The Debate: Was Skyler White the Worst Character in Breaking Bad?

Breaking Bad, the critically acclaimed drama series, features a diverse cast of memorable and often controversial characters. Skyler White, the wife of Heisenberg, Walter White, has garnered a range of opinions, from sympathy to disdain. In this discussion, we delve into the argument that Skyler should indeed be considered the series' worst character, juxtaposing her with other notables like Hank Schrader, and explore why some viewers find her particularly vexing.

Compared to her Drug Dealing Murderer Husband and His Friends

Skyler White, as the wife of Walter White, the mastermind behind the drug business, stands at an interesting crossroads. While her husband, Walter White, and his accomplices like Gustavo Fring and Jesse Pinkman are undoubtedly dark and morally corrupt, Skyler’s portrayal adds a new layer of complexity to the narrative. Critics argue that her character might not be the outright worst, but she certainly contributes to the overall chaos and moral wreckage caused by the White family's actions.

One common argument against Skyler is that she is often portrayed as oblivious to her husband's wrongdoings. This ignorance is a double-edged sword, making her appear passive and somewhat naive. However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that she is not without her own share of misguided decisions. Her impulsive actions, such as purchasing the van with Jesse Pinkman and her involvement in Walter's drug business, often exacerbate the chaos that her husband has already started.

The Case Against Skyler as the Worst Character

One might argue that Skyler's passivity and ignorance are on par with other drug dealing murderers in the series. But let's consider Hank Schrader, the single-minded DEA agent. Hank’s relentless pursuit of justice and his arrogance can be equally harmful. He is often borderline douchey and, at times, his methods are questionable. However, his constant vigilance and unwavering commitment to rooting out drug dealers make his character even more frustrating to watch, as he often misses vital clues that could have prevented many of the deaths and misadventures in the story.

Alternatives to Consider

Other characters such as Howard Hamlin, the lasagna-throwing parole officer, also come to mind when discussing the worst characters in Breaking Bad. While his antics provide comedic relief, Howard's ineptitude and ill-considered actions often lead to detrimental outcomes. His lack of decision-making skills and overconfident demeanor make him a memorable, albeit annoying, character. However, his impact on the overall story is relatively minor compared to Skyler or Hank.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Skyler White is not the clear-cut worst character in Breaking Bad, she certainly competes for that title. Her disingenuous behavior and misguided decisions often contribute to the unfolding of a morally reprehensible storyline. While Hank Schrader's relentless pursuit can be equally aggravating and less forgivable, the argument stands that Skyler could very well be the worst character, leading to the chaos and moral decay that the series is known for.