7 Breaking Bad Plot Holes That Still Bother Fans
Unresolved Questions from the Hit Series
Breaking Bad captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and complex characters. The critically acclaimed series, which aired from 2008 to 2013, followed the transformation of high school chemistry teacher Walter White into a ruthless drug kingpin. Despite its widespread acclaim, even this beloved show is not immune to scrutiny from its most dedicated fans.
While Breaking Bad is often hailed as one of the greatest television shows ever made, some viewers have identified potential plot holes that challenge the narrative's consistency. These perceived inconsistencies range from minor details to more significant story elements that have sparked debates among fans. As viewers continue to rewatch and analyze the series, certain plot points remain contentious, fueling ongoing discussions about the show's narrative integrity.
1) Walt and Jesse's missing gas masks
In the early episodes of Breaking Bad, Walt and Jesse use gas masks while cooking meth in their RV lab. However, fans have pointed out a glaring plot hole regarding these masks.
When the DEA investigates Walt's high school chemistry lab, they discover equipment is missing. They also find a gas mask at a nearby cook site. This evidence should have raised suspicions about Walt's potential involvement.
Logically, the gas masks used by Walt and Jesse would have contained traces of their DNA or fingerprints. This physical evidence could have quickly linked them to the meth operation.
Yet inexplicably, the DEA never seems to pursue this lead or connect the dots. The investigation fails to identify Walt or Jesse based on the gas mask evidence, despite its potential to crack the case wide open.
This oversight by law enforcement stretches believability and represents a significant plot hole. It's one of several instances where the show's writers appear to have overlooked key details in service of the larger narrative.
2) Mike's terminated search for Walt
Mike Ehrmantraut's abrupt abandonment of his pursuit of Walter White remains a puzzling plot point for many Breaking Bad fans. After Walt killed Gus Fring, Mike was determined to eliminate him as a threat to the drug operation.
However, Mike inexplicably halted his search for Walt without explanation. This sudden shift in Mike's priorities seemed out of character for the meticulous and thorough former cop.
Mike's decision to stop hunting Walt created a significant narrative inconsistency. It allowed Walt to survive and continue his rise in the drug world, despite being a prime target for elimination.
The show never fully addressed why Mike chose to work with Walt instead of eliminating him. This unexplained change in Mike's motivations left viewers questioning the logic behind his actions.
Many fans speculate that practical considerations, like needing Walt's expertise, may have influenced Mike's decision. However, the lack of a clear on-screen explanation for this crucial plot development remains a notable gap in the story.
3) Gale's karaoke video not found
Gale Boetticher's karaoke video remains a puzzling plot hole for Breaking Bad fans. The video, shown to Walter White by Hank Schrader, depicts Gale singing "Major Tom" by Peter Schilling.
The issue arises from the fact that Gale was murdered in his apartment. It's unclear how this personal video ended up in police possession. The show never explains how law enforcement obtained this footage.
Some viewers speculate that Gale may have uploaded the video online. However, given his reclusive nature and involvement in illegal activities, this seems unlikely. The presence of the video in police hands without explanation has left fans questioning its origin.
This inconsistency stands out in a show known for its attention to detail. While minor in the grand scheme of the series, it continues to perplex observant viewers. The karaoke video's unexplained appearance remains a small but notable plot hole in Breaking Bad's narrative.
4) Lydia's poisoning confusion
Fans of Breaking Bad still debate the circumstances surrounding Lydia's poisoning in the series finale. Walt's method of administering the ricin to Lydia remains unclear, leaving viewers to speculate about the details.
Some question how Walt managed to slip the poison into Lydia's stevia packet without being detected. The logistics of this act, given Walt's limited time and resources, have sparked discussions among viewers.
Another point of contention is the timeline of Lydia's symptoms. The rapid onset of her illness after consuming the ricin-laced stevia has led some fans to question the realism of the poisoning's effects.
The lack of explicit explanation regarding these details has fueled ongoing debates within the Breaking Bad community. While the show's creators may have intentionally left some aspects ambiguous, it hasn't stopped fans from scrutinizing this plot point.
Despite these questions, Lydia's fate serves as a crucial element in wrapping up Walt's final acts of revenge. The ambiguity surrounding her poisoning continues to engage fans in discussions years after the show's conclusion.
5) Gus's meticulous but missed car bomb
Gus Fring's character is known for his extreme caution and attention to detail. This makes the scene where he narrowly avoids a car bomb particularly puzzling to fans.
