Last night, director Rian Johnson delivered what may have been the most intense episode yet of the most intense season of the most intense show on television. We’re talking, of course, about Breaking Bad‘s “Ozymandias.”
Scripted by Moira Walley-Beckett – the Emmy-nominated scribe who was also behind “Gliding Over All” and “Fly” — the episode delivered several long-awaited moments, in the most jaw-dropping, gut-wrenching ways possible. In between creating all that drama, though, Johnson apparently found the time to document his last-ever episode for the series. Check out his behind-the-scenes photos after the jump. (Spoilers follow.)
Watching Breaking Bad can be an exquisitely painful experience, but making Breaking Bad is apparently quite fun. The cast and crew trip all over themselves to praise each other in press interviews, and the videos and pictures from set typically show the team looking thrilled to be there. Johnson’s photos are no exception. Even the neo-Nazis look like they’re having a blast. And yes, those are indeed Walt’s pants from Season 1. Is there any show better at callbacks than this one?
1 – Ozymandias (mild spoilers) On the far right you can see the huge fan we used to kick up the dust. pic.twitter.com/YMOCBsFi7r
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
2. Dolly track to nowhere. For what Vince called the "dung beetle scene." pic.twitter.com/0vCvZwViGs
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
3. I can't remember if we remembered to take this off before we shot. pic.twitter.com/wzPEqrbO45
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
4. The teaser was the final day of shooting on the whole series. Vince toasting the crew at wrap. (mild spoilers) pic.twitter.com/Qw8UCIORbs
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
5. Through all 5 seasons, BB has shot on 35mm film. All hail @MichaelSlovis! pic.twitter.com/aS63OGj7Xh
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
6. Not bad guys once you get to know them. (mild spoilers) pic.twitter.com/XBFPJRsVrt
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
7. Good morning! pic.twitter.com/8QldqZwdgo
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
8. Callback! (mild spoilers) pic.twitter.com/SOuNh1AzpK
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
9. Moira Walley-Beckett, ladies and gents. She got to pick the director for her ep. I owe her a pizza. @YoWalleyB pic.twitter.com/npdjuThp4Q
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
And finally- two unsung heroes. @AndyVoegeli, "A" camera operator. Great guy, helluva shooter. (mild spoilers) pic.twitter.com/Led64vMZKg
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
And Lynn Lockwood. "B" camera operator. Leica enthusiast. Badass. pic.twitter.com/qckTBBs72N
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
11. Aaron & Moira (mild spoilers) pic.twitter.com/Avb2MOl5JL
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
12. Mark Freeborn. Production designer, Tom Waits fan. pic.twitter.com/iXDKezV87I
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
13. Ok, last one for now. @kidblue, ladies and gents. (mild spoilers) pic.twitter.com/dwseWAGWDy
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 16, 2013
“Ozymandias” marked Johnson’s third time directing Breaking Bad, following Season 3′s “Fly” and Season 5′s “Fifty-One.” In a pre-episode interview with Rolling Stone, Johnson spoke about returning to the show, and the pressure not to screw it up.
It’s just such a cool group of folks. It was nice being back for a third time because I felt like one of the family a little bit, and that’s a really nice family to feel a part of. Not only is everyone cool and so talented on the show, but there was also this sense (especially in this last run) that everyone is contributing to something really special. I think there was a tangible feeling on set that we’re all kind of in the World Series with this one, so don’t mess it up.
Judging by the awed reactions to last night’s episode, I think it’s safe to say he knocked it out of the park. Breaking Bad‘s penultimate episode “Granite State” airs next Sunday, followed by the series finale “Felina” on September 29.
