I watched the first 4 seasons on DVD time and noticed the episodes kind of blend into each other about 3 or 4 episodes at a time. I could tolerate it watching multiple episodes a night but when season 5 starts airing I don't know how I will about the writing and episode pacing. Will it get frustrating waiting 3 or so episodes for some action or plot advancement to happen ala The Sopranos or since this is the last season will they actually have to much story to tell and therefore have more action and resolve.
From what I read is that the writers intention from the onset was to take an everyday law abiding hard working average joe citizen and see what it would take to transform him into a heartless kingpin of some sort. The cancer was just a way to get the process going so Walt could rationalize his actions. Walts moment of no turning back was when he allowed Jessie's girlfriend to OD and choke on her own vomit. His rivalry with Gus last season was actually him realizing he had to become Gus in order to beat him. Once you eliminate your enemy you become your enemy.
The meth lab was hot. Hank was onto the place and was even questioning the size and dimension of the machine that opened up the entrance into the lab. It was only going to be a matter of time when the DEA discovered Gus being killed by the wheelchair guy in the cartel and being allowed access to all operations owned by Gus to look for criminal and drug activity. Walt and Jesse's finger prints and DNA is all over that lab. The place had to go up in flames.
No doubt Hank will discover it is Walt.....but as the theme of the show "breaking bad" goes......Hank has shown signs of breaking bad (i.e. beatdown on Jesse) but I think when he figures out it is Walt, then that is where he crosses over to the dark side. He may not play along but I don't think he turns Walt in.
Just got thru the 2nd season. 20 episodes. Can't imagine it getting much better than this from here on out. I'm on vacation from work and it's 97 out today. Been having a Breaking Bad marathon here the last 2 days. It's not as good as The Wire, but it's at the top of that 2nd group for me. I don't know how many more I can watch without a break here. 
