Did Jesse And Walt Jr. Forgive Walt? Breaking Bad

\nHey guys, let's dive into one of the most heart-wrenching questions in the Breaking Bad universe: Did Jesse Pinkman and Walter White Jr. ever truly forgive Walter White? This question lingers in the minds of many fans, especially considering the immense damage Walt inflicted on their lives. To really unpack this, we need to revisit their relationships with Walt throughout the series and examine their final interactions.

The Complex Relationship Between Jesse and Walt

Jesse Pinkman's relationship with Walter White is arguably the most tumultuous and emotionally charged dynamic in the entire show. Initially, Jesse is Walt’s reluctant partner in the drug trade, a street-level dealer who Walt sees as a necessary evil to get his operation off the ground. Over time, however, their relationship evolves into something far more complex, resembling a twisted father-son dynamic. Walt often manipulates Jesse, using him for his own gain, yet there are moments where he genuinely seems to care for Jesse’s well-being, albeit in a warped and self-serving way. This push-and-pull creates a deeply dysfunctional bond that leaves Jesse scarred and traumatized.

Throughout the series, Jesse endures immense suffering as a direct result of Walt’s actions. He loses girlfriends, friends, and his sense of self. Walt’s influence leads Jesse down a path of addiction, violence, and despair. Despite all this, Jesse remains fiercely loyal to Walt at times, defending him against threats and even risking his own life. This loyalty stems from a combination of fear, dependence, and a misguided sense of obligation. However, as the series progresses, Jesse begins to see Walt for who he truly is: a manipulative and destructive force.

In the later seasons, Jesse’s resentment towards Walt grows exponentially. He becomes increasingly aware of Walt’s lies and betrayals, leading to several explosive confrontations. The breaking point comes when Walt indirectly causes the death of Andrea Cantillo, Jesse’s girlfriend and the mother of Brock, a young boy Jesse cares deeply about. This event shatters Jesse completely, turning his hatred for Walt into an all-consuming obsession. He becomes determined to make Walt pay for his crimes, even if it means sacrificing himself in the process. This intense hatred fuels Jesse’s actions in the final episodes, as he seeks revenge and closure for the pain Walt has inflicted on him.

Ultimately, Jesse escapes the clutches of Jack Welker’s gang, thanks to Walt’s intervention. In their final encounter, Jesse refuses to kill Walt, recognizing that Walt wants to die on his own terms. Instead, Jesse drives off into the night, finally free from Walt’s influence, but forever scarred by their shared past. The question of whether Jesse ever truly forgives Walt remains open to interpretation, but it’s clear that he seeks to move on and rebuild his life, leaving the shadow of Walter White behind him.

Walter White Jr.'s Disillusionment

Walter White Jr., later known as Flynn, starts off admiring his father. He sees Walt as a somewhat embarrassing but ultimately good-hearted man. As Walt transforms into Heisenberg, Walt Jr.’s perception of his father begins to shift dramatically. Initially, he is unaware of Walt’s criminal activities, attributing the family’s sudden wealth to Walt’s success as a gambler. However, as the truth slowly unravels, Walt Jr. becomes increasingly disillusioned and resentful.

The revelation of Walt’s double life is a devastating blow to Walt Jr. He struggles to reconcile the image of his father as a loving, supportive parent with the reality of Walt as a ruthless drug lord. The lies and manipulations that Walt perpetrates create a deep rift between father and son. Walt Jr. feels betrayed and used, his trust completely shattered. He begins to distance himself from Walt, seeking solace in his mother, Skyler, and his aunt and uncle, Marie and Hank.

One of the most heartbreaking moments in the series is when Walt Jr. learns about Hank’s death and Walt’s involvement in it. Hank, a DEA agent, had been a father figure to Walt Jr., and the revelation that Walt was responsible for his death is unbearable. In a fit of anger and despair, Walt Jr. confronts Walt, expressing his disgust and revulsion. He tells Walt that he wants nothing to do with him and that he should just die. This confrontation marks a complete breakdown in their relationship, leaving Walt Jr. emotionally devastated.

In the aftermath of Walt’s exposure, Walt Jr. struggles to cope with the fallout. He is forced to grapple with the shame and stigma associated with his father’s crimes. His family is ostracized by the community, and their financial security is threatened. Despite all this, Walt Jr. remains resilient, determined to rebuild his life and move forward. He changes his name to Flynn, symbolically rejecting his father’s legacy and forging his own identity. While he may never fully understand or forgive Walt, he strives to create a better future for himself and his family.

The Absence of Forgiveness

Considering all of the aforementioned points, can we say Walt Jr. and Jesse ever forgave Walt? The answer is complicated. In Jesse’s case, there isn’t a clear indication of forgiveness, but there's definitely a sense of letting go. Jesse escapes his captivity and drives off, free from Walt’s direct influence. He doesn't kill Walt when he has the chance, suggesting a level of detachment rather than outright forgiveness. Jesse is more focused on starting a new chapter in his life, away from the toxicity and trauma that Walt brought into it.

For Walt Jr., the situation is even more fraught. His final words to Walt are filled with anger and rejection. He can’t reconcile the man he thought he knew with the monster Walt became. There’s no indication that Walt Jr. ever forgives Walt, and it’s likely that he continues to grapple with the pain and betrayal for a long time. The damage Walt inflicted on his family is too profound to simply forgive and forget.

In conclusion, while Jesse may have found a way to move on from Walt’s influence, it's highly unlikely that either he or Walt Jr. ever truly forgave Walt. The wounds were too deep, and the betrayals too significant. Breaking Bad is a story about consequences, and one of the most poignant consequences is the irreparable damage Walt inflicted on his closest relationships. What do you guys think?