Breaking Bad

[LitNetIsGreat]

I think this is the best TV series I have ever seen to be honest, superb stuff. Top quality all the way through. Anyone else enjoying it?

If you have not watched this then you probably should.

If you have not come across it, it revolves around a chemistry teacher who has been diagnosed with cancer who falls in the idea of cooking crystalmeth in order to make money for his family when he's gone, though things get very complicated!

[The Atheist]

It's odd how at a time when TV has declining audiences and influence that some of the best-ever programs are being made - Breaking Bad & The Wire to name a couple.

I couldn't get into The Sopranos - always seemed like poor man's Mario Puzo to me, but Breaking Bad is unbelievably good. I never liked Bryan Cranston or Malcolm ITM, but he has to rate as one of the best actors of all time after BB.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Yes The Killing was another very good series, I mean the original Killing, although the second season wasn't of the same standard as the first. I never watched the Sopranos either probably for the same reason. I'm coming near the end of BB and going to be lost I think.

[Lokasenna]

It's on my list of shows to watch. Everyone I talk to raves about it - people whose tastes are usually fairly on the mark! Though it is strange to imagine the Dad from Malcolm in the Middle as a great actor...

No spoilers, please!

[Helga]

Everybody is telling me to watch it, my 'to watch' list getting very long. Maybe I'll find time around Christmas to watch the whole thing.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Yes definitely no spoilers on the thread!!!

I'd suggest hiking up that to watch list or letting me know what's better out there in it's place!

[mortalterror]

I liked the first four seasons where there was a lot of fish out of water stuff and levity. The protagonists were underdogs in over their heads and out of their depth. You had to root for them. The fifth season is so dark and somber, without any characters to identify with, that it's lost what I initially liked about the series. Also, whenever someone is trying to intimidate another person on the show they just stare at them in silence. It worked for a long time but how many times are they going to pull that trick? It beats the person saying the wrong thing, but it doesn't beat them saying the best things. Shakespeare would have had something for them to say. If this were the Sopranos or Deadwood or a Tarantino movie the bad guy would have a great line. There are so many drawn out pauses that it sometimes feels like a Beckett play.

It's a good show but the best show? I can think of several better.

1.Sopranos
2.All in the Family
3.Deadwood
4.Mad Men
5.The Wire
6.Seinfeld
7.South Park
8.Monty Python's Flying Circus
9.Chappell Show
10.Breaking Bad

[LitNetIsGreat]

Well I think it is a bit difficult to compare Breaking Bad with the likes of Monty Python. Completely different things. Even so I only find Monty Python funny in places and in small doses. I don't like South Park or Seinfeld and I never took to the Sopranos - though I didn't give it much chance I suppose. I've not see the others but heard that The Wire is good. The Killing (Forbrydelsen) was a cracking first series and should feature on any top ten list, though for me BB is better and probably the best TV series I've seen as I say. Game of Thones is also not bad. I'm watching Californication too that's as funny as hell - it's my 1.00am+ viewing.

[bookowskee]

Been addicted to Breaking Bad since last year. The first season of Hannibal is promising as well. Black Mirror, too.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Yes it is very addicting. I'm now at the end of the series just waiting for the last or last couple of episodes. Cracking programme.

[Lokasenna]

Just watched the very first episode! A fantastic beginning - not many shows make me immediately want to watch the next episode, particularly after only the pilot. Cranston's performance is superb.

Another episode tomorrow, methinks!

[LitNetIsGreat]

Excellent, glad you enjoyed it! Yes he superb all the way through as are the rest of the cast really. The characters just grow and grow on you as you get deeper and deeper into the continually clever and twisting plots, it's very well written.

I've just got my dad watching it. I don't know what I'm going do with myself now I've got the end, I could in fact easily go back and watch it again, I need my fix of it!

It scores 9.4 on IMBb.

[Admin]

Definitely the best show on TV.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Totally agree Admin.

In fact, I don't think I have ever seen anything better full-stop.

