Why Breaking Bad's Mike Isn't As Smart As We Thought
Could Mike have avoided his tragic end if he had made different choices?
Mike Ehrmantraut, the stoic and seemingly unflappable fixer in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, brilliantly portrayed by Jonathan Banks, has always been a fan favorite. He's the guy who seems to have it all figured out, always one step ahead of everyone else. But is he really as smart as we think?
A recent Reddit discussion has fans questioning Mike's decision-making skills, particularly his continued association with Walter White, aka Heisenberg. Some fans even argue that the only way to explain his behavior at some point is to consider it a plot hole.
One of the main raised points is Mike's decision to keep working with Walter White. Fans argue that Mike had multiple opportunities to distance himself from Walt, who was clearly unstable and dangerous. Yet, Mike continued to work with him, which eventually led to his death.
Some fans point out that Mike had financial motivations for sticking around. His granddaughter Kaylee's future was a significant concern for him, and he needed to secure her financial stability.
However, this doesn't fully explain why he took such big risks. Mike had already made a considerable amount of money and could have walked away at some point.
Another angle that fans discuss is Mike's underlying greed and ego. He wanted to secure not just his granddaughter's future but also his own. This led him to make questionable decisions, like underestimating Walter White, which ultimately cost him his life.
Mike's judgment is also called into question. For someone who is supposed to be incredibly competent, he made several errors in judgment. He picked Todd as a crew member without proper vetting, underestimated Saul Goodman, and even had one of his guys turn on him. These are not the actions of someone who is as smart as he's made out to be.
While Mike Ehrmantraut remains a beloved character, fans shed light on some of his questionable decisions. But we should look at it not as a plot hole but rather as a complex character with flaws, driven by a mix of financial need, greed, and ego.
Source: Reddit