“Breaking Bad” Series Finale, “Felina” Review
In the five seasons of glorious television that is “Breaking Bad,” some individual episodes stand out in viewers’ minds for their excellence. For example the season four finale, where arch rival and former methamphetamine drug Emperor Gustavo Fring is ruthlessly blown to pieces by former drug cartel member Hector Salamanca, leaves viewers speechless after the intensity of the events that occur. Another classic episode is the first of that same season, when Gus Fring slits the throat of his worker Victor in front of Walter for no apparent reason, other than to “send a message” to Walter.
Though the series finale, “Felina” may not have been one of “Breaking Bad’s” all-time greatest episodes, it certainly lives up to the expectations of a “Breaking Bad” finale. It makes sure to leave viewers with a very content feeling, tying up all possible lose ends left by the previous episodes. Amazingly, this is almost entirely done in one swift, genius move by protagonist Walter White. In one sequence of events, Walter annihilates the evil neo-Nazi gang led by white supremacist, Jack Welker, frees and makes up with former cook assistant Jesse Pinkman, and goes out the exact way Walt had planned for; dying with his beloved crystal meth cooking equipment.
The episode’s key moment came as Walter attempts to end on relatively good terms with his wife, Skyler. Until now, Walter always claims that everything he has done was done for the future of his family. Now, however, Walt finally confesses to his wife how he truly feels. “I did it for me. I liked it. I was alive.” This confession to Skyler represents an apparent change in Walter White. He now understands that his time is up and with that understanding, comes the realization of who he really is, and what is truly important to him. The selfishness of his pasr is no longer present in Walt’s behavior. His readiness for death allows Walt to recollect on his life in a new perspective. He now realizes the selfishness of his past actions, an epiphamy of sorts. The Walter White of his past is gone. He is “Heisenberg.”
“Felina” successfully ends the show many considered the best show on television. It ties up all lose ends and leaves viewers content and satisfied. “Breaking Bad” will be truly missed.