[SFG75]

The show is fascinating in a number of ways. Most prominently, Walt's "progression" from average Joe to becoming a completely ruthless, child poisoning meth kingpin. Gus Fring provides a fascinating insight into criminal psychology and manipulation to in the "inth" degree. He's a respectable foe and creates the ultimate mirror of himself in Heisenberg. I love Hank's hard work ethic and native intelligence about human nature and how he can usually guess accurately, what his opponent will do. Of course, we all know, the most intriguing part of the show is the answer to the eternal question-who will cook Walt Jr. breakfast? :)

[mortalterror]

It scores 9.4 on IMBb.
Actually, it's usually pretty hard to find a modern television show that doesn't score an 8/10 or higher on imdb. They aren't as reliable at rating television as movies, and even then the newer films skew substantially higher than they probably should.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Yes TV shows and recently released films are subject to over inflation, but even with this in mind 9.4 is still a very high mark. They are generally quite an accurate indication I find.

[The Atheist]

Yep, I'd go along with that. Obviously, results are a little skewed toward recent shows & movies, but overall, they are the most accurate indicator there is. Other than money, and the money says it's a winner as well.

One thing I really have found amazing about the show is the reaction by members of the public towards Anna Gunn. In her own words: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/24/opinion/i-have-a-character-issue.html?_r=0

[Lokasenna]

I'm three episodes in, and it's rapidly shaping up to be one of my favourite shows. Utterly gripping.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Glad you are enjoying it. I watched the latest one the other day and only one left I think, stunning programme. I found myself watching some series two again last night as that is where my dad is up to. I'm totally lost without watching this now - warning you will be addicted!

[Lokasenna]

Two episodes left to go for season one, and it just keeps getting better and better. The 'intervention' scene in the latest episode was utterly superb - I find myself hanging on every one of Walter's subtle facial movements and vocal mannerisms. Cranston really is giving a tour-de-force of acting ability.

Also, I've been unable to get this song from the first episode out of my head: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3vRYfXJ7Rg

[LitNetIsGreat]

Yes you are right, is face is a picture and you soon get to learn from the exact tone of his voice just how much he is spinning his lies and so forth. I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that scene, I will flick back and look at that episode then the penny will drop. I'm guttered I've basically reached the end of this.

I didn't realise that so much of the music was original for the series, that's also pretty good. I like the Spanish stuff. There's a good one (quirky) opening series two, singing Mexicans that will not pass you by.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Independent article about episode 5 14 here, with the headline "Is Breaking Bad's ... the greatest TV episode ever written?" (Scores a perfect 10 on IMBD from 12, 000 votes):

MASSIVE SPOILER>>> So only read if you are up to date.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/is-breaking-bads-ozymandias-the-greatest-episode-of-tv-ever-written-8821985.html

Loka, read it in a few weeks...

[Delta40]

I've watched the first series of BB and think what a fantastic plot. The guy is pretty much invisible to hid students and a seemingly passive Joe blow. Great pilot. Sucked me right in. Goddam show switched to a satellite channel I don'tsubsctibe to. But I love the age combo here, the health issues driving him and the clashes of worlds.

[LitNetIsGreat]

That's a blow. I'm watching it on Netflix.

[Lokasenna]

Just seen the last episode of season one. I very much admired the restraint shown by the creators - no explosive finale, but one that sets the scene and tone for Walt's future endeavours.

SPOLIER ALERT (if only a little one)!

I thought the last scene, and particularly the last few seconds, were superb - the look of quiet horror on Walt and Jesse's faces spoke volumes.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Yes I know what you mean, I've just flicked back to remind myself, great ending. Believe it or not though it only gets better from here!!

[Lokasenna]

Just seen the season two finale - wow!

This really is astonishing. The single finest piece of television I have ever seen - Breaking Bad is a masterpiece (not a word to use lightly), and if (as I've been told) it just keeps getting better and better, then the first two series have set a very high bar.

[DocHeart]

Quite a bit has to do with Cranston's performance, but much more with the time the writers decided to devote to building up the characters. It's a rare thing on TV, and one that makes a lot of people think the story moves rather slowly. But the dramatic crescentos (just think about the bathtub falling through the ceiling in the first season) are so much more effective *because* of how deep we are allowed to see inside the characters.

Half way through the second season, enough to keep me going until season 2 of "House of Cards" comes out.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Ha, ha, yes I am not alone in loving this then, I agree with masterpiece and it is the finest TV series I've ever seen too. Series three is probably my favourite of them all, though all are true quality.

