Ozymandias Confrontation

Lore & Background

Following a shootout with Jack's brotherhood that leaves Hank Schrader wounded and Steve Gomez killed, Walt begs Jack to spare him in exchange for his money. Jack refuses, shooting Hank dead while Walt collapses in despair. The gang buries Hank and Gomez where the money barrels were found. Walt identifies Jesse's hiding place; although he initially demanded Jesse be killed, Todd suggests taking him captive to learn what he revealed to Hank. Walt consents and spitefully tells Jesse that he watched Jane Margolis die before Jesse is taken to a compound to cook meth.

In Their Own Story

Walt's car runs out of fuel after a bullet pierces the tank, forcing him to roll his money barrel through the desert until he buys a truck from a homeowner. Meanwhile, Marie Schrader informs Skyler that Hank has arrested Walt. Skyler tells her son Walter Jr. about the drug business, but he blames her for going along with it. When Walt returns home frantically packing to flee, Skyler realizes Hank is dead and attacks him with a kitchen knife. A violent fight ensues until Walter Jr. tackles Walt and calls the police. Walt kidnaps Holly, flees, and later leaves her at a fire station with a note containing her address.

Reader's Guide

The narrative begins with the aftermath of the shootout where Jack kills Hank despite Walt's plea to save him using his fortune. Walt then consents to Jesse being taken captive rather than killed. On the run, Walt's vehicle fails, leading him to purchase a truck and roll his money barrel. At home, Skyler confronts Walt regarding Hank's death, leading to a physical altercation where Walter Jr. intervenes by calling the police. Walt kidnaps Holly but leaves her at a fire station with his name on a note. He then meets Ed Galbraith, Saul Goodman's contact for new identities, who drives him away with the money barrel.

Did You Know?

• The flashback scenes depicting Walter and Jesse's early days were filmed later in production, requiring the actors to adjust their appearances.
• The episode title 'Ozymandias' references a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley about the inevitable decline of leaders and empires.
• Bryan Cranston's performance during Walt's phone call with Skyler is widely cited as one of the most powerful acting moments in television history.
• Jesse's torture was left off-screen because director Rian Johnson felt showing it would be unfair to the audience regarding their emotional investment in the character.