Breaking Bad: A Moral Examination of Jesse Pinkman and Walter White

The question of who has a stronger moral compass between Jesse Pinkman and Walter White in the critically acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad is a complex one. This analysis will explore the moral trajectories of both characters and weigh the evidence to determine which of the two exhibits a more consistent ethical foundation.

Walter White: Initial Motivation and Transformation

Initial Motivation: Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. His primary motivation for embarking on the drug trade is to secure his family's financial future. Initially, Walter portrays a seemingly altruistic goal, albeit one born out of necessity.

Transformation: As the series progresses, Walter's character undergoes a profound transformation. He becomes increasingly ruthless, manipulative, and amoral. His actions prioritize his ego and power over the well-being of his family. Walter engages in deception, violence, and betrayal, marking a significant decline in his moral standing. His justifications are often rooted in pride and a desire for control, rather than any genuine ethical considerations.

Jesse Pinkman: Moral Struggles and Redemption

Moral Struggles: Jesse Pinkman, on the other hand, begins as a small-time meth producer and user. He grapples with guilt and remorse throughout the series, and frequently contemplates the consequences of his actions. Jesse is acutely aware of the harm he causes to others, particularly those close to him. His emotional responses and remorse highlight his internal conflict.

Desire for Redemption: Jesse seeks redemption and tries to distance himself from the drug trade, indicating a stronger inherent moral awareness. His attempts to change and do the right thing are palpable, even if his actions sometimes fall short of his ideals. Jesse's journey is characterized by his struggle for redemption, which contrasts sharply with Walter's descent into moral ambiguity.

Conclusion: A Deeper Dive

In examining the moral compass of both characters, it becomes clear that Jesse Pinkman arguably possesses a stronger moral compass than Walter White. While Jesse does make mistakes, he consistently demonstrates remorse and a desire to change. In contrast, Walter's moral decline reflects a shift from a comparatively sympathetic character to one who increasingly embraces immoral choices for personal gain. Walter's actions, while occasionally impressively loyal and self-sacrificing, are ultimately overshadowed by his willingness to harm others to benefit himself.

Walter White's Actions vs. Expectations

However, even acknowledging Walter's descent, it is important to note his actions that go against typical drug kingpins. For example, Walter repeatedly saves Jesse's life, getting ultimately snitched on as a reward, and even though any other drug dealer would have killed Jesse, Walter didn't and wasn't above giving him money after a failed drug sale. These actions may seem morally questionable but they also show a complex mix of loyalty and self-preservation. Walter's constant interactions with junkies and drug dealers also result in a predictable death, which he has no responsibility for, while still engaging in risky and unethical behavior.

Therefore, while Walter's moral compass may be stronger in moments of loyalty and selflessness, his overall transformation into a morally corrupt figure overshadows these rare instances of ethical behavior. Jesse's journey is perhaps more complex but ultimately more aligned with maintaining an internal moral code, even in the face of extreme adversity.

In conclusion, both characters provide rich material for exploration of ethical and moral questions, making Breaking Bad a testament to the power of narrative to challenge and deepen our understanding of moral complexity.