Rabid Dog

"Rabid Dog" is the twelfth episode of the fifth season of the American television drama series Breaking Bad, and the 58th overall episode of the series. Written and directed by Sam Catlin, it aired on AMC in the United States and Canada on September 1, 2013.

Plot

Walt sneaks through his house in search of Jesse, who broke in and tried to burn it down, but he is nowhere to be found. After a cleaning crew cannot remove the gasoline scent from the floor, Walt douses his clothing and the seats of his car in it, telling a doubtful Skyler and Walt Jr. of a pump malfunction at the gas station which covered him in gasoline, before he ran home and threw his soaking clothes onto the carpet floor. Walt moves the family into a hotel until the carpet can be replaced.

Walt then secretly meets with Saul Goodman and Kuby in the hotel's parking lot, as they try to locate Jesse. Saul metaphorically suggests killing Jesse, but Walt rejects the idea and warns him to never bring it up again. Back in the hotel room, Skyler confronts Walt over his lies, especially after having seen him with Saul. Walt confesses that Jesse is upset with him and tried to burn down their house, but that he should be of no concern as he decided not to do it. A shocked Skyler argues with Walt to kill Jesse, who she views as a threat to their safety, but Walt is reluctant to kill his longtime partner and former protégé.

A flashback reveals that Jesse did not change his mind but was instead stopped by Hank Schrader, who had trailed Jesse to Walt's residence after Jesse assaulted Saul previously. Hank manages to talk Jesse out of torching the house and instead work together in bringing Walt down. The two leave mere seconds before Walt arrives.

Marie talks to a therapist about her situation involving Walt, but stops short of revealing the true extent of Walt's criminality. Hank keeps Jesse at their house because he believes that he will be the most protected there, which Marie agrees to simply because it hurts Walt. Hank brings in Gomez and they tape Jesse's detailed recital of Jesse and Walt's relationship and activities, from the time they first met. However, because there is no physical evidence and Walt has left the meth business, Hank and Jesse have nothing sufficiently incriminating to take to the authorities.

Walt calls Jesse, leaving a voicemail asking them to meet in a public plaza to discuss Brock's poisoning and to reconcile. Hank coerces the reluctant Jesse to comply, despite Jesse's fear for his own safety. Hank reassures Jesse that Walt's previous attempts to protect him at his own expense, as well as the meet being in a public place, means he will be safe. However, privately with Gomez, Hank indicates his dislike of Jesse and willingness to risk his death, if caught on camera as potential evidence against Walt.

Wired for sound, Jesse goes to meet with Walt but immediately backs down after mistaking a nearby pedestrian for a hitman. Angered, Jesse instead goes to a pay phone to call Walt and threatens him, telling him that he will get him where he really lives. A furious Hank berates Jesse for blowing the plan, but Jesse informs him that he has a better strategy in mind. Meanwhile, Walt calls Todd, requesting a job for his Uncle Jack.

Reception

Viewership

The episode was viewed by 4.41 million people on its original broadcast,^[1] which was a decrease from the 4.85 million of the previous episode.

Reviews

The episode received positive reviews from critics.^[2]

References

External links

• "Rabid Dog" at the official Breaking Bad site
• "Rabid Dog" at the Internet Movie Database
• "Rabid Dog" at TV.com

Breaking Bad Created by Vince Gilligan Characters Walter White Skyler White Jesse Pinkman Hank Schrader Saul Goodman Gustavo Fring Mike Ehrmantraut Episodes Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Season 5 Related shows Talking Bad Metástasis Better Call Saul Related articles Awards and nominations "to break bad" Quotations Media Database entry Travel guide Category