Matgrupp

Offentlig·93 medlemmar

30 maj 2023

Breaking Bad S05E15: The Ultimate Guide to Granite State

Breaking Bad Season 5 Episode 15: A Masterpiece of Television

Breaking Bad is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, and for good reason. The series tells the story of Walter White, a chemistry teacher who turns to methamphetamine production after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Along the way, he transforms from a mild-mannered family man to a ruthless drug lord, leaving a trail of blood and destruction behind him.

breaking bad s05e15 720p tpb season

Download Zip

Season 5 is the final season of Breaking Bad, and it delivers some of the most memorable and shocking moments in TV history. One of these moments is episode 15, titled "Granite State". This episode is a masterpiece of television, as it combines a gripping plot, profound themes, stunning cinematography and superb acting to create an unforgettable experience for the viewers.

In this article, I will analyze why this episode is so brilliant and why you should watch it if you haven't already. Be warned, though, this article contains major spoilers for Breaking Bad, so proceed at your own risk.

The Plot

The plot of this episode is simple but powerful. It follows Walt as he tries to escape from his enemies and his past, while his family and friends face the consequences of his actions. The episode is divided into four main scenes, each one more intense and emotional than the last.

The Opening Scene

The episode begins with a flashback to Walt's first meeting with Saul Goodman, his shady lawyer. In this scene, Walt is still a naive and innocent man who wants to make some money for his family. He asks Saul how to launder his drug money without getting caught by his brother-in-law Hank, who is a DEA agent. Saul suggests that Walt should buy a laser tag business, but Walt rejects the idea as too risky. He says he wants something that suits his skills and personality.

This scene sets the tone for the rest of the episode, as it contrasts Walt's humble beginnings with his current situation. It also foreshadows what will happen later in the episode, as Walt will end up buying a different business that suits his skills and personality: a cabin in New Hampshire where he will hide from the authorities.

The Confession Tape

The next scene shows Walt's confession tape being played by Hank and Marie, his sister-in-law. In this tape, Walt lies about being forced by Hank to cook meth for him. He accuses Hank of being the mastermind behind Heisenberg, Walt's drug lord alter ego. He also claims that Hank killed several people, including Gus Fring, a rival drug lord who was blown up by Walt in season 4.

This scene reveals Walt's manipulation and desperation. He made this tape as a last resort to protect himself and his family from Hank's investigation. He hoped that Hank would back off or be arrested by his colleagues. However, his plan backfired, as Hank refused to give up on catching Walt. Instead, he teamed up with Jesse Pinkman, Walt's former partner who turned against him after learning that Walt poisoned a child in season 4.

The Desert Showdown

The third scene is the climax of the episode and one of the most thrilling scenes in TV history. It shows a confrontation between Walt, Jesse, Hank and a group of neo-Nazis led by Jack Welker, who are Walt's former associates. Jack and his men were hired by Walt to kill Jesse after Jesse threatened to expose Walt's crimes. However, Walt changed his mind at the last minute and tried to save Jesse from Jack.

This scene showcases the tension, action and drama of Breaking Bad. It starts with a phone call between Walt and Jesse, where Walt begs Jesse to come back to him. Jesse refuses and tells Walt that he has teamed up with Hank to bring him down. He also tells Walt that he has found his money stash in the desert using a GPS tracker that he planted on Huell Babineaux, one of Saul's henchmen who helped Walt hide his money.

Walt panics and drives to his money stash location in a frenzy. He arrives there just before Jesse does. He sees Hank's car approaching from afar and realizes that he has been betrayed by Jesse. He calls Jack for backup and tells him to kill Jesse. However, he changes his mind when he sees that Hank is with Jesse. He tells Jack not to come but it's too late.

Jack arrives with his men armed with machine guns. They open fire on Hank's car without hesitation. A shootout ensues between Jack's gang and Hank's team. Walt tries to stop them but he is ignored by both sides. He watches helplessly as bullets fly around him.

The scene ends with a cliffhanger that leaves us wondering who will survive this bloody battle.

