Breaking Bad Preview: Season 5, Episode 3 - Hazard Pay

Factoring in last night's episode of Breaking Bad, I feel close to certain that things are going to come to an explosive head between Walt and Mike at some point. Or if not Walt and Mike then Mike and somebody. Mike isn't exactly a fan of Walt, and based on the promo for next week's episode, it seems he has some opinions on Walt's ability to run this ship.

I wouldn't want to get on Mike's bad side. But last night's episode was sort of a demonstration of the man's willingness to shift his strategy if he finds a potentially better course of action. It's hard to tell if it was strategy or compassion that saved Lydia's life. Maybe a little bit of both. We know he isn't an unfeeling guy, but he does what needs to be done. The emphasis on Mike last night leads me to think that something is brewing for him. He could prove to be a big roadblock for Walt if Walt doesn't handle him the right way. But based on the promo for next week's episode, it looks like he's prepared to get on board with Walt's new operation, at least for now.

"Just because you shot Jesse James, don't make you Jesse James," Mike says.

Something tells me Walt won't appreciate his authority being questioned. But based on this clip, it looks like Walt is going to bat for Mike in the face of an apprehensive Saul.

Is Saul right to be skittish? Absolutely. I feel like this may be a season of trying to figure out who has the upper hand. Maybe Mike's sticking with Walt because of money. Or maybe he wants revenge for what Walt did to Gus? It's hard to say. If there's one thing I've learned about this series, it's that people motivations aren't always fully revealed until they need to be. Last season's "Hermanos" is a great example of that.

In other news, it's worth mentioning that scene with Marie in the promo for "Hazard Pay." She seems to be demanding answers from Walt. What's that all about?

Breaking Bad airs Sundays at 10:00 p.m. ET on AMC. Read our full breakdown of last night's "Madrigal" here.