6. Salud (Season 4, Episode 10)
Perhaps the best thing about this episode is not only that it demonstrates that the show is still at its best when Walter takes a backseat, but the completely unexpected tonal shift. It begins with a tense and dramatic prologue, where Gus Fring began his Meth empire, but also shows how fully-rounded this cold-hearted psychopath is. Gus has every right to want revenge for the death of his business partner right in front of him, but his sadistic mockery of the man who did it- Hector Salamanca- into his old age, and the way he disposes of his old cartel associates is monstrously efficient. By shifting the action to Mexico and onto Jesse and Gus, the whole episode takes on a Godfather vibe, whilst also managing to evoke Scarface and the first half of From Dusk Til Dawn. Its one of Breaking Bads more cinematic episodes, and by moving away from Albuquerque and away from Walter, it feels almost like youre watching a completely different, and equally excellent, television series. The whole episode could have failed spectacularly and been rather jarring, but instead the diversion is very welcome and masterfully handled by both the cast and Director Michelle McLaren. Jesse comes into his own here and Gus becomes even more of an engaging character than before, proving that he is second only to Walter in the villain stakes, and if there is any justice he will go down in the leagues of great television villains, in no small part thanks to this episode expanding and developing his character.