The Shocking Truth Behind Gus Fring's Gruesome Decision

Summary

Gus killing Victor in such a brutal manner sends a clear message to Walt and Jesse that he would not hesitate to kill them if they put the operation at risk.

Killing Victor was not only a means of safeguarding Gus' drug enterprise, but also a display of his chilling and methodical character as a formidable antagonist. Despite the numerous instances of brutality exhibited by Gus throughout Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, the act of eliminating Victor stands out as his most jarring and defining moment, offering a glimpse into his truly merciless and unfeeling disposition.

Breaking Bad fans are still questioning why Gus chose to kill Victor instead of Walt and Jesse at the beginning of season 4. This decision sheds light on the psychology of the Breaking Bad villain. Victor, Gus' loyal henchman, played a crucial role in maintaining order in Gus' drug empire alongside Mike. Regrettably, Victor's loyalty and trust in Gus led to his brutal demise, as Gus unexpectedly slit his throat. So, what motivated Gus to kill Victor?

Breaking Bad is notorious for its graphic violence and unexpected twists, and Gus Fring is the primary source of much of the mayhem. Nevertheless, Gus' decision to kill Victor in the season 4 premiere episode, "Box Cutter," remains especially shocking. The iconic box-cutter scene, known for its depiction of gruesome violence, barely scratches the surface of its deeper significance. Upon reflection, this moment truly defines Gus Fring's character and solidifies his status as the ultimate villain in the Breaking Bad universe.

Why Victor Was Killed In Breaking Bad

Given their history, the decision for Gus to kill Victor becomes even more chilling. Prior to the events of Breaking Bad, it was revealed in the prequel series, Better Call Saul, that Victor had been working for Gus for quite some time. By the third season, Victor was responsible for overseeing the meth superlab where Walter White and Jesse were employed under Gus' operation. However, when another chemist named Gale Boetticher was introduced, Walt became concerned that he would be replaced. In an attempt to secure his position as the sole cook, Walt devised a plan to kill Gale, though Jesse ultimately carried out the act. Before Victor could intervene, Jesse shot and killed Gale at his apartment. In the season 4 premiere of Breaking Bad, titled "Box Cutter," Walt and Jesse found themselves held hostage by Gus, who sought to punish them for their actions. During this time, while awaiting Gus' arrival at the lab, Victor decided to cook his own batch of meth as a means of demonstrating his knowledge of Walter White's formula.

Gus Sent A Message To Walt & Jesse By Killing Victor

entered the scene, bypassing Walt and Jesse, and mercilessly slit Victor's throat using a box cutter. With a firm command to his subordinates to resume their duties, Gus revealed his displeasure over Victor being seen near Gale's murder site, which jeopardized their entire operation. Nevertheless, the motive behind Gus's decision to eliminate his trusted accomplice ran far deeper, aligning with his characteristic cold and calculated nature.

Why did Gus brutally kill Victor? While Gus didn't directly threaten Walt or Jesse after Victor's execution in Breaking Bad, he didn't need to. The true reason behind Gus' brutal act was to send an unequivocal message to the two men: if they jeopardized the operation, he would have no qualms about killing either of them as well. Although Jesse was the one who pulled the trigger and ended Gale's life, Victor foolishly allowed himself to be linked to the murder. In Gus' perspective, his decision to eliminate his former ally was justified when he came across a composite sketch of Victor displayed in a police station later that season.

The Box Cutter Breaking Bad Episode Was Almost Unplanned

: While others may have learned to cook meth at a similar level as Walt and Jesse, Gus was fully aware that they produced the highest quality product. This fact alone compelled Gus to eliminate Victor instead of Jesse, as he recognized the crucial role that Walt and Jesse played in the entire operation. In the fifth season of Breaking Bad, Walt mentioned Victor's demise while conversing with Jesse, emphasizing that Gus took him out because he had become too ambitious and attracted Gus' attention through his unbridled greed. In retrospect, Gus should have given more consideration to removing Walt and Jesse from the equation.

Breaking Bad showrunner Vince Gilligan has always been transparent about the creative process behind the show. In a surprising revelation during Breaking Bad season 4 in 2011, Gilligan shared some insider information. Speaking to AV Club, he disclosed that the infamous box cutter episode, where Gus murders Victor, was not initially planned when season 4 went into production. Gilligan explained that while they were aware of the tension building between Walt and Gustavo and had the necessary elements for a high-stakes chess game, the exact unfolding of this chess game was not fully determined at the start of the season.

