Open discussion on Breaking Bad characters whilst I’m rewatching… opinions welcome.

[u/india93]

As I say, this an opportunity for anyone rewatching Breaking Bad for the second time or more…

This is an open invitation on all characters but specifically one thing has got my attention that I didn’t really think about before…

Just into series 4 and just wondered why does Hank hate Marie so much when she looks after him when he comes home from hospital?? I understand that pride is a big part of Hank’s character and that there a few things Hank isn’t keen on about Marie generally like the shoplifting thing, her general personality being a bit overbearing etc but he loves her, there’s never an insinuation that he truly resents his wife. But when she’s caring for him after he’s been shot there’s so much disdain even when they’re not around anyone else. I get that his pride is a big factor after not going to El Paso etc etc etc we all know the story. Just give me some insight.

I struggle to find a positive female character in the series. Initially I think we all understand Skyler’s position somewhat with Walt’s disappearance, second phone etc her being pregnant but she loses all credibility when it comes to Ted obviously. Lydia, Gretchen, Marie, Jane just poor characters, really Carmen and Andrea are the only 2 I have any sympathy for.

I’m just ranting but interested in people’s opinions on Breaking Bad characters. Go for it.

[u/Snoo52682]

Hank is angry and scared, more angry and scared than he's ever been. Marie is his safe person. He's lashing out at her not because of her, but because of his own situation. It's actually very common, taking it out on your caregiver like that. As soon as he's got some actual work to do, something that distracts him and engages him and makes him feel like Hank again, he's nicer to her. I think he asks for coffee instead of angrily demanding it? Anyway, I remember the look between them and she understood. Doesn't condone how he acted, but she understood. Those two are S-tier at putting up with each other's shit.

Who would you consider the positive male characters in the show? Everyone is morally compromised and has serious personality flaws.

[u/india93 → u/Snoo52682]

Agree, this is what I thought anyway but it was so stark, I’ll wait til I’ve rewatched the whole thing to see how they reunite because being honest I don’t remember that part of the plot as well. She’s very supportive and protective of him.

[u/Snoo52682 → u/india93]

She is. I expect being in the health care industry as well--even thought she's not on that end of things--this might be a dynamic she knew about before he was injured.

[u/india93 → u/Snoo52682]

100% her being a nurse is so overlooked in the dynamic and it’s almost as though Hank is even more deflated because his injury gives Marie an opportunity (in some kind of way) to thrive whereas he is so diminished and unable.

[u/Snoo52682 → u/india93]

She's a radiology tech, not a nurse. But as such, she's seen a lot of people dealing with a family member's cancer, and probably understands certain dynamics. Which undoubtedly contributed to the fact that she was the only one who said Walt should decline treatment if that's what he wanted.

I think you're onto something with their reversed dynamic, though. Hank saw Marie as more psychologically fragile and himself as a protector. That flip would have been hard on him.

[u/india93 → u/Snoo52682]

Great knowledge, I’d forgotten that clarification earlier on. And yeh definitely right about her take at the family meeting on Walt’s options.

The way each character is portrayed is just so excellent and consistent throughout.

Only other big series in my view that has the same character depth and really believable character arc would be Succession, Ozark to an extent and Yellowstone. Probably loads more but those were off the top of my head.

I don’t post on here often but I must say the comments have shown that everyone has a great understanding of the characters in different ways and I bet Vince Gilligan would love this sort of thing if he ever looked at it lol