We're goin' in. We're going down. (Day 47)

Spoilers for Breaking Bad most likely follow.

I don't think I've ever been as invested in a television series as I am with Breaking Bad right now. There's only one episode remaining and I am awaiting it eagerly. Everything is more than likely going to end in a ridiculously messy way. So many TV series pull their punches when it comes to conflict and do not follow things to their logical conclusions. Breaking Bad proves beyond all else that there are consequences for our actions. There will be no deus ex machina to save us at the last moment.

Last week's episode, "Ozymandias," was one of the best episodes of any series I've ever seen. Every performance was incredibly intense and spot-on. Hank's last conversation with Walt in the desert. Walt's despair and anger as he insisted that he tried to save Hank's life and that they were still a family. The ensuing struggle with the knife. The intense phone call Walt made to cast doubt on Skyler's guilt. There were too many memorable moments to count. It was such a good episode that I can't wait to watch it again when I rewatch the entire series. It's emotionally draining to do so, but it's just so damn good that I can't help it.

Tonight's episode, while comparatively low-key, was still excellent, and featured one of my favorite Aaron Paul performances. It was like I could see his heart breaking on screen. Both Jesse and Walt have gone through a lot, but Jesse's punishments have been so much more severe--and he's still basically just a kid that got in over his head. Walt is smart but even he couldn't have foreseen just how deep he would have dragged himself. He grew arrogant and became obsessed with not only providing for his family, but building an empire, becoming Gus's better. In the end, I predict he will have nothing and he will die alone for his mistakes, dragging Jesse along with him.

Breaking Bad will not end well for anyone. Walt's family may eventually be able to move on, but the legacy of his mistakes will cast a pall over their lives. I can't wait to see how everyone's story ends.