Ep 7. Problem Dog
- TV-14
- August 28, 2011
- 47 min
-
8.8 (26,103)
In Breaking Bad season 4 episode 7, titled "Problem Dog," viewers are taken on a journey alongside Walter White as he continues to delve deeper into the world of meth production and distribution. The episode opens with a haunting flashback to the death of a cartel member, which sets the tone for the intense and emotional events that transpire throughout the rest of the episode.
At the start of "Problem Dog," Walter's mental state is deteriorating rapidly. He is plagued with guilt over the murder of his former assistant, Jesse’s girlfriend, and is unable to sleep at night. Walt attempts to seek solace by visiting a therapist, but he quickly grows frustrated with the therapist's lack of understanding of his situation and leaves feeling more frustrated than ever.
Meanwhile, Jesse is struggling with his own demons. After murdering Gale, Jesse has become increasingly withdrawn and depressed, unable to escape the guilt and grief that he feels over taking a man's life. His emotional breakdown is culminated in a powerful scene in which he tells a support group about the murder and his descent into a deep depression.
As Jesse continues to unravel, Walter begins to feel the weight of his own guilt and responsibility. He decides to take matters into his own hands and convinces Jesse to accompany him on a mission to deal with a problem dog that has been menacing a local business. The scene is both tense and symbolic, representing the overarching themes of the series as Walter's actions continue to spiral out of control.
Throughout the episode, viewers are given insight into the characters' psyche, delving deep into their motivations and inner workings. What emerges is a picture of two men struggling to deal with the consequences of their actions. Neither Jesse nor Walter is equipped to deal with the violence and trauma that they have experienced, and their despair is palpable.
The episode ends with an ominous foreboding of things to come. Gus, the drug kingpin, and his associates are shown discussing their plans to take over Walter's share of the operation. It is clear that Walter's actions have put him in a precarious position, and the future of his involvement in the meth trade is uncertain.
Overall, "Problem Dog" is a powerhouse episode that showcases the complexity and depth of Breaking Bad's characters. The themes of guilt, grief, and desperation are explored with striking realism, making for a compelling and unforgettable viewing experience.