7) The Dark Humour
Though the show has established its legacy with an unflinching approach to casualty and consequence, Vince Gilligan has undoubtedly weaved an intricate strand of dark humour through Breaking Bad’s narrative that counters its brooding tenor tremendously well. From Walt’s clumsy venture into the drug business in season one to the introduction – and continuing absurdity – of Saul Goodman from the second season onwards, the dark humour always comes as a welcomed change in tone that doesn’t detract from the show’s immense quality.
Perhaps the core of Breaking Bad’s comedic slant, though, is the dynamic between Walter and his former student Jesse. Dysfunctional, mismatched and almost always at odds; Albuquerque’s bumbling duo always seem to find themselves in the oddest of circumstances. For example, the energetic, at times outrageous attempts to avoid capture – such as the famous acid bath scene from “Cat’s in Tthe Bag…” – are so brilliantly bizarre that it’s hard not to find them entertaining. Of course, this is a tribute to Gilligan’s modus operandi, which visualises Walt’s peculiar tale in such a way that you never anticipate the events around the corner; be they comedic or dramatic.
The show’s particular humour spectrum, which ranges from the flippant to the pitch black, is embellished by the unique characters. Jesse’s enduring charismatic energy, for example, has inspired many beloved, t-shirt worthy quotes such as, “Yeah, Mr White! Yeah, Science!” or “This is my own private domicile and I will not be harassed, bitch!” These are but a few of the on-the-nose quips from the back catalogue of Aaron Paul’s character, who plays Jesse and all his luckless, at times tragic idiosyncrasies to perfection. Walt’s jovial partner in crime is only one example from the show’s excellent supporting cast, though. Mike Ehrmantraut – a.k.a World’s Best Grandad – is dry wit personified and when we are introduced to him in the finale of the second season, his relationships with Walt and, in particular, Jesse are simultaneously interesting and riddled with comedic irony.
With that said, when it comes to discussing the dark humour residing within Breaking Bad, it would be foolish to omit Saul McGill from the conversation. Better known as Saul Goodman – a fabricated pseudonym so that his name serves as the play on words, ‘S’all good, man!’ – Bob Odenkirk’s shamelessly cunning lawyer has become a hilarious cornerstone of the show. To label Saul as mere comedic relief, though, would grossly undervalue his character. The fact that the flippant schemer is getting his own spin-off series is a testimony to the depth of Breaking Bad’s supporting cast; though whether these standalone episodes survive on their own without the tonal contrast and indeed presence of Heisenberg et al remains to be seen.