Aaron Paul shines on "Bad"

WARNING: This review contains spoilers of the events in this episode.
 
Back in Season 4, there was a great episode of Breaking Bad entitled “Problem Dog.” In it, Jesse (Aaron Paul) related his pain over killing Gale (David Costabile) through the metaphor of a “problem dog.”

Jesse explained how the “dog” hadn’t done anything wrong, but needed to be put down. “Rabid Dog” echoes this metaphor, only Jesse is the “problem dog” this time.

Last week’s episode showed Jesse finally realizing how much Walt (Bryan Cranston) had manipulated him, leading him to douse Walt’s home in gasoline. The frantic camera work of the scene really sold the spontaneity of Jesse’s decision, and the aftermath of Jesse’s outrage is ultimately what drives “Rabid Dog” forward.

No, Jesse doesn’t burn down Walt’s home, but it’s more satisfying with him opting not to.

In the opening scene, Walt rushes home to see that Jesse has broken in. With gun in hand, Walt slowly treks through the home, looking to confront Jesse. Director Sam Catlin deserves credit for milking this scene for every ounce of dramatic tension possible.

Of course, Jesse isn’t in the home when Walt arrives. He’s been picked up by Hank (Dean Norris), who stops Jesse from burning down Walt’s home at the very last minute.

Jesse teaming up with Hank is a surprising move, and appears to be the only way to actually corner Walt into defeat. Hank now has Jesse’s confession of Walt’s crimes on tape, which is the closest thing to legitimate evidence Hank has on Walt. Jesse truly is Walt’s “problem dog.”

The problem is that Walt cares too much about Jesse to put him down. Saul (Bob Odenkirk) refers to it as an “Old Yeller situation.” Walt’s love for Jesse has been the anchor of the show from the start, and his inability to make a move to end Jesse’s life may be his undoing.

“Rabid Dog” is ultimately a table setting episode, as no event in the episode quite has the impact of Walt’s “confession” last week or his showdown with Hank in “Blood Money.”

Still, it’s an emotionally heartbreaking episode. Hank is a friendly enough partner for Jesse, but it’s obvious that he doesn’t really care what happens to him. Hank is only concerned with taking down Walt, and Jesse is nothing more than a meth addict who is willing to help out.

Aaron Paul continues to play Jesse’s emotional decay brilliantly, and in a show with such an incredible ensemble cast, he’s really shined the last two weeks.

The irony in all this is that Walt has done everything in his power to protect Jesse throughout the show. It’s an abusive relationship, but in “Rabid Dog,” Walt is the only character who appears to care about Jesse. Hank couldn’t care less if Jesse is killed in his meeting with Walt. Even Skyler (Anna Gunn) suggests that killing Jesse is the only option to protect the family.

So when Jesse mistakenly assumes that Walt’s meeting in the final scene is a set-up, it stings when it’s revealed that Walt was planning a sincere meet-up. Now, Walt’s in a situation where Jesse isn’t just a “problem” dog that hasn’t done anything wrong — he’s a “rabid” dog that must be put down.

“Rabid Dog” ultimately lacks the explosive excitement of the last few episodes, but with characters so emotionally well-constructed, it’s hard for this show to ever have a dull moment.