The last episode of Breaking Bad, titled “Felina,” aired on September 29, 2013, bringing Walter White’s transformative journey to a definitive and unforgettable conclusion. “Felina” serves as a compelling finale, resolving key plot threads and solidifying Breaking Bad‘s legacy as a landmark achievement in television.
The Anatomy of “Felina”: A Deep Dive
“Felina,” directed by Vince Gilligan, doesn’t merely tie up loose ends; it delivers a carefully orchestrated symphony of retribution, redemption, and resignation. After a period of exile following the events of “Granite State,” a significantly changed Walter White returns to Albuquerque with a singular purpose: to secure his family’s future and settle his remaining scores.
The episode opens with Walt desperately trying to start a stolen car, a symbolic echo of his initial struggles and failures. This moment underscores the distance he’s travelled, from a timid high school teacher to a ruthless kingpin, and the irony that he’s now resorting to petty theft. He eventually reaches a motel and gathers information about his former associates.
Walt orchestrates a series of calculated maneuvers. He visits Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz, blackmailing them into establishing a trust fund for Walt Jr. using the remainder of his drug money. He confronts Lydia Rodarte-Quayle, poisoning her with ricin in her Stevia packet during a phone call, effectively eliminating one of his remaining enemies. Finally, he sets up a meeting with Jack Welker and his neo-Nazi gang, ostensibly to broker a deal but secretly planning their demise.
The shootout at Jack’s compound is a masterclass in suspense and strategy. Walt uses a remote-controlled machine gun rigged in the trunk of his car to eliminate the entire gang, saving Jesse Pinkman in the process. He is himself fatally wounded during the firefight.
In the episode’s closing scenes, Walt bids a silent farewell to his daughter Holly from afar, then visits Skyler one last time to admit that he did what he did for himself, acknowledging his ego and ambition fueled his actions. He finds his way to the meth lab where he first began his criminal enterprise, running his hand along the equipment before succumbing to his wounds. He dies surrounded by the tools of his trade, a fitting and darkly poetic end.
Key Moments and Thematic Significance
“Felina” is packed with emotionally resonant scenes and powerful thematic resonance. The confrontation with Gretchen and Elliott, while morally questionable, highlights Walt’s desperation to provide for his family and his lingering resentment towards his former partners. The moment he watches Holly from a distance underscores his love for his family and the regret he feels for the damage he has caused. The liberation of Jesse Pinkman from his enslavement by Jack’s gang provides a measure of justice and redemption. Walt’s confession to Skyler represents a final act of honesty, allowing her to begin to rebuild her life free from his lies.
The title “Felina” itself is symbolic. It is widely speculated to be an anagram for “Finale,” but also a combination of chemical symbols (Fe, Li, Na) representing iron (blood), lithium (meth), and sodium (tears) – elements central to the series’ narrative. This clever detail encapsulates the core themes of violence, addiction, and emotional turmoil that define Breaking Bad.
FAQs: Unpacking the “Felina” Experience
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the significance and impact of the Breaking Bad finale:
1. What exactly did Walt do with the ricin in “Felina”?
Walt used the ricin to poison Lydia Rodarte-Quayle. He switched out her Stevia packet with one containing ricin during a clandestine meeting at a cafe. Lydia consumes the ricin believing it is Stevia, and later succumbs to its effects. This act ensures she can no longer threaten his family or Jesse.
2. Why did Walt give his money to Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz?
Walt didn’t truly give his money to Gretchen and Elliott. He blackmailed them. He threatened their lives and forced them to create a trust fund for Walt Jr. under the guise of their charitable foundation, using the remaining drug money. He orchestrated the scenario to ensure his son would receive financial support without knowing the true source of the funds.
3. Was Jesse really free at the end of “Felina”?
Yes, Jesse was demonstrably free at the end of “Felina.” After Walt eliminates Jack’s gang, Jesse is allowed to leave the compound. The final shot of Jesse driving away shows him screaming in cathartic release, signifying his freedom from captivity and trauma.
4. Did Walter White actually want to die?
It’s complex. Walt wasn’t suicidal, but he accepted his fate. He knew he was dying of cancer, and he chose to orchestrate events in a way that allowed him to right some of his wrongs and ensure his family’s survival, ultimately accepting his death in the process. He arguably engineered a scenario that ensured he would die on his own terms.
5. How did Walt know Lydia would use Stevia?
Walt discovered Lydia’s Stevia habit from previous interactions with her, most notably during their meetings at the Los Pollos Hermanos distribution center. He remembered her always using Stevia in her tea, making it the perfect vessel for the ricin.
6. Why did Walt tell Skyler he did it for himself?
This was Walt’s final act of honesty with Skyler. He finally admitted that his actions weren’t solely for his family’s benefit, but also driven by ego, ambition, and a desire to feel powerful. This confession, although painful, allowed Skyler to understand the true motivations behind his actions and hopefully move forward.
7. What happened to Walt Jr. after “Felina”?
The series doesn’t explicitly state what happens to Walt Jr. after “Felina.” However, with the establishment of the trust fund and Skyler’s cooperation, it can be inferred that he would eventually receive financial support. His relationship with Skyler remains strained, but hopefully, with time and therapy, they can rebuild their family.
8. Why did Walt go back to the meth lab at the end?
Walt’s return to the meth lab was a symbolic act. It represented a full-circle moment, returning to the place where his transformation into Heisenberg began. It was a moment of reflection and acceptance of his fate, surrounded by the tools that defined his second life.
9. Was there any redemption for Walter White in “Felina”?
Whether Walt achieved true redemption is a matter of interpretation. He took steps to secure his family’s future, freed Jesse from captivity, and confessed his true motivations to Skyler. However, his actions caused immense pain and suffering. Ultimately, the question of his redemption remains open to individual viewer interpretation.
10. What made “Felina” such a satisfying conclusion?
“Felina” offered closure to many of the series’ storylines, providing definitive answers to key questions and delivering a sense of justice (or at least, consequences) for the characters’ actions. The episode’s emotional resonance, coupled with its clever plotting and stunning visuals, made it a highly satisfying and memorable conclusion to a groundbreaking series.
11. How did the shootout in “Felina” actually work?
Walt used a modified M60 machine gun mounted in the trunk of his car, remotely activated using a key fob. He positioned the car perfectly outside Jack’s compound, using the element of surprise to eliminate the gang. The chaotic nature of the gun’s firing prevented the gang from effectively retaliating.
12. What is the overall message of “Felina” and Breaking Bad?
Breaking Bad, and particularly “Felina,” explores the corrupting influence of power, the consequences of choices, and the complexities of human nature. It highlights how seemingly ordinary individuals can be driven to extraordinary (and often destructive) actions by circumstances and their own internal flaws. The series ultimately leaves the audience to contemplate the moral ambiguities of its characters and the nature of good and evil.
The Legacy of “Felina”
“Felina” cemented Breaking Bad‘s place in television history. It is widely considered one of the greatest series finales ever created, praised for its masterful storytelling, emotional depth, and satisfying resolution. The episode continues to be analyzed and discussed, solidifying Breaking Bad‘s lasting impact on popular culture.