Why Didn’t Walter White Have a Good Relationship with His Son?

Walter White, the iconic and troubled chemistry teacher from Breaking Bad, loved his son Walter Jr. deeply, though their relationship was fraught with tension and emotional strain. There were underlying issues that exacerbated their already complicated dynamics, making it difficult for an ideal relationship to flourish.

Factors Contributing to the Strained Relationship

Walter’s relationship with his son was marked by imperfections and misalignments, and these factors culminated in a rather strained and complicated bond. Several elements contributed to the deteriorating relationship:

Financial Strain and Resentment

Walter’s son’s disability added to the family’s financial burdens. The additional responsibilities placed on Walter as a single parent led to him working two difficult and low-paying jobs. This subliminal resentment was fueled by the realization that caring for a disabled child placed added financial strain on him. While Walter acknowledged his own poor decisions, the added burden of a disabled child was a significant contributing factor to his frustration.

Conflicting Personalities and Values

Walter and his son had different approaches to life and values. Walter was a principled man who believed in hard work and self-reliance. He opposed charity on principle, and when he learned that his son was fundraising for him in order to launder money, it added another layer of strain to their relationship. Walter felt embarrassed that his son admired him for qualities he lacked and felt indifferent or hostile towards the qualities he did possess. These conflicting values created a chasm between them.

Jealousy and Emotional Vulnerability

In addition to the financial and emotional strain, Walter also felt a deep-seated jealousy and emasculation when it came to his brother-in-law, Hank Schrader. Hank, with his successful career and family life, seemed to have a better relationship with Junior than Walter did. The fact that Hank stood up for Walter Jr. during a heated moment only added to Walter’s embarrassment and fueled his insecurities.

Evolution of the Relationship

As Walter delved deeper into the drug trade, the relationship between Walter and his son further deteriorated. Once Walter entered the drug business and the truth was revealed, the trust and intimacy that once existed were shattered. Their bond was strained to the breaking point, and the once-closer-than-ever relationship began to unravel. The drug empire became a wedge, turning family love and respect into suspicion and fear.

Conclusion

In retrospect, Walter and Jesse’s relationship was complex and deepened by various factors. Earlier in the series, despite the underlying tensions, they had an “okay” relationship that could have been better. However, once the stakes escalated and the truth came to light, everything changed. It’s a poignant reminder that family relationships are often shaped by external pressures and internal conflicts, and sometimes, no matter how much love exists, external circumstances can tear even the strongest bonds asunder.