Ep 1. Live Free or Die

After the explosive events of Season 4, Breaking Bad returns for its fifth and final season with its premiere episode "Live Free or Die." The episode picks up right where Season 4 left off, with Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) cleaning up the mess of the botched assassination attempt on Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito).

The episode begins in dramatic fashion, with a flash-forward to a future time where Walt appears to be on the run. Armed with an M60 machine gun and sporting a full head of hair and beard, Walt is seen breaking into his old home to retrieve a vial of ricin. The purpose of this mission is unclear, but it sets the stage for the final season.

The episode then rewinds back in time to immediately after the explosion at the nursing home that killed Gus. Walt and Jesse begin to destroy all evidence of their involvement in the operation, including the meth lab hidden beneath the laundromat. As FBI agents swarm the area, including the savvy Hank Schrader (Dean Norris), Walt and Jesse try to stay one step ahead of the authorities.

Meanwhile, Skyler (Anna Gunn) is in her own state of shock and confusion. She has been keeping up the facade of running a successful car wash, but with Gus's death, she realizes that she may not be able to keep up the charade any longer. Skyler is increasingly wary of Walt and his dangerous lifestyle, particularly after he confesses his role in Gus's death to her.

The episode is also notable for introducing a new character, Todd (Jesse Plemons), who becomes an important player in the season. Todd is a former employee of a pest control company who Walt and Jesse recruit to help them deal with the meth lab beneath the laundromat. Todd is a seemingly affable and eager worker, but there are hints that he may not be all he appears to be.

Overall, "Live Free or Die" sets the stage for the final season of Breaking Bad with its tense storytelling, well-drawn characters, and edge-of-your-seat action. It is a promising start to what will go down as one of the greatest dramas in television history.