If you asked me prior to April 2019 to pit the two most critically acclaimed TV series against each other - as fair or unfair as it is based on the fact that they are two completely different shows, but if you boiled it down to the basics I would've told you that Game of Thrones was ever-so-slightly better than Breaking Bad...the former has some complexities and "holy *four letter word*" moments that are just unmatched by anything I've ever watched. And I may be one of the few that did not mind the last season of GoT and it's resolution, but also agree with the masses in the decline in quality and nuance (what both shows are notorious for) of GoT's last season, couple with a fair amount of wasted potential and forgone character development in the last season. I think we all are guilty of coming up with our own intermediate/extended scenes in our minds to satisfy or complement what we saw on the actual TV screen.
Thus, now that both shows are done the real winner is very apparent: Breaking Bad emerges victorious from the battle.
From start to finish, BB is as close to perfection as any piece of media can get. Everyone knows the story, but I will never forget how absolutely intense, stunning, and at times anxiety-inducing the experience of watching this show was (I binged it very shortly after the finale since everyone was absolutely freaking out about how good it was). It balances every character and everything good about the crime/drama genre coupled with an amazingly unique premise that almost demands tension at any given moment.
Acting...directing...cinematography...editing... and above all, writing...all literally 100% on point, all the time. Including the resolution/finale. No wishing for something different or character arc ambiguity. It was sensical, shocking, and satisfactory to the highest degree.
Both GoT and BB have raised the bar for TV that was already elevated by shows like The Sopranos and The Wire. Some current ones are close (check out Barry for some awesome and unique black comedy, and clearly takes some cues from BB) but will be hard pressed to find something as magical as Breaking Bad - the closest we will get is its counterpart show Better Call Saul, which is also damn near perfect (come or with Season 5 already, dammit!)
Go Team Gilligan - I am waiting for your next project!
Thus, now that both shows are done the real winner is very apparent: Breaking Bad emerges victorious from the battle.
From start to finish, BB is as close to perfection as any piece of media can get. Everyone knows the story, but I will never forget how absolutely intense, stunning, and at times anxiety-inducing the experience of watching this show was (I binged it very shortly after the finale since everyone was absolutely freaking out about how good it was). It balances every character and everything good about the crime/drama genre coupled with an amazingly unique premise that almost demands tension at any given moment.
Acting...directing...cinematography...editing... and above all, writing...all literally 100% on point, all the time. Including the resolution/finale. No wishing for something different or character arc ambiguity. It was sensical, shocking, and satisfactory to the highest degree.
Both GoT and BB have raised the bar for TV that was already elevated by shows like The Sopranos and The Wire. Some current ones are close (check out Barry for some awesome and unique black comedy, and clearly takes some cues from BB) but will be hard pressed to find something as magical as Breaking Bad - the closest we will get is its counterpart show Better Call Saul, which is also damn near perfect (come or with Season 5 already, dammit!)
Go Team Gilligan - I am waiting for your next project!