Breaking Bad (TV Series) Salud (2011) User Reviews

Jesse, Gus and Mike go to Mexico

[Tweekums · 10/10 · 6 January 2013]

Jesse has claimed that he is capable of cooking the methamphetamine without Walt; now it is time for him to prove it. Not only that; he will have to do it in an unfamiliar lab in Mexico while being watched by many cartel employees. Things don't get off to a good start when they don't have a key ingredient and claim any chemist should be able to make it himself. He manages to assert himself and when his first batch is finished its purity impresses the cartel... so much so that they decide he now belongs to them! Back in Arizona Walt is in a bad way after his fight with Jesse and misses his son's birthday; then when Junior comes round he has a bit of a break down. Skyler's plan to sort out Ted Beneke's finances doesn't work out as planned; she arranges for him to 'inherit' a large sum from an unknown distant relation but rather than pay off his taxes he buys a new car! For most of the episode it looks as if there will be no real action; then when Gus, Jesse and Mike meet with cartel leader Don Eladio a friendly drink turns into a massacre!

This was a top quality episode; Aaron Paul did a great job as Jesse in the scene where he has to confront the cartel chemist... he knows the man knows more chemistry but he also knows that he can make the better product and that gives him the confidence he needs. Bryan Cranston also did a great job as Walt in the scenes where he breaks down in front of his son and later talks to him about how that isn't the way he wants to be remembered. For the most part this looked like it was going to be a strictly character based episode as we see them reacting to the situations they are in; then the action kicks in; in a way I did not see coming. It may require a little suspension of disbelief to accept what happened but it was great drama and ultimately that is what matters most.

Did someone say drama?

[sebastian6736 · 10/10 · 18 September 2011]

Breath-taking episode! I cannot believe how this show manages to keep that (insanely brilliant) level of writing, it's crazy! Brilliant episode. Every episode has its own style. Some seem to be more domestic, others are focused on the psychology of the characters. Even some sequences and dialogues that seem like comedy, to a very black and sometimes twisted sense of humor. Somehow, it has managed to maintain its essence throughout the whole series, and no episode has resulted in any kind of disappointment whatsoever. I'm looking forward to seeing how this season ends. Problems seem to multiply and nothing ever settles, as in real life.

Salud (#4.10)

[ComedyFan2010 · 10/10 · 4 January 2014]

What an incredible episode. I am astounded how they manage to keep this show on such a high level all the time.

The whole trip to Mexico was great to watch. Seeing Jesse being the boss in that lab was a great scene, I also loved the faces Gus and Mike had during it. Kind of amused/proud.

And the ending? Oh man, what an awesome ending. The whole pool scene was outstanding. Great dynamics and story. Gus is a very good character.

Besides Mexico we had a nice moment between Walt and his son. Was nice to see that because to be honest I almost see Jesse as Walt's son instead of Junior.

Curious what Skylar will be telling Ted now on where she got all the money, I sure hope she won't tell the truth.

I don't know whether to cry or scream

[Vlayer · 9/10 · 19 September 2011]

Yet again, another incredible episode. This episode does not only move the plot forward, but it also reflects on characters, Walt more specifically.

Jesse, together with Gus and Mike, are in Mexico to show the cartel how to make the blue crystal. There's a great scene where Jesse stands up for himself, and fearlessly tells everyone to follow his orders. It's one of those scenes that make you scream "Yeah Jesse!" out loud.

Walt is in his bed in his apartment and misses his son's birthday. Walt.Jr goes to his apartment and talks with Walt. It's a very emotional scene where Walt admits that he has made mistakes and that it is all his fault. He starts crying, his voice is barely audible and his eyes are red, a very convincing and touching scene and a scene that further proves the importance of Walt's and Jesse's relationship.

Skyler makes the decision to give Ted money to pay off his taxes(By using the old " A relative just died and left money" way), unfortunately he uses it for other means, and as Skyler tries to convince him to use it for the taxes, Ted tells her to leave. But instead of leaving, she tells him that the money came from her.

The last big scene is the ending, Don Eladio wants Jesse to stay in Mexico to cook for him. Gus accepts and they celebrate with a drink, a drink that Gus poisoned. Gus goes for the bathroom to vomit the poison, while every cartel capo dies in front of Eladio, who then dies himself. On their way out, Gus starts to lose his power and Mike gets shoot, Jesse shoots the gunman and as they drive of the episode ends.