Just watched the final episode this week. Will say nothing of course, but it will be some time before I watch a series as good as that, if at all. It is the complete package of writing and performance.

[faithosaurus]

Words cannot describe how much I'm in love with this show. It's bittersweet to have it gone.

[mal4mac]

Independent article about episode 5 14 here, with the headline "Is Breaking Bad's ... the greatest TV episode ever written?" (Scores a perfect 10 on IMBD from 12, 000 votes):

MASSIVE SPOILER>>> So only read if you are up to date.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/is-breaking-bads-ozymandias-the-greatest-episode-of-tv-ever-written-8821985.html

Loka, read it in a few weeks...

I agree with "the Independent", best TV episode, and best series EVER, *****. I just spent ten days watching every episode on Netflix... one month for free. Underperforming middle-aged scientist, too close for comfort :)

"The Wire" is up there competing, Neely, get the DVD box set, it might help with withdrawal symptoms. The first season of "Lost" was my previous "best ever", but it quickly went downhill after that. Breaking Bad started great and just kept getting better and better until 5/14, then a slight tailing off over the last two episodes, but still a good ending. Here's what Anthony Hopkins thinks of Bryan Cranston's performance: 'the best acting I have seen - ever'.

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/oct/17/anthony-hopkins-bryan-cranston-breaking-bad-fan-letter

[LitNetIsGreat]

Wow, Anthony was also blown away, and he knows his acting too.

Dear Mister Cranston,

I've just finished a marathon of watching 'BREAKING BAD' – from episode one of the First Season – to the last eight episodes of the Sixth Season. A total of two weeks (addictive) viewing. I have never watched anything like it. Brilliant! Your performance as Walter White was the best acting I have seen – ever.

I have told me dad to watch it and he likewise loved it, watched them all over two or three weeks. Stunning stuff.

Currently, I am watching Dexter at night. This is quite good. OK, will also consider The Wire after I've finished with Dexter, thanks.

[mal4mac]

I might try "Orange is the new Black", it's getting good reviews. "Homeland" is back on C4. I watched a bit of one episode of Dexter on LoveFilm and didn't like it too much, maybe I was just being overly squeamish.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Heard a little about those but not sure. Dexter is definitely worth another try, gets better with each episode. It's not really that dark as it first appears, rather quite playful and very funny in places. We finished the end of season one last night.

[Lokasenna]

Watched the season 3 finale the other night - crikey.

I think the English language needs a new word. 'Breaking-Badgasm' - where an episode of Breaking Bad has you literally shaking with emotions. I've been having quite a few of them recently.

[mal4mac]

I might try "Orange is the new Black", it's getting good reviews. "Homeland" is back on C4.

I gave up on Homeland, and it's getting really bad reviews. I got hooked on "Orange is the new Black", and watched the whole 13 episodes in a week. It's a clever move by Netflix, the season ends with a bang, and to see the next season I'll actually have to pay them some money. Just found out that it's actually based on a real-life memoir:

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2010/03/piper_kerman.html

I guess the moral is that if you want to be a writer, then so something that gets you sent to prison! Worked for Oscar, Fyodor, and many others.

Still really missing Breaking Bad, though, the BBC should hang its head in shame. The nearest is probably Law & Order: Criminal Intent on C5, but it's slow, tame, and cliched, compared to Breaking Bad.


Watched the season 3 finale the other night - crikey.

I think the English language needs a new word. 'Breaking-Badgasm' - where an episode of Breaking Bad has you literally shaking with emotions. I've been having quite a few of them recently.

Or "Breakingly Bad" when something is better than just "Bad"

[Lokasenna]

And now I've just seen the season 4 finale - what an amazing end to an amazing season! The last few episodes have been edge-of-the-seat tension from beginning to end, but what a pay-off.

I'm interested to see what direction it goes from here!

[CharlesH]

I did what a lot of people here seem to have done. Powered through the show on Netflix in a very short space of time. Absolutely breathtaking television. Rian Johnson's episodes especially. Having a bit of a break from serious television at the moment as I won't be able to watch something without comparing quality to Breaking Bad.

