Meet Walter White. Standing in front of a plume of red phosphorus gas in the middle of the desert without pants. He's a lot like me, sitting in the middle of the Writers Guild strike, in a desert of television repeats, without pants. But that's all about to change after the jump when I tell you about this awesome show and put on some pants!

The show is called Breaking Bad which is American Southwest slang for "challenging conventions, defying authority and to skirt the edges of the law". Let's start off with some more enticing facts to wet your brain appetite.

• It's created by X-files producer Vince Gilligan
• It stars Bryan Cranston (Malcolm's Dad in Malcolm in the Middle) as a high school chemistry teacher
• It has swearing, sex, nudity, blood and plenty of illicit substances

Just watch the opening sequence of the season premiere for an idea what to expect (Note: You have to rotate the gas mask and click inside it to start the preview).
Honestly, what would drive a mild mannered chemistry teacher to such a state? As if the question wasn't enough of a hook, I'll tell you flat out that this show is what Weeds should have been from the get go: edgy, morally twisted, suspenseful, and dark! It's a shame it isn't on HBO because I fear that it may not get the exposure it deserves on AMC.

So what about the chemistry? Well, it's still TV aimed at the general audience, so I don't blame them for colorizing some gases in Walter's methamphetamine synthesis. What really attracted me to the show was his appreciation for lab safety, quality glassware, and use of Phosphine to get out of a sticky situation.

I can't say anymore, the first two episodes have been great. Tune in to Breaking Bad next Sunday!