‘Breaking Bad’ Retro Recap: ‘Caballo sin Nombre’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There are a great many aspects to life that irritate to us no end. But not being able to control a situation we should control, is one that is definitely near or at, the top of that long and winding list. Simply because it drives us mad to see that particular situation escape our grasp, to the point where we honestly find ourselves at a crossroads when it happens. In that, we can look at this situation objectively and decide as to whether we should even be a part of it in the first place… or… we can go after it with gusto and take charge and prove to ourselves and others involved that we are the ones that should be handling this day and night. If anything, this annoying aspect of the human condition is relevant to our discussion today, simply because Walter White and Jesse Pinkman had to deal with this exact conundrum in the next episode of Breaking Bad.

For Walt was still on the outs with his wife, in ‘Caballo sin Nombre’, despite her sending signals that she might be interested in reconciling now that he was finally honest with her. An act that irritated him to no end. As for Jesse, well, not being able to have a say in the fate of the house that he took care of and had history in, when his parents decided to sell it, put him in a sour place and both scenarios put these gentlemen at that aforementioned crossroads. Wherein Jesse could just buy a new place and move on and forget about ever having to prove his worth to his folks and Walt, well he could sign the papers and start over fresh and find a new path in life. The kind where he could raise his kids from afar and indulge in new chemistry related hobbies that didn’t involve the creation of crystal methamphetamines.

Or they could figure out how to take charge of the situation and make it their own and well… that’s the path they both decided to take. For Jesse hired Saul Goodman to buy the house back from his folks at half the price they were asking. A bold plan that wouldn’t normally work, but since Saul had inside info on the meth lab, the Pinkmans ‘forgot’ to mention in the sales flyer; he was able to gain the upper hand and get Jesse the house back. Which in turn gave Jesse control over his life and his parents for certain. Since it proved to them, he was indeed rolling in the dough these days and that they shouldn’t ever underestimate him or view him as weak. Which is a subtle form of seizing control but an effective one none the less, and as for Walt, well his plan was equally as bold and a touch more dangerous in the end since it involved breaking and entering.

Because Walt just decided that since he was on the deed alongside his wife, that he might as well just move the hell back in. Which wasn’t an easy task since Skyler changed the locks. But he knew his own house inside and out and that helped him to find a way in and make himself at home and this was pretty darn brave. After all, a curious and confused neighbor could have gotten the police involved but Walt was done with his being punished any longer, especially after apologizing and telling the truth and this power move really was one incredible way to re-take control of his situation. One that was surprisingly riskier than he ever expected or will ever know. Because while Walt was working his way into the house, Mike Erhmantraut was planning listening devices to ensure no trouble would come to the Fring operation and it is a wonderful thing that he was there. 

For the Salamanca cousins broke into the house to murder Walter with impunity, to set things right for the death of Tuco. And had Mike not been there, they would have been successful. But thankfully, he was able to get Gus to intervene and call off the attack, leaving Walter clueless as to how close he came to dying. In the end however, this really was quite the dynamic and engrossing tale. Because despite its ‘filler’ feel, these are all relevant moments to getting Walter and Jesse back on their tragic paths. Because eventually, they’ll feel about the drug trade, the same way they felt about the situations they handled here and these types of actions, will help them to stand tall and seize control of their operations and face the darkness that awaits them. And truly, it will be quite fascinating to see what new challenges down the line, will finally motivate them to return to their unfortunate and dangerous road to nowhere. Until next time.

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