"Breaking Bad" Half Measures (TV Episode 2010) Poster

(TV Series)

(2010)

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10/10
Run!
Tweekums20 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
With all the hints about Jesse skimming off some of the meth for his own private sales I was sure that was going to lead to him being in a very dangerous place with Gus. He does get into trouble but it has nothing to do with his sideline; instead it is because he decides that the two dealers who arranged to have a child kill Combo must die. To this end he asks Walt to provide him with some ricin; he refuses to provide it but Jesse just says he will find another way to kill them. Walt is concerned that Jesse will get himself killed by Gus's people if he kills two of his dealers so he goes to Saul for help; this leads to a conversation with Mike followed by an intervention of sorts where Jesse is taken to Gus and told to accept what has happened and shake hands with the dealers; he refuses because of the fact that they used a child to do their dirty work. Gus then tells the two 'no more children'... it looks like the worry is past until the boy is murdered; one way or another the two dealers will be dead before the episode is over!

This was a great penultimate episode for season three; there were plenty of tense moments and an ending that was quite a surprise. While the final action was great there were also excellent quiet conversational scenes; the best being where Mike tells Walt an anecdote about how, when he was a cop, he drove a wife beater out into the desert and told him he'd kill him if he touched her again before releasing him with tragic consequences; Jonathan Banks was brilliant in that scene. The 'intervention' was also a fine scene as we see Gus gain some respect for Jesse when he makes a principled stand. There are some lighter moments of course; the bet Marie has with Hank was worthy of a chuckle! After the dramatic closing scene I can't wait to watch the season finale!
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10/10
A Great Goddamn Episode to a Great Goddamn Season
Troll_Patrol1012 September 2010
"No more half measures." - Mike

Wow. Oh Wow.

There are many wonderful things about the show and Season 3. First, the character evolution is better than on almost any other show on TV. You can actually track the changes to these folks in a way that makes you realize that most other TV characters basically remain unchangeable. You see that Walt has become a crafty "bad" guy... he has truly broken bad. His wife has evolved . His son. Hank. And poor Jesse. They hardly resemble the characters we first met... and time has not been kind to any of them. And with the excellent writing, directing and acting for this particular episode... we can practically feel the guild and corruption pouring off of them.
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10/10
Here We Go!
g-bodyl13 September 2014
This is the twelfth episode of the third season of Breaking Bad and now the show took a drastic right turn for the better, which can't seem plausible since the show is already top-notch. But many things happen here which all leads to a shocking conclusion. I never saw what was coming, but I couldn't be any more gleeful about what happened. This episode is more action-packed and let's just say that things have gotten more interesting.

In this episode, "Half Measures," Jesse is not happy when he finds out that these drug dealers were peddling his meth and they used an eleven-year-old kid to do so. He asks Walt to help kill them, but Walt refuses and he fears for Jesse's safety. Jesse finally meets Gus for the first time and by saying he doesn't want them to use kids, he set off a ticking time bomb. Finally, Hank is still reluctant to leave the hospital, but Marie makes an interesting bet.

Overall, this one of the best episodes this season and by the shocker we see at the end, there is no doubt that the finale of the season may be the best episode of the entire series. The acting is fabulous by everyone, but it's nice too see Jonathan Banks as Mike have a bigger role in this episode. Y'all better hold on to your seatbelts. I rate this episode 10/10.
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Amazing penultimate episode....
Red_Identity24 March 2011
Half Measures is just as excellent as Season 2's penultimate episode Phoenix. It has the same amazing writing, character moments, directing, and tension. This is what makes this show stand out. The many character moments are full of real mounting tension and the audience can feel it. The ending to the episode made me start sweating with dread and just waiting to see what was going to happen. It also shows just how much the characters have changed. Waiting to see what is going to happen in the finale is really going to be a wait, simply because we want to know how the characters' fates are going to be revealed and how n3ext season will probably start. Hopefully the finale does not disappoint, and obviously I know it won't.
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10/10
A real wowzer
Leofwine_draca21 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The penultimate episode of season three and it's a real wowzer with all of the sub-plots coming together and building to a head. The big meeting with Jesse, Walt and Gus is unbearably tense and the ending of the episode packs a real punch. Can't wait for the last episode which shouldn't disappoint.
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10/10
HOLY.. That last scene!
and_mikkelsen13 April 2023
... Run!! That last scene completely blew me away! Wow! Shock!! Definettely in the top 3 moments of the season! Incredible tension as you know what is abou to happen until the shock when something else happens! I will never see Walt the same way again!

The rest of the episode is great as well! Loved the montage at the beginning! Great way to start the episode! The rest of the episode gives of a feeling of unease as Jesse learns who kilded Combo! It all shows Jesse is a guy with moral! He is not cold! There are things he wont stand for!

