Is the whole premise of this show that Walter is magic just because he knows a tiny bit of chemistry?

So, to some extent, I think it's always going to be true that TV doesn't function like real life. Tony Stark couldn't exist. He parties every day, but is a beyond-genius across multiple fields of scientific and engineering achievement? He can read up on any subject overnight and just be a master of it? No. Whether it's the nerds on the Big Bang Theory, Walter White's vast intellect (and the over-applicability of chemistry to all situations), there will always be one foot in the implausible or impossible, because frankly, they have to make entertainment.

Some shows try harder, and from what I've read, Walter's stuff is grounded (somewhat), certainly comparatively next to other TV shows.

The show gives Walter an abundance of intellect, but it isn't confined to chemistry. I'd actually argue that his wasted potential is a big motivator for his character and a large part of the show.

As to the idiot criminals, they largely go away as the show goes on. When Walter and Jesse start out, as small-fries, they encounter similar "entry-level" criminals. They have very few meth cooks they meet. As they try to expand, they run afoul of bigger fish, and those criminals (like Gus) are anything but stupid.

He's smarter than everyone else (or, most of them), and knows chemistry, but I can't recall the show saying that his chemistry knowledge was what made him smarter.

You say that Walter's character becomes a magical / fantast figure ... do you have examples of when / how he goes well beyond chemistry? All his impressive acts (cooking 99% meth, poisoning people with ricin / lillies of the valley) have a basis in science.

He does make mistakes when he dips out of his element. See when he and Jesse rob the factory for a barrell; Hank and Steve laugh at how sloppy the robbery was. So the show doesn't make Walt out as this never-do-wrong kind of figure. He's just an excellent scientist

There are two kinds of people in the world when it comes to entertainment, I have observed. The ones who are willing to suspend their disbelief for something more important - suspense, thrills, comedy, adventure, etc., and the ones who simply won't or cannot. I suspect the former (the group I happen to belong to) enjoy life a lot more.

If you think Walt only know a "tiny bit of chemistry" you weren't paying attention. Go back and do that. Maybe actually learn something before you pretend you know what you're talking.

Thank you.

He knew more than a tiny bit of chemistry. He had a genius intellect and helped started a multi-million dollar company but his ego fucked him over and he ended up as a high school teacher.

No, the whole thing is really just Hal from Malcolm in the Middle having a nightmare. That’s it. So there, you is smarter and betta than this after all! Now back to ya preferred legit smart and realistic non-entertainment.