Jane's death in Breaking Bad season 2 to Hank's murder in the show's final outing, there's no shortage of gruesome and devastating scenes scattered throughout the AMC series.
Many of these count on viewers' attachment to certain characters to ramp up the tensions and emotions. However, there's one scene from the series' final season that packs a punch even without that established connection. It highlights just how much Walt has changed over Breaking Bad's five seasons, while revealing that Jesse has held onto his humanity in that time. It's one of the most heart-wrenching and pivotal turns of the entire show, so it makes sense that Cranston holds it in such high regard.
Todd Shooting The Kid Is Bryan Cranston's Favorite Breaking Bad Scene
This Moment From "Dead Freight" Is One Of The Show's Most Tragic
In an interview with cast of Breaking Bad were asked to choose their favorite scenes, Cranston had a dark answer: when Todd shoots an innocent kid after their successful train heist. This moment takes place in Breaking Bad season 5, episode 5, "Dead Freight," rapidly turning the excitement of the heist into something far more horrifying. As Cranston recalled, the group is elated that they pulled off a seemingly impossible mission. However, "a moment later, an innocent life is snuffed out when that kid on the motorcycle just shows up."
It's one of the most sudden and surprising tragedies of the series, with Todd shooting before Walt and Jesse even get the chance to properly react. While Breaking Bad isn't shy about killing off characters, this is easily one of its most shocking deaths, with the series aiming lower than ever before. That's why Cranston appreciates it, as it serves as a reminder of exactly what Walt and Jesse are wrapped up in — and how far gone they are. The actor told EW:
"It was such a beautifully constructed narrative: Okay, you want to experience the highs with Walter White? You want to be on that train ride with Jesse Pinkman? Here's that rejoicing for you, the audience. And now here's the repercussions from the business that they're in. Here's what happens when you forget that there's morality connected and consequences to every action. It was just so amazing.”
The immediate impact of the scene and deeper meaning certainly make it one of Breaking Bad's most memorable moments, even if it's hard to watch. Cranston's choice for best scene is a great one, and he's spot on about how powerful his pick is.
Bryan Cranston Is Right About How Powerful The Kid's Death Was In Breaking Bad
It's A Difficult Scene To Revisit
Cranston is right about how powerful Drew Sharp's death in "Dead Freight" is, and it's impressive how well the series pulls it off. In fact, it's hard to revisit this scene upon a rewatch, even though we barely know the boy in question. Other major deaths are emotional because we've come to love the characters, but that isn't the case here. Even so, the boy's innocence makes his death hit harder than that of Hank or Jane. It also puts things in perspective when it comes to Breaking Bad's leads.
In that sense, Cranston's right that it underscores the stakes. It's easy to forget that Walt and Jesse are so far gone at times, but this is a harsh reality check for their characters and the people rooting for them. Breaking Bad makes it easy to get on their side as we accompany them on their journey. When they're excited about something, like pulling off a heist, it tends to be contagious. As Cranston points out, that's why this tragedy hits so hard. The writers' talent is obvious here; they knew exactly when and how to deliver this emotional blow.
Breaking Bad Knew When To Remind Us That We Were Not Following The Good Guys
It Was Too Easy To Root For Walter White & Jesse Pinkman Without These Moments
Most of us find ourselves rooting for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman at some point during Breaking Bad, and that's what makes the series such a masterpiece. Despite telling us exactly who these characters are, the show still convinces us that they're worth investing in. But the writers never lean too far into that, consistently reminding us that they're not heroes. Their complexity is the whole point, but moments like this drive home that Breaking Bad's leads are worthy of criticism and contempt, especially in the later outings.
This wake-up call is necessary for the viewers, but they aren't the only ones who have this revelation after Todd shoots the young boy.
And this wake-up call is necessary for the viewers, but they aren't the only ones who have this revelation after Todd shoots Drew. Jesse also realizes just how far things have gone, and Aaron Paul's emotional performance makes this scene even more powerful. This moment serves to put Jesse and Walt at odds with one another, too, its impact directly extending to the plot of Breaking Bad's final season. The show accomplishes a lot with this scene, so Cranston is right to recognize its worth.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
Breaking Bad
- Release Date
- 2008 - 2013-00-00
- Network
- AMC
- Showrunner
- Vince Gilligan
Cast
Walter White
Jesse Pinkman
WHERE TO WATCH
- Directors
- Vince Gilligan, Michelle Maclaren
- Writers
- Peter Gould, Gennifer Hutchison, Vince Gilligan, George Mastras, Moira Walley-Beckett, Sam Catlin, Thomas Schnauz
- Franchise(s)
- Breaking Bad
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