Vince Gilligan Reveals His 5 Most Unforgettable ‘Breaking Bad’ Moments

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Vince Gilligan, who created Breaking Bad, is more familiar with the show than anyone else. Over a span of five seasons, this captivating series left viewers with numerous moments they’d never forget.

Moving from heated encounters to jaw-dropping plot twists, certain episodes left audiences reminiscing even after the series concluded. Lately, creator Vince Gilligan has disclosed his top five favorite scenes, offering fans an exclusive glimpse into the factors that made Breaking Bad such a lasting impression.

5. The severed tortoise 

In the seventh episode of season two, a cartel associate named Tortuga – who had been working with the DEA – met an unfortunate end at the hands of his own criminal organization.

In simpler terms, the story depicts a character having a dummy head made to resemble his own and placed on a turtle. This makeshift head was then left in the desert, where it was intended for a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) raid to occur. Unfortunately, when an agent accidentally lifted the head, a concealed bomb detonated, resulting in one agent’s death and injuring three others. The incident was both startling and significant, leaving a lasting impression as one of the most memorable moments in the series.

4. The literal face-off

In the thirteenth episode of season four, the ruthless drug lord Gus Fring meets an unexpected and grim fate. Walter White deceives him into visiting Hector Salamanca at the hospital, unaware that explosive danger was concealed on Hector’s wheelchair.

The powerful explosion claimed the lives of Hector and Gus. Following the explosion, Gus emerged, severely injured with half his face missing, before succumbing to his wounds and passing away. This scene was skillfully orchestrated and remains one of the most haunting moments in the show.

3. The real Walter

In the fifth episode of the first season, I found myself at a critical juncture. My longtime friend, Elliott Schwartz, had risen to prosperity, heading a science corporation now. He proposed to fund my treatments and offer me a position within his company, aiming to support my family and me financially.

Walter decides against accepting help, as his strong sense of self-reliance prevails. Vince Gilligan notes that this instance unveils the genuine Walter – a man fueled by ego and pride, willing to take chances rather than accept assistance. This is when Walter effectively starts “going rogue,” and the series takes a turn towards the ominous and intense.

2. ‘Better Call Saul’

A list ranking the best Breaking Bad episodes wouldn’t be whole without Saul Goodman, a character beloved by Vince Gilligan. This character was so well-received that he earned his own separate series! In the second season, episode eight, we witness Saul making his initial encounter with Walter and Jesse – events that pave the way for his involvement in their drug enterprise.

In such a situation when one of their street peddlers gets apprehended by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Walter and Jesse arrange for him to meet with Saul. Once there, Saul takes some time to clarify the payment terms – he’ll accept cash or money orders, but flatly refuses any payments made through American Express in his office.

The setting is amusingly depicting Saul’s extravagant, flamboyant demeanor. Moreover, it lays the groundwork for an exceptional character development journey within the show.

1. Mike down

One more cherished character is Mike, employed by Gus Fring as an investigator, security chief, troubleshooter, and occasionally, a hired gun. Audience members primarily encounter him during his demise in the fifth season’s seventh episode.

Mike and Walter previously collaborated on projects, but following the demise of their mutual friend, Gus, their partnership disintegrated. Walter confronts Mike as he attempts to depart, insisting that he divulge the identities of his confined colleagues.

In an unexpected outburst of anger, Walter finds himself shooting Mike, a situation that even he hadn’t anticipated, as per Vince Gilligan.

In this sequence, Walter’s descent into darkness leaves an indelible mark on Jesse. It was Thomas Schnauz, a long-time associate of Gilligan, who wrote and supervised his first professional directing project for this scene. According to him, it was an emotionally charged day, as he stated, “‘Not a single dry eye in the room that day,’“.

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2025-08-27 11:44