8 Moments in Breaking Bad When Walter White Lost Our Support
Walter White's dark journey takes a toll as he makes morally questionable choices, leaving viewers torn between sympathy and disdain This article explores 8 pivotal moments that shattered our support for the once relatable protagonist in Breaking Bad
Summary
Walter's decision to reject help from his friends and pursue a criminal path shows his descent into moral corruption and foreshadows his transformation into Heisenberg.
Walter's insistence that his son drinks tequila showcases his lack of consideration for others' welfare and his readiness to undermine his family's principles.
By directing Jesse to murder Gale, Walter not only crosses ethical boundaries but also exposes his readiness to subject Jesse to potential trauma and perilous circumstances.
Walter White, the iconic antihero of the TV series Breaking Bad, presents moments that challenge viewers' loyalty towards him. As the show progresses, Walt's questionable actions and motivations lead the audience to question their validity. Initially portrayed as a relatable chemistry teacher turned criminal to support his family and pay for his cancer treatment, Walt's likability diminishes as he justifies increasingly immoral deeds.
Gradually, it becomes evident that Walt's decision to produce methamphetamine stems from motives that are neither morally sound nor desperate. Walt's transformation into the ruthless drug kingpin, Heisenberg, is riddled with contradictions. While initially being supported by viewers, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand by him as his actions become more heinous. Throughout Breaking Bad, there are several iconic moments that force viewers to reconsider their perception of him as a hero or even an antihero. By the conclusion of the series, it can be argued that Walter has transformed into a full-fledged villain. Even his final moments of redemption fail to compensate for the scenes that cause viewers to withdraw their support.
8. Walter Turns Down Gretchen And Elliott’s Offer
7. Walter Forces Walt Jr. To Drink
Walter's refusal of Gretchen and Elliott's kind offer to pay his medical expenses in episode 5 of Breaking Bad season 1, "Gray Matter," highlights his pride and need for control. This pivotal moment sets the stage for his descent into darkness as he chooses to embark on a dangerous criminal venture instead of accepting help from his former friends. By rejecting assistance and embracing destruction and danger, Walter foreshadows the transformation into his morally corrupt alter ego, Heisenberg.
The fourth episode of Breaking Bad's second season features a significant moment where Walter compels his teenage son, Walt Jr., to consume tequila during a tense family barbeque. This uncomfortable scene represents a pivotal turning point in Walter's character development. It serves as a revealing portrayal of his increasing disregard for the well-being of those around him as he delves deeper into the criminal underworld. The act of pressuring his son to drink alcohol is a demonstration of dominance, particularly in response to Hank's disagreement. It unequivocally showcases Walter's moral decline and his willingness to sacrifice his family's values and safety for the sake of his own pride.
6. Walter Tells Jesse To Kill Gale
In the season 3 finale of Breaking Bad, Walter instructs Jesse to kill Gale Boetticher, driven by his desire to protect his empire and secure his position in the drug trade. This immoral decision becomes even more ethically reprehensible as the show's protagonist forces this task upon Jesse. This pivotal moment exposes Walter's callous disregard for Jesse's well-being, making it difficult to root for him. It amplifies Jesse's internal struggle, intensifying our empathy for him and emphasizing the clear moral divide between him and Walter.
5. Walter Watches Jane Die
The moment when Walter White witnesses Jane Margolis' tragic demise in Breaking Bad is pivotal, representing a significant shift in his character. While Jesse's girlfriend struggles and eventually succumbs to her own vomit, Walter stands idly by, choosing not to intervene. This chilling act highlights Walter's moral decline, as he now embraces the ethical shortcomings necessary for his success in the criminal world. Moreover, it emphasizes his escalating ruthlessness and ambition. Previously, viewers could disregard various warning signs surrounding Walter. However, his cold indifference serves as the catalyst for his transformation into the formidable drug lord known as Heisenberg.
4. Walter Confesses To Jesse He Watched Jane Die
The episode "Ozymandias" of Breaking Bad serves as a definitive portrayal of Walter as an irredeemable character. It features multiple scenes that effectively eradicate any remaining sympathy for him. However, the pinnacle moment arrives when Walt callously confesses his inaction during Jane's death, aiming to intensify Jesse's anguish. Furthermore, he complies with the torment and potential murder of his partner, revealing his complete lack of empathy. It is within this specific moment that Walter's apparent absence of remorse for his past mistreatment of Jesse becomes evident. This scene, among others in Breaking Bad, prompts the realization that Jesse is the character deserving of support—not Walt.
3. Walter Kills Mike
In Breaking Bad, Walter's killings are often seen as somewhat justified, even if some viewers may disagree. He typically provides an explanation for his actions. However, the killing of Mike Ehrmantraut in season 5 changes the perception of Walter. Mike, a practical player and a good judge of character, holds a moral code that contrasts with Walter's ruthless and self-centered behavior. Unfortunately, Mike's belief that Walter is an "amateur" is proven wrong, leading to his untimely death. Walt impulsively shoots him while he's trying to escape his enterprise. The loss of Mike, coupled with the senselessness of his demise, makes it impossible to support Walter's decision.
2. Walter Gets Hank Killed
The death of Hank Schrader, which is indirectly caused by Walter White, creates a turning point where it becomes extremely challenging to support him. Unlike other characters in the series, Hank consistently embodies fairness and morality. As Breaking Bad progresses, Walter's actions and decisions ultimately lead to a violent confrontation between Hank and the cartel. Due to Walter's unwavering stubbornness, Hank becomes a victim of circumstances, and the tragic outcome eliminates any remaining sympathy for Walter. This irreversible consequence of his choices vividly illustrates the devastation he inflicts upon those around him.
1. Walter Poisons Brock
The shocking revelation in Breaking Bad season 4, known as the Lily of the Valley incident, forces the realization that Walter White is willing to sacrifice innocent lives for the sake of his empire. By poisoning young Brock Cantillo to manipulate Jesse, Walter betrays their relationship deeply. This act exemplifies his transformation into a power-hungry, selfish individual devoid of empathy. It is at this moment that Walter transitions from being a morally ambiguous antihero to a character with reprehensible morals. As Breaking Bad progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to continue supporting and sympathizing with Walter White.
