The story of Walter White’s transformation from chemistry teacher to drug lord has captured the imagination of television viewers around the world. This collection of essays sets the series in the context of American culture, analyzing its reinvention of classic themes in literature. A protagonist who sets out on a quest and discovers things about himself and the world is a common enough convention in American storytelling. Typically the hero encounters evil along the way and acquires worldly wisdom. Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad, offers a dynamic variant of this quest, posing the question of how far a desperate man facing death will go in order to achieve a sense of self and financial security for his family. Going beyond the obvious ethical issues that have preoccupied viewers and critics alike, the essays in this book cut across disciplines, delve deeply into contemporary issues, and explore the pure pleasure and entertainment value of the series.

Breaking Bad, hailed by Stephen King, Chuck Klosterman, and many others as the best of all TV dramas, tells the story of a man whose life changes because of the medical death sentence of an advanced cancer diagnosis. The show depicts his metamorphosis from inoffensive chemistry teacher to feared drug lord and remorseless killer. Driven at first by the desire to save his family from destitution, he risks losing his family altogether because of his new life of crime. In defiance of the tradition that viewers demand a TV character who never changes, Breaking Bad is all about the process of change, with each scene carrying forward the morphing of Walter White into the terrible Heisenberg. Can a person be transformed as the result of a few key life choices? Does everyone have the potential to be a ruthless criminal? How will we respond to the knowledge that we will be dead in six months? Is human life subject to laws as remorseless as chemical equations? When does injustice validate brutal retaliation? Why are drug addicts unsuitable for operating the illegal drug business? How can TV viewers remain loyal to a series where the hero becomes the villain? Does Heisenberg’s Principle of Uncertainty rule our destinies? In Breaking Bad and Philosophy, a hand-picked squad of professional thinkers investigate the crimes of Walter White, showing how this story relates to the major themes of philosophy and the major life decisions facing all of us.

The ultimate official guide to Breaking Bad--one of the most critically acclaimed series ever produced. Adapted and expanded from an interactive e-book available only on the iPad, it's filled with insider secrets, interpretations of the show's iconography, a series timeline, exclusive interviews with creator Vince Gilligan, and much more. Bad fans will enjoy the many new images, and insightful commentary by world-renowned film critic David Thomson.

Breaking bad, the story of Walter White's transformation from an underappreciated high school chemistry teacher to a murderous drug lord, has captured the imagination of television viewers around the world. This collection of essays sets the series in the context of American culture, analyzing its reinvention of classic themes in literature. -- Publisher description.

BREAKING DOWN BREAKING BAD: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF SHOW'S HISTORY, EVOLUTION, AND CULTURAL IMPACT “Breaking Down Breaking Bad: An In-Depth Analysis Of Show's History, Evolution, And Cultural Impact” is the ultimate resource for any fan of the critically acclaimed television series. This comprehensive guide offers a deep dive into every aspect of the show, from its groundbreaking storytelling to its iconic characters, cinematography, soundtrack, and cultural impact. This guide is essential for both new and longtime fans of the show. It provides an in-depth analysis of the show's themes and motifs, as well as behind-the-scenes information that sheds light on how the series came to be. “Breaking Down Breaking Bad: An In-Depth Analysis Of Show's History, Evolution, And Cultural Impact” is a must-have for any fan of the show, offering a unique perspective on one of the most groundbreaking television shows of our time. CONTENT (39 CHAPTERS) The Genius Of Vince Gilligan: Creator And Showrunner Of Breaking Bad A Closer Look At Walter White: Analyzing The Protagonist Of Breaking Bad Jesse Pinkman: The Heart And Soul Of Breaking Bad The Women Of Breaking Bad: Skyler, Marie, Lydia, And More The Villains Of Breaking Bad: Gus Fring, Tuco Salamanca, And Others The Cinematography Of Breaking Bad: A Visual Journey Through The Series Breaking Bad's Soundtrack: Music As A Storytelling Tool Breaking Bad And The Criminal Underworld: Realism Or Fiction? The Science Of Breaking Bad: Chemistry And Meth Production The Ethics Of Breaking Bad: Morality In A Criminal World Breaking Bad And Family Dynamics: Exploring The White And Pinkman Families Breaking Bad And Mental Health: Ptsd, Addiction, And More The Legacy Of Breaking Bad: How The Series Changed Television The Fans Of Breaking Bad: From Cult Hit To Mainstream Phenomenon The Breaking Bad Universe: Better Call Saul And El Camino Breaking Bad And Pop Culture: References And Influences In Media The Breaking Bad Experience: Visiting Albuquerque And The Show's Filming Locations The End Of Breaking Bad: A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Series Finale Albuquerque: The Perfect Backdrop For Breaking Bad The Evolution Of Walter White's Character Arc The Philosophy Of Breaking Bad: Existentialism And Nihilism The Art Of Foreshadowing: Hidden Clues And Easter Eggs In Breaking Bad The Psychology Of Gustavo Fring: Understanding The Series' Most Complex Villain Breaking Bad's Impact On The Crime Drama Genre The Importance Of Props And Costumes In Breaking Bad The Language Of Breaking Bad: Analyzing The Dialogue And Writing Breaking Bad's Relationship With The American Dream The Making Of Breaking Bad: The Crew And Production Team The Role Of Color And Symbolism In Breaking Bad's Cinematography The Use Of Flashbacks And Time Jumps In Breaking Bad The Evolution Of South Park's Themes And Storylines The Evolution Of Jesse Pinkman's Character Arc The Role Of Humor And Satire In Breaking Bad The Exploration Of Masculinity And Toxic Masculinity In Breaking Bad The Ethics Of The Drug Trade In Breaking Bad The Importance Of Food And Cooking In Breaking Bad Breaking Bad And The American Southwest: The Relationship Between Culture And Environment The Use Of Sound And Silence In Breaking Bad's Audio Design The Legacy Of Breaking Bad: Fan Theories, Memes, And Fan Culture

An accessible and in-depth guide to all five seasons of Breaking Bad "I am not in danger . . . I am the danger." With those words, Breaking Bad's Walter White solidified himself as TV's greatest antihero. Wanna Cook? explores the most critically lauded series on television with analyses of the individual episodes and ongoing storylines. From details like stark settings, intricate camerawork, and jarring music to the larger themes, including the roles of violence, place, self-change, legal ethics, and fan reactions, this companion book is perfect for those diehards who have watched the Emmy Award-winning series multiple times as well as for new viewers. Wanna Cook? elucidates without spoiling, and illuminates without nit-picking. A must-have for any fanÕs collection.