A fantastic episode in a stretch of fantastic episodes, this season is in full gear and it can not be stopped.

Just Wow !!

[surya-sprasanna · 10/10 · 24 April 2020]

Right after watching the episode, you start to feel why is your mind so unstable. An episode back, Gus and Mike be the bad guys and all of a sudden you vouch for them ?

Yes! It all happens here. Jesse gets a vote from everyone. Jesse stands up for what he feels right. Faces cartel's men with no fear whatsoever and saves Gus and Mike with empathy! His stand for Mike is what every audience would stand with.. Every character is written so deep. I don't who did the character selection but I would give them anything I could

Season 4 just gets better and better

[m_maddy08 · 18 September 2011]

How can I even begin to review this episode? It was such a fantastic episode, in a long series of great episodes, that i don't even know where to begin. First of all the chemistry, sorry for the pun, between Jesse and Walt has never been more strained. Bryan Cranston gives a no doubt fantastic performance, however Aaron Paul definitely stands out. Poor Jesse has evolved so much since the shows start, that its hard to believe its even the same person. Jesse, unfortunately has encountered a great deal of loss throughout the show and this has caused him to become much, much colder. Usually, Jesse has the tendency to still call Walt "Mr. White". This definitely illustrates a teacher, student relationship. However I heard no mention of "Mr. White" from Jesse. Walt wakes up the next day with a call from his son, a fantastic RJ Mitte, on his 16th birthday. Walt admits through tears that he made a huge mistake. Walt Jr begins to tend to his dad. As Walt Jr. turns off the lights on his resting father, Walt, under the influence of painkillers, calls Walt Jr. Jesse. This just further goes to show the complexity of their previous relationship. Altogether, this was a fantastic episode, with a fantastic ending.

10/10

Powerful!

[g-bodyl · 9/10 · 19 January 2015]

This is the tenth episode of the fourth season of Breaking Bad. For the most part, this was an incredible and powerful episode. There were a few slower and weaker moments, namely the conversation Walt had with his son. But nonetheless, thing are going hardcore now. We still have three more episodes left, so I'm prepared to buckle in my seatbelt.

In this episode, "Salud," Jesse flies to Mexico with Gus and Mike in order to cook meth for the cartel. Meanwhile, Walter tries to recover from the fight he had with Jesse and misses his son's birthday. Skylar tries to help her old boss pay back his taxes.

Overall, this was an excellent episode. The story lines are great, particularly the Mexico storyline. The ending is just shocking and one of the best Breaking Bad endings. That goes in part to the great acting of Aaron Paul. I rate this episode 9/10.

Thriller!!!

[joshua_weitz · 10/10 · 16 January 2013]

Hands down, the greatest episode of Breaking Bad and one of the most exciting TV episodes of all time. Season 4 Episode 10 "Salud" rivals some of the better 007 movies for suspense, thrills, and classic escapes with one action sequence that will blow you off of your couch and into the next room... and then maybe shoot you through the doggy door in a curled up ball into the yard. I am sure that some will argue for a point that occurs later in the season, but this episode is the climax of the series, and it tops some of the more important plot points which come later in terms of feel-good, BADASS action that will have you standing on top of your couch (after you crawled back through the doggy door) cheering.

Villain or not, I'm never really sure whether I can like Gus Fring, but he comes out of this episode one of the greatest TV Badasses of all time. This episode is why Season 4 is the season of Gus Fring.

Jesse in Mexico

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 8 May 2018]

There are so many strains here. First of all, we have Walt, beaten by Jesse, in his bed, half destroyed. Birthday son, who has received an ugly PT Cruiser for his birthday comes calling. There is a tender moment as Walter tries to explain how he wants to be remembered. Meanwhile, Skyler loans that huge some of money to her scumbag lover and ex-boss. He, of course, has no intention of using it to pay off the IRS. He buys a brand new Mercedes. I never got it clear what she and Saul cooked up. I'm hoping she pulls the rug out from under him. And then the piece de resistance. Jesse, Mike, and the gang head to Mexico to meet with the cartel with astonishing results. It's hard to totally believe it all, but it is superb.

Salud... to one of the best episodes!

[and_mikkelsen · 10/10 · 21 April 2023]

This was crazy! The last part of the episode had me in shock! I could not believe it and yet it was so satisfying! After watching Hermanos this was the perfect episode! Gus becomes the most ruthless and clever villain and instantly rise to the top TV villains of all time! This episode might have my favorite scene with him! You might not be alle to read him... but he always has a plan and intention!

