Introduction to Cliffhangers in ‘Breaking Bad’
In the world of television drama, few techniques have been as effective in keeping audiences perpetually on the edge of their seats as the cliffhanger. A narrative tool as old as storytelling itself, the cliffhanger has been a staple of serialized narratives, from ancient myths to modern TV shows. AMC’s ‘Breaking Bad,’ created by Vince Gilligan, stands as a prime example of how this technique can be leveraged to create an unforgettable viewing experience, masterfully using suspense to maintain a vice-like grip on its audience.
Defining a Cliffhanger
At its core, a cliffhanger is a storytelling device that leaves a plotline unresolved, its key feature being the creation of suspense. It’s a pause in the narrative, often occurring at the end of an episode or season, designed to ensure the audience’s return for more. Cliffhangers can take many forms – a sudden twist, a shocking revelation, or a perilous situation – but their common denominator is the generation of intense anticipation and uncertainty about what comes next.
The Role of Cliffhangers in Storytelling
Cliffhangers serve multiple purposes in storytelling, particularly in serialized formats like television. They are hooks that lure viewers back, fostering a sense of investment in the story and its characters. In the realm of screenwriting, employing cliffhangers effectively can elevate the narrative tension and pacing of a story, making each episode feel indispensable.
Moreover, cliffhangers can be an excellent tool for exploring character development. In moments of crisis or uncertainty, characters reveal their true selves, their decisions under pressure offering rich insights into their psyche.
‘Breaking Bad’ and Its Mastery of Cliffhangers
‘Breaking Bad,’ which aired from 2008 to 2013, became renowned for its adept use of cliffhangers. The series, which followed the descent of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturing drug lord, utilized cliffhangers not just for dramatic effect but as a way to explore the evolving dynamics of its characters and the escalating stakes of its narrative.
Each season of ‘Breaking Bad’ was meticulously crafted, with Gilligan and his team of writers using cliffhangers to punctuate and structure the narrative. These moments were never just gimmicks or cheap thrills; they were carefully integrated into the story’s fabric, ensuring that each cliffhanger resonated with the larger themes and character arcs of the series.
Contribution to Screenplay Structure in Episodic Television
In episodic television, the screenplay structure is key to maintaining audience engagement over multiple episodes and seasons. ‘Breaking Bad’ exemplified how cliffhangers could be effectively woven into this structure. The show’s cliffhangers often came at critical junctures in the story, serving as pivotal moments that either escalated the conflict or introduced new complications.
This narrative technique aligns with the classic structure of rising action, climax, and resolution, but with a twist. Each episode of ‘Breaking Bad’ would build tension, leading to a climax, often in the form of a cliffhanger, which then serves as the rising action for the next episode. This cyclical pattern created a rhythm that kept the narrative dynamic and unpredictable.
Additionally, ‘Breaking Bad’s’ cliffhangers were a masterclass in balancing the immediate satisfaction of an episode’s narrative arc with the long-term development of the season’s story. Each cliffhanger was a piece of a larger puzzle, ensuring that while the immediate suspense was resolved in subsequent episodes, it contributed to an overarching tension that spanned the entire series.
Analyzing Key Cliffhangers in ‘Breaking Bad’
‘Breaking Bad’ has been heralded as a masterclass in television writing, and its use of cliffhangers is a significant part of its storytelling success. These moments of heightened suspense not only captivated viewers but also served as crucial turning points in character development and plot progression. Let’s dive into some of the most impactful cliffhangers in the series and explore the screenwriting techniques that made them so effective.
1. “Crazy Handful of Nothin'” – The Birth of Heisenberg
One of the early cliffhangers in ‘Breaking Bad’ occurs in Season 1, Episode 6, “Crazy Handful of Nothin’.” Here, viewers witness the transformation of Walter White into his alter ego, Heisenberg, when he confronts drug dealer Tuco Salamanca. The episode ends with an explosion in Tuco’s office, marking Walter’s first significant step into the criminal underworld.
Screenwriting Technique: This cliffhanger demonstrates the power of transformation. The writers effectively use the cliffhanger to signify a pivotal change in Walter’s character. It’s not just about the action but what that action represents in the protagonist’s journey.
Impact on Character and Plot: This moment serves as a catalyst for Walter’s moral descent. It’s more than just an action sequence; it’s a statement about who Walter is becoming, setting the tone for his future choices and the escalating stakes of the series.
2. “One Minute” – Hank’s Showdown
In Season 3, Episode 7, “One Minute,” viewers are left on the edge of their seats as DEA agent Hank Schrader faces off against the Salamanca twins. The episode ends with a brutal parking lot shootout, leaving Hank’s fate uncertain.
Screenwriting Technique: The use of immediate danger and high stakes. The episode builds tension through the looming threat to Hank, culminating in a visceral and violent confrontation. This cliffhanger is about immediate survival, creating suspense through physical danger.
Impact on Character and Plot: This moment is crucial for Hank’s character development. It showcases his resilience and vulnerability, adding depth to his character. It also has significant ramifications for the series’ plot, impacting the dynamics between multiple characters.
3. “Half Measures” – Jesse’s Choice
Season 3’s penultimate episode, “Half Measures,” ends with Walter running over two drug dealers and shooting one of them, saving Jesse Pinkman from certain death. The episode concludes with Walter telling Jesse to “Run.”
Screenwriting Technique: Unexpected intervention and moral ambiguity. Walter’s sudden and violent action comes as a shock, subverting expectations. It also poses moral questions about his character and the lengths he will go to protect his partner.
Impact on Character and Plot: This cliffhanger solidifies the bond between Walter and Jesse, while also highlighting Walter’s increasing comfort with violence. It’s a turning point in their relationship and the narrative, marking a further departure from Walter’s initial persona.
