7. Say My Name (Season 5, Episode 7)
I could have included the next episode on this list, but this one is far more impactful and devastation on so many levels. Everyone goes on about Walters I Am The Danger speech to Skyler (as wonderfully reinterpreted by Samuel L. Jackson), but his monologue to Mikes associates when they refuse to go into business with him as Mike and Jesse want out is perhaps the best speech Carnston has given so far. If the viewer were ever in doubt that Walter White hasnt completely evolved into Heisenberg by now, those doubts are swiftly quashed. This episode, Walts opening speech aside, totally belongs to Mike Ehrmentraut, initially a shady fixer who becomes a much-loved character in his own rite over the course of the show. At once loyal and a free agent, you cant help but love the guy whilst never quite feeling comfortable about him. Mike demonstrates some of the shows best deadpan humour and weary delivery, but as a devoted grandfather hes more than just haggard comic relief. Mikes world is falling all around him, and the man to bring it to an end is Walter- Mikes delivery of his final words- Shut the f*** up and let me die in peace is perfectly done and a fitting end to a marvellous character. The whole episode heralds the end perhaps more than Gliding Over All does, bar those last few minutes. Mikes downfall is at once tragic and necessary- does this foreshadow the end for Saul? Jesse? Walter himself?