Why Does Walter White's IQ 145 Care About Jesse Pinkman's IQ ≈ 95?

Initially, Walter White (IQ 145) and Jesse Pinkman (IQ ≈ 95) formed their partnership for reasons not entirely rooted in their relative intelligence levels. Walter leveraged his expertise in the drug business, albeit with somewhat limited street smarts, while Jesse provided essential contacts and a unique set of skills that were crucial for Walter's illegal drug enterprise.

Throughout the earlier seasons, Walter's main struggles revolved around his lack of understanding of the drug trade and sales. Jesse, with his street smarts and connections, played a vital role by facilitating the distribution of methamphetamine, specifically the high-quality 'blue' meth. As the series progressed, Jesse's role expanded.

Jesse's Rising Importance to Walter

As the series unfolded, Jesse became increasingly integral to Walter's operations. Not only did Jesse become a more adept cook and lab assistant, but his ability to strategize and plan complex heists, such as the methamphetamine train robbery and the 'magnet' plan to erase crucial evidence from Gus’s laptop, further solidified his value to Walter. These skills were instrumental in making the production and distribution of drugs more efficient.

Furthermore, Jesse embodied qualities that Walter, with his less emotional and more pragmatic personality, often lacked. Jesse had a strong sense of empathy and a caring nature, particularly for people in need. This is evident in the aftermath of the events where Gale was shot, where Jesse was deeply affected by the guilt he felt. In contrast, Walter's worldview had shifted; he was now willing to kill without hesitation to achieve his goals, a stark contrast to his initial relationship with Jesse.

Emotional Bonds and Loyalty

The bond between Walter and Jesse grew beyond mere professional requirements. Despite the initial coldness and occasionally strange displays of affection, Walter eventually formed a deep bond with Jesse, viewing him more like a son than a partner. This emotional connection was strengthened by their mutual rescue missions and the periods when they supported each other through difficult times. These experiences fostered a sense of loyalty that ran both ways, even when Jesse caused significant grief or doubts.

Jesse's development as a character was parallel to Walter's, each providing a counterpoint to the other. Jesse's compassionate nature balanced Walter's cold rationality, and vice versa. This dynamic was crucial in shaping the narrative and emotional depth of the show. The relationship between Walter and Jesse is a poignant exploration of how even profoundly different individuals can form a powerful and enduring bond based on mutual respect and shared experiences.

Religious Impulse and Prosocial Behavior

From a broader perspective, the relationship between Walter and Jesse touches upon fundamental human traits such as prosocial behavior and empathy. IQ, while important, is just one aspect of intelligence. Our prosocial behaviors, like helping others and maintaining ethical standards, often stem from deeper, often unacknowledged, psychological and social motivations.

These motivations can be seen as an extension of a universal human trait—our "religious impulse." This impulse, rooted in our desire to make the world a better place, is not confined to organized religion. It manifests in various forms, including humanitarian instincts, moral impulses, and even political ideologies. This inherent desire to care for others and create a more just society is a cornerstone of human social organization and understanding.

Conclusion

The complex dynamic between Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, despite their significant IQ differences, highlights the importance of emotional connections and prosocial behavior in human relationships. Their friendship is a testament to how individuals, with different cognitive and emotional profiles, can form deep, meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and shared experiences.

By exploring the nuanced interactions between Walter and Jesse, "Breaking Bad" provides a rich, multi-layered narrative that resonates with its audience long after the final episode. The show not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of empathy, loyalty, and the many manifestations of the human desire to create a better world.