The Phone Call

The final scene is the most emotional scene in Breaking Bad history. It shows a phone call between Walt and Skyler, his wife. In this call, Walt says goodbye to Skyler after escaping from Jack's gang with Jesse as their prisoner.

This scene exposes Walt's true feelings and motives. He tells Skyler that he has killed Hank (who was shot by Jack in front of him) and that he has taken all their money with him (which was stolen by Jack). He also blames Skyler for everything that has happened to them. He says that she never supported him or appreciated him for what he did for their family.

However, this call is not what it seems. It is actually a ruse by Walt to protect Skyler from being prosecuted by the authorities who are listening in on their conversation. He knows that Skyler is innocent and that she was coerced by him into helping him with his drug business.

He also knows that he loves her and their children more than anything else in the world. He says these harsh words to make her look like a victim rather than an accomplice in front of the law enforcement agents who are watching her house.

He also gives her an important clue about where he hid some of his money for her to find later on (in season 5 episode 16). He tells her that he rented a cabin in New Hampshire where he will live until he dies (which is true). He says that he did all this for himself rather than for them (which is partly true).

He ends the call by saying "I still love you" before hanging up (which is completely true).

The Themes

This episode explores some of the major themes of Breaking Bad such as family, power and morality.

Family

Power

Another theme that this episode explores is power. Throughout Breaking Bad, Walt has been obsessed with power and control. He started cooking meth to provide for his family, but soon he became addicted to the thrill and prestige of being Heisenberg. He manipulated, lied and killed to maintain his empire and his ego.

However, in this episode, we see how Walt loses his power and control. He is hunted by the authorities and his enemies. He is betrayed by Jesse and rejected by his family. He is isolated and helpless in a cabin in the woods. He is forced to watch as his legacy is tarnished by Jack's gang and his former partners.

Walt realizes that his power was an illusion and that he paid a high price for it. He lost his family, his friends and his dignity. He also endangered the lives of many innocent people along the way. He finally admits that he did everything for himself rather than for his family.

Morality

The final theme that this episode examines is morality. Breaking Bad is a show that challenges the viewers' moral judgments and sympathies for the characters. It makes us question what is right and wrong, what is good and evil, what is justified and unjustified.

In this episode, we see how the characters' moral codes are tested and twisted by their circumstances. Walt tries to save Jesse from Jack's gang, even though he wanted him dead before. Jesse tries to escape from Jack's gang, even though he wanted to expose Walt's crimes before. Hank tries to arrest Walt, even though he loved him as a brother-in-law before. Skyler tries to protect her family, even though she helped Walt with his business before.

We also see how the viewers' moral codes are tested and twisted by the show. We root for Walt to survive, even though he is a murderer and a liar. We pity Jesse, even though he is a meth addict and a snitch. We respect Hank, even though he is a lawbreaker and a bully. We empathize with Skyler, even though she is an accomplice and a cheater.

We wonder if there is any redemption or justice for these characters. We wonder if there is any hope or meaning for their lives.

The Cinematography

This episode also showcases the amazing cinematography of Breaking Bad. The show uses various visual elements to create a captivating and immersive experience for the viewers.

The Color Palette

One of these elements is the color palette. The show uses different colors to reflect the mood and emotions of the scene. For example, in this episode, we see how the color palette changes from warm to cold as Walt moves from New Mexico to New Hampshire.

In New Mexico, we see bright colors such as yellow, orange and red. These colors represent the heat, the desert and the violence of Walt's world. They also represent Walt's passion, ambition and anger.

In New Hampshire, we see dull colors such as blue, gray and white. These colors represent the cold, the snow and the isolation of Walt's world. They also represent Walt's sadness, loneliness and regret.

The Camera Angles and Movements

Another element that the show uses is the camera angles and movements. The show uses different angles and movements to create suspense and intensity in the scene. For example, in this episode, we see how the camera angles and movements change from static to dynamic as Walt faces different situations.

In the cabin scene, we see mostly static shots of Walt sitting or lying down in his cabin. These shots convey Walt's boredom, stagnation and hopelessness.

