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In Season 3 Episode 05 - Mas, there is a scene in Ted's house, in the bathroom, where Skyler puts down a towel under her feet. In earlier episode Ted speaks about how the contractor talked him into having a system that heats the floor.

As I see it there are 2 possible explanations to Skyler's action: one, that the floor had become too hot/cold for her liking or two, her current stance in which she starts to doubt her relationship with Ted and softens on what Walt has done, makes her feel guilty. So it could be her way to put a sheet(read towel) between her two lives.

Which is it? Is there something I missed or am I reading too much into a simple scene?(I sincerely doubt that. Nothing, absolutely nothing is inconsequential in Breaking Bad).

PS: I remember moment before this particular scene Ted walking out of the shower and hugging Skyler from behind and asking her to keep back some of her things since she comes in regularly. He did not mention the floor being too hot/cold, so the first possibility looks dim!

Please mention spoiler alert in-case you reference something that happens after this episode.

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1 Answer

up vote 9 down vote accepted

AMC's own description of the episode explains that at first

Skyler basks in the luxury of Ted's heated bathroom floor

but later

Skyler stands in Ted's bathroom, fixing her make up post-tryst... Suddenly aware of and uncomfortable with the luxurious surroundings, she looks down at the warm floor, grabs a towel and stands on it.


Personally, I took it as Skyler feeling guilty about this whole situation with Ted. She tries to resist the temptations this "new life" offers, because she doesn't want to give up on her "old life".

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Do you mean she is resisting the urge to lead a luxurious and affluent life as deep within she is scared that she might accept Walt's drug money to shed the "old life"........ – KeyBrd Basher Jan 24 at 12:05
@KeyBrdBasher - Not quite. I don't think it has anything to do with the drug money (she finds the bag full of cash after that bathroom scene). She later admits to her lawyer that she knows that the affair with Ted is wrong, but: 'it is the only thing in my day where I don't feel like I'm drowning'. Nonetheless she refuses to rat out Walt: "We have a history. He is the father of my children... I didn't mary a criminal." – Oliver_C Jan 24 at 15:33
But she did know about the money, and had also seen the bag earlier. Let me jog your memory a bit. Remember the morning Walt shows the bag to her and presents his defense?? On that very evening Skyler starts her affair with Ted......to get back at Walt. – KeyBrd Basher Jan 25 at 7:11
@KeyBrdBasher - Ah, I remember, that happened two episodes earlier. But, as Skyler explains to her lawyer, she is seeing Ted to make Walt leave/divorce her. - I still think the motivation for putting the towel under feet is that Skyler doesn't want a future with Ted. Right after that bathroom scene we see her, Walt and the kids at dinner. When the baby cries, Skyler asks Walt if he wants to hold it. Walt it suprised about this "olive branch" but gladly takes it. I guess this prompts Walt to finally grant Skyler her wish of a divorce. – Oliver_C Jan 25 at 10:50
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@KeyBrdBasher - Yes, I think Skyler doesn't want to get too comfortable with Ted. Why does Walt sign the divorce papers? My guess is he tries to mend fences with Skyler. He doesn't want her to hate him, he wants a good relationship with his family, even if it means not being married to Skyler anymore. – Oliver_C Jan 25 at 11:57
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