Spoilers for the episode and series follow
Well, it certainly looks like there's a lot that's going to happen in the coming weeks after this bombshell of an episode. I'm not sure if there's been a more apt episode title in this series than this one, with by the end having 11(!) confessions put out there (thanks to TIME for pointing that out). While some were true and some false, there's no denying how downright outstanding this episode was. Personally, I believe this was the best one of the final eight, and I dearly hope the writers and directors can keep up the blistering pace and excellent quality that these past three episodes have shown.
Let's just jump right into the thick of it, and start at Walt's false confession video. For some reason, and I really can't explain why, at the very start of the video I thought to myself "Oh no, the writers should have never gone this route". But my attitude quickly changed, and I soon realized the sheer brilliance of Walt's plan. Saying that it was all Hank's operation from the very beginning, that he killed Gus, that he beat up Walt when he tried to get out, all the details of this false story fit perfectly, so that if the writers decided Hank was the mastermind at the beginning, all these events could have corresponded perfectly. No stone was left unturned, and Hank has nowhere left to go with this investigation, unless someone were to snitch, and even that wouldn't be a surefire solution. It's also interesting that Walt started out the confession with the same exact lines from his confession video in the pilot. It is one of his greatest power plays, and shows just how easily everything we think might happen can be so easily thrown out the window. Speaking of which...
Possibly the bigger confession in this episode was that of Saul telling Jesse that it was Walt who forced him to help him poison Brock. I really thought this was the end of Saul, and how great it would've been with Vince Gilligan talking about a potential Saul Goodman spin off only to have him die. This is the breaking point of Jesse, the point where he ends up realizing everything that Walt has done to him. He knows that Walt is manipulating him, as he pointed out in the desert, but it looks like this'll be the first time he decides to take action against Walt. And he almost let himself get manipulated again by almost consenting to go to Alaska or wherever with the help of the disappearer. But, unfortunately due to the scenes from next weeks episode and flash forwards, we know that Jesse doesn't go through with burning down the White's house for whatever reason. But what could be most important is the fact that both Walt and Jesse are armed, and both are aware of what's about to pop off, and they're ready.
Now for some quick notes on some other things in the episode. I think that Todd's telling of the train robbery is going to certainly lend itself in some way in the future. What I instantly picked up on was that he was using their actual names, saying that him, Walt, and Jesse robbed a train, which Walt did not mention in his video. If this got out, Hank could use that against his video, saying that there's no reason not to mention that fact unless Walt did it of his own accord, which could then unravel the entire lie. Also, Uncle Jack cleaning the blood off his boot and then flushing it is totally indicative of this whole business going down the drain (no pun intended).
And finally, that dinner scene was incredibly awkward. The fact that is was an intensely serious moment but was still filled with some comedic points, like the waiter insisting on getting some guacamole being followed by Marie telling Walt to just kill himself, is a testament to how great these writers are and how expertly they can flip through different emotions.
Anything else to contribute for this episode? Want to compliment and/or criticize my blog? Would you like some fresh made guacamole? Then leave a comment, and get ready for next week's episode!