I. Introduction
Breaking Bad, the critically acclaimed crime drama series, has captured the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide. One of the biggest confusions among these fans is regarding the episode count in Season 5. In this article, we aim to provide a guide to the total number of episodes in the show’s fifth season and give viewers a comprehensive overview of each episode.
II. Breaking Down the Episodes: A Guide to Season 5 of Breaking Bad
Season 5 was one of the most important seasons in the show’s narrative arc, and it was split into two parts, A and B, with a total of 16 episodes. Part A consisted of eight episodes, while Part B consisted of another eight.
The season marked the beginning of the end for Walter White, the show’s protagonist, and his journey from a high school chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin. One of the main reasons for splitting the season was to allow the show’s creators to have a broad canvas for the narrative and give the characters the complexity they deserved.
The season was met with critical acclaim, with many calling it one of the best seasons of television.
III. Complete List of Episodes for Breaking Bad Season 5
The following is a complete list of the episodes in Breaking Bad Season 5:
1. Live Free or Die (aired on July 15, 2012) – In the season’s premiere episode, Walt and Jesse try to destroy the evidence of their drug operation’s existence.
2. Madrigal (aired on July 22, 2012) – The DEA investigates Madrigal Electromotive, the German company that provided ingredients for Gus Fring’s drug empire.
3. Hazard Pay (aired on July 29, 2012) – Walt and his crew attempt to expand their drug operation’s scope while ensuring their newfound wealth is secure.
4. Fifty-One (aired on August 5, 2012) – Walt celebrates his 51st birthday and deals with the consequences of his actions.
5. Dead Freight (aired on August 12, 2012) – Walt and Jesse devise a plan to steal a train carrying precious methylamine.
6. Buyout (aired on August 19, 2012) – As tensions rise between Walt and Jesse, the duo decides to sell their methylamine to a rival drug operation.
7. Say My Name (aired on August 26, 2012) – Walt tries to solidify his position in the drug underworld by adopting a ruthless attitude towards his competition.
8. Gliding Over All (aired on September 2, 2012) – Walt eliminates all of his competition and expands his drug empire overseas.
9. Blood Money (aired on August 11, 2013) – Walt returns to Albuquerque after being in hiding and is forced to face the realities of his actions.
10. Buried (aired on August 18, 2013) – After discovering his money stash has been discovered, Walt tries to dissuade his family from turning on him.
11. Confessions (aired on August 25, 2013) – Jesse realizes that he has been manipulated by Walt and decides to come forward to the authorities.
12. Rabid Dog (aired on September 1, 2013) – As Jesse becomes a liability, Walt tries to eliminate him.
13. To’hajiilee (aired on September 8, 2013) – As the law closes in on Walt, he enlists the help of Todd and his crew to eliminate Jesse.
14. Ozymandias (aired on September 15, 2013) – The greatest tragedy of the show occurs as Walt is forced to face the consequences of his actions.
15. Granite State (aired on September 22, 2013) – After escaping the law, Walt goes into hiding in New Hampshire.
16. Felina (aired on September 29, 2013) – In the show’s finale, Walt attempts to right the wrongs he has caused and leave his mark on the world.
It is important to note that the episode order may differ between TV and streaming services.
IV. Breaking Bad Season 5: A Review of Each Episode
The following is a detailed analysis of each episode in Breaking Bad Season 5:
Episode 1: Live Free or Die – This episode was the first of the final season and saw a new enemy in Walt and Jesse’s life. This episode set the stage for the rest of the season.
Episode 2: Madrigal – The DEA investigation into Madrigal caused the audience to question the Germans’ role in Gus Fring’s drug empire.
Episode 3: Hazard Pay – This episode marked the beginning of Walt and Jesse’s operation’s expansion, creating for more money and more tension between the duo.
Episode 4: Fifty-One – This was a character-driven episode where both Hank and Skyler struggled with the situation they were in.
Episode 5: Dead Freight – This episode was one of the most intense and adrenaline-fueled of the season, with a train heist and its aftermath.
Episode 6: Buyout – This episode is where Jesse begins to unravel and realize that Walt is not the man he once thought he was.
