Dave Trumbore - The Science of Breaking Bad

Dave Trumbore and Donna J. Nelson

The MIT Press

Cambridge, Massachusetts

London, England

2019 Massachusetts Institute of Technology

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the publisher.

This book was set in ITC Stone Serif Std and ITC Stone Sans Std by Toppan Best-set Premedia Limited. Printed and bound in the United States of America.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Trumbore, Dave, author. | Nelson, Donna J., author.

Title: The science of Breaking Bad / Dave Trumbore and Donna J. Nelson.

Description: Cambridge, MA : The MIT Press, [2019] | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018041803 | ISBN 9780262537155 (paperback : alk. paper)

Subjects: LCSH: Breaking bad (Television program : 2008-2013 )

Classification: LCC PN1992.77.B74 T78 2019 | DDC 791.45/72--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018041803

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To Mo, thanks for everything.So (Dave)

To the arm-chair scientists, who love Breaking Bad and made it one of the greatest television series of all time.Dr. Donna J. Nelson

This is a story about a man who transforms himself from Mr. Chips into Scarface.

Vince Gilligan

Breaking Bad is not about meth; its about greed. About the way greed transforms a humble chemistry teacher into a merciless drug lord. By watching the show, nobody will learn how to make methamphetamine. They might, however, learn a few things about human nature, the rough road to domination, and the destructive power of absolute power.

Yes, I just used power twice in a sentence but what do I know, Im just a chemist. And so is Dr. Donna J. Nelson, a professor of chemistry at the University of Oklahoma and former president of the American Chemical Society. She was instrumental in helping the shows creative team present spectacular and slightly wrong methamphetamine synthesis processes. Thats right, some of you might have figured out already (the hard way) that Breaking Bad is not a how-to-make-meth guide. And neither is The Science of Breaking Bad, the brainchild of talented pop science writer Dave Trumbore, who coauthored the book with Dr. Nelson.

The duo lead us through a catalog of science-related moments found throughout the five seasons of the series. And yes, there is a lot of chemistry in this book. The explanations come in both simple terms (section 101 in each chapter) and more advanced descriptions. The reader also gets bonus content such as trivia and side reactions (Side RxN)worthy scientific observations extracted from various episodes.

Even addicted viewers will discover something interesting. Take the original opening credits as an example. Many have figured out that 35 and 56 are the atomic numbers of bromine (Br) and barium (Ba), respectively, and that the mysterious C10H15N represents the chemical formula of methamphetamine. But how about the meaning of the number 149.24? Take a guess: a) the molecular weight of methamphetamine; b) the water temperature at Bogdans car wash; or c) Bryan Cranstons weight at the end of the show. Yes, you guessed right.

There is more in this book than science. Dr. Nelson describes a few elements of her experience as a science consultant for Breaking Bad, from getting in touch with the production to advising the writers. She and I share an admiration for Vince Gilligan, the creator of what is arguably one of the best shows in television history. In my case, the admiration started on a fateful Albuquerque afternoon when, after a serendipitous yet lengthy discussion, Vince decided to give my eyebrows a chance. And what a ride it was! I learned a lot and made good friends. Even today, when Bogdan the car wash owner is walking the streets of Chicago, people stop him to chat or take pictures. Some know that the bushy-eyebrows guy who gave virtual life to the character is a scientist by profession, and some dont and dont care.

Now here is a word of caution: before breaking bad yourself, carefully read this book to get your red and white phosphorus right. Or send me a message; after all, I have a PhD in chemistry.

And ITS CHEMISTRY, BITCH!

Dr. Marius STaN

The Science of Breaking Bad began its journey as a pop culture article on Collider.com in the fall of 2013 and is now the very book that you hold in your hands. I thank Colliders editorial team for carving out a space for me to publish that original science explainer, which has grown in size, scope, breadth, and depth over the years on the path to becoming this book. I have MIT Press acquisitions editor Jermey Matthews to thank for reaching out with the opportunity to make this book a reality. It goes without saying that the show Breaking Bad itself wouldnt have been nearly as scientifically sound as it was without the consulting work of science advisor Dr. Donna J. Nelson; this book may not have happened at all without her involvement as a coauthor, so she has my thanks, as well.

My deepest gratitude goes to Allison Keene, whose love, patience, and support made it possible for me to finish this book. And many thanks go out to copy editor Julia Collins and the editorial team of the MIT Press, including acquisitions assistant Gabriela Bueno Gibbs, assistant editor Virginia Crossman, design manager Yasuyo Iguchi, and executive publicist and communications manager Jessica Pellien, all of whom lent their expertise to make The Science of Breaking Bad the best book it could possibly be.

Dave Trumbore

Id like to thank Vince Gilligan and the other producers along with the writers, cast, and crew of Breaking Bad for making my experience as science advisor so delightful and interesting. I also appreciate David Trumbores work on this book and his working with me. In addition, the patience and excellence of the entire MIT Press staff were of great benefit.

Dr. Donna J. Nelson

Figure 1.1

Dr. Donna J. Nelson at the Breaking Bad office in Burbank. Image courtesy of Chris Brammer.

From Dr. Donna J. Nelson:

My first exposure to Breaking Bad came from an article in Chemical & Engineering News (March 3, 2008, pages 3233), the weekly magazine of the American Chemical Society (Breaking Bad: Novel TV Show Features Chemist Making Crystal Meth). In this article, Vince Gilligan, the producer of Breaking Bad, was interviewed during Season 1. My eye was caught by the articles photo of the lead character Walter White standing in the desert, wearing only underwear, shoes and socks, and a lab apronnot lab apparel commonly seen. Upon reading the article closely, I noted a statement by Vince: We welcome constructive comments from a chemically inclined audience. This was an opportunity we had anticipated for a long time. Interested parties from the scientific community to the U.S. Congress had discussed the goal of influencing a prime-time television show based on science, as a way to increase the public interest in science. We couldnt see how to have such influence, but now, it was being suggested by a Hollywood producer!