The Best Performances of 2011

The Cast of Breaking Bad

Fact: Breaking Bad has the best ensemble on TV. That was never more apparent than in the game-changing fourth season. Anchored by strong supporting players (Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt, Dean Norris), the killer triumvirate of Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Giancarlo Esposito shone bigger, brighter and badder. As the stakes rose higher, Cranston channeled terror, anger and hysteria before reminding us that Walt is still as cunning as ever, while Paul deftly navigated two vastly different Jesses: one floating in catatonia and one filled with conviction. And when it comes to scheming, Gus takes the cake. Letting his icy-cold, empty eyes and stern expressions speak for him, Esposito has created perhaps the best TV villain ever.