Is it possible to root for the villain? Absolutely, especially when that villain is the protagonist, and their moral failings are what make the story so compelling. This holds true in the realm of television, where complex characters challenge our preconceived notions of good and evil.
Breaking Bad, the critically acclaimed AMC series, masterfully explores this concept through the character of Walter White. The show chronicles his descent into moral decay, transforming from a well-meaning, desperate family man into a ruthless meth overlord. But as Walter White's transformation captivated audiences worldwide, another character, his wife Skyler White, became a focal point of intense debate and, often, unwarranted animosity. The complexities surrounding Skyler White and the audience's reaction to her offer a fascinating case study in television character reception, misogyny, and the power of perspective.
Category | Information |
Name | Anna Gunn (portrays Skyler White) |
Born | August 11, 1968 (age 55 years) |
Occupation | Actress |
Known for | Breaking Bad, Deadwood |
Awards | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2013, 2014) |
Character Role | Skyler White, wife of Walter White in Breaking Bad |
Character Description | Initially portrayed as a moral compass, Skyler becomes increasingly complex as she grapples with Walt's criminal activities. |
Website | Anna Gunn IMDB Profile |
The initial wave of criticism directed at Skyler White stemmed from her role as an obstacle to Walter's ambitions. Many viewers found her to be nagging, controlling, and unsympathetic to Walter's plight. Some critics have even gone as far as to suggest that the intense dislike for Skyler White was rooted in misogyny, with some viewers exhibiting a deeply ingrained bias against assertive female characters who challenge male protagonists. "I think the people who have these issues with the wives being too bitchy on Breaking Bad are misogynists, plain and simple," one opinion stated, highlighting this perspective. This viewpoint suggests that some viewers were uncomfortable with a female character who dared to question and resist the actions of the male lead, regardless of the morality of those actions. The vitriol directed at the character even spilled over into real life, with actress Anna Gunn becoming the target of hateful comments and online harassment. This disturbing trend underscored the dangers of blurring the lines between fiction and reality, and the impact that fictional narratives can have on real-world perceptions.
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However, as the series progressed and Walter's actions became increasingly reprehensible, audience perceptions of Skyler White began to shift. Many viewers who initially disliked her came to appreciate her role as the voice of reason and the protector of her family. She was the one telling him, "you cant cook crystal meth." She began to be seen as a complex and dynamic character who was forced to make difficult choices in the face of impossible circumstances. Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad, himself acknowledged this shift in audience perception, expressing interest in understanding the motivations behind it. He suggested that the change in perspective was due to viewers gradually recognizing the moral bankruptcy of Walter's actions and the sacrifices that Skyler White made to protect her family. From this viewpoint, Skyler White's remaining alive at the end of the series was the right choice for Breaking Bad, as it makes her look more complex and dynamic. As such, it is all about which character arc appeals to the audience more.
One of the key turning points in Skyler White's character arc was her growing involvement in Walter's criminal enterprise. Initially, she was horrified by his actions and desperately tried to stop him. However, as she became increasingly aware of the danger he posed to her family, she began to take matters into her own hands. She helped him launder money, covered up his crimes, and even participated in some of his schemes. While these actions were morally questionable, they were driven by a desire to protect her children and maintain some semblance of control over a situation that was rapidly spiraling out of control. The complexity of her motivations made her a more compelling and sympathetic character, even as she made increasingly difficult choices.
Some viewers found it difficult to reconcile Skyler White's earlier moral objections with her later complicity in Walter's crimes. "The thing that annoys me the most with her is the fact that in season 5 shes so angry at Walt for involving her & the kids but shes the one who forced Walt into buying the car wash cause she wanted to launder the money for him," one viewer complained. This sentiment highlights the frustration that some viewers felt with Skyler White's seeming hypocrisy. However, it's important to remember that her character was constantly evolving and adapting to the ever-changing circumstances around her. Her decision to become involved in Walter's business was not a sign of moral weakness, but rather a desperate attempt to protect her family from the consequences of his actions.
The intense dislike for Skyler White also raises questions about the portrayal of female characters in television. All too often, female characters are relegated to the role of the supportive wife or girlfriend, lacking agency and depth of their own. When a female character dares to challenge the male protagonist or assert her own desires, she is often labeled as "bitchy" or "unlikeable." This double standard is particularly evident in the case of Skyler White, who was frequently criticized for her perceived negativity and lack of support for Walter. However, it's important to consider the context of her actions. She was dealing with a husband who was lying to her, engaging in criminal activity, and putting her family in danger. Her reactions were not unreasonable, but rather a natural response to the extraordinary circumstances she found herself in.
