Breaking Bad: Netflix's darling, just not mine (though, it did provide a whole lot of commercial-free entertainment)

Not going to lie, this one was a little hard to come up with a redeeming storyline. I will, however, say that we can give props to the humans that built such a marvelous tv show that grabbed the attention of so many. Watching the transformation of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White from an unfulfilled high school chemistry teacher to a meth kingpin of the Southwest was extraordinary. With the show’s cinematic style, unexpected storyline shifts, and jarring dichotomy of domestic life and criminal violence all converge to create a viewing experience that is both engrossing and unsettling.

On a deeper level, I believe “Breaking Bad" can be seen as a profound exploration of human nature and morality. Walter White’s descent into darkness can be likened to a fall from grace, a metaphorical journey that mirrors the struggles of the human spirit. In his quest for power and control, Walter becomes a tragic figure, much like a fallen angel, who loses his humanity in the process. Yet, amidst the chaos and moral ambiguity, there are moments of redemption and flashes of the divine, akin to the Holy Spirit’s grace that offers hope and salvation and direction.

My Pitch

I’ll start off saying, this one’s probably not for the kids. But it could be used as a repellent to the perils out there in this world. Which is why I believe that the transformation of Walter White is not just a personal journey that I’ve seen several people take, but more of a reflection of the broader human experience. It serves as a potent reminder of the duality of man—the capacity for great good and unspeakable evil. This isn’t just about the corruption of one man but a meditation on the human condition, a tale that resonates with biblical themes of sin, redemption, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. May we not be found in the latter, using this show as an entertaining, beautifully perverse and filmed, cautionary tale. A tale that will lead us to a place where we are consistently willing to confront our temptations and sins, and refusing to live in fear and darkness.