Another highlight is Mike and Walts conversation! Mikes story is both dark, but also important as it affects walts development from this point on!

Now for the finale to go all the way!
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10/10
RUN!
jacegalloway18 March 2022
I am one of the few humans who did not watch Breaking Bad when it originally aired.

After a slew of people repeatedly emplored me to, well, bite the bullet, I finally caved. It is now 2022.

Season 1 - ok. Season 2- better. Season 3 - WOW! This is now the second episode I felt compelled to review - in Season 3.

If you are like me - and didn't want to embark on this journey for whatever reason, please, reconsider. Is it grusome? Yup. Is it brutal? Yup. But is it worth it? YOU BET!
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10/10
Half Measures (#3.12)
ComedyFan20103 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, with such an amazing episode one wonders what the finale will be like!.

First a little bit about a small funny moment that I just have to mention. Hank and Marie's bet was great. Especially their faces when they were leaving hospital. Priceless.

And now to the main story. So Jesse really decided to go after the guys who killed Combo. All his thinking about it, the getting Wendy into it and the conversation were all great moments. I was a bit annoyed that Jesse decided to make peace and then changed it back because of that stupid kid. He should have just worried about his friend, not become the usual child protector. But oh well, this is Jesse, he is a bit of an impulsive character, I usually like him for it.

The ending scene was brilliant. Absolutely chilling. And unexpected! I was seriously thinking something will happen to Jesse, really didn't think Walt will come out of nowhere and kill them. And Jesse standing there with his mouth open, completely shocked, this is actually what I must have looked like as well when watching. Great to see Walt being so protective of Jesse. And the last words..."run!" omg... Can't wait to see the finale!
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10/10
Maybe the most stunning tv episode I've ever seen
bgaiv30 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I had absolutely no idea how this would unfold, and on first watch, at the end, was wondering if Jesse was just fantasizing his encounter with the two dealers or might even be cut down.

Walter mowing down the dealers with his Aztec to save Jesse was the most unexpected moment in TV I've ever witnessed.

On retrospect, I think a couple of things.

Walter should have understood Jesse's legitimate issues much sooner.

But far more importantly to this world, both Gus and Mike drastically underestimated how fearsome the Walter/Jesse pair really were.

Run, indeed!
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10/10
Awesome
absam-5055417 September 2021
The last scene of this episode was so god damn cool! It's seriously amazing and this episode definitely deserves 10/10.
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10/10
Care to make a bet?
rossydubois8 March 2022
This is by far my favorite episode. It hits every emotion so well and so much is told in such a short span. By far my favorite episode and I can't wait for the season finale, don't know how that ones rated higher then this one I just don't see how it gets any better then this ahaha.
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10/10
Who Knows What?
Hitchcoc5 May 2018
Jesse has put himself in grave danger. He is called in to the big boys and made to shake hands with two scumbags. His vendetta is way over his head and Walter knows this. He is doing what he can to keep the young guy alive. But when an eleven year old boy is part of a hit, the brother of his girlfriend, it's too much. The tension that exists between Walter and Jesse is priceless. The final two minutes of this episode are also amazing. Walter has elevated himself beyond just about anyone.
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7/10
This part lost me
height_advantage19 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
As always with BrBa, the acting is superb, the production is top notch, the story keep good pace, and there is something to take away from it. Mike's talk with Walt is the highlight of the episode by far. But there's an aspect to the story here that I lost me. Gus would never take such dutiful interest in two street level thugs and stick his neck out to protect them, and especially leave himself identifiable to them! Not to mention, I thought they weren't supposed to be selling their product in NM either! So I like how the story played out but I don't like how it was handled. Had to be said.
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5/10
Why does jesse need to be a petulant child
brooksrob123 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I checked spoiler alert just in case I may be unwittingly exposing part of the episode...If you don't already know that Jesse's character acts like a spoiled child then perhaps you've been watching a different show : )

I voted 5 because, while the episode is amazing and many amazing lines were delivered, the idea of Jessie being so over the top resentful of Walt seems ridiculous in respect to the complex story line. Jessie acts like a spoiled child...I have known many addicts in my life ( living in philly) and they would never act that way; especially to someone that pays them.

