The Role of Dysfunction and Crime in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul': A Family Perspective

While family is prominently featured in both Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, the underlying basis of these TV series transcends the immediate family unit. These shows explore themes of dysfunction, criminal enterprises, and the consequences of moral decay. In this analysis, we will delve into how the portrayal of dysfunctional families in these series reflects broader narratives of criminal activities and personal descent into darkness.

Walt's Family in 'Breaking Bad'

The initial seasons of Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad heavily feature Walt, his wife, and their son, initially presenting a conventional family setting. However, as the series progresses, the narrative reveals a more complex portrayal of family dynamics.

Walt, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, begins making methamphetamine to support his family following his terminal cancer diagnosis. He justifies his actions by claiming he wants to ensure his family is financially secure. Yet, as the storyline unfolds, it becomes clear that Walt's motivations are much deeper, rooted in a desire for personal validation and control. This rationale is evident when he takes his family to Kenya, showing a level of detachment from them that is far from what a devoted parent should demonstrate. Walt's admission that he is doing it "because he likes it" underscores the shift from familial duty to self-indulgence.

The Salamanca Family in 'Breaking Bad'

The Salamanca clan, led by Hector Salamanca, offers another perspective on dysfunctional family dynamics within the criminal world. The family’s unity is based on their shared criminal activities, with each member contributing to the financial success and survival of the group. Members such as Tuco, Lalo, and the other twins/relatives exhibit psychopathic and unpredictable behaviors, which are essential to the family's success in their illegal trade.

For the Salamanca family, their criminal enterprise is a means to an end, a way to maintain their status and authority within the criminal underworld. The family's code of loyalty is thinly veiled under the guise of 'family is everything,' but in reality, it is the shared criminality that binds them together. This narrative reinforces the idea that family and loyalty are often misused as coping mechanisms for harsh realities, leading to deeper emotional and psychological turmoil.

Jesse's Troubled Path

The character of Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul, represents a different aspect of family dysfunction in criminal enterprises. Jesse's family breaks down early in the series, and he attempts to forge new familial bonds, only to face repeated losses and betrayals. His mother’s death early in the series is a pivotal moment, initiating a cycle of trauma and rebellion that is mirrored in his interactions with his new 'family.'

Despite his best efforts to find stability and care within his relationships, Jesse's life is marked by violence, trauma, and the constant threat of cartel violence. This series of events highlights how the criminal lifestyle can tear apart any semblance of a traditional family, replacing it with an alternative form of family based on immediate survival and mutual criminal activities.

Conclusion

In both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, the portrayal of dysfunctional families is deeply entangled with criminal enterprises and the personal derangement of the protagonists. These shows do not shy away from the grim realities of these dynamics, reflecting the complexities of human behavior in extreme circumstances. By examining these themes, we gain a deeper understanding of the often darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of moral decay when families are forced to rely on each other for survival in the illegal world.

Related Keywords

dysfunction crime family

Relevant TV Series

Better Call Saul Breaking Bad