But they are also a good deal crappier than Scorsese's DeNiro movies.

But they are also a good deal crappier than Scorsese's DeNiro movies.

"I had forgotten, between last May and now, how Walter uses language to
try to control conversations and draw other people into his version of
reality."  He tries to do that, but do you really think he's that good at it?  I mean, I know the viewer can call bullshit a lot more easily than the characters can, but I…

Holy shit, I thought this was fucking great.  Maybe my favorite episode.

And that's saying something, because American Dad sucks ass.

And that's saying something, because American Dad sucks ass.

Skylar was brilliant there; I only think she shouldn't have played that final card (I know Hank's here because of you, and I won't forget it).  She knows how dangerous Walt and his secret world are; therefore, what's the value of saying something vaguely threatening to him?  Better, I think, to have kept that part to…

I've usually felt like Walt is too hard on Jesse when he accuses him of being a dumb fuckup.  But in these recent episodes, it feels like the writers have doubled down on Jesse's idiotic, reckless side.  It's like Hank beat about 65 IQ points out of him.

Looks like a list of computer errors you've got there, Steve.

Looks like a list of computer errors you've got there, Steve.

Also, vest or not vest, the motherfucker taking six slugs to the chest and not even flinching was about as cartoonish as you can get.  As the guy he shot earlier noted, that shit would've broken his ribs.

Really solid episode, I thought.  One of the best of the season.
My only gripe is that Jesse is apparently a total fucking retard now.

As much as they've been built up — what a couple of lame-ass fuckin' assassins.
(PS, how, in this review, did you suddenly know their names?)

Holy fuckin' shit

And 20 minutes is, I can't resist saying that I would really, really love to see someone just beat the living shit out of Walt.

Five minutes in, I have to say that watching Hank beat the dogshit out of Jesse was really satisfying.

It was 100% pat, I agree.
What information did the caller give, though?  I don't remember them knowing anything except that he had a wife named Marie.  Anybody could have known that about him.

Actually, the rivalry, all the animosity between Jesse and Walt, feels totally forced to me at this point.  How did they reach this point where they can barely stand each other?  It feels a bit like the only reason is that future plots need them to be so.

I agree with the general sense that these episodes aren't as great.  Given that there are still about 25 episodes that I haven't watched yet, I shudder a bit to wonder how the quality has been.

What bothers me at this point is that, after getting the lowdown on Walt from Mike, it doesn't make sense for Gus the professional to do anything but wash his hands of Walt, seeing as how he's become completely unstable.  Why would he instead just throw money at him?  He's a great, wise businessman, and he's taking an…