‘Breaking Bad’ Retro Recap: ‘Gray Matter’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

The choices we make, and the consequences that come as a result of them, have fascinated storytellers for ages on end. Simply because there are endless possibilities as to how our decisions will turn out, and there is no creative mind out there that can resist those possibilities and their impact upon the human experience and condition. But while stories have provided us with fascinating insight on the power of choice, few stories out there bother to examine precisely why we make some of them. Because the decisions made by characters in any medium, are designed to explore a pre-destined consequence. One that serves to explore something specific that outright fascinates the creator.

But while most of us don’t mind being put on a pre-destined ride that has us ponder upon something specific in regard to who we are as a people, it is always refreshing to encounter a tale that reflects the unfortunate nature of choice. Because sometimes, we choose paths based on what we are feeling, or because of past trauma or because we simply weren’t thinking and one such series that has no qualms in offering up that particular analysis, is Breaking Bad. For the next episode of this storied and outright incredible series, took the time to reflect upon how our emotions and past experiences push us and drive to make important calls that we may in fact, later regret. Which made ‘Grey Matter’ one powerful and philosophical tale, one where Walter White made some incredible choices.

All because he and Skyler took the time to attend a birthday party for a man named Elliott. Who we came to learn, worked with Walt back in the day before they parted ways and well, the interesting path that both men took, helped to lay the foundation for the analysis in question. For Walt’s former partner, went on to found a company that shares the namesake of this episode, and said company allowed for Elliot and his wife (who just so happened to be an old flame of Walter’s) to enjoy incredible fortunes. And being in the presence of his old friend and seeing others judge him for taking a route in public education over striking it rich, made his decision to refuse any help from Elliott quite easy. Because he didn’t want to be a charity case, nor did he want any kind of hand out. He was all about forging his own path now and making the calls he felt were right for him. Giving him some semblance of control with his life on the line.  

But that wasn’t something that sat well with his family, and they were quick to stage an intervention demanding he receive treatment. And while it seemed as first their words didn’t resonate with him in the slightest, the possibility of missing out on important moments and future years finally motivated him to choose the treatment, on his terms of course. Which led us to the most stunning decision of the episode, one where Walt shunned one last attempt from his lost love to take the money so that he could recover in relative comfort. Something that would have allowed for him to forget about the horrible things that he’s done thus far and live his simple life once again. But the opportunity to be somebody, and scheme and bend the world to his will and his plans was too much to pass up, and he opted to reunite with Jesse and restart their business and that is quite the powerful way to end this particular tale. 

Because this decision does a phenomenal job of reminding the audience of how pride, arrogance and a desire for revenge can motivate us to make some poor decisions. For Walter really did allow for all of those things to influence him here, which should leave us angry and upset with the character. But his speech about needing to feel in control of his life for the first time ever, and truly experience what the world has to offer, either good or bad, helps us to understand why he shunned the simple way out. Because this really is his chance to have what he wants and regardless of whether or not this is a poor decision, it is his to make and the consequences are his to face and that is perhaps the finest lesson that this particular tale has to offer. But when all is said and done, there is no going back for Walter White now. For he’s made his decision and what lies ahead is quite incredible and now that he has finally crossed the line, it will be interesting to see just how far Walter is willing to go in order to get exactly what he wants out of life. Until next time.

---