Breaking Bad is a critically acclaimed television series that captivated audiences with its gripping narrative and complex characters. The show revolves around Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer, and his former student, Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul). As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into a world of moral ambiguity, desperation, and the consequences of choices made.
Breaking Bad expertly weaves together elements of crime, drama, and dark humor, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with its intense storytelling and unexpected plot twists. With its superb acting, writing, and direction, Breaking Bad has solidified itself as one of the greatest TV dramas ever. However, the show makers planned on killing an important character in the first season.
Breaking Bad Writers Wanted To Kill Off A Lead Character
Breaking Bad embarked on a compelling trajectory, starting with a protagonist who was initially relatable and transformed him into a true antagonist throughout its five seasons. While Walter White remained at the story’s core, the later installments delved into complex moral dilemmas faced by Skyler (Anna Gunn), Walter’s wife, Hank, his brother-in-law, and above all, Jesse Pinkman, his young accomplice.
Jesse gradually emerged as a pivotal secondary character in the series, descending into moral desolation in a manner that Walter had refrained from doing, thus becoming both a counterpoint and an outlet for Walter’s distorted paternal instincts. However, Jesse’s original role had a singular objective: his gruesome demise at the season’s conclusion was intended to present Walter with his initial major moral dilemma, accelerating his transition into a ruthless drug kingpin.
According to reports, the 2007-2008 writers’ strike, which resulted in a truncated first season of Breaking Bad, is said to have rescued Jesse’s character as adjustments needed to be made.
“In a sense, [the strike] didn’t save him, because I knew by episode two,” Gilligan once said. “Everybody knew just how good [Aaron Paul is], and a pleasure to work with, and it became pretty clear early on that that would be a huge, colossal mistake to kill off Jesse.”
Saving Jesse Pinkman Paid Off Big Time
The ending of Breaking Bad has been widely regarded as a masterstroke of storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and cementing its status as one of the greatest television finales. The series meticulously built up tension and suspense over its five seasons, and its conclusion expertly tied up loose ends while delivering a satisfying resolution.
The culmination of Walter White’s journey from a meek high school teacher to a ruthless criminal kingpin was both poignant and tragic, with Bryan Cranston delivering a tour de force performance. The well-crafted writing, superb acting, and the emotional weight of the concluding moments, including the intense confrontation between Walter and Jesse, left audiences spellbound.
Breaking Bad is available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: Looper
