Ep 1. Pilot

The pilot episode of Breaking Bad sets the tone for the entire series. The story introduces us to Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, who lives an ordinary life with a pregnant wife, a teenage son with cerebral palsy, and a job he’s not entirely pleased with. But all of that changes when Walter is diagnosed with lung cancer.

The episode begins with a camera shot of the desert and what appears to be a pair of pants flying in the air. It's clear that something strange is going on, and we're slowly introduced to Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston. He's a man in his 40s, who seems unhappy with his mediocre life. He's a high school chemistry teacher, and the students in his class lack interest in the subject. His brother-in-law, Hank Schrader, a DEA agent, invites Walter for a ride along while he busts a methamphetamine lab. This trip opens Walter's eyes to the world of drugs and suddenly seems like an opportunity to provide for his family.

Walter is trying to come to grips with his diagnosis while his wife, Skyler, played by Anna Gunn, is busy planning for the baby's arrival. Meanwhile, Walter's brother-in-law Hank is a DEA agent investigating the use and production of drugs in the region. Walter realizes that he can provide for his family's financial future by using his chemistry expertise to cook methamphetamine following a chance encounter with his previous student, Jesse Pinkman.

Walter visits Jesse at his house to propose that they start cooking and selling meth together. Jesse, a former student, now a small-time drug dealer, initially seems hesitant, but gradually agrees to the plan. The two invest in equipment and start cooking in a makeshift lab in the RV they've purchased.

The making of meth and manufacturing crack cocaine are not topics that are usually portrayed on TV, but the visuals and dialogues of the episode are so detailed and graphic that one can't help but be captivated by the intensity on the small screen. The tension and apprehension are palpable and permeate almost every scene.

Despite Jesse's lack of knowledge in the field, Walter manages to teach him the ropes of meth manufacturing. It’s a gripping moment as their partnership takes off, and we get to see the progression of their “product” and their business take shape. As they work, they are constantly in fear of the authorities and other drug dealers. It makes for a nail-biting first episode.

Walter is not afraid of breaking the law to secure his family's financial future, which makes for a morally ambiguous character. He is a relatable character who is forced to do things he never thought he would. As the episode progresses, we see that Walter is driven by his love and concern for his family, and his desperation to secure their future.

The episode does an excellent job of establishing the show's themes and its lead characters. The cinematography is stunning, and the pilot sets a high standard that subsequent episodes continue to meet. Breaking Bad is a show that requires the viewer to pay attention, and this opening episode is no exception.

Overall, Breaking Bad’s pilot episode is a compelling introduction to the series, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat with a desire to see how the story will develop. The acting is superb, the story is engaging, and the visuals are stunning. It’s an excellent starting point for an incredible series that would go down in history as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.