A Comparative Analysis of Saul Goodman and Walter White: An Exploration of Happiness and Despair

In the critically acclaimed HBO series Breaking Bad, two iconic characters, Saul Goodman and Walter White, display vastly contrasting personalities and life philosophies, leading to very different emotional outcomes. Both characters delve into the murky world of crime and exploitation, yet their attitudes and coping mechanisms could not be more contrasting. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the stark contrast in their emotional states, through an analysis of their personalities, careers, consequences of their actions, and perspectives on life.

Personality and Background

Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk, is a flamboyant and charismatic lawyer with a flexible moral compass. Unlike Walter White, Saul thrives in the chaotic world of crime, viewing it more as a game that demands intelligence, wit, and a knack for manipulation. Walter, on the other hand, is a more rigid and burdened protagonist, driven by his dark desires and the overwhelming consequences of his choices. This rigidity often leads to a more serious and grim demeanor, evoking a sense of despair in the viewer.

Career Satisfaction

In Better Call Saul, Saul's career in law, though unconventional and often on the fringes of legality, brings him enjoyment and a sense of satisfaction. His primary focus lies in the creative application of the law and the outsmarting of others. In contrast, Walter initially finds purpose in his role as a high school chemistry teacher, driven by his desire to provide for his family. However, his descent into the methamphetamine trade is increasingly consumed by a mix of ego and guilt, leading to a never-ending cycle of stress and despair.

Consequences of Actions

Saul's approach to handling difficult situations is more calculated and strategic. He often manipulates circumstances to his advantage, successfully avoiding the direct fallout of his clients' actions. Walter, however, faces the dire consequences of his decisions, resulting in paranoia, guilt, and a heightened sense of desperation. This stark difference in how they manage the aftermath of their actions significantly impacts their emotional states.

Perspective on Life

Saul's pragmatic and often humorous approach to life serves as a coping mechanism. This perspective allows him to navigate the challenges of his life with a degree of levity and optimism, traits that contribute to his overall sense of happiness. Conversely, Walter's journey is marked by a tragic arc, where his pursuit of success and power leads to loss and destruction. This makes it difficult for him to preserve any semblance of happiness, as evidenced by his final episode where he confronts the emptiness of his achievements.

Control and Agency

Saul often feels in control of his circumstances, using his wit and legal knowledge to navigate challenges. This sense of agency contributes to his adaptability and resilience. Walter, however, loses control as he descends deeper into the drug trade, leading to a profound sense of despair and helplessness. This loss of control exacerbates his emotional distress and further isolates him from both his loved ones and society.

In summary, Saul Goodman's happiness stems from his adaptable personality, enjoyment of his work, and a more carefree approach to life's challenges. On the other hand, Walter White's journey is characterized by increasing desperation and moral conflict. The final episodes of Breaking Bad reveal that Walter's decision to come to terms with his mortality and attempt to rectify his past actions marks a moment of peace, despite the reality of his situation.

The Later Stages of Walter White

It's true that the end of Walter's journey paints a particularly dark picture. By the time of his heroic final episode, Walter is not only dying of cancer but also facing the harsh reality that the money from his meth empire could not buy him the peace or reconciliation he sought. His letters to his son, the resolution with Lydia, and the rescue of Jesse highlight the futility of his final attempt at redemption.

Even so, it's important to note that Walter's character arc is a complex and poignant reflection of the human condition. His final moments show a man who, despite all his flaws and shortcomings, attempts to make amends and seek peace. This does not necessarily mean he was happier, but it does indicate a level of humility and existential awareness that might have brought a degree of acceptance and closure.

Saul, too, struggles with his own moral and ethical dilemmas throughout his career. His journey can be seen as one of transformation and adaptation, where his initial desire to stick it to those who wronged him evolves into a more pragmatic approach to winning. His willingness to navigate the legal system with his characteristic charm and wit suggests that he doesn't just operate from a place of callousness but rather a deep-seated need for control and survival.

Both characters, in their own ways, embody a struggle with the choices they've made and the consequences those choices have brought. Saul's happiness and optimism are certainly earned through his adaptability and the unwavering pursuit of control, while Walt's despair and final moments of acceptance reflect a deep-seated struggle to find meaning in a world that often feels bleak and unfair.