Breaking Bad: Peekaboo Rewatch
September 14, 2014 7:16 PM - Season 2, Episode 6 - Subscribe
Walt returns to work. Skinny Pete gets ripped off and when Jesse steps in to "handle it," he gets more than he bargained for. Skyler finally gets to thank Gretchen for paying for Walt’s treatment.
"She's like an ant, man. She can lift a hundred times her own weight."
Aaron Paul was Emmy nominated (for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, 2009) for his performance in this episode; losing to Michael Emerson (as Ben Linus in Lost).
"She's like an ant, man. She can lift a hundred times her own weight."
Aaron Paul was Emmy nominated (for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, 2009) for his performance in this episode; losing to Michael Emerson (as Ben Linus in Lost).
I kept thinking we'd get a more complete picture of Walt's history, what with all the weird little flashbacks and references to his capabilities and his history with Gretchen and Elliott, but I think you get enough that it make sense, especially with his need for praise and credit where he sees credit being due.
Looking back on the show, I realize it's a bit strange that there isn't more about either Walter or Skylar's families. We learn about Walt's dad, but nothing (that I recall) about his mother, or either of Skylar's parents. Maybe I'm comparing it to so many sitcoms that throw in these extra characters, either for laughs, or to build up the story of who the main characters are, and how they came to their current positions in life.
posted by filthy light thief at 7:25 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Looking back on the show, I realize it's a bit strange that there isn't more about either Walter or Skylar's families. We learn about Walt's dad, but nothing (that I recall) about his mother, or either of Skylar's parents. Maybe I'm comparing it to so many sitcoms that throw in these extra characters, either for laughs, or to build up the story of who the main characters are, and how they came to their current positions in life.
posted by filthy light thief at 7:25 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Oy. This was definitely where my snarky logline for the show went from "This is the story of two sisters and the bad decisionmakers they married in with" to "Human depravity, catalogued."
The little kid in this story was for me Jesse's version of Krazy-8 (who was the first minor character I truly loved): someone in an untenable situation, completely at the mercy of our protagonist. Walt has a nice civil conversation with K, determines he's a threat, and murderizes him. Jesse plays balancing act for as long as he can and still manages to protect the kid from seeing his parents' destruction and (hopefully) sent off to safety.
[Walt] doesn't come off looking terribly good.
It's our first real inkling that he's always been a small and vicious wounded animal inside.
posted by psoas at 7:28 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
The little kid in this story was for me Jesse's version of Krazy-8 (who was the first minor character I truly loved): someone in an untenable situation, completely at the mercy of our protagonist. Walt has a nice civil conversation with K, determines he's a threat, and murderizes him. Jesse plays balancing act for as long as he can and still manages to protect the kid from seeing his parents' destruction and (hopefully) sent off to safety.
[Walt] doesn't come off looking terribly good.
It's our first real inkling that he's always been a small and vicious wounded animal inside.
posted by psoas at 7:28 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
We learn about Walt's dad, but nothing (that I recall) about his mother, or either of Skylar's parents.
There's some stuff around the edges when Walt makes the first batch that's eventually sold to Gus where his alibi for the weekend is seeing his mother, who is apparently so heinous that Skyler comments at length about the how he's a saint to even be in contact with her (which he isn't, as Skyler finds out when assembling her divorce case).
posted by psoas at 7:32 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
There's some stuff around the edges when Walt makes the first batch that's eventually sold to Gus where his alibi for the weekend is seeing his mother, who is apparently so heinous that Skyler comments at length about the how he's a saint to even be in contact with her (which he isn't, as Skyler finds out when assembling her divorce case).
posted by psoas at 7:32 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Oh yeah, thanks for the reminder about Walt's mom. Still, they live in such a weird bubble, where the cast of characters is severely limited, as to make most of the key characters seem like largely friendless introverts. There are some parties and social gatherings, but the focus is so tight on the key characters that they never really interact with others, for the most part.
It's our first real inkling that he's always been a small and vicious wounded animal inside.
