Let’s be blunt: While Breaking Bad consistently soared to narrative heights, the Season 3 episode, “Fly,” is widely considered its weakest link, a bottle episode that prioritizes metaphorical weight over momentum. It stalls the show’s relentless trajectory and, despite admirable performances, ultimately feels like a detour into navel-gazing.
Why “Fly” is the Black Sheep of the Heisenberg Family
“Fly” stands out—or rather, sticks out—because of its jarring contrast with the rest of the series. While Breaking Bad thrives on escalating tension, shocking twists, and the constant threat of violence, “Fly” offers a quiet, almost meditative exploration of Walt’s guilt and burgeoning madness. But this introspection, while thematically relevant, comes at the expense of plot advancement and often feels tedious rather than insightful.
The Confined Setting: A Recipe for Stagnation
The entire episode takes place within the confines of the superlab. This confinement, intended to amplify the characters’ internal struggles, instead creates a claustrophobic viewing experience. The limited setting restricts the narrative possibilities and forces the audience to endure repetitive scenes of Walt and Jesse trying to swat a fly. This repetition, while arguably symbolic of Walt’s obsessive nature, quickly becomes tiresome.
The Slow Pace: A Breather or a Breakdown?
Breaking Bad is known for its expertly crafted pacing, balancing intense action sequences with moments of quiet reflection. “Fly,” however, leans heavily into the latter, slowing the narrative to a crawl. While some viewers appreciate the change of pace, many find it frustrating and unproductive, especially given the urgency of the preceding and subsequent episodes. The lack of external threats and overarching plot progression makes it feel like filler.
The Overreliance on Symbolism: Substance Over Style?
“Fly” is laden with symbolism, from the elusive fly itself, representing Walt’s guilt and contamination, to the cleaning of the lab, reflecting his attempts to control his increasingly chaotic life. While symbolism is a staple of Breaking Bad, in “Fly,” it feels overly pronounced and somewhat heavy-handed. The episode seems to prioritize symbolic interpretation over compelling storytelling, leaving many viewers feeling preached at rather than engaged. The ambiguity, while characteristic of the show’s style, feels forced and ultimately unsatisfying in this context.
Addressing the Critics: Understanding the Division
“Fly” remains a divisive episode, and its detractors are vocal. However, proponents argue that it offers valuable insight into Walt’s psyche and provides a much-needed moment of respite amidst the show’s intense drama. But even acknowledging its thematic merits, it’s difficult to deny that “Fly” falls short of the high standards set by the rest of Breaking Bad. Its deliberate pace, confined setting, and overt symbolism combine to create an episode that many viewers actively skip on rewatches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “Fly”
H2 Frequently Asked Questions
H3 1. What is a “bottle episode,” and why is “Fly” considered one?
A bottle episode is a television episode that is produced cheaply by setting it in a single location and using only a few main cast members. “Fly” is considered a bottle episode because almost the entire episode takes place within the superlab, and the only main characters featured are Walt and Jesse. This approach is often used to save money or allow for more elaborate production of other episodes.
H3 2. What is the significance of the fly in the episode?
The fly is widely interpreted as representing several things, including Walt’s guilt, his obsession with control, and the contamination of his life by the meth business. It’s a visual manifestation of his unease and the nagging feeling that he can never truly clean up the mess he’s made.
H3 3. Why was “Fly” made in the first place?
The primary reason for “Fly” was budgetary constraints. The show’s production needed to save money after producing more expensive episodes earlier in the season. Using a single set and a small cast was a cost-effective way to produce an episode. Additionally, creator Vince Gilligan wanted to experiment with a more character-driven, introspective episode.
H3 4. Did Bryan Cranston direct “Fly”?
Yes, Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, directed the episode. This was his third time directing an episode of Breaking Bad. While his performance as an actor is universally praised, his directorial choices in “Fly” are more divisive.
H3 5. Is there any subtext or hidden meaning to the dialogue between Walt and Jesse in “Fly”?
Absolutely. The seemingly mundane conversations between Walt and Jesse are rife with subtext about their relationship, Walt’s lies, and Jesse’s growing awareness of Walt’s true nature. Pay close attention to the moments where Walt attempts to manipulate Jesse and Jesse’s subtle resistance. These scenes hint at the increasing tension and distrust between the two characters.
H3 6. How does “Fly” contribute to Walter White’s overall character development?
“Fly” provides a deep dive into Walt’s psychological state. It showcases his obsessive tendencies, his inability to let go of the past, and his growing paranoia. It reveals the extent to which the meth business has consumed him and how his guilt is eating him alive. The episode solidifies his descent into a more morally ambiguous and ultimately darker character.
H3 7. Is “Fly” considered canon, or can it be skipped without affecting the overall plot?
“Fly” is officially considered canon, meaning it is part of the official storyline of Breaking Bad. However, it can be skipped without significantly impacting the viewer’s understanding of the main plot. The major plot points are not advanced in this episode.
H3 8. What are some of the common criticisms of “Fly”?
The most common criticisms of “Fly” include its slow pace, its repetitive nature, its confined setting, and its perceived lack of plot advancement. Many viewers find it boring and uninteresting compared to the rest of the series. The heavy reliance on symbolism is also a point of contention for some.
H3 9. Are there any defenders of “Fly”? What are their arguments?
Yes, some viewers appreciate “Fly” for its introspective nature, its exploration of Walt’s character, and its break from the usual intensity of the show. They argue that it provides a valuable insight into Walt’s psyche and showcases the acting abilities of Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.
H3 10. How does “Fly” compare to other “bottle episodes” in television history?
Compared to some bottle episodes, “Fly” is considered less successful by many. While some bottle episodes use the limited setting to create intense character drama or suspense, “Fly” is often criticized for feeling slow and uneventful. Examples of well-received bottle episodes include “The Chinese Restaurant” from Seinfeld and “Cooperative Calligraphy” from Community.
H3 11. What could have been done to improve “Fly”?
Many suggest that shortening the episode, adding more plot development, or incorporating additional characters could have improved “Fly”. Focusing on a more specific aspect of Walt’s guilt or exploring the dynamic between Walt and Jesse in a more meaningful way might have also been beneficial.
H3 12. Is there any episode of Better Call Saul considered to be as divisive as “Fly”?
While Better Call Saul is generally considered to be more consistently strong than Breaking Bad, some viewers found episodes like “Piney” (Season 2, Episode 5) to be slow-paced and less engaging than others. However, it’s important to note that no episode of Better Call Saul has generated the same level of criticism and division as “Fly.” “Fly” remains a uniquely controversial entry in the Breaking Bad universe.