‘Breaking Bad’ caper includes a missing script and an arrest

The popular cable TV series “Breaking Bad,” now in its climactic fifth and final season, is keeping much of America on the edge of its couch, with fans anxiously guessing how the show will end.

Xavier Macafee might have taken that anticipation a tad too far, New Mexico officials told the Los Angeles Times.

The 29-year-old Albuquerque man was arrested last week, accused of burglarizing the car of “Breaking Bad” actor Bryan Cranston in late December. Officials say he stole a script for the series, which is set in New Mexico.

Bernalillo County sheriff’s spokesman Aaron Williamson said that an iPod, a shoulder bag and “miscellaneous personal items” also were taken.

“I think Mr. Macafee got more than he bargained for, not just an iPod and a bag with other goodies in it,” Williamson told the Los Angeles Times. “So far, none of the items have been recovered.”

The series follows Cranston’s character, Walter White, on his downward spiral as he turns to producing and selling methamphetamine with a former student named Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul.

“The crew has been filming for years in our community, and we’ve had reports of break-ins of the vehicles of other actors,” Williamson said. “It’s unfortunate.”

The break in the case came after one of Cranston’s employees was contacted by a man who heard a bar patron brag about how he broke into a car and took items, including the “Breaking Bad” script.

Now some people are asking whether the show’s final season could be compromised.

In a statement, Sony, a “Breaking Bad” producer, acknowledged the arrest: “We applaud the efforts of the Albuquerque police in their arrest of the alleged perpetrator and we look forward to sharing the incredible last season with viewers when the series premieres later this year.”

Williamson said it’s unclear whether the thief made off with a final episode or merely a scene.

So, does he think that Macafee might try to rewrite a desired ending?

“Absolutely, anything could happen,” the officer told The Times. “This show has been like a documentary. People have strong opinions on how it should end. If that thing truly is an entire episode, I’m waiting for it to be all over the Internet any day soon.”

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