Breaking Bad Ending Explained: 3 Key Themes & Symbolism
Breaking Bad is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time, and its ending left viewers with a range of emotions. Some were satisfied with the resolution, while others were left with unanswered questions.
I previously analyzed Breaking Bad exploring the ending very briefly. In this blog post, I will provide an in-depth analysis of the ending of Breaking Bad, exploring its themes and symbolism.
Final Moments of Walter White
The ending episode of Breaking Bad (Feline) sees Walter White return to Albuquerque, after being on the run for several months. He is a shadow of his former self, having lost everything that was important to him. He is dying from his cancer, and his only goal is to settle his affairs and provide for his family after his death.
In the final moments of the series, we see Walter enter a neo-Nazi compound, where he confronts the gang that has taken over his former drug empire. He frees Jesse Pinkman, his former partner, who has been held captive and forced to cook meth for the gang. Walter then takes out his revenge on the gang, using a machine gun that he has rigged up in the trunk of his car.
Symbolism of Walter’s Death
Walter White’s death is one of the most talked-about aspects of the show’s ending. Some viewers were satisfied with the resolution, while others felt that it was too predictable. However, there is a great deal of symbolism in the way that Walter dies.
Firstly, we see that he dies surrounded by the things that he loves, as the beautiful song “My Baby Blue” plays. He is in the lab, where he has spent so much of his time, and he is holding a flask of his own crystal meth. This is a powerful reminder of the journey that Walter has been on, and the things that have driven him to this point.
Secondly, Walter’s death is also a metaphor for his redemption. He has finally come to terms with the fact that he is responsible for his own actions and the consequences that have resulted from them. In his final moments, he is able to save Jesse Pinkman and set things right, at least to some extent.
Significance of Jesse’s Fate
Another significant aspect of the show’s ending is the fate of Jesse Pinkman. After being held captive and forced to cook meth for months, Jesse is finally freed by Walter, who is able to exact revenge on the gang that has been torturing him. In the final moments of the series, we see Jesse drive away from the scene of the massacre, crying tears of relief and joy.
The significance of Jesse’s fate lies in the fact that he is finally able to break free from the cycle of violence and addiction that has dominated his life for so long. He is able to start over, to create a new life for himself, and to escape the darkness of his past.
Final Thoughts
The ending of Breaking Bad is a powerful and emotionally charged resolution to one of the greatest television shows of all time. It is a testament to the show’s writers and actors that the characters and storylines are able to resonate so deeply with audiences, even years after the show has ended.
The show’s exploration of themes such as power, control, and redemption make it a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful viewing experience. The symbolism and significance of Walter’s death, and the fate of Jesse Pinkman, provide a fitting end to a complex and fascinating story. Overall, Breaking Bad is a must-watch for anyone interested in great storytelling and character development, and its ending is a testament to the power of television to move and inspire its viewers.
