15 Easter Eggs You Might Have Missed in Breaking Bad
Hidden Details Revealed
Breaking Bad captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and complex characters. But beyond the surface, the show's creators sprinkled hidden details and references throughout the series for attentive viewers to discover.
These subtle Easter eggs added depth to the world of Breaking Bad, rewarding observant fans with extra layers of meaning and clever connections. From visual symbolism to literary allusions, the show contained numerous hidden gems that enhanced the viewing experience for those who caught them. This article explores 15 easily missed Easter eggs that demonstrate the show's intricate craftsmanship.
1) Gale's Karaoke Video
Breaking Bad fans were treated to an unexpected and hilarious Easter egg in the form of Gale Boetticher's karaoke video. This gem was unearthed by DEA agent Hank Schrader during his investigation into Gale's murder.
The video showcases Gale enthusiastically performing a rendition of Peter Schilling's "Major Tom (Coming Home)" in what appears to be his apartment. His awkward dance moves and earnest singing provide a rare moment of levity in the otherwise dark series.
This Easter egg serves multiple purposes. It humanizes Gale, showing a playful side to the otherwise serious chemist. It also contrasts sharply with the violent world of drug manufacturing, highlighting the tragedy of Gale's fate.
The karaoke video became an instant fan favorite, sparking discussions and memes across the Breaking Bad community. It's a testament to the show's attention to detail and ability to surprise viewers even in its later seasons.
2) Heisenberg Written on Walter's Tombstone
Breaking Bad fans with keen eyes may have noticed a subtle but significant detail in the series finale. During a brief scene showing Walter White's gravestone, the name "Heisenberg" is faintly visible beneath his real name.
This Easter egg serves as a powerful reminder of Walter's dual identity throughout the show. It symbolizes how his alter ego ultimately became an inseparable part of who he was, even in death.
The faded appearance of "Heisenberg" on the tombstone could be interpreted as a nod to Walter's attempts to leave his criminal past behind in his final days. However, its presence suggests that his legacy as the infamous drug kingpin will forever be tied to his memory.
This clever detail exemplifies the show's attention to subtle symbolism and its ability to pack meaning into small moments. It provides a fitting visual representation of how Walter White's transformation into Heisenberg left an indelible mark on his life and legacy.
3) Saul's 'LWYRUP' License Plate
Saul Goodman's distinctive license plate serves as a clever Easter egg connecting Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. In Breaking Bad, Saul drives a white 1997 Cadillac DeVille sporting the New Mexico vanity plate "LWYRUP."
This eye-catching plate, a phonetic spelling of "lawyer up," perfectly encapsulates Saul's brash persona and legal profession. It's a prime example of the character's penchant for flashy self-promotion.
The Better Call Saul premiere subtly nods to this future vehicle choice. As Jimmy McGill exits the courthouse, he passes by a white 1997 Cadillac DeVille in the parking lot. While not yet adorned with the iconic plate, this car foreshadows Saul's eventual transformation.
This Easter egg demonstrates the careful attention to detail in both series. It bridges the gap between Jimmy McGill's humble beginnings and Saul Goodman's flamboyant criminal lawyer persona, offering fans a satisfying connection between the two shows.
4) Victor's Watch in a Lab Scene
Breaking Bad's attention to detail extends to the smallest props, including a watch worn by Victor in a laboratory scene. This subtle Easter egg appears during a crucial moment in the series.
Victor, one of Gus Fring's henchmen, is seen wearing a distinctive timepiece while working in the lab. The watch's design and placement are no accident, as it serves a deeper purpose within the show's narrative.
Keen-eyed viewers might notice that the watch resembles one previously worn by Walter White. This visual connection subtly hints at the intertwining fates of the characters and the shifting power dynamics within the drug empire.
The presence of Victor's watch in this scene also foreshadows his eventual demise. It serves as a quiet reminder of the ticking clock and the limited time each character has in the dangerous world of methamphetamine production and distribution.
This Easter egg exemplifies Breaking Bad's masterful use of props and visual cues to enhance storytelling. It rewards attentive viewers with an extra layer of meaning and demonstrates the show's commitment to crafting a rich, detailed universe.
