Skyler goes through with her plans to divorce Walt. Matter of fact when she went there she seemed pretty confident even though the girl said they werent hiring that she could get that job if she saw old Ted. Thats all Im going to bother addressing from that comment. Its not that I dislike Skylar, I just have always enjoyed other aspects of the show more (Walt and Jesse, the loss of morality, the love of breakfast.) Magazine.com.co : Your daily dose of News & Updates. The effects of ingesting the flower mimicked the ricin that Jesse assumed Brock had eaten. Their affair comes to an abrupt end when Skyler spends most of her time supporting Marie in the hospital following Hank Schraders shooting (Kafkaesque). Gave him a whole other reason why she quit and kept it from him. Naturally, Annas body had to be padded for Skylars pregnancy. They gave me cortisone and I puffed up and gained weight. Some subtlety, please!.. She speaks to a divorce lawyer about making the split permanent but seems unsure when the attorney says she will uncover any money Walt may have hidden. Hes a void, and its only natural for Skyler to have tried to take up the slack. Skyler White wearing her bracelets like a shield against her husband, Walter White, as he morphs from nerdy chemistry teacher into treacherous drug kingpin on Breaking Bad. Its show bible could be a copy of The 10 Commandments.. It sounds like a Millennial name, not Gen-X. She starts ordering poor Saul around. Amidst the general ongoing Skyler-hating, Ive seen some specific pushback to how Skyler has reacted to Walt this season, as she responded to Walts victory over Gus and subsequent ego boost through paralyzing fear. GREAT post Jason, captures most of the feelings Ive had about Skylar, especially after the last few episodes. Eventually, that led to Walt killing Mike in rage. Theres a name they give girls who use their looks to get ahead or get money. What happens if u eat a whole bag of Takis? The camera pans back and we see it's a drawing of Walter as his alter-ego, Heisenberg. Thats exactly what it was: the bracelet Skyler White wears in Breaking Bad. In fact, I have a feeling that Walt will end up killing Jesse. No, its to shut him out and impose ultimatums, and even walk out on him for a time. 3 Answers. Its Dutch in origin. Skyler white is compromised because instead of simply divorcing Walt and moving on she is more concerned about the money and controlling peoples perceptions. By the end of Breaking Bad, Walt completely lost any sense of conscience and was willing to lie, murder, and cheat to get what he wanted. I rooted for him in those early episodes in the same way that one roots for a Hitchcock villain. Instead, Ill try to recap how the series has portrayed Skylers story, what she knows and how shes reacted to Walt, ending with my thoughts on season 5s shifts and one theory about Skyler-hating. And, yeah, I dont think I was entirely fair to Skyler. Again, masculine vanity! We were meant to root for Walt, and Skyler easily fell into the role of the typical wet-blanket wife that is present in so many other shows; boring and whose sole existence seemed to be to cause (boring) trouble for the main character who we wanted to see do cool things. But of course Walt cant stand up for himself without catching hell from Skylar. Similarly, because she does seem so very out of place in this male-dominated world and mostly serves as a springboard for the other (male) characters actions, I dont really care for Skyler White the character. The 52nd birthday scene is puzzling because it provides a parallel to the 50 (and now 51) scenes but Walt is making a sort of show of himself to the waitress by claiming its his birthday, and then shows her a fake ID as he walks out, she remembers his (fictional) name.

