“Breaking Bad” is often hailed as the finest TV show of all time, though not every episode hit the mark perfectly, with one in particular standing out as a frustration for many viewers.
Indeed, stating that “Breaking Bad” is the greatest show to ever appear on television isn’t much of a stretch.
But even with such high praise, the series had its less-than-perfect episodes during its run.
The most contentious episode, titled “Fly,” comes from the third season. Fans often refer to it as the episode where Walter White (Bryan Cranston) spends the entire time attempting to kill a fly.
And that’s not an exaggeration; the episode primarily revolves around this one task. In the midst of a high-stakes, tension-filled plot involving rival drug factions, viewers watch as the protagonist gets preoccupied with a seemingly trivial problem in his meth lab.
This type of episode is known in the industry as a ‘bottle episode,’ designed to be produced quickly and inexpensively, typically utilizing minimal sets and cast members.
Such episodes are often produced when budget constraints are an issue, necessitating a storyline that keeps characters confined to one or two primary locations.
According to IMDb, “Fly” holds the lowest rating of any episode across both “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” although a 7.8 out of 10 is still quite respectable.
Series creator Vince Gilligan addressed the controversy surrounding the episode in an interview with AV, explaining the decision behind its production.
Gilligan acknowledged that ‘certain financial realities’ influenced the creation of “Fly,” noting that the episode’s action takes place solely within the meth lab and features only Cranston and Paul.
However, he emphasized that financial considerations weren’t the only factor, as he believed “Fly” served a significant purpose in the series.
Gilligan explained: “I feel as a showrunner that there should be a certain shape and pace to each season, and the really high highs that you try to get to at the end of a season – the big dramatic moments of action and violence, the big operatic moments you’re striving for – I don’t think would land as hard if you didn’t have the moments of quiet that came before them.
“The quiet episodes make the tenser, more dramatic episodes pop even more than they usually would just by their contrast.”
He also mentioned that he feels ‘really good about that particular episode’ and appreciated the discussions it incited.
Just as “Jaws” isn’t merely a movie about a shark, “Fly” isn’t solely about capturing an insect. It provides a rare moment for the primary characters of “Breaking Bad” to sit down and converse.
Critics of the episode argue that it’s a monotonous bottle episode that disrupts the action, primarily serving to save on production costs.
Conversely, fans of “Fly” see it as a cleverly paced installment that gives the audience a breather before the narrative ramps up toward the thrilling climax of season three.