5) 'Better Call Saul' Billboard
The 'Better Call Saul' billboard became an iconic symbol in Breaking Bad, representing Saul Goodman's flamboyant marketing tactics. This memorable advertisement first appeared in the Breaking Bad episode "Better Call Saul," introducing the character to viewers.
The billboard featured Saul's face alongside his catchphrase, "Better Call Saul!" It showcased his larger-than-life persona and foreshadowed his importance in the series. The image became instantly recognizable to fans.
In Breaking Bad, the billboard served as a visual cue for Saul's introduction and subsequent appearances. It effectively conveyed his role as a criminal lawyer willing to bend the rules for his clients.
The billboard's presence in Breaking Bad set the stage for the spin-off series Better Call Saul. It became a recurring motif, symbolizing Jimmy McGill's transformation into the persona of Saul Goodman.
Observant viewers may have noticed subtle changes to the billboard throughout the series, reflecting Saul's evolving brand and clientele. These modifications added depth to the character's development and the show's narrative.
6) Danny the Laser Tag Guy Mention
In Breaking Bad, Saul Goodman suggests a laser tag facility as a potential money laundering front for Walter White. He mentions that the place has a "Danny" - a trusted owner who can be relied upon to keep things discreet.
This seemingly throwaway line actually connects to the Breaking Bad prequel series, Better Call Saul. In that show, we meet a character named Daniel Wormald, also known as Pryce.
Daniel owns a laser tag business in Albuquerque. This subtle connection between the two series serves as an Easter egg for attentive fans. It suggests that Daniel could potentially be the "Danny" Saul refers to in Breaking Bad.
The laser tag business plays a small but memorable role in both series. In Breaking Bad, it's one of Saul's suggestions for laundering money. In Better Call Saul, it's part of Daniel's backstory and business ventures.
This cross-series reference rewards viewers who have watched both shows. It adds depth to the shared universe and highlights the writers' attention to detail.
7) Lydia's Stevia Packet
Lydia Rodarte-Quayle, a character known for her meticulous nature, always ordered the same drink at her regular café meetings - chamomile tea with soy milk and Stevia. Her consistent habit of using Stevia became a key plot point in the series finale.
Walter White exploited this predictable behavior to carry out his final act of revenge. He replaced Lydia's usual Stevia packet with one containing ricin, a deadly poison.
This detail showcases the writers' attention to character traits and how they can be used to advance the plot. Lydia's routine, established over multiple episodes, set up a perfect opportunity for Walt's scheme.
The Stevia packet serves as a subtle but crucial prop in the series' conclusion. It demonstrates how even small, seemingly insignificant details can have major impacts in Breaking Bad's storytelling.
Viewers who paid close attention to Lydia's habits throughout the series might have appreciated this clever use of a recurring element. It's a testament to the show's intricate plotting and character development.
8) Tortuga's Head on a Turtle
Breaking Bad featured many shocking moments, but few were as memorable as Tortuga's demise. Played by Danny Trejo, Tortuga was a cartel drug runner who secretly informed to the DEA.
His fate was sealed when the cartel discovered his betrayal. In a gruesome display, Tortuga's severed head was placed on the shell of a live turtle in the desert.
This macabre scene served multiple purposes. It demonstrated the cartel's brutality and sent a clear message to potential informants. The image also provided dark humor, playing on Tortuga's nickname, which means "turtle" in Spanish.
The writers initially conceived this idea as a joke, but it evolved into one of the show's most bizarre and memorable death scenes. It exemplified Breaking Bad's ability to blend shocking violence with darkly comedic elements.
This Easter egg showcased the show's attention to detail and its knack for creating unforgettable visual moments. It remains a prime example of the series' unique storytelling style.
9) Marie Schrader's Love for Purple
Marie Schrader's obsession with the color purple is a subtle yet significant Easter egg in Breaking Bad. Throughout the series, Marie surrounds herself with purple objects and clothing.
Her home is filled with purple decor, from tea kettles and wine openers to tote bags and flowers. Marie's wardrobe also prominently features various shades of purple.
