One thing I don't quite understand. What was it about killing Tuco that sent Hank into such a tail spin in episode 5 of season 2. Was it that he didn't expect to walk into such action when as far as he was concerned all he was doing was tracking Jesse.
I just don't understand why killing Tuco had such an effect on him, I assume he's killed many before? What am I missing here
Actually, believe that was the first person he ever killed...and expect that can be all it takes. He was a big talker up to that point, but can see how he changed from that point forward.
Think he was throwing a piece of himself away, when he threw Tuco's grill into the river.
It's only a movie, and of course they don't get it ALL right, but it is not surprising that Hank spun out after that shooting.
He was alone, the battle was sudden, he was fighting for his life, and the threat/fight was desperate.
Those factors all contribute to PTSD.
The fact that later during the attempt on his life, he kept it together enough to keep fighting, is an example of "I'm never going to let that happen again."
It didn't help that no one believed him, that he felt betrayed, and that as soon as he was suspended, and left to the wolves, the wolves attacked. Part of PTSD is a distrust of authority, which in this case is "Proven" by the perceived betrayal of his employers and buddies/supervisors.
I realize fully, that if you have never been in a gin battle, and never had your life come so close to being taken away, you wouldn't understand fully what was happening in his mind. Even looking up PTSD, and reading the defining causes, and results, will never give one a complete grasp.
I worked for many years with people inflicted with PTSD. It is deep and difficult to treat.
Thanks for your answers. Very illuminating.
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