Darkly funny side of small town meth trade

MESSED UP: Breaking Bad.

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When Aaron Paul first saw a script for Breaking Bad he thought it was the best thing he ever read, but he was convinced it would never get made.

"I thought 'how can (American cable network) AMC pick up a show about this subject matter?'- a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White (Brian Cranston), who turns to a life of crime."

However, the programme is shooting its third season and has also picked up four Emmy Awards, with 30-year-old Paul this year nominated for his role as Jesse, Walter's former student and now meth making partner.

"I love stories that a lot of people are afraid to tell. But the thing is, this is happening. It is part of the dark side of the world we live in.

"For example, while we were shooting the pilot, there was a principal who got arrested for cooking and selling crystal meth to his students."

He says the popularity of shows like Breaking Bad and Dexter proves "we're all very messed up people".

"With our show, you get intrigued by the characters and you want to ride this rollercoaster with them, go through these emotions. I think it's nice to have ups and downs; if you don't, stuff gets boring.

"It's like a car accident; you don't want to see it but you can't help but look to see what's happening."

Viewers watching season two will see all the characters go through changes, warns Paul.

"You'll see a softer side of Jesse. There's a lot more drug use, a bit of his backstory and he gets constantly beat down. It's all pretty dark but yet you find yourself laughing at things you probably shouldn't be."

Despite spending much of his career living and working in Hollywood, Paul says he enjoys filming the show in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"It is nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. I love the setting; it's like another character of the show.

"Characters on Breaking Bad feel so desolate and alone and a lot of our locations feel that way as well."

Although he has done some work in film, he says he enjoys the family environment fostered by working on a TV series.

"The crew are all just as happy as we are to be involved in something this special. I've been involved in a lot of projects, but this I'm definitely most proud of. This could be my one shot to be a part of something truly spectacular."

Breaking Bad Season 2 will screen at 8.30pm on Monday nights on C4 from December 14.

- © Fairfax NZ News