Hank Schrader's Dilemma: Breaking Bad Season 5 Part 2 and the Moral Struggle

In the intense and morally complex TV series Breaking Bad, the character of Hank Schrader is deeply caught up in a series of ethical dilemmas. These dilemmas are particularly highlighted in Season 5, Part 2, as he grapples with the fate of his brother-in-law, Walt, who is dying while being involved in criminal activities. This article explores the moral quandaries faced by Hank Schrader and the options he must consider, all of which reflect the character's complex personality and the show's exploration of ethical boundaries.

The Options Hank Faces

Hank, as a DEA agent, faces a multitude of difficult choices. He must decide whether to:

Leave Walt alone Take Walt down Murder Walt

However, the first two options are clearly not viable for someone like Hank, a character who has repeatedly demonstrated his resolve to solve cases at any cost. Hank’s deep-seated sense of justice and his commitment to his duties would make him intolerant of the idea of Walt avoiding proper conviction and facing justice. The third option of murder is not only illegal but would also blur the lines of what he considers right and wrong, and would be a major deviation from the principles he holds dear.

Correcting Misconceptions

Several common misconceptions about Hank’s motivations and actions need addressing:

Hank does not wish for Walt to simply die without facing justice. His primary goal is to ensure that Walt faces the consequences of his actions and that justice is served. This belief underpins his pursuit of Walt throughout the series, and at the end of Season 5, Part 2, he makes a significant decision that reflects his commitment to justice.

Hank had no reason to suspect that his own life would be in danger during the arrest operation. His actions are motivated by duty and moral obligation rather than personal vendetta or fear of reprisal.

The Value of Interrogating Criminal Minds

Hank’s reluctance to kill Walt is rooted in a deeper understanding of the individual behind the crime. Despite the heinous acts perpetrated by Walt, Hank recognises the value of capturing him alive. In doing so, he believes he can extract crucial information about the meth operation, which could lead to the arrest of other associates and distributors. In the world of drug trafficking and crime, the information in Walt’s mind is potentially more valuable than his immediate execution.

In the Breakin Bad universe, capturing a notorious criminal like Walt is not merely about meting out punishment but also about utilising the insights that such a person can provide. This is why Hank prioritises the live capture of Walt over the option of killing him. The potential to thwart the entire criminal operation by using the information Walt possesses is a significant factor in Hank’s thinking.

Respecting Family Ties

While the decision to capture Walt rather than kill him is influenced by legal and strategic considerations, it is also influenced by personal loyalty and familial ties. Hank and Walt have a history that goes beyond their current conflict. They are brother-in-laws, a relationship that signifies a shared history of happy and challenging moments.

Even as Walt is portrayed as a terrible man, Hank retains a sense of his brother-in-law’s humanity and the impact Walt’s actions have on their families. This personal connection is a significant factor in Hank’s decision-making, as he considers the wellbeing of Walt Jr. and Holly, the children of Walt and his sister-in-law. The possibility of turning Walt over to justice, even if it means conflict, is essential for the future of these family members who are deeply affected by Walt’s actions.

In summary, Hank Schrader’s decision in Breaking Bad Season 5, Part 2, reflects a complex interplay of duty, morality, and personal connections. His choice to capture Walt rather than kill him showcases the nuanced moral struggles faced by those in the battle against crime, highlighting the importance of ethical dilemmas in television narratives.