This color choice is intentional and symbolic. Purple represents Marie's distance from Walter White's meth empire and her status as a victim of its consequences.
After Hank's death, Marie's color palette shifts to black and white, reflecting her grief and loss of power. This change in wardrobe further emphasizes the significance of her previous purple-centric style.
The show's creators used color theory to develop characters' visual identities. Marie's purple stands out among the other color associations in the series, making it a subtle but meaningful detail for attentive viewers.
10) The Pink Teddy Bear's Eye
The pink teddy bear that appears throughout Breaking Bad's second season holds a deeper significance than viewers might initially realize. Its missing eye serves as a subtle yet powerful symbol within the show's narrative.
The bear's damaged eye draws a parallel to Gus Fring's fate in season 4. This foreshadowing becomes apparent when Gus meets his end, losing half of his face in an explosion.
Walt's glasses also reflect this motif. In scenes where he embraces his Heisenberg persona, his glasses often catch the light, obscuring one eye. This visual cue links Walt to both the teddy bear and Gus.
The bear's eye resurfaces in unexpected places. It can be spotted in Jane's apartment and later in Walt's pool filter. These appearances serve as reminders of the consequences of Walt's actions.
Through this recurring imagery, the show's creators skillfully weave together themes of loss, corruption, and the far-reaching impact of Walt's choices. The pink teddy bear's missing eye becomes a haunting symbol of innocence destroyed.
11) 'Breaking Bad' Appearing on de Mestre's Artwork
In Breaking Bad's attention to detail, even background elements can hold surprising references. One such Easter egg appears in Jesse Pinkman's house during season 5.
A painting by Australian artist Roy de Mestre hangs on Jesse's wall. Upon closer inspection, viewers can spot the words "Breaking Bad" hidden within the abstract artwork.
This subtle inclusion serves as a clever nod to the show itself. It demonstrates the creators' commitment to layering the series with hidden details for observant fans to discover.
The painting's presence also reflects Jesse's evolving tastes and lifestyle changes throughout the show. As his character develops, his surroundings subtly shift to mirror his journey.
This Easter egg rewards viewers who pay close attention to the visual elements of each scene. It showcases Breaking Bad's meticulous approach to set design and world-building.
12) Huell's Stolen Money
Breaking Bad fans may have overlooked a subtle Easter egg involving Huell Babineaux, Saul Goodman's bodyguard. In the episode "Buried," Huell and Kuby are tasked with collecting Walt's money from a storage unit.
As they lay on the massive pile of cash, Huell suggests taking some for themselves. This seemingly throwaway line actually foreshadows a later revelation in Better Call Saul.
In the spin-off series, it's revealed that Huell did indeed steal money from Walt. This clever connection demonstrates the careful planning and attention to detail in the Breaking Bad universe.
The Easter egg adds depth to Huell's character, showing his opportunistic nature. It also highlights the interconnectedness of the two shows, rewarding attentive viewers who follow both series.
This small detail serves as a prime example of the hidden gems scattered throughout Breaking Bad, encouraging fans to rewatch and discover new layers to the story.
13) Blue Meth's Distinctive Look
Walter White's signature blue methamphetamine became an iconic symbol in Breaking Bad. Its unique color set it apart from typical meth, which is usually white or off-white.
The vivid blue hue represented the exceptional purity of Walt's product. This visual distinction made his meth instantly recognizable in the drug market, contributing to its high demand and notoriety.
The show's creators used the color blue strategically throughout the series. It appeared in various elements beyond just the meth, subtly reinforcing its significance.
The 1972 Badfinger song "Baby Blue" played in the series finale, serving as a clever reference to Walt's blue meth. This musical choice tied together the show's themes and imagery in its closing moments.
The distinctive blue color became so associated with the show that it influenced real-world perceptions. Some viewers reported seeing news stories about actual blue-tinted meth, demonstrating the series' cultural impact.
14) Howard Hamlin's Namaste Car Tag
Howard Hamlin's personalized license plate "NAMAST3" provides subtle insight into his character. The plate combines "namaste" - a spiritual greeting meaning "I bow to you" - with the number 3, creating a clever play on words.