Did anyone see the 'Alternate ending' that came out at the weekend. Bryan Cranston is fantastic.

[LitNetIsGreat]

No not seen the alternative ending, that sounds interesting will look out for that. No spoilers though...

[CharlesH]

No spoilers though...

It's not what you expect. Saying nothing else...

[Shalot]

I might try "Orange is the new Black", it's getting good reviews. "Homeland" is back on C4. I watched a bit of one episode of Dexter on LoveFilm and didn't like it too much, maybe I was just being overly squeamish.

Orange is the New Black was pretty good. Also, I got into House of Cards and the second season is supposed to be available on 02/14/2014.

It's nice to have all the episodes available at once. Then you don't have to wait. But then you also become an idiot sitting in front of the TV all night watching episode after episode. There was a skit about it on Portlandia. It was hilarious.

But the real reason I am posting in this thread is because I've always wondered why he called him Heisenberg. Why Heisenberg? I wonder if there was any particular achievement of Heisenberg's that was on Walter White's mind when he started calling himself that? Walter White is to cooking as Heisenberg is to [..........]

Just curious if that was ever addressed?

It's obvious I don't know much about chemistry or physics (except for the variety that's sold next to the books about aliens and auras in the New Age section of the book store) so don't make fun of my question if the answer is obvious to those who know more about the subject. Thanks for your patience.

[Lokasenna]

I seem to remember that it was briefly addressed in the series, though I can't off the top of my head give the reasons. At the very least, Werner Heisenberg was a brilliant scientist (like Walt), contributed to a Nobel Prize winning project (like Walt), and had cancer (like Walt) - that much at least makes sense.

I miss Breaking Bad - my evenings are now much less interesting...

[mal4mac]

After Werner Heisenberg's early, glorious contributions to Quantum Physics (Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle and all that...) his career went downhill. He remained in Nazi Germany, instead of fleeing like many of his fellow scientists, and was heavily involved in projects that almost gave Hitler the A-bomb. So, like Walt, he had a glorious start in pure science, but then took a morally dubious path through hanging out with gangsters and doing bad work. He said he tried to delay Hitler's development of the bomb, but this suggestion is dismissed by most historians of the period. This made him look worse, a master of dissimulation, like Walt!

"Germany's scientists, including Heisenberg, had tried hard to make a bomb but failed, partly because they had let so many gifted colleagues be exiled to America where they had then helped the US with its A-bomb project. As Ball states, the extraordinary statement that Heisenberg falsified research to stop Hitler getting the bomb requires extraordinary supporting evidence. "Sadly, there seems to be none.""

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/nov/02/serving-reich-ball-churchills-bomb-farmelo

[108 fountains]

I'll agree that Breaking Bad was entertaining, had an interesting concept, presented its narrative in a way that kept viewers "addicted," and probably is among the best dramatic TV series ever, but the best, in my opinion, was the first season of Deadwood. Great acting, stories based on history, realistic settings and dialogue, everything all the way down to the song at the end of each show was authentic and put tohether perfectly. After the first season, however, the show really went downhill, I think in part because the writers had already used up all the available historical allusions, and their fiction was not as fascinating as history. Anyway, for all you youngsters who don't remember Deadwood, it's worthwhile to get the DVD of Season One.

[LitNetIsGreat]

I seem to remember that it was briefly addressed in the series, though I can't off the top of my head give the reasons. At the very least, Werner Heisenberg was a brilliant scientist (like Walt), contributed to a Nobel Prize winning project (like Walt), and had cancer (like Walt) - that much at least makes sense.

I miss Breaking Bad - my evenings are now much less interesting...

Yes. Since finishing this nothing else on TV or film has come close to it. Everything else to me feels pretty much tedious. I actually just think there is nothing else to watch. I either watch a chess lecture on youtube or listen to music.

[Lokasenna]

I've been trying to get into The Sopranos as my Breaking Bad replacement - it's very good, but somehow I don't find it as captivating as BB. Whereas I couldn't wait for my daily fix of Walter, somehow I have to really psyche myself up for an episode of Tony...

