed Gus (who's to say it wasn't Hank who strapped that bomb to him?)). So many things Walt could have said, but the cancer bit...I don't know. They could've went in a number of different directions. Even when Walt says, "My cancer's back," it seemed like an awkward interjection. It didn't fit with the mood of the scene. That's my only criticism of the scene though.
So what will happen? How will Hank approach this? What sort of danger does Walt face now? And who is that ricin from the cold opening for? All questions that will be answered in the final episodes of this exceptional series. I can't wait.
I give the episode a solid 8.5 out of 10.
What a way to start off the last episodes!
ExpensiveFridge13 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
We had to wait one year for this episode and I think we all had HUGE expectations. Well, the episode surpassed them!
The intro left us wondering who finally reveals Walt's true identity to the public and why he needs the ricin all of a sudden. The first time in the show we see that Jesse clearly distrusts Walt and he even seemed scared of him. Also, Walt may not cook Meth anymore but since Lydia "visited" him in the car wash his "retirement" didn't work out like he hoped it would. And the end of the episode...what can I say besides it was incredible? I knew that a certain point Walt and Hank would have this confrontation but I didn't think it would take place in the first episode. And with the last line (tread lightly) we know that Heisenberg is still there. Also we found out that Walt's cancer is back and we don't know if he can win the fight against it again.
The storyline, the acting, Cranston's great directing, nothing disappointed in this episode. 10/10
The intro left us wondering who finally reveals Walt's true identity to the public and why he needs the ricin all of a sudden. The first time in the show we see that Jesse clearly distrusts Walt and he even seemed scared of him. Also, Walt may not cook Meth anymore but since Lydia "visited" him in the car wash his "retirement" didn't work out like he hoped it would. And the end of the episode...what can I say besides it was incredible? I knew that a certain point Walt and Hank would have this confrontation but I didn't think it would take place in the first episode. And with the last line (tread lightly) we know that Heisenberg is still there. Also we found out that Walt's cancer is back and we don't know if he can win the fight against it again.
The storyline, the acting, Cranston's great directing, nothing disappointed in this episode. 10/10
'you have to believe me' W.W.
felixcast7414 August 2013
Expectations have always been a great hindrance when it comes to enjoying anything in life. think of a restaurant with the best reputation --> if you liked the meal, you will keep spreading the word. if you hated it, you will simply speak mud of the place.
This episode had that little hindrance. we have been expecting (waiting, gagging) for this episode. not only because it's the beginning of the second half of the season finale of BB, but also because you want more. you need to know more about it. the expectation was simply gigantic.
But I only needed the first two minutes of the episode to know that that expectation has been fulfilled. so let us approach this episode from two angles: our reality and the show's reality.
angle 1 --> man, these actors and actresses definitely deliver. the great problem is usually having actors or actresses who get fat, who fail to act as they usually do, who can keep us attached to the series. believe you me, these people do keep you there. Attached. Even more, DEA agent Hank (Mr Norris) is getting the place he deserves.
angle 2 --> tension is growing. you can feel it. it is there and there is nothing you can do as a spectator.
favourite scene? last few seconds of the episode.
This episode had that little hindrance. we have been expecting (waiting, gagging) for this episode. not only because it's the beginning of the second half of the season finale of BB, but also because you want more. you need to know more about it. the expectation was simply gigantic.
But I only needed the first two minutes of the episode to know that that expectation has been fulfilled. so let us approach this episode from two angles: our reality and the show's reality.
angle 1 --> man, these actors and actresses definitely deliver. the great problem is usually having actors or actresses who get fat, who fail to act as they usually do, who can keep us attached to the series. believe you me, these people do keep you there. Attached. Even more, DEA agent Hank (Mr Norris) is getting the place he deserves.
angle 2 --> tension is growing. you can feel it. it is there and there is nothing you can do as a spectator.
favourite scene? last few seconds of the episode.
Will Walt Have Blood on His Hands?
g-bodyl20 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This is the ninth episode of the fifth season of Breaking Bad and in my opinion, this is a very good episode which focuses on the aftermath of Hank knowing who Heisenberg actually is. The episode remains tense very much so and is quite emotional. I loved the beginning where it shows a less-than-happy future Walt and of course there is another fabulous cliffhanger.
In this episode, "Blood Money," as Hank is driving home from Walt's, he has panic attack about the revelation. Hank orders papers from the the former cases to be brought to his garage where he connects the dots. Walt meanwhile is out of the drug business and is running the car wash with Skylar. Jesse feels guilt about his crimes so he tries to give away his money.
Overall, this is a fantastic episode. I loved the point where Hank realizes the extent that he had been had. A thrilling beginning and end as well as a tense middle makes this a fine episode. The relationship as we know it between Hank and Walt have know drastically changed.
My Grade: A+
In this episode, "Blood Money," as Hank is driving home from Walt's, he has panic attack about the revelation. Hank orders papers from the the former cases to be brought to his garage where he connects the dots. Walt meanwhile is out of the drug business and is running the car wash with Skylar. Jesse feels guilt about his crimes so he tries to give away his money.
