When I watched Fly the first time I thought, "Man, what were they thinking? An entire episode devoted to killing a fly!" I thought it was nothing more than a mind fart on the part of the writers. I just couldn't see a point to it. The numerous times I've re-watched the series Fly is the one episode I'd skip.
Then I read the comments here. At first I couldn't fathom what some of you were thinking calling it one of the best, or even the best, episode so far. I got the symbolism, metaphors, etc. But still didn't see the point. But your comments convinced me to give Fly another shot. So I watched it two more times.
Now I realize that Fly gives me an entire episode of scenes I value the most in Breaking Bad-the interactions between Walt and Jesse. I appreciate the other actors as well, for sure, but Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston are genius. Their remarkable on-camera chemistry allows them to play off each other in a manner that truly sells each of their scenes together as a genuine encounter between this prodigal father and sonthis mad scientist and his apprenticethese two friends.
In Fly I can enjoy 47 straight minutes of their banter, slapstick, arguments, and at times moving revelations. I especially enjoyed some of Jesse's comedic lines. Those writers are generous to give him those, and Mr. Paul delivers them flawlessly. Consider a couple:
"I'm gonna go out on a limb and sayyeah."
"It makes it sound Irish." (I thought of O'Brien, O'Toole, O'Leary O'Possum!)
Thanks, OPs, for clearing the fog that prevented me from recognizing the value of Fly.
Then I read the comments here. At first I couldn't fathom what some of you were thinking calling it one of the best, or even the best, episode so far. I got the symbolism, metaphors, etc. But still didn't see the point. But your comments convinced me to give Fly another shot. So I watched it two more times.
Now I realize that Fly gives me an entire episode of scenes I value the most in Breaking Bad-the interactions between Walt and Jesse. I appreciate the other actors as well, for sure, but Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston are genius. Their remarkable on-camera chemistry allows them to play off each other in a manner that truly sells each of their scenes together as a genuine encounter between this prodigal father and sonthis mad scientist and his apprenticethese two friends.
In Fly I can enjoy 47 straight minutes of their banter, slapstick, arguments, and at times moving revelations. I especially enjoyed some of Jesse's comedic lines. Those writers are generous to give him those, and Mr. Paul delivers them flawlessly. Consider a couple:
"I'm gonna go out on a limb and sayyeah."
"It makes it sound Irish." (I thought of O'Brien, O'Toole, O'Leary O'Possum!)
Thanks, OPs, for clearing the fog that prevented me from recognizing the value of Fly.