Reflecting on the “golden era” of television and its remarkable evolution since then, enthusiasts often hark back to groundbreaking series such as The Sopranos, The Wire, The Shield, and Oz as some of the defining moments when TV was transformed forever. Notably, the shows that succeeded these pioneers continued to challenge norms and lay the foundation for more programs of similar caliber to thrive. Pivotal “golden age” series like Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, and many others have since become enduring classics of modern television in the 21st century.
Discussions about which TV series is the most outstanding can sometimes prove challenging due to varying tastes and preferences. Each program brings unique elements to viewers, but few can argue against the influence of Breaking Bad. If a surprising hurdle hadn’t emerged along the way, the show might not have achieved the greatness it ultimately did.
Breaking Bad Portrays the Greatest Character Arc in TV History
Regarding television shows, none can surpass “The Sopranos” for its groundbreaking impact at the time of its premiere. It revolutionized TV and paved the way for today’s cinematic TV wave. While there are countless reasons why it stands as the greatest show ever made, this conversation doesn’t delve into those aspects. Yet, when it comes to crafting a compelling character arc across a series, no show can compare to “Breaking Bad” in that regard.
In the debate over the most remarkable TV characters ever, Walter White from Breaking Bad and Tony Soprano from The Sopranos might lock horns, but there’s one aspect where they differ significantly – character development. Unlike Tony Soprano who remains largely consistent throughout the series, Walter White undergoes a dramatic transformation that sets him apart. Initially introduced as an ordinary family man with a solid reason for getting into meth production, he ends up becoming a ruthless villain by the end of Breaking Bad. The closest comparison in cinema might be found in the 1972 film, but even then, the metamorphosis witnessed in Walter White is arguably unparalleled.
| Breaking Bad Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Bryan Cranston | Walter White |
| Aaron Paul | Jesse Pinkman |
| Anna Gunn | Skylar White |
| RJ Mitte | Walter Jr. |
| Betsy Brandt | Marie Schrader |
| Dean Norris | Hank Schrader |
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, when Breaking Bad kicks off, the protagonist, Walter White, is as far from powerful, tough, or commanding as they come – leading an unremarkable life and taking his blows without much fight. However, fate deals him a harsh hand with a cancer diagnosis, compelling him to consider the future of his family after he’s gone. This grim reality pushes Walter into a world of crime for which he is utterly unprepared. As seasons unfold, Walter struggles to navigate this new path, and each tough decision he makes chips away at the person he once was, ultimately transforming him into the villain we were seemingly destined to see emerge.
This event isn’t common throughout a single season; instead, it stands as an exceptional instance of meticulously constructing a character’s progression across a series. The gradual unfolding and thoughtful evolution of the character in question is one of the most impressive depictions of a character arc on television. Moreover, Vince Gilligan carefully structured each season and episode to guide Walter towards his descent into darkness.
Though cancer may have initially sparked Walter White into action, the underlying tension in his story stems from his past and the life he feels was taken away from him. This hidden aspect is what primarily fuels Walter, as his family obligations gradually shift into secondary concerns. Deep down, Walter harbored a belief that he was destined for greatness; it was simply a matter of time before he recognized this truth.
A Writers’ Strike Saved Breaking Bad from Ruining Walter White’s Development
The show “Breaking Bad” seems almost unimaginable in any other form than what we saw on screen. Initially, key events would have occurred earlier in the series. Creator Vince Gilligan has shared that the series came together almost like fate as much as it was due to hard work and execution. For example, Jesse Pinkman was initially intended as a secondary character, and Gus Fring wasn’t supposed to become the main antagonist. Much of “Breaking Bad’s” success can be attributed to Gilligan’s willingness to adapt and let the show discover its unique identity gradually.
Unlike “The Sopranos,” which was meticulously planned by its creator David Chase with minimal deviations from his initial vision, “Breaking Bad” took an entirely different approach. Its creator, Vince Gilligan, embraced a more flexible and open-minded mentality, allowing the series to evolve into the masterpiece it became, sometimes even surpassing expectations. This creative liberty extended to casting decisions, such as choosing lesser-known actors, which proved to be an inspired choice that Gilligan continued throughout the series. It’s no wonder then, that “Breaking Bad” was shorter than other popular shows – a decision made with a strategic purpose rather than mere coincidence.
| Top Breaking Bad Episodes | IMDB Rating |
|---|---|
| Season 5. Episode 14 – “Ozymandias” | 10/10 |
| Season 4, Episode 13 – “Face-Off” | 9.9/10 |
| Season 5, Episode 16 – “Felina” | 9.9/10 |
| Season 5, Episode 13 – “To’hajiilee” | 9.8/10 |
| Season 3, Episode 13 – “Full Measure” | 9.7/10 |
| Season 4, Episode 11 – “Crawl Space” | 9.7/10 |
It transpired that the initial season was originally intended to be a full 13-episode run. Vince Gilligan had already planned out the entire season, featuring Jesse Pinkman’s untimely demise and Walter White’s complete transformation into darkness. However, production delays necessitated an early start to the second season for Gilligan’s series on AMC. This unforeseen writers’ strike, in a roundabout way, ended up preserving the entire series. It prompted Gilligan to revise crucial plot and character points, providing him with a fresh perspective on the series’ overall trajectory. He was thus able to take his time and develop the characters’ arcs more gradually.
Gilligan skillfully capitalized on the writers’ strike, resulting in a more refined plotline for the show, particularly for Walter White‘s character arc. Originally, Walter was intended to become a villain much sooner in the series, but the strike allowed him to develop as a complex anti-hero instead. If not for the strike, Walter’s character would have been significantly different and possibly “Breaking Bad” might not have achieved the same level of popularity. Of all the characters, Walter White’s transformation into darkness is the most integral to the show’s identity, making the unexpected hurdle during season one a fortunate event for the series.
Walter White’s True Turn to Darkness Comes Much Later Than Originally Planned
In the first season of “Breaking Bad,” Vince Gilligan subtly hinted that Walter White might reveal his darker side. However, the exact outcome of the last six episodes remains uncertain. It’s suggested that these episodes might have included Jesse Pinkman’s death and a decision by Walter White that viewers wouldn’t expect.
However, throughout season one, Walter White was portrayed as doing things out of necessity rather than greed or villainy. His initial signs of darkness didn’t emerge until much later in the series, specifically at the end of season two, when he chose to let Jane die from an overdose. This scene resonated with fans because it was unexpectedly shocking and difficult to accept.
Although Walt’s actions might seem justifiable as a means of self-protection at certain points, it’s not until the fourth season that he truly transforms into a villain. His decision to eliminate Gale was more about ensuring survival, as it represented a life-or-death situation for him and his associates.
In the fourth season, Walter chooses decisively (although he rationalizes it with his fears), to confront Gustave Fring. It’s well-known that Walt and Jesse were significantly undercompensated for their work, which fueled Walter’s unchecked greed and belief that he deserved more. This is when the character of Heisenberg fully emerged. By season one’s end, it would be hard to imagine Walter being even remotely like this character.
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2025-06-03 06:57