# Breaking Bad 5.8 "Gliding Over All" **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 3, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506 "2012-09-03T01:55:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Sam\_Lowry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Sam\_Lowry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Lowry)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/61 "2012-09-03T04:04:14Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > I wonder if we’ve seen the last of Todd’s uncle’s crew. Did they know **why** they were killing those guys? And what happened with the lawyer? Is he still alive? The lawyer was killed. He was the guy that was on the phone in the prison, then some other prisoners came up from behind and hung up the phone and stabbed him a bunch of times. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/62 "2012-09-03T04:05:10Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > I vaguely remember Gale giving Walt the book, I think we even mentioned it in these threads. Couldn’t tell you what episode, though. I went back and watched every scene I could find with Walt and Gale. No book. Their first cook, at the end, Gale recited “The Learned Astronomer” but that’s it. Their second cook Walt deliberately screwed up so he could have an excuse to bring in Jesse to replace Gale. > [@goldmund](#): > > Earlier this season when Walt moved back in, when he was unpacking his things, the book was in one of the boxes. So Gilligan didn’t figure out how to do the Hank reveal till this season? Booooo, Mr. Gilligan. Very poor. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/63 "2012-09-03T04:05:15Z")
I’m a little surprised that he was able to quit so cleanly too. I guess that’s the benefit of being the boss. The Phoenix crew can go back to the old way or maybe Todd has learned enough to do the cook. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/64 "2012-09-03T04:06:06Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > I don’t know about that. I think it was just the opposite. This time he walked out calmly as opposed to last time when he punched the metal plate. The last time (a later ep. of S2, IIRC) he punched it out because he’d just found out he was in remission. I don’t know what emotional impetus was driving him; overwhelming joy at being in remission? Rage, that all the insane chances he took when he thought his time was very limited were needless? ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/65 "2012-09-03T04:06:59Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > I wonder if we’ve seen the last of Todd’s uncle’s crew. Did they know **why** they were killing those guys? And what happened with the lawyer? Is he still alive? Yeah, I think it’s pretty clear to them that the job was to kill a bunch of potential witnesses in a coordinated attack, and I think Todd would at least have had to tell them about the meth operation in order to make sense of it. And I’m not sure, but I think the lawyer might have been the guy they got in the shower. ETA: RE: Todd’s crew, they are probably the ones who Walt handed the keys to the business. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/66 "2012-09-03T04:10:49Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > I’m a little surprised that he was able to quit so cleanly too. I guess that’s the benefit of being the boss. The Phoenix crew can go back to the old way or maybe Todd has learned enough to do the cook. I’d say we don’t know for certain Walt’s out. He probably is, just because it makes for better drama if he’s found out after he’d gotten away with it. But we haven’t seen any evidence for certain that Walt wrapped up both the Phoenix and Czech operations. If Walt truly is out, it’ll be tough for Hank to find a ton of evidence. Sure, the money will stink to high heaven, but that’s it. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/67 "2012-09-03T04:10:58Z")
> [@oft\_wears\_hats](#): > > This is the funniest thing I’ve read all day. I’ll predict it right now: That end scene is going to get a million+ hits on YouTube after someone adds the _“ploooping”_ sound right before they cut to black. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/68 "2012-09-03T04:20:34Z")
> [@Erdosain](#): > > > [@goldmund](#): > > > > Earlier this season when Walt moved back in, when he was unpacking his things, the book was in one of the boxes. > > So Gilligan didn’t figure out how to do the Hank reveal till this season? > > Booooo, Mr. Gilligan. Very poor. He very deliberately set the reveal now, so that the last eight episodes are the endgame. My guess is that Hank won’t tell anyone else what he now knows, but will investigate his brother-in-law on his own and very quietly. ---
**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:** [September 3, 2012, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/69 "2012-09-03T04:21:47Z")
Is the writing in that book enough evidence in a legal sense? And what’s Hank’s next move right at this moment? I don’t think he’s going to simply carry that book out of the bathroom and confront Walt. Maybe he could shove it in his shirt, walk out and say “come on Marie, we’re leaving, I don’t feel well” or something like that. What if he’s uncertain about what to do, leaves it there, then later in the evening Walt somehow realizes it’s there (maybe because it’s been disturbed) and destroys it. Things could end up with Hank being certain but having no proof. I think it could end up with Hank trying to find proof without a warrant and without tipping off Walt. Or maybe it could end up with Hank telling Walt that he knows and that Walt better get the hell out of business. ---
