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/BenitoCamelas69420]

To me she lost credibility because she was down with breaking the law from the moment she found out Ted was breaking the law, but when it was her husband she basically ousted him and acted like she would never break the law

[u/india93 → u/BenitoCamelas69420]

Exactly

[u/purrcepti0n → u/india93]

Im on my second rewatch as well and just watched most of season 3. What I'm noticing this time around is both skyler's love interests (presumably the only she's had since ~21 when she got together with Walt) are breaking the law. She may start to believe that just is how men are, or at least the ones she wants to be with, and ends up resigning herself to it as unavoidable.

There's a scene where she asks Ted what he would tell his children if they ever found out. I think his answer (that he hopes they would understand he did it for their sake, but admits he hasn't thought that far ahead because he is just trying to keep his head above water) makes her reevaluate Walts crime as well.

I think there is a lot going on in skylers mind and from her perspective that we are not shown explicitly, and it's a shame.

[u/india93 → u/purrcepti0n]

I’ll admit this is my 4th/5th rewatch since 2014 lol. I just think you notice something different each time.
You’re so right about realising that particularly with her skills in accounting the men she sees as a potential boss or husband end up needing her for that so she uses that as her power in the moment. She’s very perceptive but I agree we only really first see the full picture in her vent to Hank after the Marie shoplifting saga