The moment itself and the directorial decisions for how Gus murdered Victor were both natural evolutions in the creative process. The sound design for the scene was particularly important to Vince Gilligan, who made the choice in the moment due to its poignant effect.

According to Gilligan, the scene is very quiet, but only on one side. Walt speaks continuously throughout, arguing for his life and eventually begging for it. While many remember the scene as being quiet, there is actually a significant amount of dialogue.

Notably, the impact was increased as entire sections of Walter White's dialogue were omitted and Gus remained largely silent. Gillian offered her insights on the success of this approach: "In a scene like that, you essentially have two options: either the character is yelling and ranting, which in a way diffuses the tension—releasing the dramatic pressure—or you have a character who reveals very little, making it hard to gauge their intentions, all while they calmly put on a raincoat. The act of putting on the rain jacket in itself speaks volumes. We believed that this route was more unsettling and heightened the drama."

Gus' Arturo Killing In Better Call Saul Shows A Consistent Approach To Murder

In Better Call Saul season 4, the spinoff delves further into Breaking Bad territory, unveiling how Gustav Fring has always employed murder as a means to control individuals he would rather keep alive. Rewinding to Better Call Saul season 3, Nacho strategizes to seize Hector's position in the Salamanca drug operation by substituting Hector's medication with counterfeit placebo capsules, resulting in Hector suffering a stroke. While the cartel leaders assign Nacho and Arturo to take Hector's place, Gus instructs Victor to tail and investigate the duo. In the second episode of Better Call Saul season 4, titled "Breathe," Gus confirms that Nacho is accountable for Hector's stroke.

Gus's brutal takeover of Nacho and Arturo's drug operation results in Arturo being suffocated and killed by Gus using a plastic bag. To conceal the true cause of Arturo's death, Victor and Tyrus make it appear like a gang-related incident. Gus takes this opportunity to inform Nacho that he is aware of Nacho's role in crippling Hector Salamanca. Similar to his motive behind killing Victor in Breaking Bad, Gus eliminates Arturo in Better Call Saul to establish complete control over Nacho, who is more valuable to him alive.

Better Call Saul offers a chilling glimpse into the terrifying persona of Gustav Fring, revealing that his killings serve as both punishment and warnings of future consequences. Although the executions of Victor in Breaking Bad and Arturo in Better Call Saul differ, they expose Gus's consistent use of brutal deaths to maintain control over his subordinates. Additionally, Gus's revelation to Nacho about his intentions for Hector's fate demonstrates the careful planning and strategic thinking behind Gus's long-term goals.

In the end, it required the brilliance of Walter White to ultimately outwit Gus in Breaking Bad. However, as Better Call Saul uncovers, the demise of Gustavo Fring fails to quench viewers' thirst for more of Giancarlo Esposito's memorable antagonist.

Gus Murdering Victor Has More Context Thanks To Lalo

The execution of Victor in Breaking Bad becomes even more impactful following Gus's elimination of Lalo in Better Call Saul. It demonstrates that beneath Gus's calm and respectful demeanor lies the true embodiment of danger within his team. By showcasing how Gus outmaneuvered Lalo's guerilla tactics, it provides additional context to understand his ability to swiftly and ruthlessly eliminate his targets, making Victor appear even more insignificant in comparison.

In many ways, Lalo was vital in keeping Gus grounded. Beneath Lalo's chaotic and charismatic façade lies a level of calculated thinking that even rivals Gus, only falling short due to Lalo's inherent arrogance. Having dealt with, studied, and ultimately eliminated the menacing figure that is Lalo Salamanca from Better Call Saul, Gus emerged wiser from the ordeal. Wondering why Gus killed Victor? Similarly to his actions against Lalo, killing Victor in Breaking Bad was the simplest and swiftest means for Gus to secure what was in his best interest and that of the organization.

Gus Killing Victor Is Still His Most Ruthless Moment

Gus Fring, a character in Better Call Saul, is further delved into, shedding light on new facets of his persona and providing insight into his life beyond the criminal empire. The prequel series portrays instances of Gus' ruthlessness and brutality, evident in his triumph over Lalo and the elimination of Arturo; however, his killing of Victor remains the most appalling action. One of Gus Fring's remarkable traits lies in his uncanny ability to blend in, leading many to underestimate him.

Gus's killing of Victor in a chilling manner reveals the hidden rage and cold-bloodedness lurking beneath his unassuming demeanor. This act removes the mask, forever altering the audience's perception of Gus. Subsequently, the impact of his later shocking actions on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul is diminished, as viewers have now witnessed the extent of Gus's capabilities.