In the desert scene, we see mostly dynamic shots of Walt driving or running in the desert. These shots convey Walt's urgency, action and desperation.

The Soundtrack and Sound Effects

The final element that the show uses is the soundtrack and sound effects. The show uses different sounds to enhance the atmosphere and impact of the scene. For example, in this episode, we see how the soundtrack and sound effects change from silent to loud as Walt reaches different points of no return.

In the opening scene, we hear no music or sound effects at all. This creates a sense of realism, nostalgia and contrast with what will happen later.

In the confession scene, we hear a low hum of static noise in the background. This creates a sense of tension, anticipation and dread.

In the shootout scene, we hear loud gunshots and explosions in the foreground. This creates a sense of chaos, violence and shock.

In the phone call scene, we hear a soft piano melody in the background. This creates a sense of sadness, emotion and closure.

The Acting

This episode also features some of the best acting performances in Breaking Bad history. The show has an outstanding cast of actors who bring their characters to life with their expressions, gestures and voices.

Bryan Cranston as Walter White

Bryan Cranston plays Walter White with incredible range and depth. He portrays Walt's complex and conflicted personality with subtlety and nuance. He shows us Walt's intelligence, pride and charisma as well as his arrogance, greed and cruelty.

In this episode, Cranston delivers one of his most powerful performances as he shows us Walt's transformation from a broken man to a determined man. He makes us feel Walt's pain as he coughs blood in his cabin. He makes us feel Walt's anger as he watches Gretchen on TV. He makes us feel Walt's love as he says goodbye to Skyler on the phone.

Anna Gunn as Skyler White

Anna Gunn plays Skyler White with remarkable skill and grace. She conveys Skyler's fear and frustration with her eyes, mouth and body language. She shows us Skyler's strength, loyalty and compassion as well as her weakness, guilt and resentment.

In this episode, Gunn delivers one of her most emotional performances as she shows us Skyler's struggle to cope with her situation. She makes us feel Skyler's terror as she sees Todd in her house. She makes us feel Skyler's sorrow as she hears Hank is dead on TV. She makes us feel Skyler's confusion as she talks to Walt on the phone.

Dean Norris as Hank Schrader

and charm. He shows us Hank's determination, anger and humor as well as his vulnerability, pain and fear.

In this episode, Norris delivers one of his most heartbreaking performances as he shows us Hank's final moments. He makes us feel Hank's courage as he faces Jack's gang. He makes us feel Hank's despair as he realizes Walt betrayed him. He makes us feel Hank's dignity as he accepts his fate.

Betsy Brandt as Marie Schrader

Betsy Brandt plays Marie Schrader with wonderful skill and grace. She conveys Marie's shock, grief and rage with her voice, face and posture. She shows us Marie's love, loyalty and compassion as well as her stubbornness, jealousy and insecurity.

In this episode, Brandt delivers one of her most emotional performances as she shows us Marie's reaction to Hank's death. She makes us feel Marie's disbelief as she hears the news from Skyler. She makes us feel Marie's sorrow as she breaks down in tears. She makes us feel Marie's fury as she slaps Skyler for her involvement with Walt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Breaking Bad season 5 episode 15 is a masterpiece of television that deserves all the praise and recognition it has received. It is a perfect example of how to craft a compelling story with rich characters, deep themes and stunning visuals. It is a must-watch for any Breaking Bad fan or TV lover.

Here are some FAQs about this episode:

Q: What does Granite State mean?

A: Granite State is the nickname of New Hampshire, where Walt hides in a cabin.

Q: What song plays at the end of the episode?

A: The song is "Sign of the Gypsy Queen" by April Wine, a Canadian rock band.

Q: What does Walt see on TV that makes him change his mind about surrendering?

A: He sees Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz, his former partners in Gray Matter Technologies, denying his contribution to their company and their research.

Q: Why does Walt leave his watch on the payphone?

A: There are different interpretations for this gesture. Some say it symbolizes Walt leaving behind his old identity and his past. Some say it is a continuity error, as Walt was not wearing his watch in the flash-forward scene in season 5 episode 1.