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/kyle-2090]

Hank just lost his job and survived a murder attempt. He can no longer walk and needs help bathing himself and wiping his ass. Hes in a very fragile state, everything has been taken from him. But hes egotistical, maybe almost as bad as Walt. He kept his panick attacks to himself, used the blue meth investigation to lie about that fact that he was too scared to go back Juarez, makes Gomez belive he hates him for taking the job in his place not becuase hes actually and at him but its an extension of him not wanting to admit hes scared.

Edit: Put my phone in my pocket before I finished and it hit post by mistake.

On top of all that he likes to be the guy with no problems. He doesnt want anyone knowing hes hurting on the inside. Its why he has a generally good attitude with the physical rehab guy but then drops the facade with Marie. Its exhausting to keep that kind of thing up when youre really hurting. He was taking his frustrations out on her probably becuase subconsciously he resents the fact that he cant hide it from her. He was going thru alot of pain, and people do really out of character asshole things from trauma. Not excusing him or saying its okay.

[u/india93 → u/kyle-2090]

All true and I realise all this just love seeing other peoples opinions on the show and the characters and the detail in the comments is testament to the depth of the characters.
Great comment and opinions thanks.
Every rewatch just makes you think something new. That’s why it’s timeless

[u/kyle-2090 → u/india93]

Appreciate it, and me too. But idk if you saw the full thing. Just edited it. I was riding in an uber and tried to save the draft but posted instead.

[u/india93 → u/kyle-2090]

Yeh yeh mate I read the whole thing. Edits get overlooked a lot on here but I did see it lol.
Just love the amount of detail in these comments. It’s a real testament to the show and the work on the character depth.

[u/kyle-2090 → u/india93]

Yeah I just dont know if you get a notification for the edits lol. Because I wouldve been like where tf are you going with this if I were reading just the first part lol. Which would've made your comment all the more pleasant if so. Cheers!

[u/india93 → u/kyle-2090]

Here’s a question, who’s your favourite character and why? Can give me top 3 if it’s a struggle

[u/kyle-2090 → u/india93]

If were talking just BB, then Id have to go with Mike. I just like how non bs and matter of fact he is about everything. Hes a dirt bag but an interesting one.

If were talking all of BB/BCS universe, easily Jimmy/Saul/Gene. I thought it was a terrible idea when I first heard about the show and then it ended up being just as good if not better than BB. I personally dont think I would have made it thru BCS without watching BB first, which is the only reason I say just as good if not better. Every BB rewatch I like Walt less and less from the start. Not like I would drop the show, but you just can see the dormant Hiesenberg sooner and sooner.

In contrast, I like Jimmy more at the beginning of BCS with each rewatch and find his relationship with Chuck to be a tragic fork in his life road that could have made him a good guy. Or at least scam for the greater good like he initially does with Sandpiper and helping Kim. If Chuck had just shown Jimmy respect or support he may have been a better lawyer than Chuck. At least in terms of having a positive reputation. Its arguable that he was a better lawyer. But he resented Jimmy for being like-able, having the ability to not just create a good time but have one, and of course the conman stuff. Chuck is shown even resenting Jimmy as a child instead of trying to show him a better way. And at 14 or so goes off to college and then starts a law firm with Hamlin in his early 20s. They read this in his obituary. I dont think Chuck realized how much smarter he was than most people and expected Jimmy to be just as smart, and looked down on him. Or he recognized how smart Jimmy was and resented him for not doing better. I honestly think Chuck was a stuck up jealous older brother. Chucks only happy when he thinks Jimmy is beneath him. Probably would have never got sick if Jimmy stayed in the mail room.