Ozymandias

Breaking Bad's 3rd to the last episode was named "Ozymandias". It refers to a 200 year old poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley who was inspired by a centuries old poet who in turn wrote about a real person, Ramses the Great of the Exodus saga. The super quick Cliff Notes summary of the plot is that no matter who you are or how mighty you once were, time will erase your glory, fame and/or infamy. 

A smart choice by the fantastically brilliant writers of Breaking Bad because the episode was all about Walt's fall from power and loss of family, friends and (ill gotten) wealth. Breaking Bad does indeed have Shakespearean/operatic/epic themes woven through it.  How riveting are those stories that incorporate lust, power, greed, betrayal, revenge and fall from grace.

I am sure the Bard himself would be glued to Breaking Bad if he were here today! 

;-)

PS Another thank you to my Dad who, although Ozymandias was not one of them, did read several other Percy Bysshe Shelley poems to me. "Hail to thee, blithe spirit!"