7 Breaking Bad Storylines That Were Quietly Abandoned
Unresolved Plots in the Hit Series
Breaking Bad captivated audiences with its intricate plotlines and character development. The show's creators carefully crafted each storyline, weaving together a complex narrative that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. However, not every plot thread introduced in the series reached a satisfying conclusion.
Some storylines in Breaking Bad were quietly abandoned or left unresolved, leaving fans to speculate about what could have been. These abandoned plot points range from minor subplots to potentially significant character arcs that were hinted at but never fully explored. While the show's overall quality remained high, these unresolved elements provide an interesting glimpse into the creative process and the challenges of long-form storytelling in television.
1) Hank's Weird Gadget Obsession
Hank Schrader, the tough DEA agent in Breaking Bad, briefly developed an unusual fascination with minerals and gadgets during his recovery. This storyline emerged after Hank was shot and bedridden, struggling with his physical limitations and emotional trauma.
During this period, Hank became engrossed in collecting minerals and using specialized equipment to examine them. He spent hours studying his specimens, often to the frustration of his wife Marie.
The show depicted Hank's newfound hobby as a coping mechanism, allowing him to focus on something other than his injuries and career setback. It also served to illustrate his vulnerability and changed demeanor following the attack.
Despite its initial prominence, this storyline gradually faded away as Hank regained his strength and returned to active duty. The writers seemingly abandoned this subplot without much explanation, shifting focus back to Hank's pursuit of Heisenberg.
While Hank's mineral obsession provided interesting character development, it ultimately had little impact on the main plot. The storyline's quiet disappearance left some viewers wondering about its significance in the broader context of the show.
2) Jesse's Brother's Storyline
Jesse Pinkman's younger brother Jake was introduced in season 1 of Breaking Bad. He was portrayed as a gifted student and talented musician, the pride of the Pinkman family.
Jake's character initially seemed poised to play a larger role in Jesse's story. His presence highlighted the stark contrast between Jesse and his family's expectations.
However, after his brief appearance, Jake's character was largely forgotten. The show never revisited his relationship with Jesse or explored how their family dynamics evolved.
This abandonment left viewers wondering about Jake's fate. Did he maintain his academic success? How did Jesse's criminal activities affect his younger brother's life?
The writers may have decided to focus more intensely on Jesse's personal journey, leaving little room for family subplots. Alternatively, they might have felt Jake's storyline didn't contribute significantly to the main narrative.
Despite its initial promise, Jake Pinkman's storyline remains one of Breaking Bad's quietly abandoned plot threads. It represents a missed opportunity to further explore Jesse's background and family relationships.
3) Gus Fring's Hidden Family
Gus Fring's personal life remained shrouded in mystery throughout Breaking Bad. While the show hinted at his possible family connections, this storyline was never fully explored or resolved.
In several scenes, viewers caught glimpses of children's toys and family photos in Gus's home. These subtle details suggested he might have had a wife and children.
During a dinner scene with Walter White, Gus mentioned cooking for his kids. This statement further fueled speculation about his family life.
However, the show never introduced Gus's family members on screen or provided concrete information about their existence. This potential storyline was left unexplored as the series progressed.
The ambiguity surrounding Gus's family added to his enigmatic character. It raised questions about his motivations and the extent of his double life as a drug lord and family man.
Despite these hints, the writers chose not to delve deeper into Gus's family background. This decision left fans wondering about the true nature of his personal relationships and home life.
4) Skyler's Beneke Employment Drama
Skyler White's employment at Beneke Fabricators initially seemed like a significant plot point in Breaking Bad. Her return to work for her former boss Ted Beneke introduced potential complications to her marriage with Walt.
The show hinted at a history between Skyler and Ted, including a past incident of inappropriate behavior. This setup appeared to promise ongoing workplace tension and possible romantic entanglement.
However, the storyline gradually faded into the background. The focus shifted away from Skyler's day-to-day work experiences and interactions with Ted. Instead, the narrative emphasized the broader financial implications of her involvement with Beneke Fabricators.
The promised drama of Skyler navigating a complex work environment never fully materialized. Her professional relationship with Ted became overshadowed by the company's tax fraud issues and subsequent financial crisis.
This storyline's quiet abandonment left viewers wondering about the missed opportunities for exploring Skyler's character development outside her role as Walt's wife. The workplace drama that seemed poised to add another layer to Breaking Bad's intricate plot web ultimately remained largely unexplored.
5) Walter Jr.'s School Challenges
Walter Jr.'s academic struggles were briefly touched upon in early episodes of Breaking Bad. His cerebral palsy created difficulties for him at school, both academically and socially.
The show initially seemed poised to explore how Walt Sr. would help his son navigate these challenges. There were hints that Walt might use his teaching experience to tutor Junior or advocate for him at school.
Some scenes depicted Walter Jr. facing bullying from classmates. This appeared to be setting up a storyline about Walt confronting the school administration or even taking matters into his own hands against bullies.
However, as the series progressed, Walter Jr.'s school life faded into the background. The focus shifted more to his relationship with his parents and their marital issues.