[mal4mac]

Recent BBC offerings are looking very poor compared to BB. "Shetland" and "The Crimson Field" are very tedious and very soapy. Maybe the solution is to give up on "so called" drama? The recent nature program on "Honey Badgers" was the most exciting & funny thing I've seen recently, and a documentary on old age the most moving.

Amazon offered me a free Lovefilm/Amazon Prime Instant month, so I've been digging into some of the higher rated series i.e., Vikings, Battlestar Galactica, Buffy, Dexter, Revenge,... but gave up on these after an episode or two.

I think the main problem is that even the greatest TV just doesn't compare to great novels, so, after the novelty wears off, you are just going to be bored out of your mind, or bombarded out of your mind. (Thinking of Battlestar here!)

"No matter how good it is, it will never be more than just TV—an unparalleled distraction, crisply shallow, full of wondrous sounds and gorgeous furies that ultimately, in the ways that are truly vital and important to human life, signify nothing. It does not now, nor will it ever, meet the same sublime depths explored by the great novels. It is, quite simply, essentially inferior."

"In television narrative, any television narrative, the commandments are few and simple: Something must always be happening, for otherwise there would be little reason to tune in next week; and whatever’s happening must happen on screen, for this is a visual medium, and a shot of Walter White brooding in his kitchen isn’t quite as gratifying as a shot of Walter White shooting some guy in the head. Our new technologies, and the gluttonous viewing habits they’ve created, have given the medium some more room to play, to build, as it were, character. But the primary principles still apply: To keep us amused, a show, any show, has to parade a quick succession of spectacles, far exceeding the scope of thrills and woes that befall any ordinary or extraordinary person in real life."

"TV, by contrast, works by having some guy shoot another guy, or shoot another guy and then talk about it with his shrink, or cheat on his wife, or break the law. Even when it delves deeper than ever before into the machinations of morality—as Breaking Bad, again, does very well—it is only free to consider these questions by having its protagonist always moving, always doing, always on the make.

Whatever else serious art accomplishes, it is committed to giving us a report of our condition, as idiosyncratic and insufferable and immensely complex as it is. It tells us something worth knowing about what it’s like to be human, to think and to feel and to be. Like all the great novels, What Maisie Knew performs that operation with a small and sharp scalpel, with insights and emotions cascading from every minute observation and every word. Breaking Bad approaches the same procedure with a sledgehammer; it titillates more than it truly moves, because its basic building blocks are not elastic words but cumbersome actions. It’s all it could ever do: It’s only a TV show."

"we—sometimes referred to, occasionally without irony, as the people of the book—might consider stepping away from the amorous ad men and witty dwarves and murderous crime kingpins and instead read something. Like a fine meal, it takes longer, and it lacks the binge’s euphoric high of having consumed a lot of something very sweet very fast. But it leaves you with the unparalleled satisfaction of having exercised your fundamental rights as a human being: the right to think, the right to reflect, the right to contain multitudes."

http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-arts-and-culture/133397/tv-is-for-dummies

[Pierre Menard]

I'd have The Sorpanos as the better show, and I think Deadwood is better than BB too.

There's still great stuff to watch out there.

[TheFifthElement]

Amazon offered me a free Lovefilm/Amazon Prime Instant month, so I've been digging into some of the higher rated series i.e., Vikings, Battlestar Galactica, Buffy, Dexter, Revenge,... but gave up on these after an episode or two.

I think the main problem is that even the greatest TV just doesn't compare to great novels, so, after the novelty wears off, you are just going to be bored out of your mind, or bombarded out of your mind. (Thinking of Battlestar here!)

BSG is really good, one of the best TV series I've seen in a long time. The pilot is quite torturous though, but once you get past the episode called 'Water' it settles and becomes an amazing series. The whole part involving New Caprica is a reflection on Guantanamo Bay and it is a fairly good showcase for what sci-fi can do if done well (e.g. reflect on real life conflicts by placing it in a 'distant' setting). It's worth persevering with the series.

Conversely, I watched season 1 of Breaking Bad and wasn't blown away. But that won't put me off watching season 2.

[LitNetIsGreat]

I'd have The Sorpanos as the better show, and I think Deadwood is better than BB too.

There's still great stuff to watch out there.