**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:** [September 3, 2012, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/70 "2012-09-03T04:26:03Z")
Or, as I mentioned in an earlier thread, he may end up in a quandary because he’ll realize that it could appear like he’s been involved. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/71 "2012-09-03T04:26:10Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > He very deliberately set the reveal now, so that the last eight episodes are the endgame. My guess is that Hank won’t tell anyone else what he now knows, but will investigate his brother-in-law on his own and very quietly. Me too. Even telling Marie will crack open a can of unholy hell. I really feel bad for what Hank will have to deal with now. Talk about being caught in between your career, your duty, your family, and ethics in general. Yeesh! Also, re: The meth biz. Walt could’ve handed the operation over to Declan. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/72 "2012-09-03T04:27:28Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > Is the writing in that book enough evidence in a legal sense? > > And what’s Hank’s next move right at this moment? I don’t think he’s going to simply carry that book out of the bathroom and confront Walt. Maybe he could shove it in his shirt, walk out and say “come on Marie, we’re leaving, I don’t feel well” or something like that. Easier than that, he goes back to the table,\* tries _to act natural, and then when it’s time to go, say, “I gotta hit the head again,” and_ then\* get the book. > [@davidm](#): > > What if he’s uncertain about what to do, leaves it there, then later in the evening Walt somehow realizes it’s there (maybe because it’s been disturbed) and destroys it. I think Hank, even as surprised as he is, would be smart/experienced enough to put it all back almost exactly as he found it. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/73 "2012-09-03T04:28:37Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > He very deliberately set the reveal now, so that the last eight episodes are the endgame. My guess is that Hank won’t tell anyone else what he now knows, but will investigate his brother-in-law on his own and very quietly. Right, but Gilligan knew that if the show lasted this long, he’d have to figure out a cool way for Hank to cotton on to Walt. I’m just disappointed he did such a half-assed job when he usually is so thoughtful and deliberate. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/74 "2012-09-03T04:32:51Z")
> [@Erdosain](#): > > Right, but Gilligan knew that if the show lasted this long, he’d have to figure out a cool way for Hank to cotton on to Walt. I’m just disappointed he did such a half-assed job when he usually is so thoughtful and deliberate. I pictured something like a _Usual Suspects_ reveal ala Agent Dave Kujan ---
**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:** [September 3, 2012, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/75 "2012-09-03T04:34:16Z")
Okay. I’m watching the second showing. When Walt is in the bathroom after the scan, you see him washing his hands then pulling some towels and drying them. As he’s drying them he looks at the dispenser and you see a look of recognition dawning on his face. They then show the dented dispenser. So I think it’s pretty clear that what was intended was that it’s the same dent he caused previously. When Walt knocks on Jesse’s door, Jesse looks out the window, sees who it is, walks away from the door, off camera, then walks back and opens the door a moment later. So he must have been getting the gun out of fear of Walt. He’s even afraid as he opens the duffel bag, probably thinking it may blow up or something. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/76 "2012-09-03T04:35:04Z")
> [@Erdosain](#): > > Right, but Gilligan knew that if the show lasted this long, he’d have to figure out a cool way for Hank to cotton on to Walt. I’m just disappointed he did such a half-assed job when he usually is so thoughtful and deliberate. If the show lasted this long? It’s been popular enough almost since the beginning that cancellation was never a possibility. Even the timing of the ending was up to Vince Gilligan much more than AMC. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/77 "2012-09-03T04:35:38Z")
> [@ExTank](#): > > Easier than that, he goes back to the table,\* tries _to act natural, and then when it’s time to go, say, “I gotta hit the head again,” and_ then\* get the book. > > I think Hank, even as surprised as he is, would be smart/experienced enough to put it all back almost exactly as he found it. :smack: I’m an idiot. He can snap a pic with his cell phone. ---
**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:** [September 3, 2012, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/78 "2012-09-03T04:38:18Z")
> [@Erdosain](#): > > Right, but Gilligan knew that if the show lasted this long, he’d have to figure out a cool way for Hank to cotton on to Walt. I’m just disappointed he did such a half-assed job when he usually is so thoughtful and deliberate. I didn’t think it was half-assed. I liked it. About the only complaint I’d have is that it seemed obvious he was going to find _something_ suspicious in the bathroom. I think that was because it was right at the end of the season ender and you knew that there was some reason for showing him going into the bathroom. I suppose that was unavoidable though. It’s just the nature of the medium. ---
**Author:** ![Tarwater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9de0a6/32.png) [@Tarwater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarwater)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/79 "2012-09-03T04:46:39Z")
Well, we knew what Hank was going to find in the bathroom because earlier in the episode we’d seen the book in that exact position while Walt was taking a shower. The book was shot in a very deliberate way, too, so we knew that it was going to be significant. So there was no big surprise if you remembered. What was surprising, however, was that Gale had written a message incriminating Walt inside the front flap. EDIT: I’m just saying that the purpose of that scene wasn’t to be surprising, but rather to be incredibly tense. We, as the audience, knew that book was in that bathroom. We knew that Hank was going to find it. What we didn’t know was how he was going to react. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2012, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506/80 "2012-09-03T04:53:01Z")
Ep. 6, S3, Walt and Gale do their first cook, and at the end of the day, Gale recites “The Learned Astronomer” from memory for Walt, proudly proclaiming his geek credentials. Next scene is Hank surveilling Jesse’s house, and he calls Walt, who is now at his apartment (the one he paid the leasing agent to leave all the “model home” furniture in) reading the very book Hank has found. Since Walt is still in the blue shirt and slacks he put on that morning (to the tune of Travis Porter’s/Buddy Stuart’s “Sun, Shine On Me Today”), I assume it’s the same day. So Gale obviously had a copy of Walt Whitman’s poetry on him at the lab or in his car, signed it, and gave it to Walt. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-bad-5-8-gliding-over-all/633506.md?page=5)