Overall, this is a fantastic episode. I loved the point where Hank realizes the extent that he had been had. A thrilling beginning and end as well as a tense middle makes this a fine episode. The relationship as we know it between Hank and Walt have know drastically changed.
My Grade: A+
Fat stackin' benji's
stuart-mitchell7912 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Wow. Just caught the episode on Netflix UK and glad to say not disappointed. As with the first episode of Season 5 we get a flash forward to Walter's ultimate outcome and it is clear that Walters alter ego is going to be let completely out the bag (and how). As is usual with BrBa the pace looks set to be unrelenting and there are some excellent scenes in this episode. All characters get a look in just to set the groundwork after Walt and Jesse left the business but the real gem in this episode is the final scene between Dean Norris and Cranston. Norris just blew me away with the shear explosiveness of his epiphany of the betrayal by Walt. It's gonna be a long wait until next week.
Opening further possibilities, but not using all of its potential
stillworkingfortheknife12 February 2014
Foreshadowings at the beginning of a new Breaking Bad season are something audiences of the show have got accustomed to by now, and "Blood Money" has one just as fantastic as the pink teddy moistening in the Whites' pool in season two or the, at this point in this series still unsolved, birthday party a hirsute Walt holds in a diner in season five's first half. The message the desolate house, now used as a skater park by some teenagers, conveys is unequivocal: things aren't going to stay nice after Walt's retirement from the drug business.
Of course, the charismatic criminal functioning as the protagonist of the series has already had his new adversary introduced – to be exact, since the pilot – and the forward-thinking Breaking Bad fans will have expected that a DEA agent in the family of a drug kingpin is sure to make for a little hiccup sooner and later. As we come close to the finale of the series, push comes to shove and some major domestic violence commences its first act in an extraordinarily tense confrontation, including what is possibly the best acting performance Dean Norris has given in his career up to that point. The decisive factor in this scene, however, is the phenomenal screenplay by Peter Gould, making the more or less mundane moments in "Blood Money" an intense experience as well. The series's customary comical relief comes through Jesse sparking some L in Saul Goodman's anteroom, Saul Goodman himself, and a desperate Lydia stopping by at the Whites' carwash to chat about meth distribution – you know, the usual topic in seller- costumer conversations at such places.
Nonetheless, "Blood Money" isn't a perfect episode, in my opinion, lacking tension and entertainment in the middle part and stretching its believability with the conclusion Walt comes to near the ending. In terms of score/soundtrack, cinematography, or set design, the episode doesn't accomplish anything noticeable either, thus I'll spare better ratings for some of the following episodes.
Of course, the charismatic criminal functioning as the protagonist of the series has already had his new adversary introduced – to be exact, since the pilot – and the forward-thinking Breaking Bad fans will have expected that a DEA agent in the family of a drug kingpin is sure to make for a little hiccup sooner and later. As we come close to the finale of the series, push comes to shove and some major domestic violence commences its first act in an extraordinarily tense confrontation, including what is possibly the best acting performance Dean Norris has given in his career up to that point. The decisive factor in this scene, however, is the phenomenal screenplay by Peter Gould, making the more or less mundane moments in "Blood Money" an intense experience as well. The series's customary comical relief comes through Jesse sparking some L in Saul Goodman's anteroom, Saul Goodman himself, and a desperate Lydia stopping by at the Whites' carwash to chat about meth distribution – you know, the usual topic in seller- costumer conversations at such places.
Nonetheless, "Blood Money" isn't a perfect episode, in my opinion, lacking tension and entertainment in the middle part and stretching its believability with the conclusion Walt comes to near the ending. In terms of score/soundtrack, cinematography, or set design, the episode doesn't accomplish anything noticeable either, thus I'll spare better ratings for some of the following episodes.
Jesse is the dumbest little character ever
kurt78255 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
He's weak and pathetic. Now I know why he's the most hated character in the show. Jesse should have been killed off in season one. I hope he dies soon. Also why would Walt keep that book in the bathroom. He's a master genius. He wouldn't make that mistake.
I hope Walt kills Hank.
I hope Walt kills Hank.
The best performance
cassio_porsche23 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Is the best episode of the whole series, the performance of actor Dean Norris (Hank) is amazing. The way he discover that Walt is Heisenberg and have to pretend he doesn't know is very good. The scene of garage is the best, because it's possible to feel all the anger of Hank to was deceived by his brother-in-law.
Lost in the shadows...
jgershma15 July 2022
...of the justly celebrated performances of Bryan Cranston and Giancarlo Esposito is the work of both Aaron Paul and Dean Norris. I decided to watch all of Breaking Bad again in preparation of the final season of Better Call Saul. And while Cranston and Esposito are just as good as I remember (maybe even better), what I missed the first time is that Paul and Norris take what should be wholly unlikeable characters and somehow make them the moral compass of the show. This episode above all others to this point shows them at their authentic and vulnerable best.
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