Breaking Bad (TV Series) Grilled (2009) User Reviews

The tension builds to a stunning climax in a fantastic episode of television

[RicinBeans94 · 10/10 · 19 May 2014]

"We tried to poison you. We tried to poison you because you are an insane, degenerate piece of filth and you deserve to die."

As much as I had loved some of the earlier episodes of Breaking Bad, this was an episode that, on first watch, impressed me more than any other I had seen so far.

Once Tio rings his bell to alert Tuco of the poison, things slowly start to go wrong for Walt and Jesse. Tuco gradually realises that Walt and Jesse are trying something, which leads to the amazing final scenes, where Jesse manages to get the upper hand and shoot Tuco, only for Tuco's cousins to arrive moments later. Except that it isn't Tuco's cousins in the car - it's Hank Schrader. Hank and Tuco shoot at each other and for a moment, it looks as though our favourite DEA agent might be in trouble. Hank proves his worth though, waiting for the opportune moment to pop Tuco in the head and finish him. Dean Norris plays Hank so well that he keeps revealing different sides to his character.

It's also testament to the great work Raymond Cruz has done on this show as Tuco Salamanca that his death feels like such a huge moment, despite only featuring in four episodes. He is excellent in his final appearance here, as are Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Mark Margolis as the wheelchair-bound old man we know only as Tio.

It's fitting that the episode ends with Tio's bell - it's one of those great television moments where you sit and watch the end credits in awe, knowing you've seen something special.

10/10

Trouble in the desert

[Tweekums · 10/10 · 5 October 2012]

Like some other episodes this has a prologue that shows later events; we are shown Jesse's car bouncing up and down in the desert surrounded by shell cases from an automatic rifle. We then go back to earlier and see Hank briefing his men about Tuco; they have raided his premises but haven't found him yet. He then gets a call from Skyler asking for help because Walt has gone missing. As they try to figure out what to do it becomes apparent that Walt is keeping secrets when Hank mentions that he must have a second mobile phone.

Walt and Jesse meanwhile have been driven by Tuco to a remote house in the desert where he is looking after his sick uncle. It becomes apparent that Tuco thinks Gonzo informed on him and he decides that he will move the operation over the border into Mexico... and Walt will have to come with him whether he likes it or not. With things looking bad they decide to poison Tuco with the ricin Walt made in the previous episode. It won't be easy though as Tuco's uncle understands what is going on far more than they suspected and even though he can't talk he makes it clear to Tuco that he doesn't trust Walt... this leads to the inevitable confrontation and we learn how all the shell casings we saw at the beginning came to be there.

The second season continues to provide top notch entertainment. The scenes in the desert were tense as it was only a matter of time before Tuco got violent. The apparently senile old man added to the tension as the way he looked at Walt and Jesse showed he was sharper than he looked. When he started pinging his bell it was just a matter of time before Walt and Jesse would be fighting for their lives. Once again the ending proved to a surprise and will leave viewers wondering how they will get away this time. As always the acting is solid from everybody involved.

Tension and Excitement

[joeltbenoit · 10/10 · 21 December 2016]

Just started watching Breaking Bad this week, and I am so impressed thus far. While season 1 gave a good intro, season 2 is truly developing into what I can say is going to be awesome.

I love the acting, the tension, and the action. This show is absolutely unpredictable. I especially love the previews at the beginning; you try to guess how it will get that way, but you're always wrong. This show has not failed to disappoint, and this episode is no exception. Definitely my favorite episode thus far. Seriously considering binge watching the rest of this show, but I don't want to ever end a show this good. Can't wait to watch the next episode.

Even Though It's Season Two, Episode Two, I Prefer to See "Grilled" as a Fantastic Finale for Season One

[stillworkingfortheknife · 20 October 2013]

"Grilled" is every bit as hot as its title suggests – in fact, it's most definitely the show's most intense episode up to that point. One could likely have reasoned that from the unexpected cliffhanger in season two's opener, in which Walt was trapped in Tuco's car at the point of the pistol. And as the mysterious pre-credits shots already indicate, Señor Salamanca has chauffeured Walt along with Jesse to the back of beyond, one of the many deserts in New Mexico.

