Just Like Starting Over

Sorry I'm breaking a little late on Breaking Bad's latest, "Abiquiu."

Anyway, it's been an odd season. Bifurcated. There was high excitement and tension, with the threat of death and discovery constantly in the air, in the first half. Then, after Hank met the Mexicans, it's gotten quieter, if still quite tense. The latest episode seems to take us into new avenues for the show to explore.

Before, Hank was on the march, heading towards the discovery of who he brother-in-law really is. Now he's stuck in a hospital, and won't leave till he can walk out. Marie is supplying the money though, and sooner or later Hank may wonder where it's coming from.

Jesse was ready to strike out on his own, but now he's taken on a new lover (like so many openings this season, we started with a former characters who's now dead--Jane) and also discovered the kid who shot Combo. That's not good. (It's also not good when they show the "previously on" footage at the beginning of the show, letting us know the Combo murder will be in play, ruining the surprise.)

Gus seemed ready to use up Walter and then have him killed. Now he seems to be grooming him for bigger things.

Skyler seemed ready to divorce Walter, but now she's working with him, literally becoming a partner in crime (and Saul doesn't seem happy).

And Walt's in the middle of it all. He'll keep cooking, but everyone close to him may end up paying.