How will Breaking Bad end?

Starting next month one of the greatest television shows I've personally (and I'm sure many would agree) have watched over the past 5 seasons will come to a close. The rise and fall of Bryan Cranston's iconic character of Walter White will be concluded, and with that it has me guessing how this show can end? Will it be a satisfying ending? (unlike the divisive ending of another famed TV show, The Sopranos) Will Walter White get taken out by his brother in-law Hank? Or will Jessie handle it himself? Or will Walter live? I can't even begin to pinpoint the infinite possibilities for the conclusion to some of the best writing TV has ever seen.

Another facet to all of this is just how lucky the show's creator, Vince Gilligan, admitted he was on an episode of the Nerdist Writers Panel podcast back in February, that it was the writers strike of 2008 that prevented him from essentially blowing the story arc of the show into the season finale of season 1. He said he'd originally had this epic ending that basically threw everything and the kitchen sink at the storyline of Walter White's character that would have prevented him from expanding on in later seasons had the strike not occurred when it did. Just hearing that blew my mind at how close this show was to never being able to evolve the way it has since season 1. Thankfully dumb luck intervened and Gilligan was unable to execute that plan.

So now the 2nd part of season 5 is set to air next month on AMC and on top of trying to guess how the ending will play out I'm extremely bummed that such an excellent show will no longer be on the airwaves. Let's face it, has there ever been a TV series that depicts such a miserable, deceitful main character you may find yourself at times rooting for? I realize that up until a certain point in the show that may be impossible, but the sheer brilliance of Bryan Cranston's acting ability provides the layers needed for one to not completely detest the character of Walter White. Even amidst some of his characters most evil moments he's able to project even just a microscopic sense of humility and innocence (at least that's how I've disgusted the character) And let's not forget the great supporting cast, with Aaron Paul's character of Jessie, and Dean Norris's portrayal of Hank. Add to it some of the reoccurring characters of Saul, Mike, and Gustavo up until this point and it has made for the perfect balance of drama and humor throughout the series. My only regret is Mike and Gustavo were killed off, that's the only criticism the show warrants in my eyes and it really isn't much of one all things considered.

Having said all that, what could possibly make this show's ending a memorable and satisfying one? Or is it impossible at this point, given just how GREAT the series has been that there simply is no perfect ending? Even if you're not a die-hard fan of this program, there's no freaking way you can ever say you've seen a TV series commence with a character driving a Winnebago, partially on fire, blazing through the New Mexico desert, while just in his underwear and wearing an oxygen mask in scene 1 of a new show. It had to mark the biggest WTF moment in the history of TV in my opinion. How do you top that kind of a series opening scene? I think in some ways I'd prefer the show to not have every loose end tied up. Maybe allow the viewer to create their own idea of how Walter, Hank, Jessie, and Saul carry on after all is said and done. Maybe it would be too predictable that Walt is ultimately caught and/or killed for all his wrongdoing in the end? Time will tell.

Please post any ideas or comments below! Nuff said.