I've seen some of the sopranos and it didn't interest me, so our tastes probably differ. I thought BB and The Killing (the original of course) was top quality and about the best things I have ever seen and nothing has lived up to that before or since. Right now I have nothing to watch and when I am too tired to study chess I just end up listening to music and/or just drinking beer and getting drunk. This is fine, as I enjoy this, but I don't see many great things to watch. (I enjoyed watching All Creatures Great and Small on Youtube, but that is about it, before that fun with woody Allen, but nothing else.)

[Emil Miller]

Recent BBC offerings are looking very poor ....

Thanks for the article quoted (TV is for Dummies), it gives chapter and verse to its claim and corresponds to my own assessment of the difference between novels and their TV counterpart. To a lesser extent, the same might be said of the cinema where, despite a few obvious examples, great writing seldom translates effectively into the moving image. As the article points out, the word moving is at the heart of the matter: cinema and TV audiences are waiting for someone elses imagery to be implanted on their consciousness rather than do it for themselves by reading the book; which means the 'action' has to be kept up to engage the viewers' attention. I recently reviewed Hitchcock's 1939 Jamaica Inn (the new TV production is currently under discussion) for this forum's film section and it was a poor adaptation of the novel which in itself is admittedly not great writing but I suspect the film is better than its TV presentation.

[Clopin]

I recently marathoned the show and while I did enjoy it for the most part I have a few issues with the series.

1. Since I watched the show three or four episodes in a row the formula of hooks and cliffhanghers got a little tedious at times.
2. I didn't like how Walt is portrayed as a villain simply because "drugs are bad". Drugs are not bad, and organizations like the DEA do their part in ruining plenty of peoples lives. Walt was not particularly villainous to be honest, the show was just pushing a militant 'war on drugs' agenda.
3. Jessie was really stupid and I found him annoying.

Seasons one and two were fantastic though I didn't really like four and five was only decent.

[Lokasenna]

2. I didn't like how Walt is portrayed as a villain simply because "drugs are bad". Drugs are not bad, and organizations like the DEA do their part in ruining plenty of peoples lives. Walt was not particularly villainous to be honest, the show was just pushing a militant 'war on drugs' agenda.

I don't know - one of the criticisms of the series has been that it doesn't show drugs in an evil enough light. Whilst you may disagree with that point (I do certainly do - moral absolutes make for boring television), it's certainly true to say that the series doesn't really focus on the repercussions of Walt's actions outside of his immediate social circle. We never see his product on the market, being used by perpetual meth-addicts - and what consequences there might be for his 'customers'.

I'm not sure the DEA is shown in a particularly heroic light either - in some ways, less honourable than the criminal world.

As for whether Walt is a villain or an anti-hero, I don't think the show wants you to have an absolute answer. He does somethings that are utterly villainous, but how you see that last few episodes will depend affect whether you think he gets some small redemption, or at least a gesture towards it. I don't think anyone is truly villainous in the show, not even Gus or Uncle Jack - I think Todd and Lydia are the only two figures we are really encouraged to hate.

[Oedipus]

I'd rather watch an episode of "Fawlty Towers" than a season of "Breaking Bad"

[Sido]

I'd rather watch an episode of "Fawlty Towers" than a season of "Breaking Bad"

I used to love watching that show! :) Wish they did more than 2 seasons...

As for 'breaking bad', I don't know... My friends say it's great, but I'm not sure if I'd like it. May be I'll watch the pilot if I get the chance, and then decide :)

[Lokasenna]

I'd rather watch an episode of "Fawlty Towers" than a season of "Breaking Bad"

I'd rather have sex than eat chocolate. What's your point?

[LitNetIsGreat]

I'd rather have sex than eat chocolate. What's your point?
Ha, ha.

Personally I'd rather win a bumper rollover jackpot (even though I don't play the lottery much?!) and live life on some beauteous and peaceful Italian Riviera type place...and be constantly supplied with fine red wine and San Miguel etc than watch Breaking Bad.

[Lokasenna]

Well, quite... Both things are wonderful, but so different in nature and intent as to make a comparison rather ridiculous.

I've recently got my supervisor into Breaking Bad, and he's hooked. Another convert!

[Emil Miller]

Ha, ha.

