The Hidden Reason for Breaking Bad’s Mysterious Twins' Unbreakable Silence

Summary

The twins' lack of dialogue is intended to intimidate and prevent them from being monitored, but it creates an unrealistic and exaggerated portrayal compared to the show's other intricately developed characters.

The Salamanca twins' preference for silence is evident throughout their appearances in Better Call Saul. They rarely speak, choosing only to do so in specific situations. However, it is interesting to note that they show signs of surprise and respect when addressed in Spanish, indicating that they reserve their verbal communication for only those they hold in high regard.

While the Salamanca twins play a significant role in season 3 of Breaking Bad, the decision to keep them mostly silent proves to be a creative misstep by Vince Gilligan. Initially introduced in Breaking Bad, Leonel and Marco Salamanca later make appearances in its prequel series, Better Call Saul. These hitmen twins maintain an eerie silence in both shows, speaking only a few sentences in Breaking Bad, including a flashback sequence that reveals them as children. Unfortunately, it is this lack of dialogue that prevents the Breaking Bad twins from becoming truly captivating antagonists.

Leonel and Marco are introduced after their cousin Tuco Salamanca is killed by DEA Agent Hank Schrader. Their primary objective is initially focused on Heisenberg (Walter White), the individual responsible for betraying their cousin. However, when Gus Fring forbids the killing of his valuable meth cook, their attention shifts towards Hank. Embarking on a violent and merciless journey across the Mexican border, the cousins maintain an uncharacteristic silence. Eventually, after receiving a covert warning from Gus Fring about their intentions, Hank manages to evade the assassination plot, resulting in the demise of the Breaking Bad twins. Though they exude intimidation, Leonel and Marco never fully assume the role of true villains.

Why Don't The Salamanca Twins Talk In Breaking Bad

The Salamanca twins maintain an eerie silence throughout Breaking Bad, establishing themselves as a formidable and mysterious presence. However, this approach falls short. As season 3 progresses, the audience gradually learns how the brothers make their way to New Mexico and become aware of Walter White and Hank Schrader. Their arrivals are accompanied by an ominous atmosphere, complemented by tense, ambient music that lingers in each scene. Their lack of dialogue only adds to the mounting suspense, as they rarely utter a word, even in interactions with Gus, Mike, and other individuals involved in the meth business.

Why The Twins Not Talking Doesn't Work In Breaking Bad

These cousins should be viewed as unstoppable murderers, much like the infamous Terminator or Halloween's Michael Myers. With their flashy sharkskin suits and silver skull-adorned cowboy boots, they are larger-than-life figures, symbolic of drug assassins. As a result, they sharply contrast with the more authentic and multi-dimensional characters found in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

The problem with the Salamanca twins and their taciturn nature is that it appears incongruous within the Breaking Bad universe. Characters such as Gus Fring and Hector Salamanca instill genuine fear because they are portrayed realistically. They are well-developed and not reliant on clichéd portrayals that equate silence with intimidation. Consequently, the Salamanca twins do not harmonize with the world of Breaking Bad, as their depiction comes across as overly exaggerated and cartoonish.

In the fictional world, the cousins are depicted as having suffered emotional trauma following an encounter with their uncle, Hector Salamanca. In this incident, Marco is almost drowned by Hector in order to impart the notion that family holds utmost importance. This brutal initiation, combined with their involvement as hired killers for the Cartel, may explain their lack of communication. Their silence serves both as a means to intimidate and a tactic to prevent eavesdropping by law enforcement. However, despite this background, the Salamanca twins feel somewhat disconnected from the gritty reality of Breaking Bad, leaving them feeling out of sync with the overall narrative.

Do The Salamanca Twins Talk In Better Call Saul?

Among the Breaking Bad characters who make an appearance in Better Call Saul, the Salamanca twins stand out. While the spinoff show does an excellent job of adding new dimensions to certain returning characters, such as Mike and Gus, the Salamanca twins remain largely unchanged from their Breaking Bad days. Their silent demeanor is still a significant aspect that is effectively utilized, as seen in their striking ambush on a rival gang's headquarters. Additionally, their relentless pursuit of Nacho Varga is nothing short of chilling. In a lighter moment, when the typically silent Salamanca twins encounter Jimmy McGill, also known as Saul Goodman, and his penchant for talking, a bemused exchange of looks takes place.

However, this does not mean they remain completely silent throughout their appearances on Better Call Saul. Similar to Breaking Bad, the Salamanca twins carefully choose when to speak, which is portrayed interestingly in the spinoff. For instance, they are seen answering questions from Don Eladio about the supposed death of Lalo Salamanca. Additionally, when a doctor arrives to treat Hector Salamanca after his stroke, the twins at first ignore her, but when she addresses them in Spanish, they appear surprised and impressed before responding. This suggests that the twins might only communicate with individuals they hold in high regard.