The Science of Breaking Bad (Mit Press)

Trumbore, Dave; Nelson, Donna J.

ISBN 10: 026253715X / ISBN 13: 9780262537155

Published by The MIT Press, 2019

This book is in excellent condition. There may be minimal writing on the inside cover or cover page. Cover image on the book may vary from photo. Ships out quickly in a secure plastic mailer. Seller Inventory # RDV.026253715X.VG

Synopsis:

All the science in Breaking Bad—from explosive experiments to acid-based evidence destruction—explained and analyzed for authenticity.

Breaking Bad's (anti)hero Walter White (played by Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston) is a scientist, a high school chemistry teacher who displays a plaque that recognizes his “contributions to research awarded the Nobel Prize.” During the course of five seasons, Walt practices a lot of ad hoc chemistry—from experiments that explode to acid-based evidence destruction to an amazing repertoire of methodologies for illicit meth making. But how much of Walt's science is actually scientific? In The Science of “Breaking Bad,” Dave Trumbore and Donna Nelson explain, analyze, and evaluate the show's portrayal of science, from the pilot's opening credits to the final moments of the series finale. The intent is not, of course, to provide a how-to manual for wannabe meth moguls but to decode the show's most head-turning, jaw-dropping moments. Trumbore, a science and entertainment writer, and Nelson, a professor of chemistry and Breaking Bad's science advisor, are the perfect scientific tour guides.

Trumbore and Nelson cover the show's portrayal of chemistry, biology, physics, and subdivisions of each area including toxicology and electromagnetism. They explain, among other things, Walt's DIY battery making; the dangers of Mylar balloons; the feasibility of using hydrofluoric acid to dissolve bodies; and the chemistry of methamphetamine itself. Nelson adds interesting behind-the-scenes anecdotes and describes her work with the show's creator and writers. Marius Stan, who played Bogdan on the show (and who is a PhD scientist himself) contributes a foreword. This is a book for every science buff who appreciated the show's scientific moments and every diehard Breaking Bad fan who wondered just how smart Walt really was.

About the Author: Dave Trumbore is an editor at Collider.com and a freelance science writer.

Donna J. Nelson is Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oklahoma and past President of the American Chemical Society. She was the science advisor to Breaking Bad.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Science of Breaking Bad (Mit Press)
Publisher: The MIT Press
Publication Date: 2019
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: very_good