Post by Grubb.
Whenever Argentinians ask us where we’re from in the US and we say, “New Mexico,” their initial reaction is puzzlement, the usual confusion about whether we’re one of the united states crossing their minds. We attempt to clarify by adding, “Albuquerque.” Blank looks. Then the clincher, the option that always works: “Breaking Bad.” Smiles, nods, laughter, immediate recognition.
I love this because when Vince Gilligan first wrote the script, it was set in California. AMC optioned it. They had a tight budget so were attracted to New Mexico tax breaks. They told Vince to rewrite the script for Albuquerque or else they weren’t going to go into production. Vince had been around the block a couple times and wasn’t going to miss the opportunity. He quickly did the rewrites.
Say my name !
We’ve had the same experience many times, most recently in Egypt with a group of college age schoolgirls who we met at an obscure temple at the Siwa oasis in the desert.
I was trying to think if there was any other globally popular TV show that pegged a location like Breaking Bad did for Albuquerque.
Hopefully he got the volume discount on better call Saul🌮🌮🌮
He got plenty up front for “Better Call Saul” (luckily for him). I can just picture being asked by a waiter where we’re from and saying, “Better Call Saul” and having them reply, “Sorry, he doesn’t work here anymore.”
We, too, have had the same experience. Seems not quite as much the last few years. Charlie and I remember about 7 years ago in Italy telling a waitress we were from Albuquerque and she got so excited she started dancing around the bar. Yes, hmmm, what other shows have quite put a city on the map? Did you think of any, Ella.
I didn’t think of any. Not for Albuquerque for sure.
Well, “Sex and the City,” not that NewYork needed any help.
Oh good one.