MovieChat Forums > Breaking Bad (2008) Discussion > Why did Walt like Jesse THAT much

Why did Walt like Jesse THAT much

posted 3 years ago by yvesyves (683)
22 replies | jump to latest

I always thought towards the end of 6th season they would show a flashback of their early days and explain why Walt loved Jesse so much; but it never happened.

Of course Jesse wasn't a bad kid so that they would have some kind of affection or attachment is normal, but in really tensed and dangerous situations Walt took big risks and made sacrifices to help or save him as if he was his own son.

Was it because Walt felt so grateful being thanks to him that he had the chance to do what he did becoming a local drug kingpin giving him back his self-esteem, pride and feeling of self-worth?? Self-esteem which he had lost after leaving the start up which turned out a huge success and having his wife and son not admiring him (compared for example to his brother in law the cool tough and confident DEA agent).

[–] yvesyves (683) 3 years ago

no one?

[–] Seperatrix (1222) 3 years ago

Beats me.

I'm just about finished with a BB re-watch, the first in a few years, and what strikes me now is how unbelievable it is that Walt would risk having Jesse as a partner. Jesse is not bright at all, which makes Walt look rather dim for keeping him around. The show, in fact, seems much more like a comedy of sorts. I know, that's strong. But that's how the show -- still entertaining mind you -- comes off.

Oh and btw, Walt may have answered your question in one of the episodes when he was questioned about why he "needed" Jesse so badly. If I remember correctly the answer was that he could trust him. Loyalty has its perks.

[–] TearofLys (2653) 2 years ago

Well, it was a lack of options in the beginning. Jesse was the only one Walt knew that could introduce him to the meth game. Later on, he stuck with Jesse because he knew he could trust Jesse (why he kicked Gayle to the curb). As far as the other steps he took to protect Jesse, I am guessing he felt a little responsible as he pulled Jesse down this road and I am guessing he also had grown to care for Jesse.

[–] AP (5288) 3 years ago

Walt definitely needed him for his empire. Other than that, I think it was just a general desire not to see him get killed which doesn’t require much compassion.

[–] Freezeezy (52) 3 years ago

Walt being the top meth cook in all America was exactly the kind of superiority Walt always wanted, but in all of that he managed to get someone who he could actually share his dream with.

Jesse knows the real Walt, the Walt no one else is allowed to know about……..and actually loves him.

- When Jesse sees the “pure glass” Walt is able to cook for the first time, he doesn’t get jealous. He immediately celebrates Walt.

- Jesse doesn’t mind taking on Walt’s emotional burden in the crime world, wanting to “debrief” about having to kill Crazy 8. He listens to Walt when Walt is in despair in “4 days out”, assuring Walt is doing everything for his family

- Jesse wants to be there for Walt, making sure Walt’s family gets his money……something Walt knows is rare given how evil the crime business tends to be (The show actually amplified this point by having the disappearer NOT be this trustworthy)

- When they’re in trouble, Jesse is quick to try and come with workable solutions instead of just freaking out……coming up with great ones like taking out Tuco with a rock, connecting them with Saul Goodman, letting Walt know about Gus’s relationship with Hector Salamanca.

- Jesse loves Walt. He is often able to deal with Walt’s aggression (Walt gets loud often) and weirdness (wanting to kill the fly for him)

- Jesse REALLY loves Walt. Jesse never forgets Walt’s desperation in caring for his family nor every time Walt saved Jesse. Jesse likes Walt being a genius and a soft-spoken deep individual (The fly episode) when he can be. So even Walt goes ballistic like the fight in season 4………Jesse can’t let go of the Walt he knows is still there, the family man, the rational thinker…..the good man.

Jesse is the exactly the kind of person Walt has always wanted:

- Someone who makes the same moral compromises he does
- Someone who wants to understand
- Someone who is willing to risks it all for him
- Someone who breaks purely FOR WALT (s5e02)

[–] yvesyves (683) 3 years ago

waouh great explanation and great break down!

after thinking about it and reading your post i totally agree, Jesse has his flaws but definitely was very honest and loyal so compared to all the other criminals Walt could trust him; also Walt probably felt grateful that it was thanks to Jesse that he got in the meth cooking game bringing him back his pride and self-esteem which being a great chemist/scientific he obviously had lost by becoming a high school teacher (along with the money for his family).

[–] peterkneter (383) a year ago

On the other hand: Gale would have been loyal to Walt as he saw him as his greatest Inspiration. He was a total fan of Walt. I think he could have done it with him as well but with a total different turn out and ending as well of course. Gale was also loyal to Fring so may be that was a bit of a problem for Walt (but he could not know the story about Gale and Fring - could he?)...

[–] hackerman6731 (88) 2 years ago

Totally agree.

[–] skatterbrane (42) 3 years ago

Just a small ‘first of all’ but there are only 5 seasons. Second, I don’t think he cared that much for Jesse at all. If you look at everything he does to “help” him, it really benefits Walt. Jesse being caught equals Walt being caught - until the last episode. That was more about revenge than helping Jesse.

[–] spurtle467 (1549) 2 years ago

I don't agree with this, he liked him enough to save him at the end. He could have let him die along with the rest of them if he wanted to. There is a fondness for Jesse from Walt and I believe it was as much his plan to get Jesse out of there and make it right with him, than it was to rid the world of Jack and his gang. They had their differences but Jesse was Walt's partner and I think deep down enjoyed his company, respected him, and even cared for him.

[–] Scape (527) 2 years ago

Been awhile but from what I can remember Walt bonded with Jesse for sure, but mostly, he used Jessie.

[–] ProfezorCudulz (34) 2 years ago

Because he was there from the start. Embarking on a life of crime, with all the dangers to be faced, all the social consequences, is psychologically easier if you have someone there to share the burden - even if that someone is a bit of an idiot. Walt knew that not matter what the end may have in store, he was linked with Jessie. Without Jessie, he’d be alone with it all.

[–] Freezeezy (52) 2 years ago

delete