By later seasons, Walter Jr.'s academic performance and social interactions at school were rarely mentioned. The show instead concentrated on his reactions to his father's increasingly dubious behavior and absences from home.
This potential storyline about Walter Jr. overcoming educational obstacles was quietly abandoned as Breaking Bad delved deeper into Walt Sr.'s descent into the drug trade.
6) The DEA's Laptop Investigation
The DEA's investigation into Gus Fring's laptop became a storyline that quietly faded into the background of Breaking Bad. After Gus's death, the DEA seized his laptop, which potentially contained crucial evidence about his drug empire.
Walt and Jesse orchestrated an elaborate scheme using a giant magnet to destroy the laptop's hard drive while it was stored in police evidence. They believed this would erase any incriminating data.
The magnet plan seemed successful, but it inadvertently revealed hidden bank account information in a picture frame. This discovery initially appeared to be a significant lead for Hank and the DEA.
However, the laptop and its contents were never mentioned again in any meaningful way. The writers seemed to abandon this plot thread, leaving viewers to wonder what information the DEA might have recovered.
The storyline's quiet disappearance left questions about whether the magnet scheme was truly necessary or if it ultimately made things worse for Walt and Jesse. The unresolved nature of this plot point remains a curious aspect of the show's otherwise meticulous storytelling.
7) Tuco's Origin Story
Tuco Salamanca, the volatile drug dealer in Breaking Bad, was initially slated for a deeper backstory. The show's creators had planned to explore his past and the events that shaped his violent personality.
This storyline would have delved into Tuco's family history and his rise in the drug trade. It was meant to provide context for his erratic behavior and fierce loyalty to family.
The writers considered flashbacks to Tuco's younger years, possibly showing his relationship with his uncle Hector Salamanca. These scenes could have revealed the roots of Tuco's criminal tendencies and his connections to the cartel.
Unfortunately, this storyline was abandoned early in the show's run. The decision was partly due to actor Raymond Cruz's limited availability and the narrative's focus shifting more towards Walter White's journey.
As a result, Tuco remained a largely enigmatic character. Viewers were left to speculate about his past based on brief glimpses of his personality and relationships. The show instead chose to develop other characters more fully, leaving Tuco's origin as one of Breaking Bad's unexplored plotlines.
Character Development Dynamics
Breaking Bad's strength lies in its nuanced character arcs. The show masterfully portrays the evolution of its main characters, particularly Jesse Pinkman and Walter White, as they navigate increasingly complex moral dilemmas and personal transformations.
Impact on Jesse Pinkman's Arc
Jesse Pinkman's journey from small-time drug dealer to conflicted partner in a major meth operation is a central pillar of Breaking Bad. His character evolves from a reckless youth to a man grappling with guilt and moral conflict.
Key moments shape Jesse's development:
The death of Jane and its lasting trauma
His experiences in rehab and attempts at sobriety
Forming a surrogate family with Andrea and Brock
Confronting the dark realities of the drug trade
Jesse's growth is marked by increasing empathy and a desire for redemption. His relationship with Walter becomes increasingly strained as he recognizes the destructive nature of their partnership.
Walter White's Evolving Motivations
Walter White's transformation from mild-mannered chemistry teacher to ruthless drug kingpin forms the backbone of Breaking Bad's narrative. His motivations shift dramatically over the course of the series.
Initial drivers of Walt's actions:
Financial security for his family after his cancer diagnosis
Reclaiming a sense of power and masculinity
As the series progresses, Walt's motivations become more complex:
Pride and ego take center stage
Thrill of outsmarting opponents and building an empire
Addiction to power and control
Walt's moral decay is gradual but relentless. He justifies increasingly unethical actions, manipulating those around him to maintain his position of power. His relationship with Jesse becomes a twisted reflection of his own corrupted values.
Narrative Consistency and Plot Decisions
Breaking Bad's creators made calculated choices about which storylines to pursue and which to abandon. These decisions shaped the show's narrative arc and impacted viewer engagement in significant ways.
Influence on Overall Storytelling
The decision to drop certain plot threads allowed Breaking Bad to maintain a tight focus on Walter White's transformation. By letting go of less essential storylines, the show avoided unnecessary distractions and kept viewers invested in the core narrative. This streamlined approach enhanced the series' pacing and dramatic tension.
The writers skillfully integrated abandoned plots into character development. For example, Jesse's relationship with Andrea initially seemed crucial but faded into the background. This shift reflected Jesse's tumultuous life and inability to maintain stable connections.
Creative Choices and Viewer Reception
Viewers had mixed reactions to dropped storylines. Some felt frustrated by unresolved plot points, while others appreciated the show's commitment to its central themes.
The creative team's willingness to abandon certain narratives demonstrated their flexibility and responsiveness to audience feedback. This approach allowed them to refine the story based on what resonated most with viewers.
Ultimately, these decisions contributed to Breaking Bad's critical acclaim and enduring popularity. By prioritizing the most compelling elements, the show maintained its narrative integrity and emotional impact throughout its five-season run.