Some argued that Skyler White's reactions were not only justified but also realistic. "Sure, I think she bitches a lot, but you should take a step back and look at her situation," one viewer noted. "I think her reactions are pretty justified, and realistic for what she has to deal with." This perspective highlights the importance of empathy and understanding when judging fictional characters. It's easy to criticize Skyler White for her perceived flaws, but it's crucial to remember that she was a flawed human being dealing with an impossible situation. Her reactions were not always perfect, but they were always driven by a desire to protect her family and do what she believed was right.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding Skyler White underscores the power of perspective in shaping our perceptions of fictional characters. What one viewer sees as nagging and controlling, another may see as strong and protective. The key to understanding Skyler White is to recognize the complexity of her character and the difficult choices she was forced to make. She was not simply a "bitchy wife" or an obstacle to Walter's ambitions, but rather a flawed and complex human being trying to navigate an impossible situation. "Skyler White was the real hero," one opinion stated, encapsulating this evolving understanding of her character.
The evolution of Walter White from a desperate family man to a meth overlord is a work of subtle genius. It is his story of a man sinking into moral decay, a classic antihero with good intentions that go so wrong. But just because Skyler White is a better person doesn't mean that Walt is not the person you should be rooting for. He's still the protagonist, and the fact that he isn't a good person is what makes him great, so, yes, you can totally root for bad people in shows. As Breaking Bad progressed, the story became increasingly complicated, with Walts actions pulling everyone around him into a twisted web.
The actress Anna Gunn gave a stellar performance as Skyler White. She was the one telling him, "you cant cook crystal meth." There is a common sentiment of fans hating Skyler White in their early years following the series and beginning to like her over time. The answer seems to lie in perspective, according to the creator. It was so bad that people started attacking Anna Gunn because people don't know the difference between actors and characters. A big chunk of people don't understand that these are traits that are being portrayed negatively.
At the end of the day, it's Walt's cancer, and if he wants to go out on his own sword rather than squeeze out another two years just to live in agonizing pain and sickness, unable to enjoy life, the least she could do is at least attempt to respect his choice. Sure, I think she bitches a lot, but you should take a step back and look at her situation. I think her reactions are pretty justified, and realistic for what she has to deal with. As such, it is all about which character arc appeals to the audience more.
The thing that annoys me the most with her is the fact that in season 5 shes so angry at Walt for involving her & the kids, but shes the one who forced Walt into buying the car wash cause she wanted to launder the money for him. He insisted on not doing so cause he didnt want her involved. She then makes it seem like Walt forced into it when he didnt. The hate grew so much over time that some people failed to recognize the difference between reel and real life and started targeting and trolling actress Anna Gunn, who gave a stellar performance as Skyler White.
Again, I'm not trying to say Breaking Bad is wrong or sexist, but when people ask why does the internet hate Skyler White? Sure, I'll agree that a part of it (and certainly the vitriol with which it comes out) is due to it functioning as some horrible outlet for erstwhile repressed misogyny, but that's only a part of it. I used to hate Skyler White 10 years ago, but Im rewatching the series now and appreciate Skyler White so much. One scene that really highlights her strengths is in season 4 when theyre prepping to tell the gambling story (along with all the other work Skyler White did to make sure buying the car wash looked above board).
I don't hate Skyler White, but I'm deeply annoyed by her. She's like a low-key toothache that's just kinda there and makes your life uncomfortable. She's dull, humorless, righteous (without any reason mind you, because when push comes to shove she always caves in and chooses the path of the least resistance), cowardly, vindictive, petty, and controlling. I hate Walt, and I dislike Skyler White's presumptuous and sanctimonious attitude, but I root for Skyler White because she's the one who's actually protecting the family. I also like BCS more, and I also had troubles during my first BB run because everyone seems so negative, paranoid, and unlikeable.
A subreddit for fans and critics of the hit television series Breaking Bad on AMC. Here you will find discussions and speculations about the show, pictures from the show, AMAs with the cast, and anything else Breaking Bad related. Skyler White is what you get when you raise children to be over-privileged. I grew up without a father, so I know how most mothers go all out to villainify the father's. How many men in today's society would risk prison to provide for their family? What even makes it so much more annoying is that Walter actually finds out he's gonna get better.
I heard so much hate on her character, people say shes insufferable and all that, but why? Entered the show expecting to hate but left out feeling bad. Her husband deals drugs, got her wifes husband killed (spoiler alert), was cold for the first seasons, hid his cancer, could've had his family killed, he ruined the life of many (rip Andrea, rip Jane, Brock almost died, and more), he caused. The thing that annoys me the most with her is the fact that in season 5 shes so angry at Walt for involving her & the kids, but shes the one who forced Walt into buying the car wash cause she wanted to launder the money for him. He insisted on not doing so cause he didnt want her involved. She then makes it seem like Walt forced into it when he didnt.
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