# Breaking Bad 4/11/10 - OPEN SPOILERS **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 12, 2010, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810 "2010-04-12T04:09:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Pigs\_in\_Space](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9d8465/32.png) [@Pigs\_in\_Space](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pigs_in_Space)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/21 "2010-04-13T05:36:16Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > What’s up with giving Walt half? I can’t quite figure his angle. I know he’s trying to play on the dissension twixt Walt and Jesse but not sure how this would do it. My take is that Gus figures Walt is addicted to the money and power from making meth. It’s like giving drugs to a junkie straight out of rehab. Pretty soon he’ll be going back to it, which is what Gus wants. ---
**Author:** ![Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a9a28c/32.png) [@Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oslo_Ostragoth)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/22 "2010-04-13T05:57:34Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > Does anybody else notice the physical resemblance between Saul’s double-agent henchman and Walt? The henchman (I’m sure he has a name but I don’t remember it) is beefier and taller but he’s bald with the beginnings of a graying goatee like Walt. I wonder if this is coincidence, red herring, or something that will prove significant. Nice catch. That’s the only way I see Walt surviving for another season. > [@AuntiePam](#): > > I’m disappointed with Skyler. I was okay with her boinking Ted when I thought it was a one-off, to get Walt out of the house, but jeebus, an affair isn’t the way to resolve her situation. But it is. If she can line up a sugar-daddy, she needn’t worry about paying her mortgage, health care for Walt Jr., and college for Walt Jr. and the Turnip. > [@Green\_Bean](#): > > And consider the fact that he just got fired from his teaching job. I don’t know how it is in New Mexico, but in NJ, it is very hard to fire a tenured teacher. Someone has to screw up in a big way. Are any high school teachers tenured? My experience is that none are, but when the layoffs come, people with seniority are protected. In what states is legal “separation” an issue? ---
**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:** [April 13, 2010, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/23 "2010-04-13T08:08:31Z")
Did anyone think the Hank at gas station scene was flimsy? The cashier said that the employee (whom Hank was actually calling upon) had been fired a few weeks prior. The next step should have been to get his contact details. Hank dropping the baggie on the counter was too convenient. ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Carol\_the\_Impaler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_the_Impaler)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/24 "2010-04-13T15:20:19Z")
I missed this episode. Does anyone know where I can see it besides AMC? I checked their schedule and it only runs at midnight. (I don’t have any recording technology like a DVR.) ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/25 "2010-04-13T16:28:52Z")
> [@Oslo\_Ostragoth](#): > > Are any high school teachers tenured? My experience is that none are, but when the layoffs come, people with seniority are protected. I don’t know about New Mexico, but in Alabama some teachers are definitely tenured. ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/26 "2010-04-13T17:08:31Z")
IIRC correctly he said he wasn’t fired. Just put on a indefinite sabbatical rather than being offically canned. Same end result but technically he’s still on staff. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/27 "2010-04-13T17:17:56Z")
My impression on Walt’s job is that they’ve decided he’s too erratic and crazy to be at the school on a regular basis any more. I think he _still_ has some built up sympathy because of his cancer and probably even his boss thinks his weird behavior is because of all the medications and treatments he has had to undergo. I’m sure that the people at the school probably heard rumors about Walt’s strange fugue state incident as well (which only the doctor Walt confessed to knows was fake for sure, Skyler however is all but convinced that it was faked–for good reason.) ---
**Author:** ![Covered\_In\_Bees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ab992/32.png) [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/28 "2010-04-13T17:21:38Z")
I just realized that no one has even mentioned Jane’s dad shooting himself. Thoughts? ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/29 "2010-04-13T17:32:24Z")
