Walter White changed a lot throughout Breaking Bad, but honestly, his motivation was never what he claimed it to be. Bryan Cranston’s performance as Walter White in every season of Breaking Bad was astounding, and it was enthralling to watch him go from a meek high school chemistry teacher to the iconic and powerful drug lord Heisenberg over the years.
At the end of Breaking Bad, Walt admitted that everything he did wasn’t actually for the sake of his family. Previously, Walt constantly argued that the reason why he got involved in cooking and selling drugs was so that his family would be financially secure in the event of his death. However, Walt was lying to everyone, including himself, and the show made that clear.
It’s Time To Admit That Breaking Bad Was Never About Walter White Helping His Family
While Skyler & Their Kids Were Important, Walt’s Priorities Quickly Changed
On the surface, Walt’s motivation being his family seemed legitimate, and it made a lot of sense. However, upon closer analysis, this was actually far from the truth. Although justifying his actions for the sake of his wife and kids was the starting point, it wasn’t the main reason, at least, not by the end of the show.
Walt had made way more than enough to support his loved ones quite early on in the show, yet he continued to chase the high of his new lifestyle. However, there was one scene in season 2’s “Over” that proved Walt’s claims were just an excuse.
Walt confronted a man, who was buying supplies to cook meth at a hardware store. It became apparent his decision to get into drug dealing wasn’t just about those he expected to leave behind anymore – it was the thrill of the chase.
Walter White’s true Heisenberg persona started to emerge at this moment. He threatened the man because he felt powerful and knew he had merit in the drug community. For the first time in his life, Walt believed he had the upper hand, and he wasn’t letting go of that feeling anytime soon.
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His cancer was in remission, so it was no longer about healthcare fees or support for his family. Walt could’ve walked away from the whole game, but his pride wouldn’t allow it, something that the character clearly struggled with from the very beginning.
The Beginning Of Breaking Bad Proves Walter’s Story Was Always About His Pride
Walt Turning Down Gretchen & Elliot’s Money Shows It Wasn’t Just About The Family
Looking back, Walt’s “transformation” into Heisenberg was foreshadowed from the first episode, but Breaking Bad implemented the changes so gradually, it was easy to miss the signs. However, the issues he had with his pride were a part of Walt before he’d even fully dipped his toes into the criminal world.
In the season 1 episode “Gray Matter,” Walt turned down money for the best possible treatment from his ex-fiancée, Gretchen, and her husband, Elliot. While it was clearly hard for him to admit that he needed help, especially to the woman he was originally supposed to marry and who was now a billionaire, he could have done so.
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The Biggest Problem With Walt’s Plan In Breaking Bad Had Nothing To Do With Him Getting Caught
Walt’s plan to make money for his family via illegal means is at the heart of Breaking Bad’s story, but he overlooked a massive potential problem.
Walter White’s original plan in Breaking Bad was thrown out the window the moment he lied about his medical insurance covering the costs. If he was really that concerned about their fates in the event of his death (or to ensure he was around to see Holly grow up), then Walt should’ve swallowed his pride.
Breaking Bad’s overarching story was stellar, but the main character believed it to be something very different from what audiences perceived.
Walt’s claims weren’t completely untrue, as his family was absolutely a big part of his decision to stay in the drug business. However, his pride and greed were ultimately more important, and he failed to realize it wasn’t even about the money anymore.
Over time, his obsession with power and control overshadowed Skyler and the kids, but Walt’s pride also didn’t allow him to admit the truth to himself, so he continued to push this narrative from Breaking Bad’s pilot onwards. Breaking Bad’s overarching story was stellar, but the main character believed it to be something very different from what audiences perceived.
Breaking Bad
10/10
Release Date
2008 – 2013-00-00
Showrunner
Vince Gilligan
Directors
Vince Gilligan, Michelle Maclaren
Writers
Peter Gould, Gennifer Hutchison, Vince Gilligan, George Mastras, Moira Walley-Beckett, Sam Catlin, Thomas Schnauz