Vince Gilligan, the creator of “Breaking Bad,” has spoken about how his personal beliefs and philosophical considerations influenced the development of the show.
One significant aspect of his creative process was his desire to explore themes related to morality, consequence, and the nature of evil.
Gilligan has expressed that he wanted to create a show that would delve into the darker aspects of human nature and examine the consequences of moral compromise.
This exploration was, in part, driven by his own interest in the concept of hell and the idea of retribution for one’s actions.
Gilligan’s intention was to craft a narrative where characters’ actions and choices led to a form of existential reckoning.
In “Breaking Bad,” the transformation of Walter White from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug lord serves as a narrative exploration of this theme.
The show portrays Walter’s descent into moral ambiguity and the ultimate consequences of his decisions, reflecting Gilligan’s interest in the idea of a moral reckoning akin to hell.
By putting Walter through a series of escalating moral dilemmas and seeing how his actions affect those around him, Gilligan explores the notion of a personal hell created by one’s own choices.
The series also delves into the impact of evil on both the perpetrator and the victim. Characters in “Breaking Bad” face dire consequences as a result of their actions, and the show often portrays a grim vision of how far people can fall when driven by ambition and greed.
Gilligan’s narrative choices are designed to make viewers ponder the nature of justice and retribution, and to reflect on whether individuals can escape the consequences of their moral failures.
In essence, Gilligan used “Breaking Bad” as a canvas to explore deep philosophical questions about morality and the concept of hell.
The show’s intense and often brutal depiction of consequences serves as a reflection of his own contemplation of how one’s actions can create a personal and existential form of hell.
By presenting a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, Gilligan invites viewers to grapple with these questions and consider the broader implications of their own choices and beliefs about morality.