Walt's pregnant wife Skyler finally talks to her sister again, but only due to her husband's absence, which prompts the two along with Walter Jr. to gild Albuquerque with pictures of the smiling family father turned star rated crank chef Heisenberg. Walt's bad-ass brother in the DEA also helps the three in a freelancing mission to find the involuntarily vacationing troublemaker. These three partly intertwining story parts make "Grilled" one of season two's best episodes, if you can fully accept the unrealistic shootout at the end, even the best. And if not, that part isn't of much consequence since the creeps-giving scenes at Tuco's leisure residence will be the parts you remember most. Four consummate actors (the mute Mark Margolis will knock your socks off) give these scenes a unique touch and will make you bemoan the fact that this constellation only exists in this single episode. The other two story parts are no match for that, but they too are written and staged excellently, especially when Dean Norris's Hank comes into play.

Great second half

[Leofwine_draca · 9/10 · 24 December 2020]

A really nice second episode in which everything is ramped up significantly. The best part of this whole thing is the big set-piece in the second part of the episode which makes full use of guest stars Raymond Cruz and Mark Margolis and is a masterpice of suspense and tension-building, so you're never quite sure what's going to happen next.

Fantastic Episode!

[g-bodyl · 10/10 · 5 May 2014]

The second episode in the second season of Breaking Bad is fantastic and I'm loving how the show keeps living up to it's hype. This episode expands on the cliffhanger the first episode gave us, and now the season begins to set it's wheels in motion. The acting couldn't have been better and I loved the dialogue between Cranston, Paul, and Cruz while they were sitting around at Tuco uncle's house.

In this episode, "Grilled," Walt and Jesse have been kidnapped by Tuco and they are hiding out at his uncle's house. Meanwhile, a worried Skylar begins handing out posters of the missing Walt and Hank begins to look for his brother-in-law.

Overall, such a fantastic episode, especially the final fifteen minutes when there are lots of guns ablazing. It's no aberration when I say Breaking Bad is the greatest TV series of all time, especially after watching this very tense episode. I rate this episode 10/10.

This was intense!

[and_mikkelsen · 10/10 · 21 March 2023]

Yeah now the stakes are suddenly cranked up after the surprising ending of thr previous episode! This episode got more exciting and intense as it went on! The very first scene promises that there will be some kind of conflict, but not what thr outcome will be, which leaves you're eyes glued to thr screen for the rest of the episode!

This episode introduces Tucos granddad, which will later play a major role! Overall i love the subtle foreshadowing in this episode! Both in terms of future events and character arcs! The episode also shows how much Walts family cares about him!

Raymond Cruz once again nails his performance as Tuco! He steals rvery scene and managed to turn his character into one of the most memorable in the show!

Overall this is a solid episode! One of the best of the season with some memorable moments, especially the final scene!

This is when it gets good

[fortheboys-65955 · 9/10 · 15 December 2019]

For those wondering "when does this show start to get really good?" This is your answer.

Bloody hell Tuco!

[yasir619 · 9/10 · 23 March 2020]

The whole episode was just epic and thrilling but one thing that is keep teasing me, why the hell did they let Tuco to live after shoot him once?? that thing wasn'r right but overall, great episode so far. Tuco was a badass, totally badass.

Great suspense, exciting to the end.

