Breaking Bad is a TV show created by producer Vince
Gilligan. It premiered on January 20, 2008, and continued until the show’s
finale on September 29, 2013. The story centers on the fictional life of Walter
White, and his transition from an average citizen to eventual drug kingpin
after being diagnosed with cancer. The book Breaking
Bad and Philosophy: Badder Living through Chemistry, is an in-depth
analysis of some of the many different themes in the show and how they relate
to philosophy. One such theme seen indirectly throughout the show is that of
existentialism, which is discussed is chapter 4 of the book, Finding Happiness in a Black Hat. Existentialism is a philosophy that is
essentially defined as existence without essence. What this means is that as
people, we are born and grow up without any real designated purpose, and that
we must work to create that purpose for ourselves. Basically, just because you
are living doesn’t necessarily mean that your life is of any worth. We see this
clearly in Walt’s life in that he is a pitiful pushover who lets other people
run over him and make all of his decisions. His partner in crime, Jesse
Pinkman, also leads an empty life as a drug addict who gets high on adrenaline
and doesn’t have any particular direction or motive for his life. To overcome
this life without purpose, existentialists argue that there are two things you
must do. The first is to acknowledge the natural meaninglessness of the
universe, and that you must put meaning there yourself and become a free
individual by taking control of your life and your choices and not living for
others. Existentialists label this as being leading an “authentic life” and
being true to yourself. In the show, Walt takes control of his life through his
alter ego, the black-hat-wearing Heisenberg, who, unlike Walt, is direct, motivated,
and confident about who he is and what he wants. The second part is to take
accountability and accept the consequences for the actions you take in your
pursuit for meaning. This part comes much harder for Walt, who is accustomed to
blaming the world for his actions and manipulating others into believing they
wanted him to do the things he did. For Jesse however, this realization becomes
a key factor in transforming his character, and ultimately reflects how he and Walt
have similar arcs in opposite directions. Another theme of the show is the
folly of ambition, which greatly reflects the famous Shakespearean play
Macbeth. In chapter 6 of the book, Macbeth on Ice, the author explains how
Walter is bogged down by his life circumstances, his lack of happiness, and his
failure to fulfill his role as a man, and how all of these factors drive him to
what eventually becomes acts of pure evil. Like Macbeth, the audience doesn’t
think of Walt as necessarily a bad guy, and in fact continue to feel the need
to root for him even as he continues making the wrong choices. The primary
reason for this is recognized empathy for his situation. Walt has good reason
to want the things he wants, and viewers can see why he pushes hard to obtain
his desires. But, also like Macbeth, this ambition spirals out of control and
eventually become his downfall. These are only a few of the many themes and
symbolism reflecting in the show, and all of them tie into the overarching
theme of reactions, and what leads us to make the choices we make and think the
way we do.
Questions
1. Who was the
creator of Breaking Bad? When did the show premiere?
2.
What famous play
is Breaking Bad similar to?
3.
What is the form
of philosophy featured throughout the show that is defined as “existence
without essence” ?
4.
What character
seems to go through the opposite changes in mentality as the show progresses as
Walter White?
Discussion Questions
1.
Do you think all
people are capable of truly evil acts if pushed to their limits?
2.
Do you believe
there’s any morality in doing the wrong thing for the right reason?
3.
Do you believe
that all bad actions lead to eventual consequences?
Philosophic Moments in
the Show
-
Walter White “I am
Awake” = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBVQYL4Q51U
-
Jesse Pinkman in
rehab = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njuIKGNcTVE
-
Walter White “I
did it for me.” = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUJci5RWsqE
Other Informational
Videos
-
Walter White – How
A Man Becomes Evil = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mi3XFfAiCU
-
Jordan Peterson:
Breaking Bad = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDDtjQyFL6A
This is very interesting. I've never really stopped to think about philosophical implications within the show. In regards to your discussion questions, (1) I do not believe that all people are capable of the same level of truly evil acts if pushed to their limits. Although many may act in an "evil" manner, I believe that some may be worse than others, however everyone is capable of some sort of evil. (2) I do believe that theres morality in doing the wrong thing for the right reason. I feel as if there are some situations where doing the wrong thing morally is required to develop as a society. (3) I do believe that all bad actions lead to eventual consequences. As far as timing and severity, that is undeterminable, but something will eventually happen.
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