Why Breaking Bad's Worst Episode Is Actually One Of The Best?
Why did the Fly episode actually make sense?
Breaking Bad has its fair share of memorable episodes, but few can match the controversy and intrigue surrounding the episode titled Fly.
Fly, the worst-rated episode on IMDb with a score of 7.9, has faced criticism as a filler episode. However, we should take a closer look.
The episode takes place almost entirely in Gustavo Fring's super lab, where Walter and Jesse encounter a small yet troublesome problem — a fly.
What ensues is a gripping portrayal of Walter's obsession with the fly, driving him to the brink of madness. To calm his relentless pursuit, Jesse discreetly slips sleeping pills into Walter's drink, hoping to restore order and deal with the situation.
While the fly itself may seem inconsequential, it carries significant symbolic weight. From one perspective, it represents Walter's paranoia regarding Jesse's risky behavior and the potential consequences of his actions.
From another angle, the fly embodies Walter's insatiable desire for power and his unwavering determination to continue his morally ambiguous crusade.
The fly becomes a metaphor for the flaws in Walter's character, urging him forward on his path without regard for the consequences. His obsession with eradicating the fly mirrors his obsession with achieving his goals.
However, if we delve deeper, we realize that the fly also serves as a catalyst for self-hatred and guilt.
Walter's need to eliminate the fly and cleanse the contamination reflects his inner turmoil and profound remorse for the person he has become.
While he rarely outwardly expresses his guilt for his actions, these feelings of remorse manifest themselves through his sleepless nights and moments of subtle introspection.
It is through the lens of the Fly episode that we witness the weight of his guilt: Walter almost literally confesses to Jesse that he is guilty of Jane's death.
Beyond its character exploration, the Fly episode contributes significantly to the overall narrative. The episode serves as a mirror for the deteriorating relationship between Walter and Jesse at that point in the story.
The beauty of the Fly episode lies in its ability to provide some food for thought with minimal settings and a seemingly simple premise.