Yeah, Walt got what he deserved, but he was still easy to root for until the end (largely because Jack and especially Todd were so much worse).
I've been really thinking about this. Because honestly, I was really bothered at Walt's transformation. Initially I was 'on his side' so to speak, but as 'Hisenberg' grew....I came to enjoy the supporting cast of characters more than Walt. I liked, Gus....LOVED Mike...I found Hank to be awesome. Never really cared for Skylar one way or the other. I think that actress did a fine job but that character never did anything for me. I wavered back and forth on Jesse at times but was 'on his side' for pretty much the last two seasons. He really was not that smart...but then at times he was. I mean he came up with two of the best ideas on the show....steal the Methlamyne from the train and lure Walt out of hiding by threatening his money and at the same time had so many chances to just get out of it all together but didn't. BYW...him having to watch Brocks mom get murdered....BRUTAL!!!
But for me, Walt's ego began to get to me. I've always had a chip on my shoulder when it comes to 'cocky' personalities and near the end that's where Walt's 'Hisenberg' ended up. He was certainly smart, crafty and to be feared but something just rubbed me the wrong way about him and I think it was essentially what Mike said to him right before Walt killed him. They all had a good thing going, making a ton of money in a 'safe' manner with really no worries but Walt's ego tore it all down. BUT...that's what I loved about the last episode. When Walt finally realized that he wasn't doing all that for his family...he did it because he enjoyed the power and control. I liked that he saved Jesse after spending the better part of two years just treating the dude like $hit.
Oh yeah...Hank getting killed was just a brutal scene as well. his last words to Walt about him being the smartest man I know, the tone of the way he said it was endearing actually....because he wasn't an idiot either and I'm sure he pieced it together that it all kind of got away from Walt, so he knew Walt still loved him as he pleaded for his life yet knew he was a dead man...so when he addressed Walt his tone changed and it was calm and endearing....such a well done scene but heck....you could say that for basically every scene in that show
That song selection and first line of 'Guess I Got What I Deserved' was just so perfect. In the end it was good to see Walt orchestrate his own demise while taking down the remainder of the 'loose' ends. Poisoning Lydia, killing all the Nazi gang dudes....essentially assuring that his kids will actually be taken care of with the 'grant' money....it was cool to see.
I think this may be the first time something that I was late to the party on that had been hyped so much actually lived up to and exceeded expectations.
Now I'm just curious about Better Call Saul and how many more seasons they'll go with that....where they'll leave off/lead into?
And, could they ever pull off a spin off of what ever came of Jesse Pinkman or would that ruin that special, uniqueness of the finale episode? Is it better left to speculation or could they catch lightning in a bottle again?