How did a reserved family man with a job as a chemistry teacher transform into a kingpin with a meth empire? There are a lot of reasons and triggers revealed throughout the series, but these are five of the most defining “Breaking Bad” moments.
When He Killed Crazy 8
At the start of season one, Walter comes across as a nervous man who genuinely wants to provide for his family. The first time he is faced with the decision to let a potential threat live or die, he is desperate to see the best in the drug dealer that is tied up in Jesse’s basement. When he realizes that Crazy 8 is planning on killing him instead, he commits his first murder of the series.
When He Let Jane Die
When Walter saw Jesse lying next to Jane and she started choking, his first instinct was to save her. A moment of hesitation made him consider that it might be in his best interest to let her die, so that Jesse is no longer distracted. This shocking moment was the first time we saw a real glimpse of evil in the protagonist.
The Double Dealer Murder
In season three, Walter runs over two drug dealers without a second thought. He does this to save Jesse, and although it is not particularly shocking, the total lack of remorse demonstrates how much Walter has changed since his encounter with Crazy 8 in the first season.
When He Poisoned Brock
Up to this point, Walter has only physically harmed the “bad guys,” so to speak. When it becomes apparent he poisoned Brock, an innocent child, to turn Jesse against Gus, it is impossible to have any real sympathy for him.
When He Murdered Mike
Walter murdered so many people in the series, we’ve lost count. The death of Mike stands out not just because they were friends, but because he was aware of how similar their situations were, especially when it comes to family. By this point in the series though, there is no doubt that Walter is no longer “breaking bad” – he is the devil.
