Becoming Heisenberg

A high-school chemistry teacher (Bryan Cranston) is diagnosed with a deadly cancer, so he puts his expertise to use and teams with an ex-student (Aaron Paul) to manufacture top-grade crystal meth in hopes of providing for his family after he's gone.

At a birthday party for a successful former science colleague, Walter is offered a job; Jesse tries gaining legitimate employment but winds up back cooking meth, and an inferior kind at that; Skyler assembles the family for an intervention to get Walter to agree to chemotherapy, but he's concerned about quality-of-life issues and their financial difficulties.

Walter, in the throes of his chemotherapy treatment and needing money more than ever, agrees to cook more crystal meth with Jesse; Skinny Pete hooks Jesse up with an important new contact, while the DEA intensifies its investigation of Albuquerque's new drug kingpin.

The Whites throw a party to thank family and friends for their support through Walt's trying time, but it turns ugly when he and Hank get into a bitter argument; later, a pent-up and fed-up Walt tries to occupy his time with home-improvement projects. Worried about Walt's physical and emotional states, Skyler confides in her boss; Jane keeps her relationship with Jesse a secret from her father.

A new addition joins the White family as Walter Jr. attempts to help out his struggling family by launching a new Web site. Elsewhere, Jesse's addiction worsens and his relationship with Jane begins to negatively impact Walt and her father.

A shocking discovery unsettles Skyler; Walter Jr. leans on his father to make a special purchase; Mike gets surprise help from Jesse.

Walt celebrates another birthday. Skyler considers her options. An associate complicates Walt and Jesse's plan.

Walt takes control of business matters as Mike grapples with the consequences of his actions.

Walt ties up loose ends. Seeing the evidence of his success, he makes a startling and dangerous decision.

Everyone copes with radically changed circumstances.

Events set in motion long ago move toward a conclusion.

The acclaimed crime drama comes to a close in the series finale.