‘Breaking Bad’ Retro Recap: ‘Kafkaesque’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

For the most part, crime dramas that revolve around the drug trade… tend to be quite stylized in nature and it is understandable as to why. For this particular genre of storytelling offers up some incredible opportunities to creative minds. Since they can in essence, tell the perfect tale of good versus evil, wherein an intrepid hero defeats a wicked monster that peddles drugs to the innocent. One that also features epic moments and plenty of drama, and while this rakes in the dough at the box office and thrills us on television… the fact of the matter is, this is a genuinely fantastical way to examine this particular world and lifestyle. One that quite frankly feeds the narrative of the failed war on drugs and puts forth a stereotype that only bad people are capable of slinging drugs.

Which is why it is always refreshing to run into stories from this genre that explore such matters in a more realistic and logical light. Since they help us to understand that this is a world full of grey as opposed to black and white and that people from all walks can indulge in a life of a crime if the circumstances are right. And that is why Breaking Bad remains so iconic after all these years, since it does that to a tee… and more. Since this show also takes the time to show the impact of what committing to a life of crime can do to a family, whilst also exploring how chaotic this world can be and how different it is from our own and it just so happens, that the next episode of this storied saga, covers all of those elements in a single hour.

For ‘Kafkaesque’ uses Walter White’s journey to further examine the impact of how strange family life can get when someone in the clan decides that the life of a drug lord is the life for them and in this instance, our exploration focused upon how the bad blood and raw irritation that comes from having a family member make this choice, can drive a person to enact revenge in a unique manner. Since Skyler concocted one hell of a story about how Walter got all of his money, to convince Marie to let them help Hank with his medical bills… which will definitely sting since Walter has been all about hoarding that cash. Plus, Walter’s journey in this tale also helped to explore how weird this world is from own since he had to have quite the awkward 'thank you' conversation with his boss. One where he more or less had to reveal he figured out what Gus was up to, in order to gain his trust and to ask for a chance to make more money. Reminding us of the fact that this world has no structure and figuring out things on the fly is the norm.

As for the chaos in this tale, well that was handled by way of Jesse’s journey. Because despite being locked into a million and a half dollar payday, he was woefully displeased with the arrangement. For he was fully aware of the fact that while he and Walt were pulling in decent cash, Gus was making money hand over fist and well, his distaste for that and at the thought of even remotely having to pay taxes in some form or fashion… led Jesse to do what he does best and scheme his own get rich plan. One that involved skimming a few pounds of Blue Sky off the top of every batch, since he and Walt were overproducing as is. All so that he and Badger and Skinny Pete could make a few bucks on the side, and Jesse even went so far as to use his support group to move the stuff since he’s aware of how addicts work and while that is cold and twisted... Jesse himself admitted he’s all about being the bad guy, and his actions here speak to the nature of how that kind of mentality can bring about pure chaos in an industry as loose as this one.

In the end however, this episode really was quite the pleasant surprise. Because despite the fact that little actually happens plot-wise, outside of Walt and Jesse getting into a work routine, this one was still compelling from beginning to end. But that’s thanks in large part to the fascinating characters in this tale, who went about their decisions here in a realistic and fitting manner, the kind that remind us once again that this is a tragedy through and through. One that is mired in pain and suffering and outright ugliness and truly, this is merely the beginning of dark moments to come. Since betrayal and revenge can only breed more animosity and infighting and it will be quite interesting to see what kind of trouble arises from the sour seeds laid down here, now that this unconventional transitional tale, one that was packed to the brim with more incredible world-building, has come to a close. Until next time.

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