Walt’s thoughts: “Pussy! Can’t even kill 160 people without gettin’ all suicidal.” I suppose it just adds to Walt’s burden. Also, many people were probably feeling sympathetic to Jane’s dad (he wasn’t drunk or high, he was bereaved), and the attempted suicide will just make them more sympathetic. And then there’s Walt, the one who’s most directly responsible, and nobody’s feeling sorry for him. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/30 "2010-04-13T17:37:53Z")
> [@Covered\_In\_Bees](#): > > I just realized that no one has even mentioned Jane’s dad shooting himself. > > Thoughts? Shot himself but evidently survived (leastwise they didn’t say he died), which makes me wonder if he’ll be back to take revenge on Jesse. (I don’t blame Jesse for her death- she introduced _him_ to heroin, not the other way around- but her father probably does. With all of the publicity around the aircrash I wonder if Walt has recognized him yet as the man he talked to in the bar, and while John de Lancie isn’t A-list he’s way better known (and probably better paid) than just another unknown middle aged actor, so another reason to think they’re not done with him yet. Ooh, since Mike came into the house that day and Walt had watched her die maybe somehow that’s where the Mike/Walt resemblance comes into play- perhaps somebody saw Walt entering and leaving). I asked in another thread but got no answer, so maybe here somebody will take pity: if this were real life, would Jane’s dad likely face any charges for his negligence? Obviously he’d testify until he’s hoarse in committees and investigations, but I was wondering if there would likely be any criminal proceedings. ETA: Bryan Cranston was the guest on DAILY SHOW last night for anyone interested. Video online at their site. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/31 "2010-04-13T18:18:10Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > I asked in another thread but got no answer, so maybe here somebody will take pity: if this were real life, would Jane’s dad likely face any charges for his negligence? Obviously he’d testify until he’s hoarse in committees and investigations, but I was wondering if there would likely be any criminal proceedings. I took pity on ya and googled through about ten pages, but can’t find any US cases of air traffic controllers facing criminal charges. The FAA is sued, the controller is disciplined, but I’m not finding anything else. It did happen in Switzerland – some controllers went to jail – but nothing in the US, not even in situations where it looked like criminal charges would have been appropriate. ---
**Author:** ![Lakai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9de0a6/32.png) [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/32 "2010-04-13T18:18:56Z")
> [@II\_Gyan\_II](#): > > Did anyone think the Hank at gas station scene was flimsy? The cashier said that the employee (whom Hank was actually calling upon) had been fired a few weeks prior. The next step should have been to get his contact details. Hank dropping the baggie on the counter was too convenient. I would assume that when Hank got the employee’s name he also got his contact details. Hank probably checked his house first and then went to his place of employment. After coming up short in both locations it was probably a smart move to see if any of the other employees knew about their coworker’s drug problem. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/33 "2010-04-13T18:22:20Z")
> [@Enright3](#): > > Green Bean, Can you even file for a separation? I’ve never heard of that. Sort of. “File for separation” is a misnomer I guess because it doesn’t have to be done through the courts, but around here, anyway, it means to officially start the process of obtaining a divorce, becoming “legally separated.” (which may be a misnomer as well.) It usually involves the drawing up of a marital separation agreement. In Union County, you usually don’t start the process by actually filing for divorce, because once you do, the court pushes you through the process really fast. You can remain legally separated as long as necessary while you’re working out the details. If nothing else, filing for separation creates legal documentation that one or both parties are actually seeking a divorce. IIRC, the cop asked Skylar if she and Walt were “separated.” She had to say no. The clear implication was that if she had been able to say yes, the cop might have been able to take some sort of action to remove Walt. I might have some of the details wrong, but I think you get the idea. ([Here is a FAQ about marital separation agreements in NJ if you’re interested.](http://www.njdivorceonline.com/njpages/MaritalProperty/msafaq.asp)) > [@](#): > > Walt didn’t get fired from his job, he’s on indefinite sabbatical. My guess it was by mutual agreement with the school. Are we sure? He told Walter Jr. that, but he could easily have been fudging the reality a bit. Regardless, it’s still pretty damn hard to get a tenured