[skydiverphil · 8/10 · 11 November 2012]

This is one of the best episodes, from the point of suspense. While not much happens back at the White home, except for Marie temporarily being excused for her kleptomaniac problems, the kidnapping out in the New Mexico boonies story is suspense-ridden and sometimes very humorous. The suspense derives from all the points at which Walter and Jesse just could have got away... if not for one small mistake. This started with Walt leaving his gun at home in the previous episode, on to Jesse calling the ricin "killer" in the sense that it's an awesome batch of meth, to Jesse ruining it all by inflicting his signature "Chilli P" (a reference to the pilot episode, well done by the writers, Jesse hasn't forgotten about his past) to the ominous bell ringing by a warning Tio Salamanca, maybe the best part of all. To have a seemingly senile, wheelchair-and-oxygen-supply-bound quadriplegic speechless old uncle in his underpants turn out to be a dangerous key player is absolutely brilliant writing. His menacing bell ringing really does send a shiver down your spine. The initial scene where half-delirious Walt sees his forgiving wife turn into Tuco, then scramble on the ground looking for his glasses is hilarious. Nice ending shot combining the slowly dying rhythm of Jesse's car's hydraulics with the heartbeat of the dying Tuco, with Hank towering above. Onnly eight points, though, because Tuco, having been shot in the abdomen, seems unrealistically strong enough to handle a submachine rifle and engage in a firefight.

The Moment Breaking Bad went Perfect

[juliusnevermind · 10/10 · 14 August 2022]

Everything in this Episode is so good. We have Thrill, Action and Comedy. Tuco is so well written. Finally we see Hector the first time in the whole series. I love Hector and it's so nice when you now his Backstory with Nacho.

Underrated episode

[stefpro-30424 · 10/10 · 9 July 2023]

I love how intense and unpredictable this episode was. Skyler and Marie were searching for walter while he was stuck outside of the Mexican border with jesse and a lunatic psychopath tuco and hector. Jesse and Walt tried to kill tuco in multiple ways like putting poisoned meth in his tortilla until he realized it, resolting in him going nuts trying to kill jesse until walt distracted him letting jesse to steal his pistol and shoot him. But unfortunately they didn't succeed until hank Schrader pulled up out of nowhere killing tuco letting jesse and walter escape to the desert. This is easily a top 10 breaking bad episode. In mine opinion best s2 episode. It needs way more love.

Breaking Bad - Grilled

[Scarecrow-88 · 7/10 · 9 September 2013]

So Tuco has Walt and Jesse hostage in this out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere cabin, waiting on some boys to "take them back". Tuco is barely held together at this point. Unstable is a modest way to describe this bursting-at-the-seams addict nutjob. At the cabin, Tuco has an uncle, Tio (Mark Margolis; a former violent member of a Mexican drug cartel, he's in a wheel chair, unable to move or talk; he has that damn bell, though) that is absolutely devious and could personally be responsible for the death of both Walt and Jesse. An attempt to poison Tuco goes awry, but he's outnumbered and his fried brain certainly doesn't help his cause, either. Marie spurns Hank to find Walt; Hank, sure enough, finds Jesse's car at Tuco's "safehouse". A shootout is obvious. Breaking Bad is a show that always allowed Walt (and Jesse) to find ways out of situations seemingly insurmountable, and "Grilled" is no different. How on earth could these two survive the monstrous Tuco? He carried around that machine gun, functioning with limited clarity and a lot of rage, ready to explode at any moment. A lot of the episode has Walt and Jesse on Tuco's couch about ready to pee their pants. The poisoned burrito bit, spoiled by damned Tio, could have been their escape, but they'll have to engage Tuco (well, poor Jesse takes the brunt of punishment; Tuco just never liked Jesse, often smacking him around) if they will survive. Hank arrives on the scene just as Walt gets away…typical. Tuco would only be the first of many male obstacles Walt would face during his tenure with cooking and the distribution of (and collection of cash from) meth.

Crazy Tuco appears to be ruining the show

[CrimeDrama1 · 5/10 · 9 July 2022]

Can we please move on?! Walt has enough conflict in his life at this point. The writers and producers went too far with Tuco kidnapping Walt and Jesse. I found myself shaking my head and finally fast-forwarding the recording to get to the resolution or the end of the episode.

