Skyler White's Criminal Activities in 'Better Call Saul'

The character of Skyler White in the hit series 'Better Call Saul' is notorious for her complex and multifaceted criminal activities. Her actions span various illegal and unethical behaviors, from money laundering to obstruction of justice. This article delves into the various crimes committed by Skyler throughout the series, highlighting their significance within the context of the show and the wider implications.

Money Laundering: Financing the Dirty Money

One of the most pervasive and direct means through which Skyler contributes to the shows' criminal undertones is through money laundering. Skyler initiates the purchase of a car wash, which she encourages Walt to use for laundering drug money. This move is both illegal and unethical, as Skyler involves herself directly in the financial manipulation of illicit gains. Alongside her husband, she uses fraudulent methods to coerce the owner of the car wash into selling to her, further solidifying her role in the distribution of dirty money.

Conspiracy to Produce Methamphetamine: The Chemical Game

Another significant crime perpetrated by Skyler is the involvement in the conspiracy to produce methamphetamine. She facilitates the storage of the chemicals required for the production of meth at the car wash, effectively making the venue a crucial part of the drug operation. Her actions demonstrate the lengths she is willing to go to protect her family and their illicit enterprise, even as she navigates her own moral and ethical dilemmas.

Tax Fraud: The Accounting Fiasco

Skyler's involvement extends into the world of tax fraud, though primarily as an accomplice to her boss, Ted Beneke. When the IRS audits Ted’s business, Skyler counters by pretending to be both Ted’s sex toy bimbo and the accountant, thus creating a facade of ignorance. This act of deception serves to mislead the auditor into believing that the underpayment of taxes was merely an error rather than intentional. Skyler’s actions highlight a larger issue of corporate and individual tax evasion, further complicating her character’s connection to the show's overarching narrative.

Fraudulent Financial Deception: A Dash of Greed

In a series of events that serve as a testament to her cunning, Skyler takes a portion of Walt's drug money and collaborates with Saul Goodman to fabricate a fake inheritance for Ted. Using Saul's legal skills, they concoct a story where an aunt dies and leaves her fortune to Ted, ostensibly to cover the drug money. Skyler’s explanation for this plan is simple: "Great! That's just enough money to pay the IRS!" However, Ted’s greed and selfishness lead him to keep the money for personal reasons, sparking a series of incidents that culminate in the attempted blackmail against Skyler. This move not only demonstrates her own complex moral framework but also encapsulates the ethical climate within which the characters of 'Better Call Saul' operate.

Obstruction of Justice: Silence as a Strategy

Finally, Skyler's reluctance to cooperate with the DEA marks another significant crime in the show. Her initial silence about Walt's drug dealings, and her eventual deal with the law—apparently to secure immunity—highlight the lengths to which she is willing to go to protect her family. This decision to cut a deal speaks to her pragmatic approach to the law and the ever-evolving dynamics of trust and betrayal that define the characters' relationships.

Overall, Skyler White’s criminal activities in 'Better Call Saul' paint a complex picture of intentionality, fraud, and moral ambiguity. Her actions not only drive the plot forward but also reflect the darker side of human behavior within the context of a television series that prides itself on its nuanced storytelling and characters' ethical dilemmas.