With just a few (excruciatingly long) hours left before the “Breaking Bad” finale, the buzz about the final Heisenberg hijinks is reaching a thundering crescendo.
Fans are taking to Twitter and Reddit to air their wildest predictions about the enigmatic episode called “Felina,” while stars like Aaron Paul are teasing fans with cryptic hints about what’s to come. On Monday, Netflix even launched its Spoiler Foiler to help baddies avoid spoilers from “Breaking Bad” on their Twitter feeds. The AMC mega-hit has stirred boisterous conversations both on- and offline, so it’s no wonder fans are congregating to take in the final episode — what’s perhaps the most anticipated scripted TV event of the social media era — en masse.
Across the country, “Breaking Bad” devotees are planning viewing parties, with hazmat suits, Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken and rocky blue treats galore. Check out these six “Breaking Bad” viewing parties happening throughout the U.S. on Sunday, when fans will be getting their final fix.
Los Angeles
What better place to break bad than in Hollywood’s most storied cemetery? Cinespia will screen the skein’s pilot, followed by the series finale at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Embassy DJ Chris Holmes and Questlove will be spinning before and after the episodes, and best of all, the cast and crew will be on hand for a Q&A post-screening.
While $45 tickets sold out in about one minute, die-hards have bid more than $1,000 on eBay for a single ticket to the event. Event organizers say they’ll be checking IDs at the gate to curb scalping.
Proceeds from the screening will benefit the Kind Campaign; a related contest (offering two lucky winners the chance to “cook” with Aaron Paul before the screening) has already raised $1.8 million for the anti-bullying organization.
Miami
Some might argue that no viewing party is complete without a costume contest. At Will Call in Miami, the fan with the baddest “Breaking Bad”-inspired costume will win a $50 bar tab, with which they can enjoy Heisenberg martinis with crystal-blue Pop Rocks on the rim. Second- and third-place winners will go home with some “Bad” merch. Those not donning yellow hazmat suits can get into the spirit with a bucket of Pollos Hermanos fried chicken — fandom never tasted so greasy.
New York
Professor Thom’s in Gramercy has hosted Breaking Bad viewing parties all season long, and Sunday’s is sure to be bigger and badder than the rest. With happy hour prices and “free plot determined shots,” attendees may want to come prepared for a bar-wide “Breaking Bad” drinking game.
Philadelphia
Fans at Old Eagle Tavern will be reliving every intense twist and turn from season five all day long before the finale airs at 9 p.m. Taking a cue from Will Call, OET will offer a Los Pollos Hermanos fried chicken special, drafts inspired by the show’s characters (the “Skyler White” is Flying Dog Raging Bitch IPA), and a costume contest. Because this is Eagles territory, the marathon will pause for that afternoon’s big NFL game.
Boston
Boston-based baddies can head to Tommy Doyle’s in Kendall Square, where “Felina” will screen on two projectors and five LCD televisions. The event is free, but organizers are requesting a minimum donation of $5 for Substance Abuse Prevention at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Albuquerque, N.M.
“Breaking Bad’s” hometown would be remiss if it didn’t bid the show proper adieu. Local fans will be headed to Hotel Albuquerque for a screening with themed treats and libations, booths from local businesses who specialize in “Breaking Bad” products, and a discussion with local talent who have contributed to the series.
The series finale of “Breaking Bad” will air on AMC at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
