Breaking Bad (TV Series) I.F.T. (2010) User Reviews

Back at home

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 12 October 2012]

Having got back into his house Walt is determined not to leave; even when Skyler calls the police he stands his ground; confident that she won't tell them about his drug production. He is right of course and there is nothing they can do to remove him without a court order if Walt hasn't been threatening or broken the law... that doesn't mean she can't get to him in other ways though. Over the last couple of episodes it looked as if things were getting better for Jesse; he is off the drugs and had bought his old house. Here we see that things aren't as good as they first appeared; he spends his time calling Jane's phone just so he can hear her voice on the answering machine until the number is eventually disconnected. He also gets a visit from Saul who is hopeful that Jesse will be able to persuade Walt to start cooking again. Elsewhere Gus buys some time for Walt with the Mexican cartel but makes it clear that he only needs Walt for a while, then they can do what they want with him and Hank deliberately puts himself in a dangerous situation when he learns that he is going to be returning to El Paso.

For the protagonists this was another character driven episode; we are constantly kept wondering whether or not Skyler will inform the authorities... her lawyer certainly thinks she should. The way she chose to get back at Walt came as a bit of a surprise and I expect will lead to some interesting moments in later episodes. Likewise Jesse's story looks as if it could be leading him back to a bad place. As well as the various character driven scenes there were some good tense moments such as Hanks decision to confront three suspects in a less than salubrious bar and the prologue which was a flash back to the last moments of Tortuga; the man whose head ended up on the back of a tortoise in season two. As always the acting was solid and the story moved along nicely leaving me looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Still An Excellent Episode!

[g-bodyl · 9/10 · 24 August 2014]

This is the third episode of the third season of Breaking Bad and despite the slowness, it's still a great episode. When you care about the characters this much, you wouldn't mind if an episode was devoted to them eating cereal for forty-five minutes. Obviously that is not the case here, but you get my point. There are still domestic issues going on, but things shall get more interesting even later on.

In this episode, "I.F.T," Walt moves back into the house without Skylar's consent and she tries to get rid of him by calling the cops. Walter Jr. is thrilled that his father is back at home. Meanwhile, Jesse is still making amends to the death of his girlfriend, but he is willing to go back to work. Finally, Gus makes clear that he doesn't want Walt harmed, at least not for the time being.

Overall, this is a fabulous episode even though it's a slow-burner. The acting is excellent as always and Danny Trejo makes a welcome appearance reprising his character from the previous episode. Also, this has a wonderful cliffhanger and one that might explain the title of this episode. I rate this episode 9/10.

Making sense

[Leofwine_draca · 8/10 · 12 February 2021]

Another good episode. Not quite as good as the past one but still highly decent. They fill in some gaps here so it all makes sense and there's another surprising cameo from a welcome Danny Trejo. Walt is gong through some tough times and keeps you on edge, and Anna Gunn's performance is excellent.

Where you hate Skyler White

[anthonygrady-71729 · 10/10 · 16 June 2021]

You completely lose all respect and justification for Skyler in this episode. If not, you're lying to yourself.

Everyone's Shortcomings on Display

[be23zE · 8/10 · 21 June 2022]

It could be argued that "Breaking Bad" in its entirety displays the shortcomings of its characters, but this episode specifically focuses on the shortcomings of the supporting cast rather than Walter and Jesse. Most of the show is centered around Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, usually fairly evenly. They are two individuals who are immensely flawed, often making impulsive and selfish decisions that end in catastrophes, yet, that is what makes them relatable. We can connect with them easily because, while many of their decisions are at least righteous in spirit, they make many more decisions based on emotions and ego. 'I. F. T.' gives our leads a break for 50 minutes to show us that the supporting cast, specifically Hank and Skylar, are flawed as well, adding to their humanity and relatability.

Firstly, Skylar is struggling with fully committing to divorcing Walter. There are several reasons but the first main reason is that she does not want to tear apart her family, possibly leading to Walter Jr. Resenting her for years. The second reason is that she cannot bring herself to turn Walter in because that would cause even more resentment towards both of them. As Saul pointed out in a previous episode, she won't turn in Walter because that would lead to a major Dr. Phil scenario.

What is she left to do? We know that Skylar is extremely controlling and manipulative. She's constantly belittling her sister for struggling with compulsions and, often times, simply trying to offer her emotional support. At every family gathering, she does whatever she can to control the situation as much as possible. If you ask me, it's really no wonder why she ended up with Walter but I digress. Skylar has now faced the affects of both the emotional and physical absence of her husband for 3 seasons, and now, that his big secret is on the table, there is nothing she can do to regain control.