Personally I'd rather win a bumper rollover jackpot (even though I don't play the lottery much?!) and live life on some beauteous and peaceful Italian Riviera type place...and be constantly supplied with fine red wine and San Miguel etc than watch Breaking Bad.

Fine red wine and San Miguel? These should not be mentioned in the same breath except when using one as the antonym of the other. I'm having the place decorated and have just found some bottles of wine that have been stored in a cupboard for years , including a 1989 Margaux, a 1969 Mouton Cadet and a 1979 Pauillac; all of which are now undrinkable and must be poured away but I can't bring myself to do it. If only it had been San Miguel.

P.S. Entirely in agreement with the Italian Riviera though.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Well, quite... Both things are wonderful, but so different in nature and intent as to make a comparison rather ridiculous.

I've recently got my supervisor into Breaking Bad, and he's hooked. Another convert!

One of my oldest friends is yet to watch it and he is a massive TV and film fan. Disappointing. I keep on insisting he watch it but he is far too laid back about it in a 'I'll get around to it sometime' sort of attitude... Someone else I know started watching it and I said that she would be addicted to it. She smiled and nodded etc, but then proceeded to have to watch at least three episodes a day. Point taken.


Fine red wine and San Miguel? These should not be mentioned in the same breath except when using one as the antonym of the other. I'm having the place decorated and have just found some bottles of wine that have been stored in a cupboard for years , including a 1989 Margaux, a 1969 Mouton Cadet and a 1979 Pauillac; all of which are now undrinkable and must be poured away but I can't bring myself to do it. If only it had been San Miguel.

P.S. Entirely in agreement with the Italian Riviera though.

Ha, ha, sorry I don't know, maybe you are correct in the long run I don't know, but I can't stop drinking San Miguel at the moment and I must get my daily supply of 4 for 5 pints (at least! Sometimes double, well I am on 6 weeks holiday....). Well the Italian Riviera is the ideal but this year I could only afford the English Riviera which was good enough anyway (as they had plenty of San Miguel around the harbour!!!). Sorry about the fine wines being thrown away, that's just a crime that shouldn't have to happen, but in terms of the SM I am finding it a very nice continental larger along with fellow associates like Staropramen (Czech) and Sagres (portuguese) especially when playing tennis and in need of a cold drink etc.

[Emil Miller]

I'd rather have sex than eat chocolate.

I think this is primarily a masculine attitude as I'm pretty sure that many women would prefer the chocolate.
However, I'm reminded of Lord Chesterfield's view of sexual intercourse when he famously said that the pleasure was momentary, the position ridiculous and the expense damnable.



Ha, ha, sorry I don't know, maybe you are correct in the long run I don't know, but I can't stop drinking San Miguel at the moment and I must get my daily supply of 4 for 5 pints (at least! Sometimes double, well I am on 6 weeks holiday....). Well the Italian Riviera is the ideal but this year I could only afford the English Riviera which was good enough anyway (as they had plenty of San Miguel around the harbour!!!). Sorry about the fine wines being thrown away, that's just a crime that shouldn't have to happen, but in terms of the SM I am finding it a very nice continental larger along with fellow associates like Staropramen (Czech) and Sagres (portuguese) especially when playing tennis and in need of a cold drink etc.


My sincerest apologies Neely, I was confusing San Miguel lager with a Chilean wine appropriately called Casillero del Diablo ( The Devil's Cellar) which is awful stuff and is seen in large quantity in supermarkets. I agree that most lagers are welcome in warm weather and San Miguel is no exception. I'm still drinking Leffe when I can get it but not, I hasten to add, four or five pints as more than two and I begin to levitate.

[LitNetIsGreat]

My sincerest apologies Neely, I was confusing San Miguel lager with a Chilean wine appropriately called Casillero del Diablo ( The Devil's Cellar) which is awful stuff and is seen in large quantity in supermarkets. I agree that most lagers are welcome in warm weather and San Miguel is no exception. I'm still drinking Leffe when I can get it but not, I hasten to add, four or five pints as more than two and I begin to levitate.

Oh right, ha, ha, no problem, no I meant the lager. Yes well Leffe is pretty strong stuff and I wouldn't drink gulp that down either, it's more of a sipping drink like most of the other Belgians, but the continental lagers are not as strong.