respond to my questions and a question or observation of your own (a, b, c, d and e below) by
a) The “Pilot” episode begins with a narrative technique that is referred to as a “cold open,” then goes back in time to show us how Walt ended up in that situation. What is the effect of this nonlinear sequencing on the narrative and audience participation?
b) The “Pilot” episode has been called “the perfect pilot.” Considering the serialized nature of television shows and the functions of a pilot (or first) episode, why do you think this is considered such an outstanding example of a pilot?
c) Even if you haven’t seen the episodes in between, “Ozymandias” still acts as a bookend to the first episode in several ways and we can still understand how the story has progressed. How does it show us the character development of Walt and the other major characters? How does it comment on identity?
d) “Ozymandias” was titled after Percy Bysshe Shelley’s 1818 poem, “Ozymandias.” What does this suggest about the relationship of art to other art and storytelling?
e) Post any question or observation you have about either or both episode(s), the poem, or the relationship of any or all of the works to each other (feel free to embed a clip or image).