Four Down

New Breaking Bad today.  They have 16 episodes left to clear up a lot.  Tomorrow, I'll write about what direction the fifth and final season is going (if I have the time), but today, let's look backwards.  Here are the top ten most exciting/powerful/shocking moments in a series where big stuff happen almost every week.  Obviously many spoilers to those not familiar with the show.

Moments that nearly made the list:

Tuco beats up an associate for no reason -- "A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal"

Tio spills, but not on Jesse -- "Bit By A Dead Bee"

The arrest Saul sets up almost goes awry -- "Better Call Saul"

Walt, fed up with Gretchen, let's her know how he feels -- "Peekaboo"

Walt tells Skyler that Gretchen and Elliott are broke -- "Peekaboo"

Walt and Jesse stuck in the middle of nowhere, ready to die -- "Four Days Out" (not exactly a moment so much as an episode)

"Stay out of my territory" -- "Over"

Skyler explains to Walt what she's learned -- "ABQ"

Sklyer tells Walt "I. F. T." -- "I. F.T."

Hank beats the crap out of Jesse -- "One Minute"

The surviving Mexican brother sees Walter White and crawls toward him -- "I See You"

Gus kills Victor -- "Box Cutter"

Hank reveals to Walt the investigation of Gale's murder -- "Bullet Points"

Walt can't stand Gale getting credit for his genius so puts Hank on his trail -- "Shotgun"

Gus takes out Don Eladio and crew -- "Salud"


So the stuff that didn't even make the list would be highlights on any other show.

Here's the top ten:

10. Gus finally buys it -- "Face Off" (would be higher on list except we knew it was coming)

9. Hank unwittingly forces a confrontation between Walt and Gus -- "Hermanos"

8. Walt kills Krazy-8, the first of many intentional killings -- "...And The Bag's In The River"

7. Hank, without a gun, has to protect himself from being killed -- "One Minute"

6. Jesse has to murder poor Gale -- "Full Measure"

5. Emilio's body drops through the ceiling -- "Cat's In The Bag"

4. Tuco holds Walt and Jesse hostage (more a long period of tension than a moment) -- "Grilled"

3. Walt and Jesse are in the RV with Hank outside and seemingly no way out -- "Sunset"

2. Walt runs two guys over, shoots the one still living -- "Half Measures"

1. Walt let's Jane die -- "Phoenix"