A Perfect Series With One Flaw
“Breaking Bad,” the acclaimed AMC series, chronicled the transformation of Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with lung cancer, into a meth-making criminal mastermind alongside his former student, Jesse Pinkman (portrayed by Aaron Paul). The duo’s entanglement in the drug world captivated viewers from 2008 to 2013. But, as the series became synonymous with impeccable storytelling and character development, it’s interesting to see how even the best can miss a minor detail.
Jesse Pinkman: The Surprise Survivor
Originally slated to be killed off in the earlier episodes, Jesse Pinkman’s character resonated deeply with fans. This unexpected attachment led to his character not only surviving the series but also landing him a sequel, “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie,” in 2019. However, this beloved character also became the subject of a minor oversight, one that series creator Vince Gilligan recently admitted.
In a candid conversation with Variety, Gilligan confessed:
“I’m very proud of it, and I have to stress that it was a group effort. I had wonderful writers and we strained our brains mightily to tie everything together. I think the one thing we got wrong was Aaron Paul’s teeth. They’re too damn perfect! For a guy who got beaten up as much as he did and smoked that much meth, his teeth would not look so beautiful. We probably did the country a disservice, but having said that, Aaron’s easy on the eyes so that was just as well for folks watching.”
The Significance of Jesse’s Immaculate Teeth
Although Jesse’s pristine teeth may appear as a mere hiccup in the grand canvas of “Breaking Bad,” it stands out, especially considering the show’s meticulous attention to detail. From precise costumes and makeup to carefully crafted Easter eggs, the show never missed a beat.
Recalling the series finale, Jesse was depicted as a prisoner, with evident signs of physical abuse, malnourishment, and lack of hygiene. Furthermore, his consistent meth use throughout the series would undeniably have left a mark on his dental health.
In Retrospect
Though Gilligan points out this minor lapse, many viewers might have missed it amidst the compelling narrative. Moreover, when compared to the finales of other notable shows like “Game of Thrones” or “Dexter,” which left audiences divided, “Breaking Bad” managed to deliver an ending that is often hailed as one of television’s best. In the grand scheme, Jesse’s impeccable teeth might be a mere blip, but it’s a testament to the show’s commitment to realism that its creator would pinpoint such a detail years later.
