Breaking Down Breaking Bad: Unpeeling the Layers of Television's Greatest Drama

A few weeks ago I finish Eric San Juan's excellent book on the Mad Men TV series which ran on AMC. I decided to purchase his earlier bookBreaking Down Breaking Bad from Amazon; I am glad I did! This little book will give you a good analysis of the excellent Vince Gilligan directed series which ran five years. The series focuses on brilliant teacher Walter White. Learning of his fatal cancer diagnosis he decided to make money to leave his family secure following his imminent demise. He and a former chemistry student Jesse decide to cook meth to make a bundle. The descent of Walter White from respected family man into a monster is a fascinating journey into the heart of darkness of a human being. The series is notable for its excellentwriting, acting and story line. The acting of Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and a strong supporting cast make this series a television event. Kudos to Eric San Juan for his sagacious and concise comments on the show!

I just got this book hoping it would be a good read but I find myself frustrated when the author wants to blame everything that goes wrong or is bad on Walt. To blame Hank's death on Walt is totally wrong. If there is anyone to blame it is Jessie, he was the one who got everything going once again because of his hot temper. If he had not tricked Walt into thinking he was burning up his money Hank would be alive more than likely. If there is one person in the show that constantly caused problems it was Jessie, I would have gotten rid of him a long time before Walt finally decided to, going back and viewing the series again and again I really felt more sorry for Walt then ever, he was not a evil person. He saved his own life, his families and Jessie's the only way possible. Everyone he got rid of had it coming. The book is so far the good except for the Walter blaming, I'm guessing most people will not be as sensitive about Walter as I am and will enjoy this book. Someone needs to write a book defending and understanding Walter, I related to him and thought everything he did was justified. Too bad this author didn't agree with me.

Very, very well written by someone who was obviously not only a dedicated fan of Breaking Bad but a stickler for details. A dedicated fanatic myself, I read the book in one sitting. I felt like I was 'listening' to a friend as I devoured every word. I'm not sure I could explain it, but there was something about Breaking Bad that kept those of us who loved the series waiting on the edge of our seats each Sunday night. When the finale began, I just knew I wanted to be at home, comfortably ensconced on my sofa with 100% of my attention on that final episode. It did not disappoint. Those last series of scenes could not have been written, directed or acted any better to bring the "greatest television series (at least in my opinion as well as the author's) to it's brutal yet beautiful finality. Oh, and one more thing I must add. Whoever chose the song "Baby Blue" to end the last scene was nothing short of brilliant. Thank you Eric San Juan for a wonderful chance to relive the greatest show on television.

Mr. San Juan's book is exactly what I was hoping for: a passionate breakdown from a clearly fervently passionate fan. He breaks down his chapters and sections with simplicity and precision, and has fun takes like "Top 10 Quotes" and "Top 10 Scenes" (don't know how "I am the danger" didn't make it, but it's difficult to argue with his selections!).A great, fun read. I only wish it had gone on longer...at 102 pages, the book takes about as long to read as Walter took to break bad. :-)

I really don't think there's ever been a character on TV as complex as Walter White. The author (Eric San Juan), explores the master chemist/meth kingpin in depth, along with all the other supporting characters in Breaking Bad. San Juan has a knack for this type of exploration, coming off his last book, "Hitchcock's Villains: Murderers, Maniacs and Mother issues", where he dissects the villains from the master of suspense. Here, he explores perhaps televisions greatest villain, Heisenberg and the protective societal shell that is Walter White. I still haven't been able to stop talking about this show and this book gave me a much needed fix.

Nothing earth shattering in this book but it was good conversation material. I liked it. I didn't answer one question I have had about Walt. What made him so risk averse to live the life of a high School chem teacher? Since he had aspirations and was so smart. What happened in his life to make him go that route. Take that Job?Be that dissatisfied with his life and just keep doing it.

This book was damn near as intriguing as the television series. It gave me pause to think deeper on so many levels. I understood more about the actors, the characters and the whole piece of art. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a devotee of the show.You can learn my fellow fans, you can learn.Things that were buried on the screen became so apparent and crystal clear when I read this piece. Eric San Juan, hats off to you my friend.A fan forever (of yours and Breaking Bad),Penelope

If you are a fan of Breaking Bad, this book brilliantly analyzes the underlying psychology of Walter White and the other show members. It is a fast, but satisfying read. Each season is broken down and complete chapters are devoted to the major characters, each offering insightful pieces of information. As much as I thought I knew about the show, I learned more from this book. I am going to order additional copies for my Br Ba friends. I highly recommend it.

Well written, very interesting. Best if you've seen the entire show as it does talk about plot points we could be spoilers if you haven't seen them

Those who have rated 'Breaking Bad' as one of the best shows to ever hit the small screen will love this reminder of the characters and plot lines. It is a pretty straightforward recount of the who, the what and the how with excellent summaries of the action episode by episode throughout all 5/6 seasons. It goes deep enough into the minds and motivations of the principals without unnecessary psychobabble. A great memento for those of us coming to terms with the fact that it's all over.

Excellent book about best TV series ever

Book a bit thin and flimsy but a good read and lots of interesting facts.

Very interesting facts about the best TV series ever produced by the Americans. Deals with each series and the characters, plot development and adds lots of little known facts to the story. A good read.