I think HBO actually pioneered the 'multi-year season' with The Sopranos last season. On a separate note, does anyone actually accept the whole, Season X, pt I and pt II spread over two years as a single season? Why not just call them separate seasons?

Babou! Serpentine!

You sir, are a mouthful!

Great? I think you mean a-MAAA-zing!

Yeah, he mentioned that he'd take the train back in last season's finale.

They're working with very limited time. I think if they showed anyone's quirks in that rapid of succession it would seem like a bit much.

It was great, but I agree, it was a little rushed. Couldn't they have nixed one of the - let me put this delicately - pointless episodes earlier in the season to give this one a full hour?

Yeah, there was the flash forward with the 'death letters' where a much much older Marshall finally caves and opens Lily's, even though she's still alive and they're still (apparently) together

And it was awesome.

Right, even up to the end he still had his pride.

I love how they went full circle with Gretchen and Elliot.  The whole start of Walt's career was him refusing their money for his treatments but lying about it to his family. Now it looks like Walt will get his money to his family by having them believe it comes from them.

Who else though? I've never bought that it was for himself, lots of easier ways for him to off himself, and besides he was all ready to just let the cops catch him before seeing them on Charlie Rose. I can't see him giving it to Skyler or his son, and I imagine the M60 is for the Nazis.

So, wait, people think the ricin is for someone other than Gretchen and Elliot at this point?  

For a second I thought Uncle Jack was going to be pissed about it.  Then I remembered what show I was watching.

But it wasn't personal.

*coughing fit*

Obviously he was underestimated, but unlike Gus and Tuco, Hank already knew what Walt had done and was capable of. And the whole plan hinged on Jesse antagonizing Walt; Walt didn't even know Hank would be there, but they knew he was gunning for Jesse.

They have swastika and SS tattoos on their necks. If there's a distinction between them and "real" Nazis, I don't think it's particularly meaningful.

So on further reflection, why the hell did Hank go out into the desert with only Gomie as backup?  He knows Walt has connections capable of pulling off 10 simultaneous murders of people in custody. Why didn't he think that Walt might call for reinforcements once he realized Jesse was setting him up?  As soon as he…

Yeah, I agree with that. I really can't see Walt going on some daring rescue mission in the final two episodes. Especially not since he so irredeemably burned his bridges with Jesse.