Walter White and the Responsibility for Deaths in 'Breaking Bad'

'Breaking Bad', a thrilling and critically acclaimed crime series, has long been a subject of intense discussion and scholarly analysis. One of the most debated topics revolves around the question of whether the show's protagonist, Walter White, should bear the responsibility for the numerous deaths that occur during the course of the narrative. From the death of Tortugas in season one to the poisoning of Don Eladio and his men in the final season, the question of Walter's culpability remains a contentious issue among fans and critics alike.

Walter White's Role in Tortugas' Death

One of the earliest and most controversial deaths in the show is that of Hector Salamanca, better known as Tortugas, played by Danny Trejo. The series does not explicitly state that Walter was responsible for Tortugas' death, but there is a strong connection between the two characters. In Season 1, Episode 8, "Sunset," Walter plans out a scheme to fracture Tortugas and incapacitate him, which ultimately leads to his death. However, it is important to note that Walter's intention was not to directly kill Tortugas, but rather to use him as leverage in a broader scheme, which went awry. This does not automatically make Walter responsible for the death; rather, it highlights his complex and morally ambiguous role in the story.

The explosion that led to Tortugas' death, which took place in the desert, was a direct result of a series of events set in motion by Walter. While the tumultuous sequence of actions does involve several key players, the underlying plans and decisions that led to this tragic event can be traced back to Walter's initial actions. However, it is crucial to understand that his responsibility is not direct but rather a consequence of his broader influence and the subsequent fallout of his schemes.

The Poisoning of Don Eladio and Gus Fring

Another significant moment with clear links to Walter is the poisoning of Don Eladio and his men, orchestrated by Gus Fring, in the final season. This series of events is a complex narrative thread connecting multiple characters and events. While Walter did not directly poison Don Eladio, he provided the financial resources and moral support that motivated Gus to act. The poisoning was a strategic move designed to eliminate Don Eladio and his organization, which was a threat to Gus's business. Walter was aware of the poisoning and even offered Gus assistance, though ultimately, it was Gus who carried out the plan.

Walter's responsibility in this sequence of events is multifaceted. He provided the financial backing, which directly enabled the poisoning to occur. Additionally, his support and encouragement might be seen as an indirect responsibility. Yet, it is essential to distinguish between his role in financing and motivating the act versus his direct involvement. Walter's primary intention was to maintain his own safety and continue his drug empire without interference.

Crimes on the Truck

The most contentious and tragic events involving Walter’s responsibility for deaths are the events surrounding the illegal immigrants on the truck. In Breaking Bad, Walter's former chemistry teacher, Hank Schrader, unearths evidence that suggests a human trafficking ring that involves both safflower and meth. This evidence eventually leads to the infiltration and tragic demise of a truckload of illegal immigrants, including the driver, at the hands of a goon under Gustavo "Gus" Fring's employ.

Walter is not directly responsible for these deaths. Gus, the head of the drug empire, orchestrated the murder of the illegal immigrants. The evidence that erupted into this tragedy was the result of Walter’s actions in setting up the safflower deal. However, Walter was aware that this was a potential risk when setting up such a complex and illegal enterprise. His involvement in the safflower deal was seen as a way to legitimize his methamphetamine business, thus circumventing the drug trade, which was heavily regulated by the DEA. While the deaths were a foreseeable consequence of his actions, he cannot be held personally responsible for the direct actions of Gus and his underlings.

Walter’s ethical dilemmas and moral decisions throughout the series are deeply explored, and his involvement in these deaths reflects his complex character. His actions are driven by a mix of survival, self-preservation, and power, making him a deeply flawed yet sympathetic character. Whether he can be entirely absolved of responsibility is open for debate, but his role in these deaths is not direct but more as a catalyst or facilitator of wider criminal activities.

Conclusion

While Walter White's actions in 'Breaking Bad' directly contribute to several deaths, his responsibility is not as straightforward as it might seem at first glance. His role extends beyond direct action, often acting as a financier or a tacit supporter of larger criminal enterprises. His ethical boundaries blur as the series progresses, and his decisions often have unforeseen and tragic consequences, but these can be seen as the result of a broader, more complex plotted existence. Thus, while Walter's actions are indirectly and set in motion the chain of events leading to these deaths, he cannot be held solely responsible for them in a clear-cut manner.