Breaking Bad Deaths That Could Have Been Avoided

Breaking Bad is a legendary series that needs no introduction. Walter White’s self-destructive journey from a cancer-ridden chemistry teacher into a drug kingpin is something that will leave fans on the edge of their seats as the story develops.

As one would expect, a series full of crime and drug-fuelled violence would feature its fair share of deaths. Some of these demises could’ve been avoided in a different scenario, even if these moments were important to the plot in some form or the other.

8

Spooge

His Wife Accidentally Killed Him During A Drug-Fueled Tirade

• Final Appearance: Peekaboo (Season 2, Episode 6)

A household dominated by crack isn’t the best house to grow a kid in, but Spooge and his wife have bigger problems. Their addiction to crack causes them to pursue a life of crime, including a daring heist where they steal an entire ATM and bring it to their house.

While Spooge tries to open the ATM from its base, he gets into a vicious argument with his wife. This leads to her pushing the ATM on his head, crushing his skull in a sudden and grotesque death that could’ve been avoided if this couple weren’t so reliant on crime. Of course, this accidental death could’ve also been avoided had Spooge not placed his head in such a precarious position.

7

Jane Margolis

Walter Chose To Let Her Die

• Final Appearance: Phoenix (Season 2, Episode 12)

There are many moments that fans point to when discussing Walter White’s transition to Heisenberg. One of the earliest instances comes in the second season when Walter is irritated by Jesse’s drug habit and his new girlfriend.

While coming to his house to find some cash, Walter unintentionally causes Jane to lie on her back, leading to her choking on her vomit. Walter watches her choke and thinks about intervening, but chooses to let her die instead in a cold-hearted moment that shows how ruthless this character could be in his quest to make a name for himself.

6

Gale Boetticher

Walter Could’ve Manipulated Gale’s Feelings To Get Rid Of Him Without Resorting To Murder

• Final Appearance: Full Measure (Season 3, Episode 13)

Gale is one of the more endearing characters in Breaking Bad. While he may be embroiled in a life of crime, that doesn’t stop him from idolizing Walter and his genius mind.

So, it’s sad to see that his so-called idol told Jesse to go and kill Gale to save their own lives after Gus decided to replace the duo permanently. While it was meant to save their hide, one can’t help but wonder how things would’ve panned out had Walter manipulated Gale’s emotions and told him to leave instead.

5

Gustavo “Gus” Fring

His Need To Humiliate Hector Turned Out To Be A Fatal Weakness

• Final Appearance: Face Off (Season 4, Episode 13)

Gustavo Fring is one of the smartest crime lords who made sure that he never endangered himself unless necessary. However, his need to humiliate Hector Salamanca was a crippling weakness that Walter and Jesse decided to exploit.

By pretending to talk to the cops, Hector baited Gus to come to his retirement home and taunt him for even thinking about informing the police about his drug business. Unbeknownst to him, Walter had attached a bomb to Hector’s wheelchair that would explore after ringing the bell multiple times, causing a massive explosion that led to the death of one of the greatest fictional villains. If only his ego didn’t dominate his decision-making, Gus would’ve survived and the show’s main duo wouldn’t have survived for very long.

4

Michael “Mike” Ehrmantraut

Walter’s Bruised Ego Caused Him To Murder A Close Associate

• Final Appearance: Say My Name (Season 5, Episode 7)

Mike Ehrmantraut is an excellent character who shines in both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. This character wastes no time in establishing his no-nonsense personality, teaming up with Walter and Jesse to get a big payout and bail.

However, Walter’s ego prevented him from forsaking his drug empire, placing him at odds with Mike. After the latter verbally abuses Heisenberg and refuses to give him the vital information he needs, Walt blows a fuse and shoots at him erratically, hitting him with a fatal shot that culminates in one of the most iconic death sequences in Breaking Bad history.

3

Hank Schrader

A Heartbreaking Death That Could’ve Been Avoided If Walter Kept A Different Book In His Toilet

• Final Appearance: Ozymandias (Season 5, Episode 14)

Hank’s death in Breaking Bad is a heartbreaking moment that shocked fans. This DEA agent refused to stand down and chose to engage in a shootout with dire consequences, refusing to bow down to his attackers even in his final moments.

One can’t help but feel how the series would’ve panned out had Hank not connected the dots in the mid-season finale of the show’s final stretch. He would’ve enjoyed a normal life with his wife, but his commitment to his job placed him at odds with Todd’s group, who shot him in cold blood right in front of Walter.

2

Andrea Cantillo

Killed To Punish Jesse For His Insubordination

• Final Appearance: Granite State (Season 5, Episode 15)

Jesse is one of the most traumatized characters in Breaking Bad. Walter used him for his goals and manipulated his former student over and over again, leading to Jesse dealing with several harrowing moments that would’ve broken the minds of lesser men.

This particular instance came at the hands of Todd Alquist, who decided to punish Jesse for refusing to cook for his gang. He entered Andrea’s house and shot her mercilessly in a shocking moment that could’ve been avoided had Jesse just submitted to the group’s demands.

1

Walter White

An Errant Bullet Spelled The End For Heisenberg

• Final Appearance: Felina (Season 5, Episode 16)

The protagonist of Breaking Bad is one of the greatest anti-hero characters of all time that fans can’t get enough of. His transformation into a drug kingpin is a joy to witness, even if he does end up screwing over the people closest to him in this goal.

At the end of the series, after his crimes are revealed, Walter decides to embark on one final mission to take out the group that killed his brother-in-law and is forcing Jesse to cook for them. The machine gun he set up killed everyone, but a ricocheting bullet caught him in the waist as he protected Jesse. If luck was on his side, it’s possible that Walter would’ve come out of this encounter alive, but there’s no denying that his death was a poetic way to end Breaking Bad.