This is a great phrase to describe Walt. There's no real redemption in this show, because Walt isn't looking to become healed, but to become a bigger, tougher animal who is finally revered (or feared) for what he is and what he can do.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:43 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
It's our first real inkling that he's always been a small and vicious wounded animal inside.
This is a great phrase to describe Walt. There's no real redemption in this show, because Walt isn't looking to become healed, but to become a bigger, tougher animal who is finally revered (or feared) for what he is and what he can do.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:43 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
In retrospect, I actually love what they did with the non-reveal of what went wrong with Gretchen. First I waited for the backstory to be filled in, then I figured it would be a Pine Barrens style loose end. But finally I realized that of course Walt had a falling out; character is destiny, the actual details don't matter because it was going to be something and it could have been anything.
posted by whuppy at 11:00 AM on September 15, 2014 [8 favorites]
posted by whuppy at 11:00 AM on September 15, 2014 [8 favorites]
I always find this episode tough going; the situation at the Spooges' is so grim.
The contrast between the two plots of this episode is interesting: the Skyler/Gretchen/Walt plot takes place across a variety of locations and largely in broad bright daylight. The Jesse/Spooges plot is all entirely bottled up inside the Spooge's darkened house.
It seems to me like a lot of the episodes this season are carefully positioning meth, and the criminality around it, as destructive -- and by implication, Walt and Jesse as agents of destruction. This episode is the most directly illustrative: meth has destroyed the Spooges' lives. Previously we saw Jesse & co dealing meth around town; the range of their clientele. Later we get Combo's murder at the hands of a kid; and Jane falling off the wagon.
It feels now like a very strong "YOU SHOULD NOT BE ROOTING FOR WALT" statement; in opposition to the show's "YEAH HEISENBERG" moments of triumph.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 12:25 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
The contrast between the two plots of this episode is interesting: the Skyler/Gretchen/Walt plot takes place across a variety of locations and largely in broad bright daylight. The Jesse/Spooges plot is all entirely bottled up inside the Spooge's darkened house.
It seems to me like a lot of the episodes this season are carefully positioning meth, and the criminality around it, as destructive -- and by implication, Walt and Jesse as agents of destruction. This episode is the most directly illustrative: meth has destroyed the Spooges' lives. Previously we saw Jesse & co dealing meth around town; the range of their clientele. Later we get Combo's murder at the hands of a kid; and Jane falling off the wagon.
It feels now like a very strong "YOU SHOULD NOT BE ROOTING FOR WALT" statement; in opposition to the show's "YEAH HEISENBERG" moments of triumph.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 12:25 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
the cast of characters is severely limited, as to make most of the key characters seem like largely friendless introverts
It's necessary of course: they need to focus on their leads. But it's also interesting how it's depicted:
Walt really doesn't know anyone outside his immediate family and work colleagues, of whom Carmen is the only one he seems particularly close to. Maybe because his ego doesn't permit it: he always considers himself by far the smartest person in the room, so who else can he connect with? Maybe why his relationship with Jesse is so intense: Jesse's the only outsider in his life.
Skyler leans on Marie for support, does not seem to have any friends; reconnects with Ted when she re-enters the workforce. Maybe a hint that she's been isolated by staying at home; maybe also a hint that this is something which Walt's controlling side enjoys.
Jesse has friends, but: the only ones that remain are those who are also in the drug scene, and there are strong signs that they're only loyal as long as there's something in it for them. We see him trying to reconnect with a old friend when he's looking for a place to crash; it doesn't work, they're too far apart.
Hank's social circle is entirely work-based; so when he's having troubles that he can't share at work he's isolated. (And in fact it's surprisingly Walt he connects with. There's an undercurrent through the series that although Walt and Hank are such different personalities, they do genuinely care for each other.)
Walt Jr. arguably has the show's only non-dysfunctional friendship.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 12:46 PM on September 15, 2014
It's necessary of course: they need to focus on their leads. But it's also interesting how it's depicted:
Walt really doesn't know anyone outside his immediate family and work colleagues, of whom Carmen is the only one he seems particularly close to. Maybe because his ego doesn't permit it: he always considers himself by far the smartest person in the room, so who else can he connect with? Maybe why his relationship with Jesse is so intense: Jesse's the only outsider in his life.
Skyler leans on Marie for support, does not seem to have any friends; reconnects with Ted when she re-enters the workforce. Maybe a hint that she's been isolated by staying at home; maybe also a hint that this is something which Walt's controlling side enjoys.
Jesse has friends, but: the only ones that remain are those who are also in the drug scene, and there are strong signs that they're only loyal as long as there's something in it for them. We see him trying to reconnect with a old friend when he's looking for a place to crash; it doesn't work, they're too far apart.
Hank's social circle is entirely work-based; so when he's having troubles that he can't share at work he's isolated. (And in fact it's surprisingly Walt he connects with. There's an undercurrent through the series that although Walt and Hank are such different personalities, they do genuinely care for each other.)
Walt Jr. arguably has the show's only non-dysfunctional friendship.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 12:46 PM on September 15, 2014
Mrs. Spooge is hands-down my favorite character actor in BB (in a series with very good casting of non-lead actors). She's played by Dale Dickie and her performance is one of those where you don't think someone's acting. (Her cackling laugh at the end of the previous episode, when they trick Skinny Pete, is absolutely horrific.)
"Mr. Spooge" turns in a memorable performance as well - he really crushes it. (Sorry.)
I think this episode was an intention to show what meth does, as commented above, and not gloss over how it wrecks people's lives, and family units.
"I'll be any kind of mother you want me to, if you give me a hit..."
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 6:54 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
"Mr. Spooge" turns in a memorable performance as well - he really crushes it. (Sorry.)
I think this episode was an intention to show what meth does, as commented above, and not gloss over how it wrecks people's lives, and family units.
"I'll be any kind of mother you want me to, if you give me a hit..."
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 6:54 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
She's played by Dale Dickie and her performance is one of those where you don't think someone's acting.
Holy shit, I would never have recognized her as Martha-the-werewolf-gramma from True Blood.
posted by psoas at 7:08 AM on September 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Holy shit, I would never have recognized her as Martha-the-werewolf-gramma from True Blood.
posted by psoas at 7:08 AM on September 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
"I am trying to take the high road here..."
Unintentionally funny, and humanizing.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 11:36 AM on September 18, 2014
Unintentionally funny, and humanizing.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 11:36 AM on September 18, 2014
I just watched this again--I'm behind in the rewatch--and so far it's the episode I've least looked forward to just because I found it so harrowing.
This time the line "I am trying to take the high road here" didn't amuse me so much as remind me of Walt's conversation with Gretchen in the restaurant: he states that he has apologized to her and is apologizing again, and then immediately apologizes a third time and states--again--that he has done so. When this showy, perfunctory stab at propriety doesn't give him the results he wants, he drops the pretense and lashes out.
Watching the series again, I'm struck by how kind and uncomplicated Gretchen seems; she may be the least dysfunctional character in Breaking Bad. And Walt's version of the Gray Matter breakup, with him as the blameless wronged hero, seems a bit like a dispatch from a parallel universe.
posted by johnofjack at 5:55 PM on October 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
This time the line "I am trying to take the high road here" didn't amuse me so much as remind me of Walt's conversation with Gretchen in the restaurant: he states that he has apologized to her and is apologizing again, and then immediately apologizes a third time and states--again--that he has done so. When this showy, perfunctory stab at propriety doesn't give him the results he wants, he drops the pretense and lashes out.
Watching the series again, I'm struck by how kind and uncomplicated Gretchen seems; she may be the least dysfunctional character in Breaking Bad. And Walt's version of the Gray Matter breakup, with him as the blameless wronged hero, seems a bit like a dispatch from a parallel universe.
posted by johnofjack at 5:55 PM on October 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
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Meanwhile Jesse goes off and has a mini-story of it's own, which almost seems to come from another show. It's essentially a short, violent play set in the middle of a Breaking Bad episode. It's quite good, although it feels a little off kilter.
posted by Cannon Fodder at 11:36 PM on September 14, 2014