I've only recently become enamoured with BrBa, watching all five seasons in the past month. I've watched a simple family man become a meth-cooking drug kingpin, and it's been nothing short of astonishing what this show has been able to accomplish in regard to the fine art of character development and storytelling.
As any fan of Breaking Bad has inevitably done, I find myself really thinking about the eventual conclusion to this ludicrously engrossing epic. The show's unconventional approach to character sympathy, plot lines, and story arcs has really made me really dissect my personal perception of fiction in general, which is no easy feat.
It's rare that a show demands so much of us as viewers, and is rewarded with success. It's refreshing. It's not normal, and that's compelled me to analyze why BrBa has become such a massive cultural phenomenon.
The classic trope that almost all of mainstream fiction adheres to is good triumphs over evil. Period. In very few cases does a television show or movie stray from this formula, but Breaking Bad turns the concept completely on its head.
What happens when the protagonist transforms into something morally despicable, regardless of motive? Does the end justify the means? Does one's allegiance fade over time? How loyal does one, (as a fan) stay to a character as he or she slowly morphs into something barely recognizable?
Most typical works of fiction tend to wrap up neatly, with minimal casualties (literal or figurative). This show has been unapologetic in its emotional turmoil. Breaking Bad has been almost cavalier in its disregard for customary fiction. (Plus, it's brilliantly written, shot, and acted, which doesn't hurt.)
It's the storytelling that's really the star here, however, and the story happens to be ending this Sunday.
It's been quite the ride for Walter White and soon, the chaos is coming to an end, for better or for worse. Every fan in the world has predictions, anticipations, questions they want answered, and above all else, an excitement to see What Happens Last. None of us can possibly be certain of what's going to go down.
The only thing that's certain in my mind is Breaking Bad is going to continue breaking convention, and the art of storytelling through fiction is better off because of it.
-NxB
Watching: Breaking Bad
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