Episode 7: Say My Name – The episode saw Walt become ruthless and successfully eliminate his competition.
Episode 8: Gliding Over All – This episode marked the shock winter half-season finale of the show. It saw the direction of Walt’s life change rapidly.
Episode 9: Blood Money – This episode marked the beginning of the end for Walt. He has to deal with Jesse’s loathing and Hank’s realization of his true identity.
Episode 10: Buried – This episode was incredibly intense emotionally, and Skyler’s actions prove to be her husband’s undoing.
Episode 11: Confessions – The episode saw Walt use his ruthless nature to save his family at the cost of someone else’s, which causes a lot of guilt for Jesse.
Episode 12: Rabid Dog – This episode marks the beginning of the end for Walt, and the tension between Jesse and him builds relentlessly.
Episode 13: To’hajiilee – This episode saw the confrontation between Hank and Walt that fans of the show had long been waiting for.
Episode 14: Ozymandias – This episode is one of the most emotionally intense, with the show’s most tragic moment occurring here.
Episode 15: Granite State – This episode marks the beginning of the finality of the show, where the consequences of everyone’s actions slowly catch up to them.
Episode 16: Felina – This episode is the show’s finale, demonstrating how Walter White tries to redeem himself in his own twisted way.
V. What to Expect in Every Episode of Breaking Bad Season 5
Each episode of Season 5 has a distinct tone, moving from a slow burn to an explosion of emotion. Here’s what to expect in every episode:
Episode 1: Live Free or Die – A sense of foreboding start to the season with a unique encounter with the show’s villain.
Episode 2: Madrigal – The DEA involves themselves in the criminal world of Breaking Bad.
Episode 3: Hazard Pay – Walt and Jesse expand their operation, with more challenges ahead of them.
Episode 4: Fifty-One – Walter White’s birthday celebrations show how he has changed, and not always for the better.
Episode 5: Dead Freight – This episode features an outstanding train heist sequence, which is one of the most iconic of the show.
Episode 6: Buyout – The conflict between Jesse and Walt ramps up, and we see that Jesse is starting to see Walt’s true colours.
Episode 7: Say My Name – This episode sees Walt become more and more ruthless, eliminating everyone who gets in his way.
Episode 8: Gliding Over All – The show’s mid-season finale is a shocking cliffhanger, setting up the final half of the season.
Episode 9: Blood Money – Skyler struggles with the reality of her husband’s actions, and we see how Walter’s past actions are starting to catch up with him.
Episode 10: Buried – This episode is emotionally intense, with several characters struggling to cope with the fallout of the show’s events.
Episode 11: Confessions – Walt’s desperation to save his family is evident, even if it means hurting others.
Episode 12: Rabid Dog – Jesse realizes that Walt isn’t the man he thought he was, and the tension between them heightens.
Episode 13: To’hajiilee – The tension between Hank and Walt reaches fever pitch, with a genuinely suspenseful and pulse-pounding encounter.
Episode 14: Ozymandias – A standout episode in the show, Ozymandias is a tragedy of epic proportions.
Episode 15: Granite State – With the law closing in, Walter White goes into hiding, unsure of what his endgame is.
Episode 16: Felina – The final episode of the show and sees Walter White’s ultimate fate decided as he ties up loose ends in his own twisted way.
VI. The Most Memorable Episodes of Breaking Bad Season 5
The following is a list of the most impactful and memorable episodes of Breaking Bad Season 5:
1. Ozymandias
2. Felina
3. Say My Name
4. Dead Freight
5. To’hajiilee
These episodes stand out due to their impeccable writing, directing, and outstanding performances by the cast. These five episodes summarize the entire show’s storyline, acting as a fitting farewell to fans of the series.
VII. Conclusion
Breaking Bad Season 5 is an exceptional season in a show full of exceptional seasons. The season starts with a sense of foreboding and moves slowly towards an intense and unforgettable ending.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all the episodes and their significance in the show. We hope that this article may encourage both new and old fans to sit down and re-watch or watch Breaking Bad Season 5 and appreciate the sheer brilliance of the writing, acting, and direction that make up one of the best television shows of all time.