# Breaking Bad 4.03 "Open House" 7/31 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 1, 2011, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000 "2011-08-01T03:06:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![II\_Gyan\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/bbe5ce/32.png) [@II\_Gyan\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/II_Gyan_II)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/61 "2011-08-02T05:50:12Z")
I’m guessing that the car wash owner in the 5 hours between the “inspection” and decision to sell didn’t receive any official-looking paperwork that his 30-year old business was indeed f\*\*\*\*d. Or make any calls to the government or consult a lawyer. Seems weak, no? ---
**Author:** ![zbuzz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e19b73/32.png) [@zbuzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zbuzz)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/62 "2011-08-02T05:50:37Z")
> [@interface2x](#): > > Walt got hooked on the money and the power of being who he is. Going into the series, he was an emasculated and powerless man who did what he was told, only looking back at his past glory and achievements. Now, he’s a power-player, he’s changed the meth market in New Mexico. He’s brought down huge players and made millions in the process. He doesn’t want to give up that power now that he’s had a taste of it. But it’s interesting to note that emasculated Walt is back in full pussy force so far this season. His blabbering in front of Gus in the lab is completely ineffectual and ultimately unnecessary. It is implied that Victor could, ostensibly, cook. That cocksucker of a gun dealer suggesting Walt’s quick draw needs work. The guilty schoolboy look he gives Tyrus when he mistakes him for Gus. Getting the smack down from Mike in the bar. All he can do about the security camera is give it the bird. Skyler cutting his money balls off, telling him they have to look poor. And the biggest pisser for Walt of all- as he steps out to take care of Gus once and for all, he gets bitch slapped while in full Heisenberg mode. Go home, Walter. Ze hat does nothing! So after all the shit he’s gone through and put others through, this season he’s pretty much lost (or at least is in the process of losing) his power, his money and even his chemistry. Once again, it appears his best days are behind him. Whether he’s an overqualified unappreciated teacher or a millionaire drug lord of the Southwest, he spends his days eking out a living at a job that has become toxic. But then again, when his back is against a wall, Walt can be a real wrecking ball. ---
**Author:** ![nivlac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3bc359/32.png) [@nivlac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nivlac)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/63 "2011-08-02T07:23:46Z")
> [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > Yeah, who was that? I couldn’t tell if he was watching Jesse’s house or Walt’s house, because it just showed him for a brief moment between scenes. Yes, Tyrus is watching Jesse’s house. Gus will soon know about Jesse’s off-work activities. ---
**Author:** ![Tarwater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9de0a6/32.png) [@Tarwater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarwater)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/64 "2011-08-02T07:29:40Z")
This is an aside, but I guess [AMC has been making things difficult](http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/01/breaking-bad-renewal-talks/) for the producers of Breaking Bad. According to rumours, AMC tried to get them to accept a shortened fifth season of six or eight episodes, which, to their eternal credit, the producers said was out of the question. At this point, the show is being shopped around to some of the same cable networks that rejected the premise when Gilligan was first trying to sell it, possibly as leverage. Coming off of AMC’s negotiations with Weiner and the producers of _Mad Men_, it’s a little disconcerting to see that that whole debacle might be happening with\* Breaking Bad\*, too. ---
**Author:** ![what\_do\_I\_type\_here](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a5b964/32.png) [@what\_do\_I\_type\_here](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/what_do_I_type_here)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/65 "2011-08-02T08:07:30Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > And why didn’t Walt take him up on it, or at least suggest something else? He knows Jesse’s in a bad place, psychologically. Plus, Walt should want to keep an eye on him anyway, for business reasons. I figured Walt would rather spend time with his family than Jesse. Also, I don’t think Walt realizes how badly Jesse is hurting, and how important Go-Karting would be to him. ---
**Author:** ![II\_Gyan\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/bbe5ce/32.png) [@II\_Gyan\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/II_Gyan_II)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/66 "2011-08-02T10:25:38Z")
> [@Tarwater](#): > > According to rumours, AMC tried to get them to accept a shortened fifth season of six or eight episodes, which, to their eternal credit, the producers said was out of the question Actually, an eight-episode final season might be great. That would allow for a really taut climax. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/67 "2011-08-02T13:37:34Z")
