Hey guys, let's dive into something that's been bugging me for a while: Breaking Bad. Now, before you start throwing tomatoes, hear me out! While it's undeniably popular, and everyone seems to rave about it, I'm here to argue that Breaking Bad is actually a bit overrated. We're going to break down some key aspects of the show that, in my opinion, prevent it from reaching the pinnacle of television greatness. Let's get started.

The Pacing Problem

One of the biggest issues I have with Breaking Bad is its pacing. Listen, I get that slow burn can be a stylistic choice, creating tension and building anticipation. But at times, Breaking Bad takes this to an extreme, and the story suffers as a result. There are stretches of episodes that feel bogged down in repetitive plot points, with characters making the same mistakes, and the narrative treading water. Take, for example, the early seasons, where Walter White is still figuring out his operation. A lot of time is spent on the mundane aspects of the meth business, which is not particularly interesting. While these scenes might have been intended to portray the harsh reality of the situation, they sometimes make the show drag.

Compare this to other acclaimed shows, like The Wire, which, despite its complexity, keeps the audience constantly engaged with its tight narrative structure and multi-faceted plotlines. Even shows with slower paces, like Mad Men, manage to sustain interest through rich character development and thought-provoking themes. In Breaking Bad, however, the slow pacing, at certain points, makes the show feel a little bloated, which means it could have been so much better.

I believe the show's pacing sometimes undercuts the tension it aims to build. The anticipation for key events can be diluted by long stretches of less compelling content. When the big moments finally arrive, they don't always pack the punch they should, because the groundwork hasn't been laid effectively due to the uneven pacing. It's like waiting for a delicious meal, only to find the appetizers have left you feeling full. The impact isn't the same. It is not to say that slow pacing is bad, but in Breaking Bad, I think the effect isn't working as intended. In contrast, great shows maintain a consistent level of engagement, using their pace to control and influence the audience's reactions. The story feels like it's taking a very long time, and you often find yourself thinking, “Come on, get to the good stuff already!”.

Over-reliance on Plot Armor

Another issue that I have with Breaking Bad is that the show often seems to rely too heavily on plot armor for its main characters. This is when the characters survive situations that they really shouldn’t survive. For instance, Walter White, despite being a pretty inexperienced criminal, often manages to outsmart seasoned drug lords and evade capture by law enforcement, and it is a little too convenient, and it stretches believability, and diminishes the stakes. And you know, it can be fun to see the hero survive, but it is less compelling to watch when you know that a character is not going to die because the plot won't allow them to, as if they are indestructible. It's tough to get invested in the drama when the audience knows, deep down, that the hero has plot armor protecting them.

This plot armor reduces the tension. This is because a lot of the show's value comes from the characters being in danger, and you worry if they are going to make it out alive. When the characters survive impossible situations, the jeopardy feels less real. This is something that you can see happening frequently when Walter White gets into some trouble. It's almost predictable that he will somehow find a way out, and this takes away from the overall impact of the storyline.

The show isn't alone in facing this critique, but the plot armor in Breaking Bad often feels particularly noticeable because of the show's otherwise gritty and realistic aesthetic. The contrast between the grounded setting and the occasional implausibility can be jarring. In a show that tries so hard to portray the dark underbelly of a world, these plot armor moments stick out. By comparison, in shows like Game of Thrones, the constant threat of death kept viewers on the edge of their seats, where anyone could be killed at any time, adding to the intrigue and the dramatic tension. Even when the characters aren't safe, it's easier to invest in the storytelling. The show could have benefited from a bit more risk.

The Moral Ambiguity Dilemma

Breaking Bad prides itself on its moral ambiguity. The show wants us to question Walter White's descent from a well-meaning chemistry teacher into a ruthless criminal mastermind. This is a complex premise, which has been attempted many times in media. However, in my opinion, the show sometimes stumbles in this area. While moral ambiguity can be incredibly compelling, I think that the show struggles at certain times to handle it effectively. The problem is that, at times, Walter White's actions become so heinous and his motivations so twisted that it's difficult to empathize with him. It's difficult to invest in a character who does terrible things and doesn't seem to have a lot of remorse. This disconnect can make it hard to engage with the story emotionally. Instead of wondering what White is going to do next, you start to question why you should even care. This makes it difficult to reconcile the audience's natural inclination to root for the protagonist with the terrible things that he's doing.

Of course, moral ambiguity is not a bad thing in itself. A good character can be a villain, and a villain can have good sides. Some shows, like The Sopranos, do an incredible job of keeping a complex moral stance on the characters. But Breaking Bad sometimes feels like it wants to have its cake and eat it too. The show wants to portray Walter White as a complex antihero, but at the same time, it can be too quick to excuse or downplay his terrible deeds.

This lack of clarity can create a lack of focus. It makes it more difficult for viewers to connect with the character's journey and invest in the outcomes. The gray areas become murky, and the moral core of the story can get lost in the shuffle. The emotional impact is diluted when the audience is left wondering what they are supposed to feel. The show's exploration of morality is often uneven. In contrast, great shows use moral ambiguity as a tool to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and create lasting impact. Breaking Bad falls short because it doesn't quite know how to handle the moral dilemma.

Overhyped or Simply Good?

So, am I saying Breaking Bad is a bad show? Not necessarily. It has some strengths. Bryan Cranston delivers a great performance, and the cinematography is often beautiful. The show certainly has its memorable moments and its fans. But, I think that the show is overhyped. Its flaws prevent it from reaching the same heights as other shows. In particular, the pacing issues, over-reliance on plot armor, and the inconsistent handling of moral ambiguity prevent it from achieving true greatness. Maybe I'm missing something, but for me, Breaking Bad is a solid, entertaining show, but it's not the masterpiece some people claim it is.

I welcome your thoughts, guys. What did you like about the show? Do you agree? Let's talk in the comments!