How many TV shows can you name that star a chemist as hero and feature references to reductive amination and x-ray crystallography? I can think of only one.

Breaking Bad is by far and away my favorite show on TV. It’s got a truly addictive combination: intriguing premise, great scriptwriting, great directing and strong acting talent. And honestly, I’m hooked.

In addition to all the other things I love about BB, it occasionally gets around to some chemistry. Yeah, I know, the science of BB isn’t flawless, but let’s be fair: by Hollywood standards, it’s great. These folks did their research. In a way they had to, because the show is after all about a chemistry teacher who turns to cooking meth. And while the chemistry of a meth lab isn’t horrifically complicated, it’s more so than it appears at first glance.

Permit me to explain.