Breaking Bad

So, I’m just after watching the Breaking Bad episode “Mandala”… you know, that one episode where Skyler sings “Happy Birthday” to her boss. It’s probably one of the most cringeworthy moments in the show… or at least, that’s what the fans will tell you. Watching this episode again… yeah, it makes for pretty uncomfortable viewing, but I personally don’t think it’s THE most cringe-inducing moment in Breaking Bad… my personal pick for that would actually be some of Walt’s shenanigans… and it doesn’t quite fill me with the same existential as when Fran Felstein sings it in The Sopranos.

Anyway, here’s my neutron bomb of a hot take: I actually think Skyler’s a brilliant character. Even back when I first saw the show, I never understood the hate some people have for her. Yeah, she has her flaws (like most of the characters in the show) and that singing scene is pretty eye-rolling, but I like how the character progresses as the series goes on. She definitely fucks up and breaks the law — albeit not to the same extent as her despicable husband — but whereas Walt goes into crime mostly to satiate his own ego and he constantly tries to justify his decisions, Skyler genuinely tries to protect her family, even as she becomes increasingly complicit in her husband’s affairs. That line, “Someone has to protect this family from the man who protects his family”, just says it all to me.

But that’s what I love about Breaking Bad. Most of the characters are not exactly what you would call good people, but Vince Gilligan and the writers do such a great job of making you empathise with these troubled, morally egregious individuals. Even Walter White, for as cruel and despicable as he becomes, is still a tragic and, dare I say it, pitiful figure. Ironically, that’s probably the most insulting thing you can say about him.