You Won't Believe Who (Or What) Is the Biggest Villain of Breaking Bad

Watching Breaking Bad, you might have thought that Gus, Tuco or Hank was the biggest villain in the series. However, a recent discussion on Reddit brought up a surprising contender: the US health insurance system.

The discussion began with a user pointing out that the main reason Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin, entered the drug business was due to his inadequate health insurance.

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, Walt's insurance wouldn't cover the full extent of his treatment. This financial burden, combined with the desire to secure his family's future, pushed him into the meth world.

One user from Europe chimed in, mentioning that in places with universal healthcare insurance, basic treatments like chemotherapy are covered. They mused that if Walter lived in Europe, he might not have felt the need to start a meth empire. And college is mostly free there too. So, no need for Walt to worry about his kids' education funds.

Was Walt’s Breakdown Really About the Money?

Some users argued that Walt's descent wasn't just about the money. One pointed out that he was offered a job with excellent health insurance that would've covered all his treatment costs.

On the other hand, we shouldn’t forget who offered this job. It was Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz. Walt was too proud to take this offer from them.

Another fan mentioned that Walt's primary motivation wasn't even his treatment. Instead, he calculated how much money he'd need to ensure his family's well-being after his passing. The meth business gave him control, freedom, and purpose.

Several users believed that the true villain of the story was Walt's ego. His pride prevented him from accepting help, even when it was readily available. As one user aptly put it, Walt "had to be the man." He chose the path of crime over swallowing his pride.

While the US health insurance system played a role in Walter's choices, it's clear that his decisions were also influenced by his personal demons. He was a monster who found a way to unleash himself.

Source: Reddit