4. “Crawl Space” – Walter’s Descent into Madness
The end of Season 4’s “Crawl Space” is one of the series’ most iconic cliffhangers. Walter, upon learning that his money is gone and his family is in danger, breaks down into manic laughter in a crawl space. The camera pulls away, leaving viewers with the chilling image of a man on the brink of insanity.
Screenwriting Technique: Emotional and psychological climax. This cliffhanger focuses on Walter’s mental state rather than physical action. It’s a powerful depiction of a character reaching their breaking point, effectively conveyed through Bryan Cranston’s performance and the episode’s cinematography.
Impact on Character and Plot: This moment is a culmination of Walter’s choices throughout the series, marking a point of no return. It’s a pivotal scene that sets up the series’ final confrontations and illustrates the psychological toll of Walter’s decisions.
5. “To’hajiilee” – The Desert Standoff
In Season 5, Episode 13, “To’hajiilee,” the series delivers one of its most intense cliffhangers. The episode ends mid-gunfight, with Hank and Gomez on one side and Jack’s gang on the other, and Walter caught in the middle.
Screenwriting Technique: In medias res ending. By ending the episode in the middle of action, the writers create a cliffhanger that is both literal and figurative. The abrupt cut-off leaves viewers anxious for resolution, a classic technique used in serialized storytelling.
Impact on Character and Plot: This moment brings various narrative threads to a head. It’s the culmination of Walter’s and Hank’s respective arcs, leading to a showdown that’s been brewing for seasons. The unresolved nature of the cliffhanger heightens the anticipation for the series’ final episodes.
The Art of Crafting Effective Cliffhangers
Cliffhangers, when executed skillfully, can transform a good screenplay into an unforgettable one. They are the tantalizing “to be continued…” that can make a series like ‘Breaking Bad’ a cultural phenomenon. In this final section, we delve into the craft of creating cliffhangers that grip audiences, examining the balance between suspense and payoff, and exploring their lasting impact on TV writing and viewer expectations.
Guidelines for Writing a Screenplay with Compelling Cliffhangers
- Foreshadowing is Key: Effective cliffhangers don’t come out of nowhere; they are the culmination of carefully laid groundwork. Use foreshadowing to hint at possible future events, which creates a sense of inevitability when the cliffhanger arrives. This technique not only builds suspense but also makes the payoff more satisfying.
- Character-Centric Tension: The best cliffhangers often revolve around the fates and decisions of characters rather than mere plot twists. By focusing on characters’ dilemmas or crises, you create emotional stakes that resonate with the audience.
- Variety and Creativity: Avoid formulaic cliffhangers. Be creative in how you leave things unresolved. It could be a sudden revelation, a character making an unexpected decision, or an event that changes the course of the story.
- Timing is Everything: The placement of your cliffhanger within the screenplay structure is crucial. Often, the end of an act or the final moments of an episode are ideal, but mid-episode cliffhangers can also be effective if timed correctly.
Balancing Suspense with Narrative Payoff
Creating a cliffhanger is not just about generating suspense; it’s also about ensuring a satisfying narrative payoff. If a cliffhanger comes off as a mere gimmick or isn’t followed by a compelling resolution, it can leave the audience feeling cheated. A well-crafted cliffhanger sets up expectations that the subsequent narrative must fulfill. The resolution doesn’t always have to be predictable, but it should be logical within the story’s context.
In ‘Breaking Bad’, for instance, the cliffhanger at the end of “To’hajiilee” sets up an intense showdown, and the payoff in the following episode, “Ozymandias,” delivers on this setup with a powerful, character-driven resolution.
Writing Prompts to Practice Creating Cliffhangers
To hone your skill in crafting cliffhangers, consider these writing prompts:
- The Unseen Threat: Write a scene where a character becomes aware of a danger they can’t see. End the scene just as they’re about to discover what it is.
- The Difficult Choice: Create a scenario where your character is faced with an impossible choice. The cliffhanger comes in the moment just before they announce their decision.
- The Unexpected Arrival: Write a scene where a new character or element is introduced, changing the dynamic of the ongoing situation, and end it before their impact is revealed.
These exercises can help you explore different ways of creating suspense and leaving your audience eager for more.
The Influence of ‘Breaking Bad’s’ Cliffhangers on Modern TV Writing and Audience Expectations
The legacy of ‘Breaking Bad’s’ cliffhangers extends far beyond the series itself. It has influenced how writers approach suspense and pacing in serialized storytelling. The show demonstrated that cliffhangers could be more than just hooks to keep the audience coming back; they could be integral to the narrative, deepening the plot and enriching character development.
This influence is evident in the heightened expectations of modern audiences. Viewers are now more attuned to narrative techniques and less forgiving of cheap or unearned cliffhangers. They expect cliffhangers that not only create suspense but also contribute meaningfully to the story.
Shows like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Stranger Things’ have followed in ‘Breaking Bad’s’ footsteps, using cliffhangers effectively to build tension and maintain audience engagement. The bar has been raised, and screenwriters are now tasked with meeting these elevated expectations, crafting narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats while providing a fulfilling and coherent story.
Conclusion
The art of the cliffhanger, as mastered in ‘Breaking Bad’, is a crucial tool in the screenwriter’s toolkit, a way to weave suspense throughout a narrative while enhancing character development and plot progression. By understanding the mechanics of effective cliffhangers and their impact on audiences, writers can elevate their screenplays, turning compelling stories into unforgettable experiences. As the landscape of television evolves, the lessons learned from ‘Breaking Bad’s’ cliffhangers will continue to inform and inspire the art of storytelling for years to come.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 