Season by Season Review - Breaking Bad

Season Review no. 1: Season 1

★★★★☆

5 word summary:
America needs an NHS now.

5 sentence review:
This is my third attempt at watching Breaking Bad and the third time really is the charm because I'm actually enjoying it and blasted through the first 7 episode season in one day.
I have to say that I didn't find it spectacular, or any other superfluous word that could be used to describe this 9.6 IMDb rated TV programme.
Instead it was well-balanced with humour and seriousness and had very interesting points but I wouldn't necessarily continue watching if I didn't know the hype.
It doesn't take itself too seriously, which is good, and is able to almost masterfully weave the comedic elements with the overly dark themes, this is a testament to the writing and acting on the show.
Although well made that doesn't mean it is enjoyable and there were times when I wasn't necessarily paying attention because there was a lot of talking which seemed superfluous because the action outshines it, hopefully I will become more gripped next season and will be clinging onto every word.

5 good things:
1. Use of a character/actor with cerebral palsy without making it centric to his character.
2.  Using very graphic language and some sex scenes but not gratuitous nudity (except for Mr. White in his whites).
3. The acting/interpersonal acting.
4. Awesome explosion.
5. Learning science stuff.


5 bad things:
1. Lack of diverse ethnicities for major characters.
2. I thought Marie (Skyler's sister) was played by RJ Mitte (Walt. Jr.) in drag until IMDbing her.
3. Making me sad and think about cancer.
4. The title doesn't make a lot of sense (although I've heard it so often that I just accept it now).
5. Doesn't live up to the hype...yet.