The drama in television shows is so trite and boring, it dilutes a shows rhythm. Is it really important to show family interactions in a story about meth manufacturing and distribution...I thank goodness for Saul ( bob O,) and Johnathan Banks and of course Walt and Gus! IMHO Those guys are the only thing keeping me watching.
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Breaking Bad at it's BEST... absolutely
BellnBarksdaleEnterprises28 December 2012
We all know by now that most TV Series' in this format always save the best for the last 2 or 3 episodes. Well, this is no different. Right from the cold open, hearing The Associations classic rock/oldies song "Windy" will never be heard the same again. This episode grabs you right from the beginning and never lets go. Mike has always been kind of quiet, and we don't know much about him other than his intimidating demeanor, and in this episode we get a little back story. We learn in this episode that Mike really does care about Walt and does want to see him succeed with their business venture, however, Walt cares about his partner too much to just turn his back on him. Gus seems like a real pragmatist on the surface, but perhaps that is just a ploy? In any event, by the end of this episode, it will be made abundantly clear to us just WHO Walt's allegiance is with. The final scene of this amazing episode will leave you "in awe" and unable to change the channel or get up or even move. But not to worry, there is still the finale "Full Measure".
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10/10
No more half measures
Trey_Trebuchet21 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I've liked every episode of this show so far, but this was definitely one of the best!

Talk about tension. That entire meeting with Gustavo was actually kind of nailbiting. Jesse is so bullheaded that I was sure he'd be dead by the end of the episode or the season... okay maybe not, but he easily should have been. I can't say I don't feel for the guy though. Revenge isn't something I ever seek out, but the dude is so heartbroken.

Which leads to a final ten or so minutes that's just one nail-biting sequence to the next. The crime scene, the relapse, and finally, Walt's realization and eventual intervention with Jesse and the dealers. This was just such a well directed episode, with action and violence and drama that moved the story forward and didn't feel like filler or just entertainment.

Aaron Paul was so, so good in this one. I've seen him in other shows and movies before, but this show is so far the best acting he's acted.

The Hank and Marie stuff was fine. Felt a bit like they needed to hurry up and figure out how to get Hank home, and the compromise was... certainly funny it just seemed so random in an episode that was so eventful I guess.

Another highlight was Mike's story and advice about "half measures" to Walt. Jonathan Banks must be a dang good story teller, because he had my full attention.

Great stuff from beginning to end. Acting, writing and directing was all as should be expected from this show at this point.
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10/10
As per usual
zhosani-704532 January 2019
Another very deep,emotionally riveting episode That contains very important character developing choices.The intensity is consistent throughout the episode
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10/10
This episode...
jgershma29 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Rewatching the "Breaking Bad" many years later and, yes, I know better episodes are to come, but at this moment in the series, this is its single best hour so far. The end of the episode will always garner all the attention, but Jonathan Banks' "Half Measures" speech is series' greatest scene to this point. Extraordinary.
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10/10
And.. Suddenly Marie Schrader is my favorite personna
snoop_cat_0009 March 2020
Great episode.. and the adrenaline is kicked off once again.
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10/10
The best!
Entelodonte9 June 2022
If I could I would give it more than 10, the best episode of the first three seasons, from start to finish.

Many new and unexpected situations keep you always on the lookout.
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10/10
Shocking intervention
TheLittleSongbird9 June 2018
'Breaking Bad' is one of the most popular rated shows on IMDb, is one of those rarities where every season has either been very positively received or near-universally acclaimed critically and where all of my friends have said nothing but great things about.

Very few shows in recent memory had me so hooked from the very start that before the week was over the whole show had been watched, especially when for a lot of shows now airing watching one episode all the way through can be an endeavour. 'Breaking Bad' had that effect on me, and its reputation as one of the best, consistently brilliant and most addictive shows in many years (maybe even ever) is more than deserved in my eyes. Its weakest season is perhaps the first season, understandable as any show's first season is the one where things are still settling.

Actually everything is established remarkably from the very start, but once the writing and characterisation becomes even meatier the show reaches even higher levels.

While all the previous Season 3 episodes are great, "Half Measures" turned out to be one of the the best episodes and is one of the best of the show too. It is one of the most tense and most emotional, not to mention most entertaining, 'Breaking Bad' episodes for me as well, with simmering intensity and a not easy to forget ending.

Visually, "Half Measures" is both stylish and beautiful, with photography and editing that are cinematic quality and put a lot of films today to shame, where there are a lot of visually beautiful ones but also some painfully amateurish looking ones. The music always has the appropriate mood, never too intrusive, never too muted.

The writing in "Half Measures" is a fine example of how to have a lot of style but also to have a lot of substance. The dialogue throughout is thought-provoking and tense, while also have a darkly wicked sense of humour, nail-biting tension and heart-tugging pathos. The story is texturally rich, intimate, tense and layered, with the pace of it consistently deliberate but taut.

Can't say anything bad about the acting. Bryan Cranston is phenomenal as one of the most fascinating anti-heroes, or even of any kind of character, in either film or television. Aaron Paul has never been better and Anna Gunn is affecting. The characters are compelling in their realism and the episode is strongly directed.