I love the show, but it probably _is_ about time to start wrapping it up. I hate it when a good drama drags on past its prime. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/68 "2011-08-02T14:21:52Z")
> [@Tarwater](#): > > This is an aside, but I guess [AMC has been making things difficult](http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/01/breaking-bad-renewal-talks/) for the producers of Breaking Bad. According to rumours, AMC tried to get them to accept a shortened fifth season of six or eight episodes, which, to their eternal credit, the producers said was out of the question. At this point, the show is being shopped around to some of the same cable networks that rejected the premise when Gilligan was first trying to sell it, possibly as leverage. Coming off of AMC’s negotiations with Weiner and the producers of _Mad Men_, it’s a little disconcerting to see that that whole debacle might be happening with\* Breaking Bad\*, too. What the hell, really? The show demolishes the emmy awards, had its highest viewer count this season, and it’s on the chopping block? What the hell else does AMC have to do? This show and Mad Men made them what they are now. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/69 "2011-08-02T14:29:50Z")
> [@II\_Gyan\_II](#): > > I’m guessing that the car wash owner in the 5 hours between the “inspection” and decision to sell didn’t receive any official-looking paperwork that his 30-year old business was indeed f\*\*\*\*d. Or make any calls to the government or consult a lawyer. Seems weak, no? That’s the smarter move actually. If he waited around for any paperwork to show up (not that he was going to get any) he would (most likely) legally have to disclose the problem to Skylar which would give her the opportunity to knock another $200K off the price…that’s how she got the extra $80K. By moving before anything showed up he could claim he knew nothing of this problem and that legally it’s Skylar’s problem. ---
**Author:** ![II\_Gyan\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/bbe5ce/32.png) [@II\_Gyan\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/II_Gyan_II)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/70 "2011-08-02T14:47:56Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > If he waited around for any paperwork to show up Well, what I was suggesting was that the “inspector” should have been expected to issue some sort of written notice, especially since Bognan was told to suspend operations at once. Not receiving any, should have aroused suspicion. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/71 "2011-08-02T15:00:55Z")
> [@II\_Gyan\_II](#): > > Well, what I was suggesting was that the “inspector” should have been expected to issue some sort of written notice, especially since Bognan was told to suspend operations at once. Not receiving any, should have aroused suspicion. I was kind of confused with the inspector thing as well. When Eyebrows demanded the inspector quote him on _exactly_ what he was violating, I’d think a normal state/country worker would have just said “It’ll be in my report, you’ll receive it in 24-48 hours”. OTOH, I suppose if he has the ability to shut down operations, he should have the ability to spout off statutes as well. OTOOH any inspector that’s been inspecting for a while will know things like 'levels have to be less then X, Y feet away from the building or no chemical Z can leech into the ground water even if they don’t know the exact statute numbers. Re-reading what you wrote (that I quoted) I see what you mean. Did we see the inspector walk away without giving him any paperwork? He may have given him some. Skylar may have pre-filled it out, he may have gone back to his car and filled it out…it might just be a plot hole. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/72 "2011-08-02T15:39:20Z")
I think it’s just a plot hole. I’m sure there are a number in a story with such a complex plot. The show’s so good that I just try to overlook such things while I’m watching, but it is fun to discuss them. ---
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/73 "2011-08-02T15:49:28Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > I think it’s just a plot hole. I’m sure there are a number in a story with such a complex plot. The show’s so good that I just try to overlook such things while I’m watching, but it is fun to discuss them. Yeah but come on, it’s paperwork. Why don’t we give them the benefit of the doubt and just assume that they _did_ give him some kind of quasi-formal written notice but the audience didn’t see it… _because it’s freaking paperwork and there are more important things we could be watching!_ Breaking Bad is far and away one of the best TV dramas when it comes to aiming for realism, but it’s still TV. And according to latest reports, TV still isn’t real and some suspension of disbelief is still necessary. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/74 "2011-08-02T15:53:09Z")