I was right with Skylar. Plus in those early days, we were rooting for Walt to break out of his boring life into the more exciting world of crime, and Skylers primary function was to ground him in mundanity. The one who sexually harassed her at the Christmas party that she then lied to Walt about. Walts original motivation for cooking was, clearly, to provide for his family after his death (albeit in a way that also served his sense of pride). After all, shes a bookkeeper, so she must know more about money-laundering than the lawyer whos been doing it for years, right? Great article, Jason! In fact, I admire her intelligence and perception she knows he must be hiding something big (bigger than his I smoke pot smokescreen) and she can see through his smooth easy lies. The book is inscribed: To my other favorite W.W. Its an honor working with you. And its also not just a matter of first impressions from S1, although that certainly set the tone for much of what followed right from the start, when she gives her husband fake bacon on his 50th birthday. Gus has an attractive offer however. I can see when Skyler left Walter at the end of season 2 how that seemed rash on her part she didnt know what the truth was and Walt wasnt the completely deplorable individual that he is today. But this is not what really drives him. After all, Walt assures her that the threat is dead, and now theyre all safe. She never returns to work for Beneke Fabricators. Throw him out and go sleep with yet another criminal. I agree with the above that Skylar (not fully developed at the time) appeared to be in full control at the onset of the series, and while it was Walter, in my opinion, that clearly had not recovered from being left out in his friends steep climb to success, it was Skylar that had kept the family together by taking charge. But Walts professional failings and the challenges of having a disabled son shifted their life into a more struggling but stable existence: she gave up trying to be a writer to work as a part-time bookkeeper, he became a chemistry teacher who had to moonlight at a car wash. A surprise pregnancy changes things, but more abruptly Walt starts acting highly erratically around his 50th birthday. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The post by Eric, in using the clipped syntax of a movie serial killer, barely made a point that is worth looking into. There are multiple reasons for this. Walter White is living in his home alone, at least for a while longer. Shes certainly not a hostage in her own home, as she claims.Her situation is of her own making. And while I find the show enjoyable and sometimes suspenseful, I certainly dont think its anywhere close to the best TV show ever as so many people proclaim. Consider her reaction when she thought he was smoking pot: it wasnt to talk to him, to see if it was helping as it does for many other cancer victims, but instead to go behind his back and threaten his (assumed) supplier. We open in what appears to be a dusty Mexican town. To an extent, but its important to remember how passive and disinterested Walt comes across; if Skyler is the dominating force in their marriage when the show starts, thats because Walter has abdicated responsibility for his half of the relationship. On one hand, this might make Skylers reaction seem even more unwarranted after all, Skyler has no idea of many worse things that Walt has done and how much he has lied to her! When she finally susses out what Walt has been doing, she again offers no sympathy, support, or concern, only holier-than-thou judgment. Betsy Brandt, who played Marie, got pregnant while Anna Gunn, who played Skylar, was pregnant on the show. This lead to future conflict, and the fact that she did take all of his money paying off Ted without asking Walter in Crawlspace. However, I think this is only one aspect of the complicated White relationship, and cannot be easily defined as Skylar is at fault/is the worst (the misogynist view) or Walt being entirely at fault. Skyler seeks advice on the state of her marriage and confronts Walt. | I can be very, very hard on the females in stories, precisely because I am weary of stereotypes and expectations and disappointments. This is by no means a consensus opinion, as Skyler has long been the target of manyBreaking Badfans ire. Was the actress who plays Skyler on breaking bad pregnant? also, I hope that this commenter never gets married. What a faithful loving wife. One thing that remains unclear to me is how much people dislike Skyler White the fictional person (finding her annoying, unsympathetic, or otherwise doing things that stand in the way of characters we like more) versus Skyler White the character (finding her unrealistic, poorly acted, or out-of-place in the storytelling) do any articulate Skyler-haters want to clarify in the comments? She brought her situation on herself, every bit as much as Walt did arguably more, since many of his dubious actions were responses to genuine threats on his life. I apologize for not posting a comment on your actual blog! Gunn looked radiant at the Emmys on Sunday, where she explained to reporters the reason for her altered appearance.I was actually ill while I was filming the show and it affected my weight, she told People. Im sorry, but when she does that face it just drives me up the wall. As far as abusing his son because he gave him a few shots. His treatment she made him get is what got him into cooking to begin with. As such, it makes perfect sense that he kept his activities from her, not just for fear of her reaction but also because you dont want to make someone you care about an accessory to your crimes. In the very beginning of Breaking Bad, Skylar is seen as pregnant. She didnt care that she was only getting the job because he had a thing for her and knowing he would likely make more moves on her. The Videographic Essay: An Open AccessSite! Walter standing up to her? Again, that could be saying more about their dull marriage (in the beginning) than her emasculating him. He was taking his anger at the world out on his son in the vilest manner possible. It was a huge scene, I really enjoyed watching it. I think that I am not the only one. No, she tried to reassert her own sense of control over things. Good grief. Hi, Lisa just wanted to pop in and say thanks for reading my post as well.