In conclusion, amazing. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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10/10
One Word: Intense
Xarx11716 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Half Measures is the best episode of Breaking Bad to this point in my opinion. It has a lot of great elements to make it good. Mike gives us a fantastic monologue that was really well acted and reacted to in addition with some very good camera work throughout the scene and the entire episode. The episode is also very well directed and written with an impressive plot shifting process. Like the way it introduces us to the poison plot but immediatly shuts it down to create another plot. And it doesn't even stop there, it shifts the plot again with the kid's murder evolving into Jesse's breakdown only to then bring Walt in the middle of everything! Just when we are at the highest amazed state, Walt delivers one of the most effective cliffhangers of all time by saying: Run.

With its great thriller elements, its intense dialogue sequence, its menacing acting and its fast shifting plot, this episode has everything to be remembered.
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9/10
One of the most surprising episodes...
bellino-angelo201419 December 2023
Jesse Pinkman follows the whereabouts of the dealers responsible of Combo's death and finds out that they deal the meth produced by him and Walter White, so they must work for Gus Fring as well. Jesse asks Walt for some ricin for poisoning the dealers but Walt refuses and asks Saul Goodman for a solution: frame Jesse and make him stay in jail for a few days so that he changes his mind. When Jesse is out and tries to act his plan he's taken hostage by Mike Ehrmantraut that takes him to a meeting with the dealers, Gus and Walt. One night Jesse decides to kill the dealers himself and when he tries to shoot the dealers... suddenly Walter arrives with his car, rans over one dealer and finishes the other shooting him in the head, and then tells Jesse to flee.

Up until the part when Hank Schrader is finally released it looked just like the ordinary episodes but in the last minutes... it was a blast! It looked like an action movie and the dealers had the ends they deserved. Among the best episodes of the series, but of course, this show so far hasn't had a bad episode.
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Getting you ready for the phenomenal season finale
stillworkingfortheknife28 November 2013
In my opinion, Breaking Bad was boring throughout most parts of season three and the first half of "Half Measures" doesn't significantly deviate from that. However, after a certain point, as the mood goes down and the intensity goes up, the season's penultimate episode started to really impress me, just to then throw me for a loop with one of the best cliffhangers in all of the series' episodes.

First things first, "Half Measures" commences with a montage of the dull routine that Breaking Bad's most prominently featured crack addict, Wendy, faces every day. As it wasn't just done for kicks, but to establish Jesse's situation in this episode, these amusing one and a half minutes are well done in every way and once again show Vince Gilligan's weird but great way of telling stories. Jesse then illustrates what fatal plan he has in mind for the two drug dealers that killed Combo one season earlier both to Walt and the audience, which makes for some very good conversation time between the series' two protagonists. While the Jesse scenes are generally way more entertaining than the Walt scenes in this episode, there are also some nice debates to be experienced as the camera turns to the White household. Nevertheless, Jesse is the man this time around and Aaron Paul advances to hitherto unforeseen acting magnitude in this and the succeeding episode.

The previously mentioned turning point somewhere in the middle of "Half Measures" comes when Jesse is abducted by the unamused Mike and Victor and ends up encountering his boss, Gus Frings, for the very first time. With Breaking Bad's most talented cast members in one room, Mr. Paul is again the one standing out as the goosebumps have already kicked in. They wouldn't have stopped until the episode's final shot, had the writers not had the awkward idea to put a prolonged scene of Marie "getting Hank's groundhog to see his shadow" right in the middle of it. After these misplaced but decent minutes and some Jeopardy! on the White's TV, time is also ripe for real life jeopardy and, I can only repeat it, an incredibly awesome cliffhanger that prompts you to continue watching. Not only is it the most unexpected and thrilling, it also serves as the perfect premise for an outstanding season finale that is sure to follow.

All in all, "Half Measures" does a precise job at boosting the stakes for "Full Measures" in its final moments and entertains in the rest of the 47 minutes. It may not be flawless, but definitely the best season three got up to that point.
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10/10
Mike Was The Best Bad Character
TheFearmakers11 September 2022
Mike is the best character. Tough yet poetic. His monologue cannot be equaled. Even Bryan Cranston attempted to be Jonathan Banks on Sneaky Pete and couldn't. Only one man can do such wonderfully-perfect cold fish monologues. It's a shame that his story on Better Call Saul was reduced to a minimum the more Kim Wexler monopolized the entire series (exceeding even Saul's story). This is the best show ever, Breaking Bad, and Mike... the best character. This begins, also, a great kinship with Aaron Paul's Jesse, that pulled Jesse's story out of melodrama; they were perfect together, a sublime odd couple matching even Walt and Jesse.
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