This Easter egg appears in Better Call Saul, offering a glimpse into Howard's mindset and values. It suggests he strives for balance and inner peace, contrasting with the chaotic world of law he inhabits.
The license plate becomes particularly ironic when Jimmy McGill repeatedly vandalizes Howard's car. This juxtaposition of Howard's zen aspirations against Jimmy's destructive actions adds depth to their rivalry.
Attentive viewers may notice the plate in various scenes featuring Howard's car. It serves as a constant reminder of his composed facade, even as events around him spiral out of control.
This small detail enriches Howard's character development throughout the series. It demonstrates how the show's creators use subtle elements to add layers to their characters and world-building.
15) Walter White's Pants in the Desert
Walter White's iconic tighty-whities in the desert became a defining image of Breaking Bad. This scene from the pilot episode showed Walt stranded in his underwear after a failed attempt at cooking meth.
The show's creators cleverly brought this image full circle in the final season. In the episode "Ozymandias," Walt's pants make a surprise reappearance.
As Walt rolls a barrel of money through the desert, his original discarded pants can be spotted in the background. This subtle callback connects the beginning of Walt's journey to its end.
The pants serve as a visual reminder of how far Walt has come. They represent his transformation from a desperate amateur to a hardened criminal mastermind.
This Easter egg rewards attentive viewers who noticed the familiar landscape. It provides a poignant link between Walt's first foray into crime and the consequences of his actions.
Cultural References in Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad incorporates numerous cultural references throughout its run. These nods to films, TV shows, and popular culture enhance the viewing experience for attentive fans.
Influences from Classic Films
Breaking Bad pays homage to several iconic films. Walt and Jesse's desert cooking scenes evoke Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns. The show's cinematography draws inspiration from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, using wide shots to emphasize character isolation.
Scarface plays a significant role in the series. Walt and his son watch the film together, foreshadowing Walt's transformation into a drug kingpin. The final shootout in "Felina" mirrors Tony Montana's last stand.
Other film references include:
The Godfather (Walt's hat mimics Michael Corleone's)
Pulp Fiction (trunk shot angles)
Taxi Driver (Walt practices drawing his gun in a mirror)
Nods to Iconic TV Shows
Breaking Bad cleverly references other TV series. The show's creators pay tribute to The X-Files, where Vince Gilligan previously worked. A character named "Gretchen Schwartz" appears in both shows.
The series also nods to:
The Wire (drug dealer naming conventions)
Deadwood (shared actors and Western themes)
The Sopranos (similar themes of morality and crime)
A subtle reference occurs when Saul Goodman mentions "sending someone to Belize" - a euphemism for murder used in The Sopranos. The pink teddy bear motif throughout season 2 echoes Lost's mysterious polar bear appearances.
Symbolism and Hidden Meanings
Breaking Bad utilizes intricate symbolism and hidden meanings throughout the series. Visual elements and subtle details enhance the storytelling and provide deeper insights into characters and plot developments.
Colors as Symbols
Colors play a significant role in Breaking Bad's visual storytelling. Walt's clothing progressively darkens as he descends further into the criminal underworld. Blue represents purity and chemistry, appearing in the meth and lab equipment. Yellow symbolizes caution and is often associated with dangerous situations or characters.
Green represents greed and money, frequently seen when financial matters are discussed. Red signifies violence and danger, appearing in tense or violent scenes. The color palette shifts for different characters and locations, reflecting their personalities and roles in the story.
The Use of Music and Lyrics
Breaking Bad's soundtrack is carefully curated to enhance scenes and convey deeper meanings. Songs often foreshadow events or provide commentary on characters' situations. The lyrics frequently relate to the plot in subtle ways, rewarding attentive viewers.
Notable examples include "Negro y Azul," a narcocorrido about Heisenberg's growing reputation, and "Crystal Blue Persuasion" playing during a montage of Walt's expanding meth operation. The show also uses original compositions to create distinct atmospheres, such as the ominous tones accompanying Gus Fring's scenes.