Despite the scenes in Mexico taking the spotlight, the scenes with Walt and Flint were amazing! I think Flint described it best when he said: "you were real"

Great acting and serves as the best scene between the two! Great talk about memory and what your memory of someone will be, which is the most important thing for Walt regarding his søn! How he is remembered!

Overall an amazing, tense and unpredictable episode!

Great stuff

[Leofwine_draca · 10/10 · 25 March 2021]

A very fine episode with a long-running sub-plot coming to a more than satisfying climax. Gus once again proves to be the most valuable player here and comes across as intensely likeable and a man of integrity despite his murderous behaviour. There's a heart to heart between Walt and his son which is affecting while Skyler's own sub-plot gets more and more interesting. Top telly.

Pure class.

[yasir619 · 10/10 · 12 April 2020]

What a excellent episode, what a great strategy by Gus. Wow, mind blowing episode.

The only word is ...WOW!!!

[mauricioc-158-529631 · 19 September 2011]

I will be honest with everyone that may read this critic. I consider myself some kind of a movie addict. living in a third world country sometimes takes out of context such superficial issues as TV or movies entertainment. and I am telling you, I would make a fortune as a critic knowing what I know about how to dismembered a show or movie, positively or negatively. this new Breaking Bad season is up in Latin America pretty soon. but is not on air yet. So, obviously the only source I Have is the internet. after I saw the SALUD episode, I was literately blown away. lucky for me I pay my bills on time. is amazing what this producers are doing with the series. finally, it makes justice to the Jesse Character. and don't get me wrong. I am referring maybe this is the very first episode where he carries the load of the plot. entirely. superbly. In a totally convincing acting. this guy is made of ice. no doubt. easily one of the top ten best episodes

my goodness: the writing. the editing. the climax. How do they do it? I actually hate it because it always leaves me wanting more. the week gets endless until next Sunday.

to think that we are just three episodes away.. gives me the blues.

two thumbs way, way up!!

Jesse masterclass

[mahinsiam · 10/10 · 19 August 2019]

Jesse nailed this episode. Too good. Too good

Walter White is a snake

[whatch-17931 · 9/10 · 22 December 2020]

He's100% Scarface here. Perhaps he had moments of lucidity with his son, but only very small moments.

Salud to health!!!

[Genkinchan · 10/10 · 2 April 2022]

Gus took out the cartel would be the best out of season 4 for me with him drinking the poison as well as poisoning the cartel was a swift move the series just get better and better as it passes by..

Get us out of here

[Trey_Trebuchet · 9/10 · 1 May 2023]

Quality television.

I guess I got so caught up with the other plots in this show that I often forget about Walt Jr., who isn't even in every episode in the first place. The conversing between him and his dad in this episode were believable and touching. I particularly liked the writing for Walter, talking about how he doesn't want to be remembered like this by his son. I really hope there are more moments like this in the rest of this show.

Jesse was a great standout in this episode as well. He really held his own for the most part, and those looks he got from Gus and Mike made me wonder he Gus really did "see something" in him. This of course leads to what I'm sure is an iconic finale in this show. I did have to suspend some belief here, but not much. It was some well enough that I didn't really care. I was entertained!

One of the best in this season and maybe the show. Even the Skyler-Ted stuff is kind of interesting now.

What a shocking twist!

[bigg218 · 10/10 · 8 July 2022]

Jesse goes to Mexico with Gus and Mike to show them how to cook. Then Jesse is told he belongs to the cartel now and he's staying there. I actually thought he was gonna be there awhile and Gus and Mike were leaving but Gus ends up poisoning everyone and Jesse becomes a big timer driving them out of there! What an exciting episode!!

Salud

[auuwws · 10/10 · 26 January 2022]

Great episode and one of best episode of breaking Bad, Gus is one great Villain,He destroyed the cartel in few minutes, There is only one enemy left, But killing Walter won't be so easy.

Sooo... EVERY body drank and dropped at the same moment??

[george-841 · 9/10 · 5 August 2012]

OK, definitely an enthralling episode, but only if you perform a major suspension of disbelief beforehand.

C'mon, what are the odds that the mass assassination scheme would really work? Consider the possible failings:

(1) The Don, being a selfish bastard, might not have offered the poisoned tequila to EVERY ONE of his associates and goons.

