15. Crazy Handful Of Nothin (Season 1, Episode 6)
This episode gets in for two main reasons- our introduction to the bats**t-crazy Tuco Salamanca, and our introduction to Heisenberg, the Mr. Hyde to Walters Dr. Jekyll. The moment Walt blows up Tucos lair with chemicals (there are times that the show turns into MacGyver, and that is no bad thing) and steps out like a true badass is a key moment in the show- we have our anti-hero and we are ready to follow him in whatever he does, even if we dont agree with it. In addition to these important introductions, its one of those great episodes where everyone and everything seems to be closing in on Walter and his secrets. Jesse finds out about Walts terminal cancer, Hank presses further into the missing equipment from the Chemistry department at Walts school along with whatever criminal dealings Walt gets mixed up in, its when his family get closer to finding out that the show is at its most thrilling (as demonstrated by the shocking cliffhanger to the first half of Season 5) Whenever the show uses violence, it is always effective and affecting, and even if it feels gratuitous at times, it is almost always justified and necessary. This makes it stand out from a lot of other shows that include blood and guts for the hell of it. Tucos beating of Jesse is pretty shocking, and signifies that both he and Walt are getting in way over their heads- and thus begins their slow descent into some kind of hell, no matter how many victories they achieve and however many enemies they vanquish along the way, it seems unlikely theyre ever going to truly escape. Also, since Jesse is the shows funniest character, his constant beatings are initially very sickly amusing in the most twisted way. Hes almost like a live-action cartoon character- no matter how much you care for him and sympathise with his plights, you cant help but snicker to yourself. This is why the show is so great- no matter how bad things get, theres always a sick laugh to be had, especially if it is at someone elses expense.