Underrated Episode

[arthurovejota · 10/10 · 28 April 2022]

This is probably the best episode in the series until Full Measure.

Everything about it is great and perfectly put together.

9.3 is a good score, but it should be rated higher imo.

Goes from Bad to Worse

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 28 April 2018]

Exciting episode to say the least. White and Pinkman are taken to a remote area of the desert by Tuco. He proceeds to harass and intimidate them. He has plans to go to Mexico and make them meth cooking slaves. Meanwhile, the authorities are out looking for Walter, whom they think has wandered off. There are some really exciting moments. If anyone wants to see what utter fear is, watch the faces of our guys as they try manage to stay alive.

Intensely hot grilling

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 31 May 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.

"Seven Thirty Seven" was a brilliant start for Season 2. A standard also there in "Grilled" and even stronger even, delivering further on the tension and meat than there already was.

Visually, "Grilled" 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 for "Grilled" 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, on top of being one of the show's most tense up to this point, is texturally rich, intimate, tense and layered, with the pace of it consistently deliberate but taut. It also contains another unforgettably killer ending that one does not expect.

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. Tuco is an absolute psychopath here, played with sinister intensity and relish.

In conclusion, a grilling that reaches boiling point in its intensity. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Rewatch, 9.65/10

[dcdude-26988 · 10/10 · 2 August 2023]

This was definitely a top 5 episode in the second season of the show. I consider this to be an overhated season of television, even though it wasn't my favorite. I love the acting throughout the entire episode. The way Tuco is dealing with Walt and Jesse was kind of smart considering Tuco is supposed to be an insane person. This show isn't a must-watch or anything, but definitely give this show a try if you have a chance. I don't understand at all how someone can not even like this show at all. Just because the first season is a little boring doesn't mean that season effects the other seasons.

Grilled (#2.2)

[ComedyFan2010 · 10/10 · 26 December 2013]

An insanely good episode! We get to see what happens to Walt and Jesse after they are kidnapped by Tuco.It seems like such a desperate situation. It is very well done, as we follow them trying to poison Tuco with that chemical they cooked and it keeps on failing. The scene when the old uncle tries to protect Tuco and makes him suspicious of Walt and Jesse is absolutely great.

I also liked the interaction between Hank and Jesse's mom. We see the love they have for their relatives here. Even though Jesse's mom doesn't want him to come over she is very worried about him.

And the ending is very fast paced and dramatic where we have Jesse shoot Tuco and then Hank come and finish it. I was on the edge watching it. Love the show, hope there is more such high quality to come!

The end of Tuco's story arc

[bellino-angelo2014 · 9/10 · 19 November 2023]

Since the fifth episode of BREAKING BAD we were used to Tuco Salamanca (Raymond Cruz) but at the same time scared of him because it's too dangerous and after the end of the previous episode we certainly couldn't wait to see how it followed.

Hank Schrader and his DEA squad are getting close on Tuco's organization but since they can't find him they realize that he must have escaped to Mexico since Tuco is connected also to a Mexican cartel. Hank then finds out that Walter White is missing after also receiving a desperate call from Skylar. In fact, Walt and Jesse are taken hostage by Tuco that takes them in his cabin in the desert where he lives with his wheelchair-bound and mute uncle Tio Salamanca. In the cabin tries to poison Tuco's wrap with ricin but fails because Tio Salamanca rang his bell after noticing that the two prisoners are up to something. Tuco drags Jesse out for killing and Walt reveals that he was trying to kill him so that while Tuco grabs a rock for hitting Walt Jesse manages to take his gun and shoot Tuco in the back. Walt and Jesse can finally flee but stop when they notice the DEA truck: it's Hank that has a fire fight and after some missing shots manages to shoot Tuco in the head finally killing him.