Yeah, didn’t Gilligan say about one recent controversial event that he wanted viewers to make up their own minds? (I’ve forgotten what it was and am too lazy to look it up.) Maybe the car wash deal is like that. The writers aren’t going to fill in all the blanks. Bognan doesn’t look like a happy man. Plus, he’s fairly old – 60’s, probably. He may have been ready to hang it up. His wife wants to move back to the old country. His mistress needs a new car. His mortgage is upside-down. He has a tumor. He’s really been dumping chemicals and hiring undocumented workers. He’s developed an allergy to soap. So far in the show, the only thing that’s really bugged me is in S3 when Skyler takes the divorce papers to Walt. He holds up the file and it’s obviously empty – there’s light shining through it. No papers in the file. ---
**Author:** ![CJJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecc23a/32.png) [@CJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CJJ)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/75 "2011-08-02T16:21:57Z")
> [@II\_Gyan\_II](#): > > I’m guessing that the car wash owner in the 5 hours between the “inspection” and decision to sell didn’t receive any official-looking paperwork that his 30-year old business was indeed f\*\*\*\*d. Or make any calls to the government or consult a lawyer. Seems weak, no? I think–despite the fact that the inspection was a scam–the car wash owner already suspected his business was violating the law. He kept asking “Where is Gary?”–my guess is Gary is a friendly inspector whom he’s bribed in the past. He also didn’t dispute the findings of the tests–e.g. “I just passed an inspection X months ago, and I replaced my drainage system in the past year !”–but went straight to attacking the inspector. There’s enough circumstantial evidence to permit us to assume he knows he’s guilty, which neatly explains the follow-on developments. ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/76 "2011-08-02T16:47:57Z")
Ah, so that’s where Walt’s cancer came from! The plot thickens. Cheesy little Rumanian bastard. I’ll bet that by the end of the season one of those big plastic barrels has a pair of bushy eyebrows floating on the top of its contents. Bogdan really is going green—Soylent hot wax green! ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/77 "2011-08-02T16:56:16Z")
> [@Washoe](#): > > Ah, so that’s where Walt’s cancer came from! The plot thickens. Cheesy little Rumanian bastard. I’ll bet that by the end of the season one of those big plastic barrels has a pair of bushy eyebrows floating on the top of its contents. Bogdan really is going green—Soylent hot wax green! Interesting thought! What if Bogdan really was dumping dangerous chemicals and bribing this Gary. What happens when their money laundering scheme collapses because of a surrounding cancer cluster? What happens when suddenly they find themselves owning something that is not only NOT a viable money laundry but also a financial liability and superfund site! ---
**Author:** ![II\_Gyan\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/bbe5ce/32.png) [@II\_Gyan\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/II_Gyan_II)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/78 "2011-08-02T17:31:04Z")
> [@CJJ](#): > > I think–despite the fact that the inspection was a scam–the car wash owner already suspected his business was violating the law. He kept asking “Where is Gary?”–my guess is Gary is a friendly inspector whom he’s bribed in the past. He also didn’t dispute the findings of the tests–e.g. “I just passed an inspection X months ago, and I replaced my drainage system in the past year !”–but went straight to attacking the inspector. There’s enough circumstantial evidence to permit us to assume he knows he’s guilty, which neatly explains the follow-on developments. Gary may have been a regular inspector, no more. Note that he didn’t try to bribe this inspector, who was putting him out of business. He didn’t dispute the findings because chemistry may not be his forte. And most likely, he attacked him because the inspector demanded an immediate suspension of his 30-year old business, instead of issuing a warning or some sort of leeway. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/79 "2011-08-02T17:32:34Z")
Remember Saul’s “illegal employees” suggestion that Skyler and Walt shot down? Bogdan doesn’t want too many officials looking into his business as I’m sure there are many things there not on the up-and-up. Also, as an immigrant in America (don’t know if he’s a citizen or not), he’s not going to want to “fight the power” too much. I totally believe that he’d fall for the fake inspector ruse. ---
**Author:** ![Washoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ecae2f/32.png) [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000/80 "2011-08-02T17:34:52Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > What happens when suddenly they find themselves owning something that is not only NOT a viable money laundry but also a financial liability and superfund site! Icing on the cake! I personally know a guy who defrauded the Superfund out of a million dollars. It was like taking candy from a baby. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-03-open-house-7-31/591000.md?page=5)