In the episode, Gus approaches his car in the hospital parking garage. At the last moment, he decides not to enter the vehicle, seemingly sensing danger.
While this demonstrates Gus's intuition, it raises questions about his usual thoroughness. How did such a careful man miss a bomb planted in his own car?
Some viewers argue that Gus's sudden wariness feels contrived, serving only to move the plot forward. It appears inconsistent with his typically meticulous nature.
Others defend the scene, suggesting that Gus's heightened awareness of Walt's threat led to his caution. They believe his instincts, rather than direct knowledge, saved him.
Regardless of interpretation, this moment stands out as a potential weak point in an otherwise tightly-plotted series. It continues to spark debate among Breaking Bad enthusiasts.
6) Missing Brock poisoning details
Walter White's poisoning of Brock remains a controversial plot point in Breaking Bad. The show never fully explains how Walt managed to administer the Lily of the Valley poison to the young boy.
This lack of clarity leaves fans speculating about the logistics. Did Walt sneak into Brock's school? Did he tamper with his food or drink somehow? The exact method is never revealed.
The poisoning is a pivotal moment that turns Jesse against Gus Fring. However, the missing details make it difficult for some viewers to fully accept this critical plot development.
Walt's ability to poison a child without detection stretches credibility for some fans. The show's usual attention to detail makes this omission stand out even more.
The writers may have intentionally left this vague to maintain suspense. Yet for many viewers, it remains an unsatisfying loose end in an otherwise tightly plotted series.
7) The GPS tracker reveal
The GPS tracker reveal in Breaking Bad has sparked debate among fans. In season 5, Hank discovers a GPS tracker on a barrel of methylamine, leading him to suspect Walt's involvement in the meth operation.
Some viewers question the plausibility of this reveal. They argue that it's unlikely for a seasoned criminal like Walt to overlook such a crucial detail. The placement of the tracker on the outside of the barrel, rather than hidden inside, also raises eyebrows.
Critics point out that the DEA would likely use more sophisticated tracking methods. The conspicuous nature of the device seems at odds with the agency's usual covert operations.
Others defend this plot point, suggesting it could have been Hank acting independently. This theory aligns with his previous solo investigations into Gus Fring's activities.
Despite these debates, the GPS tracker revelation serves as a pivotal moment in the series. It propels the story forward, intensifying the cat-and-mouse game between Walt and Hank.
The Complexity of Breaking Bad's Narrative
Breaking Bad's intricate storytelling and character arcs have captivated audiences. The show's narrative complexity stems from its nuanced approach to character development and moral ambiguity.
Character Development and Consistency
Walter White's transformation from mild-mannered chemistry teacher to ruthless drug kingpin anchors Breaking Bad's narrative. His gradual descent into villainy occurs through a series of increasingly questionable decisions and rationalizations.
Jesse Pinkman's character arc provides a counterpoint, as he struggles with guilt and attempts at redemption. The writers maintain consistency in how characters react to events, building upon established personalities and motivations.
Supporting characters like Skyler, Hank, and Saul receive depth through subplots that intersect with the main storyline. Their actions and choices feel authentic to their established traits.
The show's pacing allows for meaningful character growth over its five seasons. Flashbacks and flash-forwards add layers to character histories and foreshadow future events.
Analyzing Plot Inconsistencies
Breaking Bad's complex narrative contains some plot elements that don't always align perfectly. Fans have noted timeline issues and character choices that seem to contradict established motivations or behaviors.
Timeline Discrepancies
Walt's 50th birthday occurs in the pilot episode, which takes place in September 2008. However, subsequent events unfold at a pace that doesn't match the show's stated 2-year timeframe. For example, Holly is born in season 2 but appears much older than she should be in later seasons.
The rapid growth of Walt and Jesse's meth empire also raises questions. They go from small-time cooks to major players in a matter of months, which some viewers find unrealistic given the established drug trade hierarchy.
Unexplained Character Motivations
Gus Fring's decision to work with Walt despite his unreliability is a point of contention. Gus is portrayed as cautious and calculating, yet he repeatedly gives Walt chances despite clear risks.
Jesse's inability to recognize Walt's manipulation also strains credibility for some fans. Given Jesse's street smarts and experiences, his continued trust in Walt seems at odds with his character development.
Hank's failure to connect Walt to Heisenberg earlier is another debated point. As a skilled DEA agent with personal connections to Walt, some viewers argue Hank should have pieced things together sooner.