teacher out of the classroom at all. Or even a non-tenured teacher. But I’m speaking from a NJ perspective, so it may be really different in other places. > [@Covered\_In\_Bees](#): > > 1. He was being a dick because had _29_ camper van thingies in the whole state of New Mexico to track down. Presumably the chief would prefer a shorter list and relegated to at least Albuquerque or _some_thing more concrete than _possibly_ one of 29 camper things. I’m not sure I agree with you a hundred percent on your police work, there, Lou. Based on my extensive law enforcement knowledge and experience (aka watching ridiculous amounts of Law & Order), a list of 29 is _nothing_. How many times have we seen Van Buren tell Briscoe to call all of 138 dry cleaners in a certain neighborhood or whatever. Hank could probably tentavely cross off half the list and prioritize the rest in a couple of hours using the DMV database and the phone. He’s an experienced DEA agent. I’m sure he knows what clues signal a likely or unlikely suspect. An RV registered to the original owners, a retired couple in their 70s who say they never lend it to anyone? Probably not the RV you’re looking for. I think the boss was being a hard-ass because Hank was defying direct orders. But he let him stay in Albuquerque because he trusts Hank’s judgment and/or saw that Hank reeeeaaaally didn’t want to go to El Paso, even if he didn’t know exactly why. ---
**Author:** ![Frostillicus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/34 "2010-04-13T22:53:50Z")
Also, I assume that Hank would be smart enough to start with the RVs located in Albequerque and then work his way out from there. Which means he most likely is going to find it toot suite. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/35 "2010-04-13T23:04:03Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > Are we sure? He told Walter Jr. that, but he could easily have been fudging the reality a bit. How I read it is that he’s faking the erratic behavior that could be either a psychological break or, given his known cancer diagnosis, a brain tumor, either of which could get him a medical leave of absence in most states. He’s tired of teaching but this allows him to keep his foot in the door should he ever choose to return to teaching and his medical benefits (which even though he has piles of cash laying around, COBRA’s a lot cheaper than paying out of pocket for cancer care and family). I agree with others that Skyler has gotten extremely unlikeable this season. I understand she’s had a lot to deal with, but she’s deliberately baiting him and doesn’t seem to understand that he didn’t begin selling meth so he can live like a pimp but because he thought his number was almost up. He’s still the same guy, just one who arguably did something really stupid. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/36 "2010-04-13T23:46:15Z")
**Sampiro** , interesting, that Walt could have been faking. I didn’t even consider it. I thought he’d always been a bit interested in the principal, and now that Skyler’s gone off range, he’s letting his urges take over. But he didn’t act befuddled in any other scenes, so you just might have something there. He could have just asked for medical leave, but since he’s in remission, they might not have given it to him. ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/37 "2010-04-15T01:08:00Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > Regardless, it’s still pretty damn hard to get a tenured teacher out of the classroom at all. Or even a non-tenured teacher. I can see that, what with it being a union job and all (at least for public schools around here) ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/38 "2010-04-15T01:15:03Z")
I worked in the legal department of a teachers union in the 70’s. Their contracts were negotiated so much in favor of the teachers that it was almost impossible to fire a teacher – transfer was the usual “punishment” – and the transfer would include a stipulation that the teacher’s records weren’t revealed to the new district. I suppose it happened anyway – people will talk. After awhile, I stopped wondering why some of my kids’ teachers were so bizarre – good contract. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/39 "2010-04-15T16:03:18Z")
Isn’t the actor playing Mike (Saul’s henchman/Gus’ henchman) the same actor that played the fake Heisenberg" in last season’s “Better Call Saul” episode that Badger has to identify for the DEA? If so, that would be an explanation as to why they look alike. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2010, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810/40 "2010-04-15T16:11:24Z")
Never mind, the actor that played Jimmy In-N-Out, the fake Heisenberg, was Jimmy Daniel, not the same guy playing Mike. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-4-11-10-open-spoilers/535810.md?page=1)