(2) Surely, some goons might have remained indoors for security or doing other goon-ish tasks. (The only workers running away at the end appear to be butlers and bikini-clad "chikas.") This would greatly impeded and maybe even blocked their escape.

(3) It's unlikely that those who drank and got poisoned would all drop at the same time. All it would take is a couple of armed goons to wipe out Gus, Mike and Jesse. (Although it's true that Mike was armed and might have been able to respond, depending on how many goons remained able to fight.)

(4) How come Mike didn't join in the toast? OK, Jesse's an addict so that story made sense. What about Mike? Still, a great episode!

One of the best episodes of the series

[OrangeSequins · 10/10 · 2 May 2023]

About the series: "Breaking Bad" has 5 seasons and a total of 62 episodes. It stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris and RJ Mitte. The series has gained a lot of popularity over the years, and let's face it, it really is a masterpiece to be praised.

About the episode: Yes, you read that right, one of the best episodes in the series in my opinion. But no, not The Best, because the episode "Ozymandias" (S5 E14) deserves that ranking... but in my opinion, this episode is just a little behind it.

What this episode does very well is that it drives the plot along several storylines: first, we see Walt and Walter Jr. And their amazing dialogue, and secondly, we see Gus, Mike and Jesse go to Mexico... both story threads are brilliant in different ways... and seeing these two great threads in one episode is near perfection!

The writing, the acting, the cinematography, and in this episode especially the editing, are also amazing.

All in all, a truly brilliant episode of "Breaking Bad".

Best BB Episode

[juliusnevermind · 10/10 · 15 August 2022]

This Episode is one of the most entertaining Episodes of the whole Show. You get so much action in this Episode. The Main Character in this Episode is probably Jesse and Gus has also a massive Role in this Episode. I want to see Don Eladio much more than two episodes.

Sorry, I can't rate the episode for only one story arc

[stillworkingfortheknife · 21 December 2013]

Something that everyone who has seen "Salud" will agree on is that the ending was phenomenal. More aptly phrased I would say, the whole story arc of Jesse, Gus, and Mike making a voyage down to Mexico because the Cartel intends rough measures if Walt's recipe isn't passed on to them was phenomenal. Besides Aaron Paul giving another tremendous performance as his character gets more and more likable, I simply loved the cinematography, scenery, score, and dialog in these scenes and they secure that "Salud" is one of the best Breaking Bad episodes up to that point.

What secures that "Salud" isn't the best episode up to that point is the whole rest that is included story-wise. That isn't to say that Walt and his son having a deep conversation for the first time ever wasn't impressing and highly acceptable. Yet in comparison, it has the quality of a commercial - the Mexico plot was just too good. But even if the Mexico plot hadn't been there, Skyler attempting to solve the fiscal trouble her ex brought up would have been sub-par. Christopher Cousins is annoying as hell (not as if I've come to expect anything else) and Anna Gunn's character notoriously is involved in the weaker story lines of the series.

Thus, the only thing you'll remember about "Salud" is Mexico, which was, I just have to stress it that much, nothing less than outstanding. However, as I'm rating the whole episode, giving the full amount points is impossible - but hey, that's why I'm writing a review and not only leaving an ambiguous rating, right?

Health

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 15 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.

"Salud" (my review summary referring to the episode title's English meaning) is to me was an incredible episode. One of Season 4's best and a high-point of the show, being very powerful and tense.

Visually, "Salud" 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 "Salud" 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 episode here belongs to Giancarlo Esposito bringing nuances to some of his most sink-teeth-into-with-relish writing for Gus. Likewise with Jonathan Banks. The characters are compelling in their realism, likewise with their chemistry, and the episode is strongly directed.

Overall, incredible. 10/10 Bethany Cox

You brought Jessie the chemist, you brought Walt on painkillers

[michaelchikliscares · 8/10 · 20 October 2019]

I wish they dropped the Ted Beniks storyline and some scenes get so chopped up.

Walt has to run solo again, being vulnerable to no source due of Jesses's fight and information, he feels empty. Deep down he still misses his real family , like things were before Skyler found out about the meth and the subtle friendship with Jesse.

What poison was used to kill everybody ?

Mike has a soft spot for Jesse I get it, but lets acknowledge this, he still would kill Walter and Jesse anytime, so I don't know what is going to happen in future episodes, feels so unsure.