They made lots of big changes. Jesse was supposed to be killed by Tuco in the first season for instance.

I think it was good because of smart writers, but also because it was at the time the only thing AMC had going for it (still the crown jewel after Walking Dead). The show had all the power and the network couldn't step in and make bullshit hollywood changes. Gilligan really had them over a barrel. "Make Walt have a gay sex scene with Jesse" and Vince is like "fuck off" - probably happened hundreds of times.

They made lots of big changes. Jesse was supposed to be killed by Tuco in the first season for instance.

I think it was good because of smart writers, but also because it was at the only thing AMC had going for it (still the crown jewel after Walking Dead). The show had all the power and the network couldn't step in and make bullshit hollywood changes. Gilligan really had them over a barrel. "Make Walt have a gay sex scene with Jesse" and Vince is like "fuck off" - probably happened hundreds of times.