Walter has been breaking into their house and seeing their children against her wishes, which are reasonable enough, considering the implications of a career in the illegal street drug industry. He's undermining her at every chance he can get. In her mind, that's her job. All she has left up her sleeve, besides drastically tearing apart the family, is to hook up with her sleazy boss. As pathetic as it is, all she knows is petty victory. She's not narcissistic like Walter, but she clearly has some serious issues. Yet, given her situation, I can't blame her. That is what makes her a great character.

Fans Didn't Yet Know The Reason for Slow Episodes

[TheFearmakers · 8/10 · 5 March 2023]

When Breaking Bad was still on the air, originally playing these thrilling episodes, any kind of slower episode was known as filler, as simply taking up time and not moving the intensity forward... it was until the entire series ran its course and, when you re-watch the series as a whole, it's mind-blowing and rather dated how much of a bad critique these so-called slower episodes get, because you cannot have the more thrilling moments without the stuff leading up...

If every episode of Breaking Bad tried to outdo itself, there wouldn't be those great moments being led to... I had read that Season 2 was the most unpopular season; meanwhile how could you have season 3 without 2, or 4, the best season, without 3...

This is a series that had its site on the end the entire time, so it only "wastes time" leading up to moments that only seem "better" by the curve...

Interestingly enough... when Better Call Saul came out, almost the entire first season was deliberately slow like only a few of the lower-voted episodes are with this series...

This is as great an episode as the more exciting episodes because you cannot speed up without starting the vehicle and gaining momentum...

The characters are are setting up, being set up... Walt getting back with his family, turning down the inevitable cooking job with Gus, which can be a bit annoying since you already know he will, but, again... you gotta build suspense, and this is yet another foundational, as opposed to filler, episode.

It's a nice episode, but far from how good the show can be

[stillworkingfortheknife · 10 November 2013]

"I.F.T." is another interesting Breaking Bad episode with some outstanding scenes in it, but at that point of the show, the writers just couldn't think of any really thrilling stuff. I totally get that all the scenes we see are necessary for the plot, yet the show is just such a slow-burner momentarily that it can get quite boring to watch sometimes.

See, the problem is that there's nothing really bad about "I.F.T.", yet I still didn't enjoy the scenes with Skyler and Jesse at all. The plot felt too repetitive and not even the great acting could make me change my opinion about that. Another part I didn't enjoy was Dean Norris as Hank who had the strangest reaction to the El Paso police wanting him back. The two scenes in Spanish language were slightly better even though extraordinarily weird, while Gustavo and the cousins encountering was definitely nice to see. Plus, Danny Trejo appears on screen again after his hilarious part somewhere in season two, but this time, I can't overlook the fact that he's a bad actor. Back then, he didn't have that much to do since he had his head on a tortoise. Now though, his dialogs and facial expressions are just fake.

Last but definitely not least, Bryan Cranston got back to being excellent in his role and his reaction to the dramatic domestic situation he and Skyler currently have was just perfect. In the final shot, when Skyler reveals what "I.F.T." stands for, he is as good as it gets and totally blew me away. However, the rest of the episode just didn't measure up with my expectations and was a bit of a disappointment.

I'm feeling terrific

[Trey_Trebuchet · 8/10 · 16 April 2023]

That's what it stands for right?

This was actually great.

I didn't think it was as good as the first two episodes in this season, but the drama is legitimately riveting and entertaining. I'm to a point in the show where I'm excited for another episode regardless of how eventful it will or won't be.

I'm in a dilemma here. I don't at all approve of Walt's life choices, but I still get where he's coming from at times. It's frustrating to watch. I feel the same way about Skyler to an extent now as well. I don't personally think she's nearly as despicable, but perhaps should not have said or done some of the things she has kept secret or said and done either. I've not seen this show all the way through, so it'll be interesting to see what becomes of their marriage.

Jesse gets little screen time here, but some of its depressing and quite effective as is.

Hank has taken a turn I never saw coming. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, but I can't say I'm not excited to see what he uncovers. Seems inevitable if you ask me.

Another great episode. Acting and character progression was nicely done, but it so really well directed and written as well. What an opening too.

Chickens Roosting

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 3 May 2018]

We get another look at the cousins of Tuco, the man killed earlier. We get to see that there is a new form of danger that's off the charts. We are then shown Skyler and her venomous feelings for Walter. Walter, acting like an idiot, breaks into his house and waits for Skyler to come home. He refuses to leave and it turns out that since there is no court order, he has every right to be there. Skyler basically calms down and stops trying to get rid of him. Once again, he acts like he belongs there, even though his wife now despises him. Walter finally puts it all out there and Skyler starts a game of her own.