Preview of my Television & American Culture book. Both of those conclusions are obviously unfair assessments, as she is a better person than Walt for having some higher level of morality and not being so quick to delve further into criminal activity. Its an evil trick that works. It wouldve been nice to get a better understanding of the White marriage before everything went to hell, but there are signs of close friendship and love between the two of themI like Eliots party a lot, because it starts off with Walt and Skyler as a team, somewhat embarrassed about over-dressing, and ends with Walt angry over Skylers concern. Even as her marriage crumbles, Skyler permits Walt to take care of Holly and defends some of his actions to her lawyer, who advises that she leave Walt immediately. Although their relationship is far from solid, Skyler and Walt reach a balanced arrangement of mutual benefit, until she learns that one of his drug associates was killed in cold blood. When he finally had to tell her about his cooking, that he only had to start doing because of her and what does she do. In season two, when she begins her prolonged passive aggressive stint of shutting Walt out (as he has shut her out) and is basically trying to push him to tell her whats going on, again I can sympathize. Some would call that a lesson. But just as Walt has transformed as a character into a hateful and repulsive man, Skyler became more fully-realized and complex, far more nuanced than her first impressions. (LogOut/

We didnt have Walt stand erect until he became Heisenberg. He also had a precise vision of everything from Walts weight (186 pounds) to his mustache. And with that, I end with this brilliant triptych image that circulated on Twitter yesterday Walter Whites character development over three birthdays: UPDATE: Just a few links that Ive found or were posted after writing this. Prior to giving this gift, Boetticher, an avid Whitman fan, recites When I Heard the Learnd Astronomer, one of the poems found in Leaves of Grass. Thank you for your post, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also he finally stood up to hank in that scene. I remember not only being impressed by how the story ended, how the main plots unfolded, but also confused by my own feelings. After watching Vic Macey for six seasons, watching him escape consequences, the viewers saw him for what he was, a selfish man, who without a second thought would give up on his friends to survive. Offer him nonjudgmental moral support? so true. She later finds that Walt has signed off on their divorce and left the house for good. Does he love Jesse? Walts behavior soon is explained when he reveals that he has terminal lung cancer, and is resigned to die rather than getting treatment. TV critic Alyssa Rosenberg has pushed back against this hatred of antihero wives, and highlighted how Walter White is an abuser, both to his wife and surrogate son. He didnt want to leave his family with a pile of bills since he thought he was going to die. Throwing him out for no reason. Consider her reaction when he disappears in early S2: shes all about trying to find him while hes gone, but as soon as he returns after the fugue state she treats him like a pariah in his own home. At one point he practically begs her to ask him about her suspicions, only to have her say shed rather not know.. Change). But seemingly, many viewers cannot get beyond those initial impressions to see and appreciate Skylers transformations, both as character and person.

You have entered an incorrect email address! If you will recall, the writers have shown her a couple of times engaging in performances to get her way, and she was pretty darned good at it. To be this is a privilege that is usually restricted to the Walts and the Jesses. Taking his bacon away. Did she respond to this sympathetically? However, Walt eventually chose to leave Gray Matter after hitting a snag in his relationship with his girlfriend, Gretchen (due to feelings of inferiority to her wealthy family), and sold his share of the company to Elliot for only $5000. Some would call that a lesson. Gale Boetticher had given Walt a copy of Walt Whitmans Leaves of Grass, a collection of poems, which has been seen several times since. (And I talk some about this distinction between character and person inComplex TV. I wanted to cry out, Please, Anna! Remember, this is the first indication she has gotten Walt is capable of murder while we witnessed his procession of increasingly amoral killings (that Ive discussed more here), to Skyler, this means Walt has suddenly gone from a criminal chemist who seems in over his head, to a scheming murderer willing to blow-up a nursing home to take out an enemy. I find this contrast to be one of the brilliant resonances of this season thus far, reminding us that Walts slide into monstrosity was due to a series of active choices & moral failings, not the reactive shit happens that Skyler calls out as part of his perpetual series of rationalizations. This is a somewhat lengthy post lets hope that WordPress allows it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But Betsys growing belly was used as well. As of this season, I am completely in empathy with Skylar. Im sure there will be shocks ahead (although I think the power from the show now is going to be more seeing events that weve been building to for years finally come to fruition), but for the most part, Occams Razor holds sway. I think you got that backward, Eric. ), [Spoilers through the fourth episode of season 5 below the fold.].

