20 TV Acting Performances That Are Totally Flawless

Tony Soprano may have been the most influential TV character on record thanks to James Gandolfini's performance, but in the end the most flawless performance of all has to go to Bryan Cranston and his pitch-perfect turn as cancer-patient-turned-drug-lord Walter White.

Before securing the role of Heisenberg and changing the shape of television for years to come, Cranston was best known for his admittedly brilliant role as lovable dad Hal in the family sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. It was a surprise, then, when he was cast in the gritty drama Breaking Bad after years of sitcom acting.

For five completely perfect seasons, Walt went from loving, straight-laced father to notorious drug lord, killing, manipulating and fighting his way to the top of the food chain. He alienated everyone, betrayed his family and friends, and completely lost sight of who he once was.

Cranston made this journey a revelation, digging deep into Walt's twisted psyche, fragile ego, rage and insecurities with startling precision, and creating what might just be the best and most complete character in TV history. It doesn't get any better than that.