I.f.t. (#3.3)

[ComedyFan2010 · 8/10 · 1 January 2014]

This episode is mainly about Walt moving back home. I liked the scene of Skylar talking to the cops when she realizes that she can't do anything and Walter Jr. says that it is all her fault. She is indeed despicable. Everything she does is, Walt should have never risked anything for her, she doesn't deserve it. Wonder if she will tell cops about him being a cook. Seems to fit her personality.

We don't see much about Jesse in this episode. But the acting is beautiful. Him dialing Jane's number over and over again until it stops working was showing his depression so well.

The scenes in Spanish were a bit too long for me since I didn't understand what was said.

And it seems like Hank may have a crisis coming up.

Worst episode of the show to me

[FriedToast02 · 7/10 · 18 April 2021]

I just really don't like a lot of the beginning of season 3 and I really don't care for this one. I don't like Ted he's one of my least favorite characters. This is when Skylar is the most unlikable in the show. I also don't care for the ending when she just straight up tells Walt and then goes back to like nothing happened. It's great acting by Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn, but I really just don't care for this Breaking bad episode. I don't even hate this episode, I just think the divorce storyline it's pointless just knowing how the show ends up. I don't know not my favorite.

Unfair to Skylar

[Imshortok06 · 9/10 · 26 March 2022]

I understand that at this point in the series, the audience is sympathetic to Walt. However, Skylar gets unfair treatment in this episode. Lest we forget that in the same episode Walt's actions led to two murderers showing up at the house, endangering the whole family? Skylar is reluctant to turn him in because it will destroy not only his life, but the lives of her two kids as well. She is most definitely between a rock and a hard place. Is cheating the answer? No. But I empathize with her need to distance herself from Walt.

Of course this was going to happen

[puzgolac · 5/10 · 15 December 2022]

We get one real episode of Breaking Bad, the previous one, and then this show turns into Desperate Housewives again. I was afraid that it wold not be possible to have two tight episodes back to back, and that it exactly what happened. A lot of slow, unnecessary scenes, the same thing being hammered into the viewer's head again and again and again. The family drama. Jesse's depression. Is it really necessary to make the viewers also depressed by repeating the same scene of him dialing his dead girlfriend's number a million times? We already saw that. We know that he is depressed. How about you try to fill the length of the episode with something else? As so many times before, there are a few interesting bits, but they are buried under a mountain of boredom.

And a bit of a lack of continuity. In this episode, Tio is supposed to be some huge player in the cartel, and Tuco was supposed to be their main man in the USA. Yet Tuco only showed up after Krazy 8 was killed, so he was either his underling, or not strong and important enough to get Krazy 8's territory. And Tio practically lived in his own filth, out in the middle of nowhere. Hardly the way some hugely important cartel member would be left to live out his days.

Bad times for Walter but wait for something...

[bellino-angelo2014 · 8/10 · 19 December 2023]

When the episode begins we see what happened to Tortuga (Danny Trejo) in NEGRO Y AZUL: while he was in a bar the Salamanca brothers took him on a room, cut his head and then they put it on the tortoise that was set to explode. Then we cut to the present.

Walter White is again at home for the joy of Walter Jr but the anger of Skylar that calls the police, but the officer tells her that Walt can't be taken out of the house because the house is intested to both unless Walt has committed a crime but Skyler stays silent just as Saul Goodman predicted. Nonetheless Skylar continues the legal practises: she reveals her divorce lawyer that Walt is a meth producer, and then the lawyer recommends her to call the cops and arrest him but Skyler refuses because she doesn't want her son that knows that his father is doing criminal activity, and all this will be over once that Walt will die of cancer. Hank Schrader returns working at El Paso but this makes him angry and unleashes his fury beating some dealers in a bar. Again at home Skylar gives Walter a bombshell: she went out with her boss Ted.

The parts of Walter and Skyler bickering were a bit stale but when it came to the Schrader part in the bar... it certainly was a blast! It looked like a fist fight you'll likely see in a Steven Seagal or Jean Claude Van Damme movie, and it made me laugh so much. Among the many great episodes of the entire series.

Back home and struggles to cope

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 7 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.

"I.F.T." is more 'Breaking Bad' excellence, even if it may lack the red-hot intensity and tautness of the best of Seasons 1 and especially 2. Yet it is a slower-paced episode that still engrosses and doesn't get dull, it just lacks the extra something.

Visually, "I.F.T." 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 "I.F.T." 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 summary, great once again. 9/10 Bethany Cox