Warning: Spoilers.
I spent most of the months following last season's finale wondering what the cold open would be, and I was definitely satisfied with the path that the writers chose to take. In the past, BB has defined itself through excellent writing, acting, story telling, and symbolism. So it was only appropriate that the first scene in the fifth season takes place over a year after the following events of the episode. Walt appears to be a man who has lost everything that he could care about while showing valid ID for a birthday meal and confirming to the viewers that Walter White is not Walter White anymore. Happy Birthday, Mr. Lambert. And not to mention, the contents of that trunk bring nothing but questions to the mind.
During the present, we start with Walt and Skyler conversing over the phone about Fring's death, and Skyler learning her husband's role in the event, a revelation which frightens her immensely. Meanwhile, Walt confirms his role in Brock's poisoning as he gets rid of his bomb making supplies, and the Lily of the Valley plant in his back yard. As his family arrives back home, Walt is receiving the cold shoulder from his dear wife. He asks if she plans to express relief that he survived, and she explains that she is relieved. And scared. Of him.
The scene with Hank exploring the now destroyed meth superlab, you can't help but feel like you're watching Captain Ahab looking around Moby Dick's stomach. Nevertheless, Hank continues to dig deeper, and discovers the camera. Walt and Jesse then track Mike down to convince him that he should help them as the videos incriminate them all. He reluctantly agrees, however it's been taken.
What follows is Walt's genius (And Jesse's amusing suggestion that sparked the idea) once again saving the day. He uses a large electromagnet to destroy the laptop's hard drive, and makes a getaway. Meanwhile Skyler discovers Ted in poor condition, a result of her attempt to pay the IRS through him to protect herself. He's afraid of her.
The conversation between Walt and Saul, where Mr. Goodman tries to explain that he gave Beneke the money because Skyler strongarmed him into it. He then uses the word "ethically" which causes Walt to call him out. As Saul reveals the stolen ricin cigarette and expresses his disappointment that a child ended up in the hospital over it, and tries to drop Walt as a client. Walt isn't willing to let him go that easily. "We're done when I say we're done."
At home again, Walt awkwardly consoles his wife, and forgives her for giving Beneke over a half million dollars. Skyler looks on in disgust.
I spent most of the months following last season's finale wondering what the cold open would be, and I was definitely satisfied with the path that the writers chose to take. In the past, BB has defined itself through excellent writing, acting, story telling, and symbolism. So it was only appropriate that the first scene in the fifth season takes place over a year after the following events of the episode. Walt appears to be a man who has lost everything that he could care about while showing valid ID for a birthday meal and confirming to the viewers that Walter White is not Walter White anymore. Happy Birthday, Mr. Lambert. And not to mention, the contents of that trunk bring nothing but questions to the mind.
During the present, we start with Walt and Skyler conversing over the phone about Fring's death, and Skyler learning her husband's role in the event, a revelation which frightens her immensely. Meanwhile, Walt confirms his role in Brock's poisoning as he gets rid of his bomb making supplies, and the Lily of the Valley plant in his back yard. As his family arrives back home, Walt is receiving the cold shoulder from his dear wife. He asks if she plans to express relief that he survived, and she explains that she is relieved. And scared. Of him.
The scene with Hank exploring the now destroyed meth superlab, you can't help but feel like you're watching Captain Ahab looking around Moby Dick's stomach. Nevertheless, Hank continues to dig deeper, and discovers the camera. Walt and Jesse then track Mike down to convince him that he should help them as the videos incriminate them all. He reluctantly agrees, however it's been taken.
What follows is Walt's genius (And Jesse's amusing suggestion that sparked the idea) once again saving the day. He uses a large electromagnet to destroy the laptop's hard drive, and makes a getaway. Meanwhile Skyler discovers Ted in poor condition, a result of her attempt to pay the IRS through him to protect herself. He's afraid of her.
The conversation between Walt and Saul, where Mr. Goodman tries to explain that he gave Beneke the money because Skyler strongarmed him into it. He then uses the word "ethically" which causes Walt to call him out. As Saul reveals the stolen ricin cigarette and expresses his disappointment that a child ended up in the hospital over it, and tries to drop Walt as a client. Walt isn't willing to let him go that easily. "We're done when I say we're done."
At home again, Walt awkwardly consoles his wife, and forgives her for giving Beneke over a half million dollars. Skyler looks on in disgust.