‘Breaking Bad’ Retro Recap: ‘A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

If there is one unfortunate lesson that each and every one of us have to learn time and time again, it would have to be that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Which is something that we are forced to re-learn simply because, life can wear upon you. For the daily grind and the struggles, we face, make the easy way out enticing. To the point where we jump upon an opportunity to make our lives better, regardless of the red flags or warnings, because we need that break and we need the relief that it is going to offer us. And it just so happens that this unfortunate lesson is one that Walter White and Jesse Pinkman were forced to learn in the season one finale of Breaking Bad, since their deal with Tuco turned out to be too good to be true.
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But what made ‘A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal’ so fascinating, is the sheer fact that the sour nature of their agreement with Tuco, really wasn’t revealed until late in this episode. Which in turn allowed for the story to slow things down a bit and revisit an element that seemed like a throwaway moment earlier on in the season, while also taking the time to explore how the easy way out can be quite intoxicating, and oddly inspiring. But before we dive too deeply into that latter concept, let’s take a moment and reflect upon that revisited plot thread, since it relates to a theme that has permeated the fabric of this franchise from day one. Specifically, how indulging the darkness within our soul is an easy venture, and that we all take part in such an act from time to time. 

For this particular tale revealed that Marie’s little shoplifting habit was more than a one-off or a big middle finger to the employee that ignored her not that long ago. No instead, she got a thrill out of it and was upping her game since she swiped some expensive jewelry and had the gall to give it to Skyler and Walter as a baby shower gift. An act she would have gotten away with had Skyler not tried to return it and really, it was just fascinating to see Marie lie to keep her little indulgence a secret and see Skyler break bad as well by not turning her sister into the authorities. All of which served as a fine reminder that everyone does indeed enjoy breaking the rules whenever they see fit and it should be interesting to see what comes of this little plot thread down the line, since no moment is wasted in this franchise. 

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As for the central theme of this tale and how the easy way out makes us comfortable and creative, well that was handled by way of Walt and Jesse’s journey. Because despite the fact that they were facing some issues with supplies, the bag of cash that Tuco gave them, and the potential to earn more left them giddy and eager to figure out a path forward. Which inspired Walt to refine his already amazing formula so that supply issues would never be of concern again. But that also meant getting their hands on ingredients that were a touch more difficult to obtain than over the counter Sudafed. But inspiration and joy were already flowing through their hearts and minds and being this close to a massive payout and an easier life meant there was no turning back now, and they wasted no time in doing whatever was necessary to get the supplies they needed in order to ensure their future on easy street. 
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But while it was nice to see them excited and comfortable and inspired by the promise of a better tomorrow, those good vibes were wiped away the instant they delivered their latest batch to Tuco. Because he was quick to beat one of his own henchmen within an inch of his life for speaking out of turn and the horror and fear on Jesse and Walt’s faces after the transaction was complete spoke volumes to the central theme. In that, they had signed on with a madman and there was a remote chance that one bad day or one wrong moment might prompt Tuco to turn on them, leaving their future in uncertain hands and well, that’s a great way to end this titular first season. Because not only did this finale do a wonderful job of exploring its themes in a simple and subtle manner, but it truly sets the stage for the future of this franchise.

Because in those closing moments, both of them seemingly came to understand the gravity of what they are getting themselves into. For this is serious business, the kind where people get hurt or die on a consistent basis because of the danger that comes with this particular industry. And seeing Tuco’s ruthlessness on display in that manner, regardless of the fact that they have both had brushes or tastes of it, finally hammered home that their lives are about to forever change, and they are going to have to indulge the darkest recesses of their souls in order to ‘enjoy’ the fruits of their labor. And it will be quite incredible to continue to revisit every waking and dark moment of this incredible saga, one that did a phenomenal job of showing us the rise and fall of a criminal mastermind, and how a good man's soul becomes corrupted. Until next time.

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