Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, learns that he is dying of lung cancer. Even though he is working nights at a car wash, Walter can't make enough money to take care of his family. He goes along with his brother-in-law, a DEA agent, on a drug bust which gives him an idea. Desperate to leave his family financially secure, he partners up with a former student and starts a meth lab.
Walt and Jesse clean up the remains of Emilio. Back at home, Skyler and Walt Jr. paint. Skyler is writing a story about a stoner and Marie thinks that Walt Jr.
The DEA suspects there is a new drug kingpin who is making super-pure meth. Hank gives dating tips to Walter, Jr. Skyler gets upset and Walt tells everyone that he has cancer.
Jesse goes to a job interview, but backs out when he finds out he will have to wear a costume. Jesse meets up with a friend, Badger who tells Jesse if he wants to get back into the crystal business, he will be his partner.
Walt wants to work with Jesse again, but as a silent partner and he wants to stay on the chemistry side of things. Skyler goes with Walt to chemotherapy, but he asks her to leave.
Walt is adjusting to his life as a criminal. Jesse wants to sell his house. Meanwhile, Marie throws Skyler a baby shower.