Ep 4. Cancer Man
- TV-14
- February 17, 2008
- 48 min
-
8.2 (32,269)
Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. With mounting financial woes on top of his diagnosis, he turns to a life of crime in order to provide for his family after he is gone. In the fourth episode of the first season, entitled "Cancer Man," Walter is struggling with the realization that he may not be around for much longer.
The episode begins with Walter in a doctor's office, getting a scan to track the progress of his cancer. He's shown staring blankly at the images on the screen, his mind clearly racing with thoughts of how he's going to provide for his family when he's gone. After the appointment, he meets up with Jesse Pinkman, his former student and now partner in the meth-making business. Jesse tells Walter about a new way they can cook meth that will increase their profits, but Walter is hesitant to try it. He's still grappling with the moral implications of what they're doing, and doesn't want to put anyone in harm's way.
Meanwhile, Walter's brother-in-law Hank, who is a DEA agent, is investigating a new drug that has hit the streets. He's convinced that a rival drug lord named Tuco is behind it, and goes on a mission to track him down. It's clear that Hank is dedicated to his job, but he's also a bit of a loose cannon. He exhibits a lot of machismo, often throwing himself into dangerous situations without thinking about the consequences. It's not long before Hank runs into Tuco, and things quickly spiral out of control.
Back in Walter's world, he's having trouble keeping up with his job at the car wash. He's constantly coughing, and his co-workers are starting to notice. He's barely able to make it to the end of his shift before collapsing in the bathroom. He's clearly not in any position to be working, but he needs the money to pay for his treatments. It's a heartbreaking scene that illustrates just how dire Walter's situation has become.
As the episode progresses, we see Walter struggling to come to terms with his mortality. He's trying to be there for his family, but he's also grappling with the fact that he won't be around for much longer. He's having trouble sleeping, and he's becoming more distant from his wife and children. It's clear that he's going through a lot, and he doesn't know how to properly deal with it.
The episode culminates in a tense showdown between Hank and Tuco. It's a brutal scene that illustrates just how dangerous the drug world can be. We see Hank, with his bravado on full display, storming into Tuco's hideout without backup. It doesn't take long for things to go wrong, and the episode ends with Hank in a precarious situation.
Overall, "Cancer Man" is a powerful episode that deals with some heavy themes. It's a reminder that life can be cruel, and that sometimes even the best intentions can lead to disaster. The performances are all top-notch, with Bryan Cranston delivering yet another standout turn as Walter White. Fans of the show will undoubtedly be on the edge of their seats throughout, and the episode's ending will leave them desperate for the next installment.