Key Takeaways:
– Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, initially had sympathy for protagonist Walter White.
– Over time, Gilligan found his sympathy decreasing due to White’s destructive actions.
– Gilligan was troubled by the unexpected hate directed towards Skyler White, who he believes played her role perfectly.
– Breaking Bad is now available for streaming on Netflix.
Breaking Bad’s Terrifying Descent
In the pantheon of television classics, Breaking Bad holds a unique place. The intense drama series that drew millions worldwide into the life of Walter White, a humble high school chemistry teacher turned ruthless methamphetamine kingpin, continues to resonate with viewers to this day. Portrayed with fervour by Bryan Cranston, Walter White is an emblem of moral ambiguity, upsetting the traditional good versus evil trope.
A Perspective Shift for Gilligan
Breaking Bad’s creator, Vince Gillian, recently revealed that his perspective on Walter White transformed drastically as the seasons rolled. Initially empathetic to Walter due to his struggle with terminal lung cancer, Gilligan confessed his sympathy nosedived due to the immense harm induced by Walter’s actions.
“Walter White has never been a good man”, Gilligan admitted. He observed that the character left a wake of destruction wherever he ventured. The striking truth about Walter, Gilligan pointed out, was that he refused assistance from friends to fund his cancer treatment, choosing instead an illegal and dangerous path.
Iconic Characters, Monstrous Actions
In a broader context, Gilligan brings attention to the paradox where audiences admire characters like Patrick Bateman from American Psycho, Joker, and Walter White. These iconic figures, despite their monstrous actions, have attracted legions of die-hard fans. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, and it raises complex questions about who we choose to celebrate and why.
Undeserved Hate for Skyler White
Anna Gunn, the actress who portrayed Walter’s wife Skyler White, was another hot topic in Gilligan’s discourse. Skyler, as a character, faced widespread dislike despite having no substantial cause. This, according to Gilligan, was deeply disconcerting. He praised Gunn for her outstanding portrayal of the stricken wife and mother.
As Gilligan explained, the lens of Breaking Bad was predominantly through Walter’s perspective. This, unfortunately, made Skyler’s character vulnerable to misunderstanding and consequent hostility from fans, despite her being a far less harmful character in comparison to antagonists like Gus Fring and Jack Welker.
A Chunk of Reality
Moreover, Gilligan highlighted a more striking reality about Walter White after years of retrospection. He now perceives Walter as an egotistical man “with an ego the size of California”. This acknowledgment unveils the truth that Walter was never a character deserving admiration or support.
In Conclusion
Breaking Bad, an undeniably gripping TV series, is filled with well-crafted characters that are engrossing yet deeply flawed. It’s fascinating to digest Vince Gilligan’s reflections on its central figures. Despite its controversial depiction of crime and morality, the show continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The series, comprising five thrilling seasons, is available for streaming on Netflix.
As we engage with such riveting narratives, it’s important to remember the distinction between fiction and reality. Walter White’s misadventures might make for engaging viewing, but his choices and consequences hold cautionary tales about pride, corruption, and destruction.