Im so embroiled in Breaking Bad right now, I need to talk about it with someone! But Walts behavior remains bizarre, including a fugue state, connection with a druggie former student, numerous unexplained disappearances, strange parenting decisions (what was up with Junior and the tequilia? Meanwhile, two dangerous looking men cross over into the US from Mexico. (LogOut/ One thing that remains unclear to me is how much people dislike Skyler White the fictional person (finding her annoying, unsympathetic, or otherwise doing things that stand in the way of characters we like more) versus Skyler White the character (finding her unrealistic, poorly acted, or out-of-place in the storytelling). Skylar is in no way directly responsible for any of Walts actions, but I think her emasculation of Walt early on led to him continually overcompensating for it now by always trying to be the baddest dude in the room. Eventually Walt does agree to a divorce, but Skyler decides to remain married for the legal protection. She was willing to do things, but each time Walt takes another step towards the deep end, and she doesnt follow him, makes her appear hypocritical or not dedicated to her family. Does he love his wife, his children? Then, Does Hank catch Walt in Breaking Bad? Naturally, Annas body had to be padded for Skylars pregnancy. I didnt want to scan the internet to link to examples of irrational, misogynist Skyler-hating. Although Skylers not half as smart as she thinks she is, shes not a complete idiot either, so she knows the drug trade can be dangerous especially if, as the OP suggests, she thinks Hanks shooting is related to Walts business (although in reality its tangential to it at best). Taglines Is there some way out? I think it is self-hatred, primarily, as suggested by her statement I am a coward. And the realization that she has trapped herself through her own actions, her own decisions. Ive never had a problem with Skyler, but it mostly seems to me that criticism of her character is that some people like Walt (or at least want to focus on him more, which I dont know would really be possible the show is already so tightly focused on a small handful of characters) and think shes a wet blanket. (Again, if any Skyler-haters want to offer other explanations, Im eager to read them!). Then lied again and went back to work for him knowing that he had a thing for her and that he owned the company now. I never liked Walt that much, in fact. When he learns Ted is cooking the books, shes sympathetic to him and decides to stay on the job, despite the fact that signing off on them could incriminate her. This money (from what I understand) now belongs to the state. One of them is the often transparent level of contrivance and coincidence in the plotting. But the cover business has to be the car wash she wants. Seriously Eric, its entirely possible you forgot to use the #sarcasm tag but something tells me you actually believe this bile you posted. Teds affections dont creep her out, she then deliberately plays upon (remember the thing with the spilled pen holder?). I re-watched the first couple of seasons of the show, and its unfortunate the way it takes time for Skyler to come into her own; that first season especially, shes dangerously close to a parody of a granola-y, distracted, dominating spouse. Maybe the glasses are just to wear when he wants to disguise himself in the diner. Those constant dead fish stares! So, yes, his behavior must have seemed increasingly erratic to her. Walts answer is the key when he says hes gone instead of yes thats when Jesse knew. So, Im coming into this very ex post facto, but its too interesting a discussion not to weigh in. As Walt copes with the aftermath of the plane crash and Skyler's anger, Jesse comes to a new realization about himself. Gilligan and his writing staff have got us so primed for twists that its easy to start expected convolutions when they dont really serve any narrative purpose, like the speculation Ive read elsewhere that Jessie planted a bomb in the watch he gave Walt. Ive also read Kelli Marshalls post and, like her, I refuse the assumption that if I it must be because Walt is the protagonist-anti-hero and I am invested in that protagonists success. Hows that in terms of an articulate clarification of the widespread dislike for the character? Maybe the hairs a wig. The truth is that Walt did poison Brock just not with ricin. Walt wasnt teaching Jr. a lesson on underage drinking. But this is not what people do in real life. Walts repeated statements that he wants to provide are less about a true desire to take care of his loved ones than an egoistic need to be the one who fulfills that role as brilliantly and completely as possible. So she lashes out in the only way that she can think of: having an affair with her boss, who has his own corrupt business practices that she finds herself wrapped up in. Sure it saved his life luckily, but had he not started cooking, saving his life would of required him to go against his beliefs and humiliate himself. All those wide-eyed stares with her mouth open yet with no teeth showing so strangely alien and fishlike. Teaching him what happens when kids drink. Also he finally stood up to hank in that scene.. Instead, he used a Lily of the Valley plant which was growing in his backyard. Skylar became a control-group example of how far Walt was moving away from his live he originally had set out to protect. I felt terrible for her because she was in an impossible situation and reduced to doing this not (mostly) out of passion but as the only way she could inflict some pain on Walt.