Why Walter White Chooses Not to Kill Jesse Pinkman in 'Breaking Bad'

In the critically acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad, Walter White’s decision not to kill Jesse Pinkman is a crucial plot point that elucidates the moral complexities and emotional ties of their characters. Throughout the series, Walter and Jesse evolve from bitter adversaries into incredibly intertwined partners, and by the end of their journey, Walter’s choice to protect Jesse rather than eliminate him becomes a pivotal moment.

Emotional Attachment

From the beginning of their relationship, Walter develops a complicated, almost paternal bond with Jesse. Despite their tumultuous history, Walter often views Jesse as a surrogate son. This emotional attachment complicates Walter’s willingness to harm Jesse, as he struggles to see Jesse as nothing more than a pawn or a tool. This bond reaches its peak in the later seasons, where Walter’s paternal instincts weigh heavily on his decision-making process.

Guilt and Responsibility

Walter feels a considerable degree of responsibility for Jesse's descent into the drug world and the consequences that follow. By killing Jesse, Walter would be fully acknowledging the extent of his involvement in destroying Jesse's life. This deeply personal guilt is something Walter has grappled with throughout the series, and it significantly influences his decisions regarding Jesse’s fate.

Strategic Considerations

As the series progresses, Jesse becomes an invaluable asset to Walter's drug operation. Jesse’s skills and knowledge are instrumental to the success of their criminal activities. Keeping Jesse alive is not only strategic but also essential for the overall success of their business. In the later seasons, particularly in Season 5, Walter sees the value in Jesse and realizes that eliminating him would be counterproductive to their goals.

Psychological Manipulation

Walter often manipulates Jesse emotionally, using guilt and a sense of loyalty to keep him in line. This manipulation serves as a form of psychological leverage, giving Walter control over Jesse’s actions. Eliminating Jesse would remove this leverage and could lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes, further supporting Walter’s decision to keep him alive.

Moral Conflict

Although Walter commits heinous acts, he is driven by a moral compass that often conflicts with his criminal actions. There are lines he is reluctant to cross, and killing Jesse might represent a point of no return for him. This moral conflict is a significant factor in Walter’s decision, highlighting the inner turmoil and the complex nature of his character.

Contrary to popular belief, Walter’s decision not to kill Jesse is rooted in the deep love he feels for Jesse, which surpasses that for Gale, who is more academically trained but emotionally disconnected. This love and loyalty are the driving forces behind Walter’s choices, making Jesse a more significant weakness for Walter than any other character in the series. Through his careful consideration of emotional attachment, guilt, strategic advantage, psychological manipulation, and moral conflict, Walter ultimately chooses not to eliminate Jesse, thereby defining their relationship and the series' narrative arc.