Search for TV Listings, Movies, Celebrities, Photos & More
| | |
Home > News & Views Home > TV Guide Editors' Blogs
TV Guide Editors' Blogs

In This Section

TV Guide Spotlight

Also on TVGuide.com
« Cheers & Jeers

Cheers: Malcolm's Dad Goes Bad

080120cheers-breaking.jpg
Bryan Cranston courtesy AMC
Cheers to Bryan Cranston for his image-shattering performance in Breaking Bad. I always knew he was a committed actor: The Malcolm in the Middle episode when dad Hal learns how to roller-boogie remains one of the greatest tour de forces in sitcom history. But who knew Cranston could handle dark material like AMC's dramedy about a dying chemistry teacher who resorts to selling crystal meth (and worse crimes) to save his family? Cranston's not Bad — he's brilliant.

• Read and react to Bruce's opinions on Cashmere Mafia's Bonnie Somerville, American Idol's new season and more!
• Share your own raves and rants about other shows on the Reader Cheers & Jeers discussion board.
• We may feature your Cheer or Jeer on TVGuide.com or in TV Guide magazine!


Leave a Comment
TVGuide Links:
Posted by Bruce Fretts
Jan 20, 2008 10:43 PM
I totally agree. If this doesn't secure him an Emmy nothing will. He gives a brilliant performance as a struggling teacher who wants to secure financial independence for his family before he dies. His comment "I'm alive." says so much about his transformation. I'm hooked, so to speak.
Posted by tvdiva
Jan 21, 2008 8:20 AM
I wanted to check this out. I missed it though watching the giants make their way to the superbowl. I'm sure it will repeat a million times this week, so I'll catch it eventually.
Posted by Leah
Jan 21, 2008 9:13 AM
tvdiva: I thought what Walter said was, "I'm awake." And didn't you just love his wife echoing at the end, "Walter! Is that you?"

Awake, indeed! I know I am after this amazing pilot.
Posted by MamaFrog
Jan 21, 2008 2:27 PM
He sure likes parading onscreen in his tighty-whities, doesn't he!? :^O

I knew something was missing from my life for the last couple of years, and--although I prefer him when he's fully-clothed (he only reminds me of my ugly-@$$ body when he walks around half-nekkid)--Bryan Cranston was brilliant on MITM (let's face it! They ALL were!). This new character is perfect for him. In my opinion, he's at his best when he's doing a slow burn, and I was giggling like an idiot at every painful turn!

And yes, it is on a gazillion times this week, but I only noticed it's on Friday at 10:30. I know that, because I plan to invite a bunch of people over to watch it!

I wish it would last longer than seven episodes, but I plan to savor every moment of each episode!

Breaking Gord
Posted by TV Gord
Jan 21, 2008 3:38 PM
This is a good show. It's slated for 9 episodes but they only have 7 poduced before the strike.
Posted by pyeman9
Jan 21, 2008 3:56 PM
MamaFrog:you are right, he did say he was awake. Sorry for the misquote.
Yes, that last scene was comical...
Posted by tvdiva
Jan 21, 2008 5:53 PM
TvGord It's nice to see someone besides myself who has such high praise for the cast of Malcolm. Jane Kaczmarek got the attention she deserved but for some reason Bryan Cranston's brilliant work was just about ignored. I learned that he didn't even really skate before the roller boogie episdoe.

Huge props too to Justin Berfield who was fantastic as Reese. In fact, the only weak spots in that show were Frankie Muniz, whose charm and appeal seemed to decrease with each passing year and the sharp dropoff in script quality the last couple of seasons.
Posted by DaMess
Jan 22, 2008 2:55 AM
I don't think the advertising for Breaking Bad did this show justice. I almost didn't watch it because of the subject matter (meth/cancer/despair), but am very glad I did. It was riveting. Brian Cranston was mesmerizing on screen (even in his tighty-whities {TV Gord if you're over 50 and look like that, then you have nothing to be ashamed of!})

I too loved MIIM, and agree with DaMess, the last few seasons were a let down.

And the Emmy goes to: Brian Cranston.
Posted by Melissa
Jan 22, 2008 10:28 AM
Advertisement