It was a perfect end for Tuco's storyline because at this point we grew to hate him but as always Cruz nailed the role perfectly, his uncle was endearing to an extent and of course Walt, Jesse and Hank are a powerhouse. The first great episode of the second season, that's for sure.

Inter connected

[mm-39 · 8/10 · 9 May 2012]

Inter connected! I like the story's theme. When a family cares for each other follows the values of decency that family is united and inter connected. Walter's drug dealings has created family collateral damage. Walter's wife Skyler and son are worried because of Walter's disappearance, un knowingly kidnapped by Tuco. Skyler is learning that she is being lied too, and her husband is up to something. Hank the D E A brother in law ends up in a shoot out with Tuco looking for Walter! This is the last episode where Walter's family is functional. Walter's double life is creating a great plot device where the viewer knows Walter's life is going to derail. The best episode so far eight out of 10.

Taking down Tuco

[paullwetzel · 10/10 · 19 February 2024]

Tuco has taken our guys out into his house in the desert, waiting for his cousins to pick him up and to drive them over the Mexican border. However, in an epic exchange of arms, the two manage to bring Tuco down.

"Grilled" is storytelling at it's finest, filled with so much suspense and many "almost attempts" at getting Tuco to fall for Walt's and Jesse's traps.

I love the incorporation of the silent old man, who knows of Jesse and Walt's poisoning strategy, yet can only give Tuco signs via a bell to warn him.

And the final showdown of Tuco Vs Hank is something I hadn't anticipated, yet it is so satisfying to see Tuco taken out for good.

Great episode overall!

Showing some signs of life

[tenshi_ippikiookami · 6/10 · 9 January 2016]

The end of the previous episode had Pinkman and White being "kidnapped" by Tuco. This episode shows that yes, they were kidnapped, and he has taken them to an isolated house, where his impaired uncle is watching 24/7 TV. White and Pinkman will have to find a way to stay alive while Whitman's wife tries to find him, worried because of his sudden disappearance.

After almost nothing had happened since the pilot, this episode shows some life, as finally White and Pinkman are in a difficult situation, and with their lives on the line. Nonetheless, the show keeps being not very original, and almost every plot development can be expected. And it is a little bit difficult to believe the resources of the couple against drug kingpins and, being the sloppy that they actually are, how they had yet to be discovered by White's brother-in-law.

The show is still unsure of where it is going, as we are basically at square one, one step forward one back. But at least, some tension.

"You are an insane, degenerate piece of filth and you deserve to die."

[Hey_Sweden · 9/10 · 6 June 2023]

Tuco (Raymond Cruz), having abducted Walter & Jesse, drives them to a remote homestead in the desert, where he proceeds to constantly intimidate them. His big plan is to flee with Walter to Mexico and make Walter a meth-cooking slave; he has no real use for Jesse. Meanwhile, Skylar, Hank, Marie, and Walter Jr. Are going to great lengths to find the missing Walter; at this point, they still have no idea of his double life, although the possibility that he is continuing to keep secrets from them IS briefly floated.

Marking the first series appearance for character actor Mark Margolis as the invalid, bell-ringing Tio Salamanca, this whole episode is a true case study in nail-biting tension. Directed with maximum efficiency by actor / director Charles Haid (a.k.a. Renko on 'Hill Street Blues'), this is a well-written and gripping chapter in the ongoing story. You can really see the fear on Walters' and Jesses' faces, as they frantically whisper to each other and try to think their way out of the situation.

The proceedings are thoroughly dominated by an intense Cruz, although Margolis makes quite an impact in his non-speaking role (he communicates through use of a bell on his wheelchair). Tess Harper briefly reprises her role of Jesses' mother, as Hank explores all possibilities of finding his brother-in-law and pays her a visit.

The ending is effectively violent, and satisfying, and fate throws Walter & Jesse another interesting twist when salvation supposedly arrives.

It will be quite intriguing to see how Walter & Jesse try to explain their disappearance in the next episode.

Nine out of 10.