Yesterday was a sad day for many TV fans. Guiding Light was cancelled after 72 years of continuous broadcasting (radio and TV). Even people I know who don't watch soaps, were upset by the end of this program.
That said, it's with some real glee that I tell you that AMC has picked up Breaking Bad for a third season. It's not just that the Vince Gilligan's show is one of the best dramas on television – it might be the best! – it's the fact that renewing the program for year number three restores my faith that idiosyncratic, unusual stories like Breaking Bad can find a place to thrive and survive on the tube.
Let's hear it for AMC, home of Breaking Bad as well as Mad Men. Of course, it helps that Breaking Bad is up 21% in the ratings, and it has a slew of awards to its credit.
The show is currently four episodes into season two and the quality has been as high or higher than the first. My only concern for writer/creator Gilligan is this: how is he going to keep Walter White's lung cancer from killing him before the end of the series? Bryan Cranston's amazing portrayal of the character has lived up to that Emmy award, so for me, I say to Vince, get Walt into remission so he can keep on doing what he's doing.
TV Squad Ten: Top Ten ESPN shows from worst to first
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-02-2009 @ 10:39AM
windem said...
I agree; it's a tough program to watch, but it keeps me on the edge of my seat. It has few equals and the acting by all parties is superb.
Reply
4-02-2009 @ 10:54AM
StillBash said...
I'm a bit torn since at the moment the show has really lost its momentum for me. It's still good TV and I think the renewal is justified but there needs to be a new subplot and they have to come up with it fast. I really can't watch any of this family crap anymore. If I were close to dying of cancer I'd seriously think about at least shaking my pregnant wife to wake up from her behavior she showed in the last episode. I mean she basically did what he did before but HE has cancer. HE has to die. His behavior is to be expected, she acts as if she has a right to feel betrayed just because a phone rings somewhere.
But hey look at me, I'm taking sides - the show moves me and that's enough reason to keep it going. At least it has controversy.
Reply
4-02-2009 @ 11:19AM
eric f. said...
why would anyone who does not watch soaps care about the cancellation of guiding light, let alone be upset by it?
Reply
4-02-2009 @ 12:45PM
Scott said...
Breaking Bad is the best drama on Television. Nothing else even comes close.
Reply
4-02-2009 @ 3:28PM
Drex said...
Quoted for the truth...
4-02-2009 @ 12:44PM
Midnight13 said...
"The season is four episodes into season two and the quality has been as high or higher then the first." Well didn't the first season only have six episodes? So techinically they are on episode 10 of the series as a whole. You really expecting the quality to go down that fast? For most good shows its takes about four or five seasons of 22 episode long seasons.
Reply
4-02-2009 @ 4:50PM
BDUB said...
It would be interesting to chart how many days (in TV world) have occurred since the pilot. If I remember correctly most of the episodes take place right after one another so Gilligan could stretch out the series realistically if he took that approach.
Reply
4-02-2009 @ 11:16PM
Cody said...
maybe Walter will bite it in the season finale and then season 3 will see Pinkman move in with Skylar to raise Walt Jr. and the new baby.
On the other hand, this show could do wonders with an established end date.
Reply