The Prof watches Breaking Bad (at last)

TL;DR

A chemist shares his initial thoughts on the TV show Breaking Bad, which he had never seen before, and discusses its portrayal of chemistry.

Transcript

and of course hf features in the tv show breaking bad which i'm glad to say i've never seen why are you glad to say that it's really good well perhaps perhaps one day i might watch it when i'm old for a long time people have wanted to hear what you think of breaking bad before you watch this episode what did you know about breaking bad and what wer... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍳 Breaking Bad brings chemistry to a wider audience and creates curiosity about the subject.
• 🧑‍🏫 The show highlights the social status and financial struggles of chemistry teachers, which are often overlooked.
• 🥰 Chemistry can be seen as a combination of science and art, particularly in organic chemistry.
• 🍶 Some inaccuracies in the chemistry portrayal can be forgiven for the sake of storytelling and drama.
• 🥼 Safety precautions in the lab are important and should be emphasized, even in fictional depictions.
• ℹ️ Chemistry can be a source of pride and accomplishment, even when used for illicit purposes.
• 😒 The chemist found humor in the use of scientific terms and references in popular culture.

Questions & Answers

Q: Did the chemist have any prior knowledge or expectations about Breaking Bad before watching the pilot episode?

The chemist only knew that the show involved a chemistry teacher making drugs but didn't have any further details.

Q: Is it common for people to ask the chemist to make drugs as a joke?

No, the chemist has never been asked to make drugs, apart from the question posed during the interview.

Q: Did the chemist find any aspects of the pilot episode unrealistic?

Yes, the chemist found it unrealistic that Walter, the chemistry teacher, wasn't wearing safety glasses and that the school had large flasks in the chemistry lab.

Q: Did the chemist find any artistic or poetic elements in the portrayal of chemistry in Breaking Bad?

The chemist appreciated Walter's answer that chemistry is the study of change, but also noted that some aspects of the chemistry demonstrations were not entirely accurate.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The chemist had never watched Breaking Bad before and had only heard that it involved a chemistry teacher making drugs.

• He found the pilot episode intriguing, particularly the floating trousers and the use of bromine and barium to write the show's title.

• The chemist appreciated the accurate portrayal of flame tests in the chemistry classroom but was surprised by the lack of safety precautions and the use of oversized flasks.