Desperation and Schemes

     Episodes 2 and 3 of Breaking Bad, season 2, give us some of the strongest moments of characterization yet for Jesse and Walter in their capture by Tuco, their thwarting of his escape plan, and their scheming to handle the complex aftermath of the affair.  We see just how far these two are willing to go, and are capable of going, when the truth is on the line. 
     The gap between seasons left us remarkably aware of the world into which Walter and Jesse had entered and the reach of people like Tuco.  Episode 2 expanded on our understanding of the volatile drug dealer, showing us Tuco's derangement at having hit rock bottom after his assets are seized and his closest people betray him (he believes).  In showing us this strained portrayal of a madman at the end of his rope, we are given a glimpse into what Walter and Jesse risk becoming if they continue down this path.  In getting a distributor of this magnitude, Jesse and Walt have graduated to the next level of the drug trade and in doing so they have changed the scope of their operation.  This is the norm now.  Tuco is the norm.  Thus, the risks they must take are greater, and the lies larger, in order to preserve their place.  What will this raising of the stakes mean for our heroes, and will their drug trade rise to meet their new challenges?
     Of course we are left wondering how they could possibly escape from the debacle at Tuco's house with their reputations intact.  Surely they will get busted.  We saw the intro to episode 2, we know how deep they're in it.  Hank is there, he even has Jesse's name now!  All that is left is to see the pieces put together and their cover will be blown, making all of season 1's efforts for nothing.  Episode 3 answers how Walter and Jesse plan to misdirect the DEA, reflecting the drastic changes Tuco was prepared to make to their operation (having his cousins move them to Mexico).  In sacrificing a portion of their earnings (Jesse's portion) and fabricating a massively trust-shattering lie to Walter's family, the pair successfully maintain their place as middleweight drug manufacturers without compromising their operations to the authorities.  But it has taken its toll, and in turn has set up several major conflicts that will surely need resolving throughout the season.  Does enacting this plan make them no better than Tuco himself?  Will Walter's family come to trust him again?  Will Skyler act on the dozens of questions that Walter's 'fugue state' raised?  What will Jesse have to do to get enough money to make ends meet?  What of the lab and supplies?  And while treading all this water, how will they find the time to make more meth?  Stay tuned!
    
     Honorable Mention:  During the rise of this complex deception and our tentative return to the status quo, we meet the most delightful character yet: Hector 'Tio' Salamanca.  It's astounding that they were able to write such complexity and expression into a character who can only communicate by ringing a bell.  Bravo.