This episode holds the unfortunate distinction of being sandwiched between the best episode of Breaking Bad ever, "Ozymandias," and the series finale of Breaking Bad, "Felina." In short, it was always going to be overshadowed. But take nothing away from "Granite State," as it's a superb episode in its own right. The cinematography and content are equally bleak and the transition from sand to snow is especially jarring. The episode deals with the aftermath of "Ozymandias" and chronicles Walter's relocation to New Hampshire, his continued wasting away from cancer, and the disastrous consequences for everyone involved. Skyler is ambushed and threatened by Todd and company, Jesse watches in horror as Andrea is killed, and Walt offers his only companion ten thousand dollars to stay for an extra hour. It is a non-stop heartrending episode that culminates in a painful phone call to Walter, Jr., who rejects Walt's last-ditch effort to get his family money. Seemingly ready to give himself up, Walter alerts the police to his presence at a local bar and sits down for one last drink. Fate intervenes once again, however, as Walt catches Eliot and Gretchen Schwartz on Charlie Rose discussing their company, their charitable donations, and Walter White. When they dismiss Walt's contributions in forming the company, Gray Matter Technologies, Walt's pride takes over again. The final scene is chill-inducing. As the police raid the bar en mass, the Breaking Bad theme music is played over the action for the first time in the entire series. The camera lingers on Walt's glass as the familiar twang foretells the tempest to come. Memorable Quote: Gretchen Schwartz: "I am. I can't speak for this Heisenberg that people refer to, but whatever... whatever he became, the sweet, kind, brilliant man that we once knew, long ago, he's gone." Which episodes did I neglect to mention? What are some of your favorite underrated episodes from Breaking Bad?
