The Epic Trilogy: Bryan Cranston's Directorial Masterpieces in Breaking Bad

Summary

Bryan Cranston, known for his role as Walter White in Breaking Bad, also directed three episodes of the show, showcasing his talent in both acting and directing.

In Cranston's initial directorial effort, titled "Seven Thirty-Seven", significant advancements in the plot were showcased, including the memorable flash-forward scene depicting a pink teddy bear in the pool.

One of Cranston's most acclaimed episodes as a director was "Blood Money", characterized by a riveting showdown between Walter and Hank, as well as jolting disclosures regarding Walter's illness and Jesse's remorse.

Bryan Cranston became a household name through his portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad, and he further showcased his directing skills by taking charge behind the camera on three occasions during the AMC series. Walter White, also known as Heisenberg later in the show, is undeniably one of the most legendary and well-developed characters in the history of television. In season 1, Walter starts off as a decent, ordinary man who becomes desperate for money and turns to producing methamphetamine, enlisting one of his former students to assist with selling it. However, as the name of the show suggests, by season 5, Walter evolves into a powerful drug kingpin, orchestrating numerous deaths and engaging in a multitude of criminal activities.

For his portrayal of Walter in Breaking Bad, Cranston won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series on four occasions. Furthermore, as a producer on the series, Cranston also earned two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. Adding to his versatility, Cranston took on the responsibilities of directing three episodes throughout the course of Breaking Bad.

Bryan Cranston Directed 3 Breaking Bad Episodes

Bryan Cranston, known for his role as Walter White in Breaking Bad, showed his directing skills in three episodes of the show. These episodes were titled "Seven Thirty-Seven," "No Más," and "Blood Money." "Seven Thirty-Seven" marked the beginning of the second season and was Cranston's directorial debut, coming only eight episodes into the series. Prior to Breaking Bad, Cranston had already directed seven episodes of Malcolm and the Middle and one episode of Big Day. With his experience and knowledge of the show, Cranston was the perfect fit to direct certain episodes.

In "Seven Thirty-Seven," the episode Cranston directed, the story picked up where the first season finale left off. It followed the aftermath of Tuco Salamanca's violent act of killing his own lieutenant, No-Doze. Walter and Jesse, the main characters, grew concerned about continuing to work with Tuco and hatched a plan to poison him with ricin. However, the episode ended with Tuco taking Jesse and Walter hostage at gunpoint, leaving viewers on a cliffhanger. This episode also introduced the iconic image of a bright pink teddy bear in the pool in a flash-forward scene.

Blood Money Is The Best Breaking Bad Episode Directed By Cranston

In Breaking Bad season 3, episode 1 titled "No Más," Cranston took the helm as the director. This episode served as the season's premiere and unfolded after the tragic Wayfarer 515 plane crash, caused by Ronald, the grief-stricken father of Jane Margolis, who happened to be an air traffic controller. Walter, also known as Heisenberg, indirectly played a role in the disaster by allowing Jane's demise. His actions resulted in the loss of countless lives. "No Más" primarily delved into Walter's deep sorrow following the crash, his separation from Skylar, and the subsequent revelation of his secret meth operation to his wife. Additionally, Jesse sought treatment at a rehabilitation center in the aftermath of Jane's passing, while Walter expressed his desire to leave the meth business to Gus in this episode of Breaking Bad season 3, episode 1.

Undoubtedly, Bryan Cranston's finest directorial achievement came in the form of the gripping final episode of the AMC crime drama series - "Blood Money", the ninth installment of Breaking Bad's fifth season. While Cranston did not venture behind the camera in season 4, he made a triumphant return as a director for the show's last season, delivering an exceptional episode. In the realm of Breaking Bad, renowned for its exceptional content, Cranston's work in season 5 stood out as his directorial pinnacle.

In "Blood Money," the episode began with a glimpse into Walter's future, as he broke into his abandoned and vandalized home to retrieve a vial of ricin hidden behind an electrical outlet. This foreshadowed the events of the series finale. Meanwhile, in the present day, Hank grappled with the shocking revelation that Walter was the notorious Heisenberg, creating one of the most chilling moments in the show. Dean Norris delivered one of his strongest performances in the series as Hank struggled to determine his next steps with this newfound information. Walter eventually discovered that Hank was aware of the truth, leading to an intense confrontation between the two men that ended the episode on a compelling note.

Additionally, the ninth episode of Breaking Bad's fifth season unveiled the distressing news that Walter's cancer had resurfaced and posed a more imminent threat to his life. Meanwhile, Jesse battled with guilt over his past actions and impulsively tossed his "blood money" onto various lawns. This hour was brimming with unsettling moments that effectively set the stage for the remainder of the show and its highly-anticipated series finale. Undeniably, Bryan Cranston's final directorial effort for Breaking Bad was truly impressive.