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Clayton Garnett

College Composition I and II

Dr. Hatwalkar

An Analysis of Breaking Bad and its Representation of American Culture

The term “to break bad” means to reach the exact turning point in a person’s life where

they go from good to evil, which is why Breaking Bad is so aptly named. At face value,

Breaking Bad is tv show centered around the violence and drug production committed by high

school chemistry teacher Walter White and his former student Jesse Pinkman. But looking

beyond the crime and grit that the show is known for, we see an ordinary middle class man

whose drive to provide for his family would send him to commit some of the worst acts known

to our society. Viewers are faced with a moral dilemma on whether they should justify these acts

of desperation or condemn Walt for committing such horrific acts; even if they were in the name

of his family. The moral dilemma is why Americans enjoy watching television. It allows them

to be immersed into the underground criminal trade, and lets them feel the dangers that come

with it. The show not only exemplifies the crime and drug trade that takes place in urban cities,

but also shows the struggle to provide for a family that millions of Americans face and the

suppressed ability in us all to “break bad” under the right conditions.

In the first episode of Breaking Bad, it is clear that Walter White is a man who would

work his hands to the bone to provide for his family. Not only does he work his mundane nine-

to-five job as a chemistry teacher where he is not respected by his students, but he also has been
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forced to pick up a part time job at a car wash where he is belittled by his boss and students who

saw him working. The already struggling Walt is then diagnosed with lung cancer, adding

unbearably expensive medical treatments to his list of troubles. Walt knows he will never be able

to pay his medical bills on their current income, but if he does not go through with the treatment

he will leave his wife, disabled son, and unborn child alone with virtually no money. He then

comes across his former high school student, Jesse Pinkman, who is nearly busted by the Drug

Enforcement Agency for producing methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug.

Walt is aware of the outlandishly high payroll of a meth cook, and decides that with his

knowledge of chemistry and Jesse’s knowledge of crime and the meth trade, they would be a

promising partnership and he could pay for his medical treatments and provide for his family.

Viewers go on to see Walt do horrible things such as plotting carefully calculated murders and

cooking millions of dollars worth of meth all while trying to maintain his nuclear family

lifestyle. (“Pilot” Breaking Bad)

The show does an excellent job of portraying the wide spectrum of living conditions in

America, whether it be the lavish lifestyle of powerful men like the classy criminal kingpin

Gustavo Fring, the dangerous and low income neighborhoods that Jesse calls home, or the quaint

middle class suburban home life of Walt. This dynamic is not just seen in the meth-riddled town

of Albuquerque, but is widespread across all of America. A majority of the drug crime and

violence that occurs in America happens in low-income urban areas. People in these areas don’t

typically have the means for legitimate work due to cultural and economic problems. A lot of

people in these poverty stricken areas turn to crime and drugs in order to make a living. Viewers

can see this when Jesse tries to apply for legitimate jobs, and is shot down based on his lack of
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education and qualifications. This is contrasted when looking at people like Gustavo Fring or

Elliot Schwartz, who are both wealthy men who were raised in privileged homes with many

opportunities. This dynamic shows the problem with the contrast and unequal distribution of

wealth in America.

Money is not the only thing that can drive someone to these lengths. One of the biggest

questions that Breaking Bad offers its viewers is whether Walt was destined for his criminal

lifestyle, or if any average American has the ability to “break bad.” Our society is one which is

based around power, and powerful people are generally more respected. Whether it is power

through intellect, wealth, or influence, power is nonetheless a contributing factor which plays

into our society. Walter White is an extremely intelligent man and an esteemed chemist who

even provided work on a discovery which would go on to win a Nobel Prize. But instead of

being praised for his hard work and efforts, he is seemingly left behind in a world that does not

acknowledge his acts and accomplishments. He works at a high school teaching chemistry to

students who could not care less about him. Walt is ashamed that his hard work has gone

virtually unrecognized, and is furious that he does not get the respect he deserves.

After his first successful methamphetamine cook with Jesse, Walt feels admired by Jesse.

This is the first time in years that he has felt a sense of recognition and pride for his work. Jesse

continually compliments Walt’s work, and looks up to him for being such a skilled cook. This is

the first taste of power that Walt gets, and he seemingly becomes addicted after his first “hit.”

Walt gradually goes on to spiral down the rabbit hole of crime and in turn feeds his newfound

addiction to power. Many people in America are in the same situation as Walt, in which they

feel no power over their own lives, let alone power over others. This raises the question of
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whether an ordinary person in the real world could go on to do the things that Walt did, whether

it be because of power or another influence.

America is a sprawling land filled with many different walks of life. Most

Americans seem to enjoy television, because it allows us to immerse ourselves into the lives of

others. Whether it be romance, comedy, or violence, Americans all crave the next episode of

their favorite show. But I believe Breaking Bad was such a hit within America because of how

real it could be. Looking beyond the violence and grit of the show, we see things that millions of

Americans deal with daily. The balance between good and evil, the struggle to provide for a

family, and the crime and violence of urban cities. After watching the show, viewers are all left

wondering the same question: “What would make me break bad?”