The Untold Secrets of Jesse's Close Calls in Breaking Bad

Throughout the series Breaking Bad, Jesse Pinkman, although considered the most "good" character, made numerous foolish mistakes that posed a serious threat to his and Walter White's drug business. Initially introduced as a clueless 24-year-old criminal, Jesse was unexpectedly chosen by Walt to assist him in the meth-cooking trade. Through blackmail, they formed an agreement where Walt would produce the potent crystal meth, while Jesse would handle its distribution. However, their lives became increasingly complex after their partnership, and both individuals played a role in the failures they faced. Over the course of five seasons, Jesse's poor judgment led to a multitude of errors that nearly destroyed their drug empire.

7 Jesse Tried To Bring Emilio & Krazy-8 In On The Operation

Jesse's initial misstep occurred during the Breaking Bad pilot, and it was a significant one. While it was understandable that Jesse couldn't be solely blamed for the involvement of Emilio Koyama and Krazy-8 in his and Walt's plans, he was the one who introduced them to the situation. After Walt successfully cooked a remarkable batch of crystal meth, Jesse approached Krazy-8, who happened to be Emilio's cousin and an experienced meth distributor in Albuquerque. Unfortunately, this decision marked the beginning of a downward spiral.

Unbeknownst to Jesse, Krazy-8 was actually working as an informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration. Consequently, he immediately grew suspicious of partnering with Jesse and Walt. When the four men finally gathered, Emilio recognized Walt from a previous encounter when Walt had accompanied his DEA officer brother-in-law Hank Schrader during a drug bust that led to Emilio's arrest. In an attempt to eliminate Walt, the cousins plotted against him. However, Walt cleverly used phosphine gas to kill Emilio and incapacitate Krazy-8. Thus, in the inaugural episode of Breaking Bad, Jesse unwittingly set himself and Walt on a path fraught with peril.

6 The Tub Incident In Breaking Bad Season 1

Just one episode later, Jesse committed one of the most significant mistakes in the history of Breaking Bad. Following a conversation with Walt, they reached an agreement that Walt would eliminate Krazy-8 while Jesse would take care of disposing of Emilio's body. Walt provided Jesse with explicit instructions on how to dissolve the corpse using hydrofluoric acid. However, Jesse's stubbornness, which was evident throughout Breaking Bad season 1, episode 2, led him to come up with what he believed to be a "better" idea.

Rather than utilizing a large plastic container for the gruesome disposal (since hydrofluoric acid does not eat through plastic), Jesse thought it would be more convenient to use the upstairs tub in his house. He placed his former partner's lifeless body in the bathtub and proceeded to pour hydrofluoric acid all over it. However, over time, the acid ate through the tub and the flooring beneath it, causing the entire structure to collapse along with Emilio's repulsive remains. Miraculously, Walt and Jesse managed to clean up the mess without anyone discovering what had occurred in Jesse's house. Nevertheless, this mistake had the potential to jeopardize their entire operation before it even had a chance to begin.

5 Jesse Parked The RV In Front Of Walt's House

Jesse's desperate situation led him to steal Walt and Jesse's RV back from the impound lot, despite the risk involved. However, his decision to bring the stolen RV to Walt's house proved to be a grave mistake. In his state of distress, Jesse's main priority was to obtain his share of the remaining drug money from Walt. Unbeknownst to him, this choice would expose their drug operation to potential scrutiny from anyone, including Hank, and could have resulted in their arrest.

4 Jesse Started Using Heroin In Breaking Bad Season 2

In Breaking Bad, Jesse encountered numerous hardships, but the murder of his close friend Combo by an 11-year-old, as per the request of rival drug dealers in season 2, pushed him to his lowest point. Overwhelmed by grief and entangled in an unhealthy relationship with Jane Margolis, Jesse found solace in heroin. Together, they plunged into the dangerous world of drug abuse, and on a crucial day when Walt needed Jesse's share of their meth supply, Jesse was incapacitated by his high.

Fortunately, Walt managed to retrieve the meth and handed it over to Gus Fring, securing a substantial payment of $1.2 million. However, Jesse's reckless behavior nearly caused them to miss out on this life-changing opportunity. Recognizing that Jesse's addiction posed a significant threat to his own empire, Walt was motivated to assist Jesse in seeking help, albeit driven by his own selfish motives. Eventually, with Walt's support, Jesse entered rehab at the end of Breaking Bad season 2.

3 Jesse Accidentally Led Hank To The RV

During Breaking Bad season 3, episode 6, Jesse unknowingly led Hank to their RV. Walt, realizing that Hank was closing in, went to the repair yard to destroy the vehicle without informing Jesse. However, Jesse discovered Walt's actions and believed that he had been betrayed. In an attempt to evade Hank, Walt and Jesse came up with a plan. They contacted Saul Goodman, who arranged for his secretary to pose as a police officer and inform Hank of a fake car accident involving his wife. This ruse successfully diverted Hank's attention, allowing Walt and Jesse to destroy the RV.

2 The Plan To Kill 2 Of Gus' Dealers

Jesse's determination for revenge was unwavering upon discovering the truth behind Combo's murder in Breaking Bad season 3. Coerced by Gus' drug dealers, Tomas was forced to carry out the act and was later killed himself, leaving Jesse seething with anger. Despite the immense power and influence of Gus, Jesse was prepared to take matters into his own hands and eliminate the two responsible drug dealers.

In a moment of weakness, Jesse succumbed to the temptation of snorting meth, relapsing after his time in rehab. Armed with a gun, he confronted the two men on the street, intending to exact his vengeance. However, before he could pull the trigger, Walt intervened, using his car to run over the drug dealers. This turn of events forced Jesse to go on the run, while Walt skillfully covered up their actions in order to protect their connection with Gus. Although the outcome remained the same, Jesse's ill-advised plan to eliminate two of Gus' men in Breaking Bad proved to be a grave decision.

1 Jesse Stole Meth From Gus In Breaking Bad

Throughout the progression of Breaking Bad, the relationship between Walt and Jesse deteriorated, causing a significant decline in Jesse's overall well-being. As a result of Walt's manipulative actions, which included forcing Jesse to murder Gale Boetticher, Jesse resorted to hosting drug-fueled parties at his residence as a means to cope with his overwhelming guilt. His behavior grew increasingly reckless, leading him to pilfer meth from the superlab for these gatherings. It became evident that Jesse had little regard for the consequences he faced, displaying a lack of concern for how his actions impacted Walt.

In the fifth season of Breaking Bad, Jesse deliberately came close to exposing Walt's deep involvement in the crystal meth trade on several occasions. This strategic move was motivated by his desire to bring down Walt, seeking retribution for the immense hardships he had endured under the older man's influence. Consequently, each instance in which Jesse posed a threat to Walt's drug empire was not a mere accident but rather a methodically calculated approach to ensure Walt's ultimate incarceration.