This episode is a sobering account of Walt's dealing with whether or not to take chemotherapy for his cancer. An old flame from his past is married to his former chemistry colleague. Elliot Schwartz (Adam Godley) was a graduate student and friend at the same college as Mr. White. Elliot's wife, Gretchen (Jessica Hecht) was someone Walter was deeply, emotionally involved with, yet the results were marriage to his pal. That baggage has never quite left him. Attending a birthday party at Elliot's mansion, WW sees how different Elliot's and his career paths diverged. Elliot offers to pay for Mr. White's cancer treatments, with Skyler definitely in favor of such charity. Walt isn't too keen on accepting his charity, however. Gretchen tries to appeal to Walt to take the money, but she knows (their conversation is quiet, withdrawn, and full of concealment (mostly on Walt's part)) why he insists not to accept. Meanwhile, Jesse tries (and fails miserably) to cook meth from memory (while working with Walt), along with his dope-head buddy, Badger (Matt Jones) inside the Winnebago. Not talking about the treatment, Skyler is fed up and holds a "family meeting" consisting of her sister, Hank, and Walt, Jr. All of them (a love seat pillow given to each when they are allowed to say their piece) have their say, with Walt just not wanting the treatment despite Skyler's objections. Marie (Betsy Brandt) surprises Skyler by saying she believes he ought to choose what is best for him, not what others want him to do. Walt, Jr. calls him a pussy! After some contemplation, though, Walt agrees to the chemotherapy. The family gathering gives Hank a funny moment to use sports analogies as a description for facing fear in the wake of the cancer in Walt's body, with Marie rolling her eyes and Skyler regretting passing him the pillow. Jesse and Badger really have a row, but neither packs much of a punch, mainly just scuffling, but it's hilarious.
Review of Gray Matter
