6

In the Breaking Bad episode "Breakage" (S02E05) one of Jesse's dealers gets robbed by some junkies. When Walt comes to know this, he gives Jesse a gun and urges him to "handle it" in order for them not to lose their respect on the streets (which then leads to Jesse's unpleasant experiences with a junkie family and an ATM). But at the beginning of "Negro y Azul" (S02E07) Walt suddenly changes his mind and after not having reached Jesse for quite some time just leaves him a message saying

Oh and by the way, that thing we talked about, when I said "handle it". Well, don't, just let it go.

But why did he suddenly change his mind about this matter? Was he simply feeling a bit of remorse, not being the hardened gangster yet (though, he was quite determined when he persuaded Jesse to handle it), or is there more to it? Or does it have something to do with the stupid-ass student he justed talked to right before making this call (maybe he didn't have confidence in Jesse anymore and thought he'd screw it up)?

Improve this question
1
  • Walt and Jesse have complicated relationship but still they have kind of father-son relationship and walt somewhere care about him, That made the change of heart.
    – Ankit Sharma ♦
    Oct 20, 2014 at 7:10

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
7

My Personal Interpretation:

Walt cares for Jesse

Walt cares for Jesse, I mean, in the previous episodes when Tuco beats Jesse badly, Walt gets so worked up and goes to Tuco with full rage and destroys the place and gets the money (may be he wouldn't have gone to a place full of gangsters if it's just for the money especially a guy who cares about his family so much) and another time when Tuco was trying to Kill Jesse on the couch in an isolated house with Don Salamanca, Walt tries real hard to convince Tuco that he needs Jesse. In the further episodes, especially in "ABQ" S02E13 you'll understand that Walt stays with Jesse in tough times and acts as a fatherly figure.

Walt needs Jesse

Walt wants to make more money and the only key for it is Jesse, he's a drug dealer and he can make money for Walt by selling Meth and he is the only guy Walt trusts.

May be because of the above reasons, Walt doesn't want Jesse to be hurt and I think Walt was genuinely concerned about Jesse while saying

Oh and by the way, that thing we talked about, when I said "handle it". Well, don't, just let it go.

because he thinks Jesse might get hurt.

Improve this answer
2
  • Makes sense indeed. I probably just didn't consider that Jesse might get in serious danger (well, he did, but I wouldn't have thought that's what comes to Walt's mind). But if you put it that way, it makes quite some sense.
    – Napoleon Wilson ♦
    Oct 20, 2014 at 8:16
  • 1
    @ Napoleon Wilson I too don't know what's on Walt's mind, it's only my guess. And I don't think Walt suddenly changed his mind, when Walt finds out that Skinny pete is robbed, he was angry with Jesse ('cause Jesse always finds a way to disappoint Walt with his dumb actions) and tells him to handle the gun. And Walt goes to his home and around midnight (I think) he calls Jesse and tells him to let it go. I think Walt had enough time to think and realize that making Jesse to use the gun would put Jesse in danger.
    – chaitanya89
    Oct 20, 2014 at 10:02
3

Walt is aware of the possibility that Jesse decides to disobey him, given what he already knows about Jesse's personality and their complex relationship.

Therefore, when Walt pulls out his order, he is using what is called "reverse psychology". He really aims to get Jesse to do it.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Now that is also an interesting idea. I'm not sure I buy that entirely from how the scene played out, but it's definitely an interesting approach.
    – Napoleon Wilson ♦
    Mar 4, 2015 at 18:01

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .