Growth Decay Transformation - A Breaking Bad Rewatch Podcast

What makes for a satisfying ending? In “ABQ” we meet Mike Ehrmentraut when he gets a devastated Jesse prepared to call in Jane’s death, Walt gets his tumor removed before Skyler confronts him and asks him to leave, and Donald mourns the loss of his daughter before we see where all of those black and white teasers were heading when Wayfarer 515 crashes above the White household. The finale works as a conclusion that ties up so much of what the season has asked us to think about while setting things up for the future. The satisfaction it provides feels like a reward for paying attention.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are there any episodes that you dread rewatching? Your hosts break down one of the most heartbreaking episodes in the whole series, “Phoenix.” Walt makes the deal at the cost of missing Holly's birth, is deeply offended by the concept of charity, gets blackmailed by Jane, has a highly coincidental meeting at a bar, and then watches Jane die. Y'know, a typical week in the life of a meth kingpin. But how responsible is Walt for Jane's death? Is it really Jesse’s fault that Walt misses Holly’s birth? Why do Walt and Donald "other" Jesse's "little junkie girlfriend" and Jane's "scumbag" boyfriend, respectively? Join Pete and Courtney as they unpack the penultimate episode of season 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you find Skyler singing “Happy Birthday” cringey, you’re in good company. While it may be a scene that even made the crew feel uncomfortable, it’s an important one that gives clarity to Skyler’s choices. Speaking of fateful decisions, this is an episode teeming with them. Join hosts Courtney and Pete as they discuss Jesse’s downward spiral, Jane’s decision to join him there, and Walt’s first meeting with “the guy” (who knows another guy who apparently knows Saul). So put on your best corporate smile, grab a soda, and join your hosts as they ponder just how alike Walt and Gus are. If you have a complaint, I suggest you submit it through our e-mail system. I'd be happy to refer you to our website: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does Jesse have a type? When he feels rejected by Jane some comparisons to Walt start to emerge. More bad news, male kangaroos don’t have pouches. Junior gets his first taste of Tequila and what’s been bubbling up between Hank and Walt comes out in the worst possible way. But hey, they’re really excited about the future at the White house and Walt’s on the case to get rid of the rot. This is peak decay in Walt’s journey of growth, decay, and transformation, and as much as he’d like to become something different he’s looking a lot more like Heisneberg than even he understands.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where do you store your keys when you’re way out in the boonies in an RV cooking meth? Does methylamine go bad? Why does Walt punch the paper towel dispenser after receiving such good news? And what’s the deal with Walt’s mother? Join your hosts, Courtney and Pete, as they explore these questions and more in their discussion of Aaron Paul’s favorite episode of Breaking Bad, “4 Days Out.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices