Remember a few months back when I talked about House of Cards? I shared how much I liked that show, how excited I was for the new season. Remember that? Sure. I remember that, too.
Hey, then do you remember how I swore I would never, ever, ever use this blog to talk about television because heaven help us the world is big and beautiful and full of so many three-dimensional, extra-legit things to do and see and look at and we have bodies! Do you remember how I said we have bodies and we’re so lucky to have them and we should use them?? We should use them to leap and shake like the Quakers (or milkshakes, whatever) and spin and at least get off the couch and not watch television for hours and hours, supine, on the couch?? Do you remember that?
Me neither. Because I didn’t say it! I should have. But I did not. And while it can be hard to remember things you did say, it’s harder still to remember things you did not say. In fact… Yeah, gee, I can’t think of anything harder than that. Unless you count…
Well, unless you know how hard it is to stop watching Breaking Bad once you’ve started, once you’ve really started in earnest and fallen irretrievably in love with fictional people who make terrible, terrible decisions, endlessly, with a soundtrack playing in the background and comic relief going for it. Stopping that train once it’s pulled out of that station? Forget it.
Yes, I did what many people told me for years to do: watch Breaking Bad. Ugh. It began… Honestly, I can’t remember. A couple weeks ago? It’s a blur. I said it’s a blur! Stop asking so many questions!
I’ll call Mike!*
Seriously, though: I was feeling soggy and blue, uninspired and feverish. I had no will. Would it last? Surely it wouldn’t, I told myself. But in the meantime, while I wasn’t doing much more than languishing, listless and pale — but somehow still beguiling — on the couch, why not take in a little Netflix? A lot of Netflix. Who would know? It’s not like ever said in black and white in front of thousands of people that I had some moral objection to TV, thank goodness.
Anyway, this show has to end. I’m in Season 5, the last season. I cannot wait for it to be done because it is just too good. I’m not reading or writing. I’m not “going for a jog.” I’m not doing charity work and — horror — I’m not at the sewing machine. I’m just… Embroiled. Bewitched. Chained to a show that features such fine acting and writing, it’s criminal. Which is funny, except my life does not think it’s funny. My life wants my life back.
Also, it does not help that I am in love with the character of Jesse Pinkman and yes, I’m about six years too late and yes, he’s not real, but all he needs is the love of a good woman, okay? And I am that woman! What, you think I can’t be fictional?? You think I can’t have real love for a scripted person in a show that ended five years ago??
It’s a good thing I don’t write about TV shows on this blog, right? Impossible.
*a little Breaking Bad shout-out for my BB peeps
Mandy Laseter
I know how you feel. It is a masterpiece of fiction to watch. I had withdrawals when it ended. But, then I found Sons of Anarchy. Oh, my! Also very addicting. I haven’t found anything else as good since.
Sgt. Pepper
Try Better Call Saul or Fargo 🙂
Caroline
‘Better Call Saul’ is great too – only 3 seasons (so far) to get through… 🙂
Anita Brayton
I whole heartedly agree. Saul is a fascinating character. Great writing.!
SC
Please write us another blog on your feelings after you’ve finished the entire series. I would give almost anything to be able to experience it all over again for the first time and I still think of Jesse and Walt at least three times a month.
Suzan
It’s ok Mary! I am in live with Leroy Jethro Gibbs from NCIS .
Suzan5
Mary Ann
I feel your Breaking Bad pain.
Mary Lynn
Oh my – someone who understands the power of BB! We watched it a few years ago and I was obsessed. After every batch of episodes (we couldn’t watch just one), there would be discussion about Walter and Jesse as if they were family members we were trying to understand and save. Truly an amazing series. Be prepared for some serious withdrawal pains when it’s over.
Shannan Sabby
You know that Game of Thrones starts on Sunday right??? LOL
That was my “Everyone keeps telling me to watch it but seriously, how good can it be – Oh it’s THAT good… ” show. It’s Worth every single penny of my HBO NOW subscription.
Maria
I am a huge fan of Breaking Bad. Started watching it with my college aged son and was rivoted. Jesse and Walter were class act and I loved all the supporting characters. We are watching Better Call Saul now and it’s very entertaining.
Everyone deserves a marathon of BB!
Bobbi Penniman
Hold some hand work on your lap. Take a stitch once in a while. Eliminate all guilt because you are now multi tasking
Kerry Leach
Orphan Black is very good – and sometimes funny. As is I Zombie – which is completely bonkers and funny. I couldn’t bear House of Cards because although I think Kevin Spacey is perfect in the part – and quite funny, I just leave it to my husband, although we both loved Person of Interest. This is when a treadle comes in handy – watch TV and be productive at the same time!
rita penner
A little advice: You have enough going on in your life that you don’t need (nor does any girl need) a guy that needs fixed. If you want to train bad habits out of a soul, you get a dog.
Sarah
What Rita said. Yea, verily!
Deb Johnson
My kids got me hooked on The Sopranos way back when………..I felt empathy for Tony……….it was the weirdest thing…. I do understand your dilemma! Now you’ve got me wondering about Breaking Bad……..shame on you! 😉
Cindy
Better Call Saul
The Americans
Dexter
Six Feet Under
Big Love
Mr Robot
Dexter
That will get you through the end of the year.
Tracy
I just finished BB a couple weeks ago also!. I had to watch it because I had streamed The Walking Dead and needed another show that I had missed when everyone else was raving about it. I can’t imagine waiting a whole week to see the next episode! Maybe it’s Aaron Paul you love – you can watch The Path on Hulu. You can love his character on that show without having to fix him.
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