Huell Babineaux, Saul Goodman’s imposing bodyguard and confidante, achieves peak meme status when he literally lays on a mountain of cash. This iconic scene occurs in Season 5, Episode 9 of Breaking Bad, titled “Gliding Over All.”
The Scene: A Breakdown
The episode “Gliding Over All” marks a pivotal moment in Walter White’s meth empire. He’s managed to consolidate his power, and the sheer volume of money generated has reached staggering proportions. Jesse Pinkman, overwhelmed by the death and destruction wrought by their enterprise, becomes increasingly detached.
The money itself represents the culmination of Walt’s ambition and its inherent corruption. The scene featuring Huell is a visual manifestation of this excess. We see him, stripped down to his boxers, lying supine on a vast pile of cash – stacks upon stacks filling a storage unit. This isn’t just about hiding money; it’s about bathing in it, highlighting the moral decay at the heart of Walt’s actions.
Why This Scene Resonates
The Huell money scene is so memorable for several reasons:
- Visual Comedy: The sheer absurdity of the situation – a large man lying on a bed of cash – creates instant visual humor. It’s a moment of levity in a series known for its intense drama.
- Symbolic Weight: The money represents the consequences of Walt’s actions. It’s a tangible representation of the lives lost and the ethical compromises made along the way.
- Huell’s Charisma: Huell, played brilliantly by Lavell Crawford, is a lovable character. His unassuming nature and deadpan delivery make him instantly relatable, even in this bizarre situation.
- Meme-Worthy Material: The scene’s inherent humor and visual appeal have made it a staple of internet memes, cementing its place in popular culture.
The Context: Breaking Bad Season 5
Season 5 of Breaking Bad is divided into two parts, each marking a significant shift in Walt’s journey. “Gliding Over All” sits squarely within the first half, showcasing the height of Walt’s power and the beginning of his inevitable downfall.
Lead-Up to the Scene
Prior to this scene, Walt’s meth operation has been running smoothly, thanks to Lydia Rodarte-Quayle’s distribution network. The money is flowing in at an unprecedented rate, necessitating creative storage solutions. Saul Goodman, always the pragmatist, is tasked with managing the logistics of this vast wealth.
Impact on the Narrative
The money scene foreshadows the unraveling of Walt’s empire. The sheer scale of his wealth becomes a liability, attracting unwanted attention and fueling his ego. It also contributes to Jesse’s disillusionment, ultimately leading him to betray Walt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Huell money scene, offering further insights into its creation and significance:
1. How much money was actually in the storage unit?
It’s difficult to say precisely, but estimates range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. The showrunners aimed to create a visual impression of overwhelming wealth, even if the exact amount remained ambiguous. The visual impact was more important than absolute accuracy.
2. Was the money real or fake?
A combination of real and fake money was used. Higher denominations (e.g., $100 bills) were likely real at the top layers of the stacks to create a convincing visual. However, the bulk of the money underneath was almost certainly prop money to keep costs down and ensure safety.
3. How did Lavell Crawford feel about filming the scene?
Lavell Crawford has spoken extensively about the scene, generally with humor and amusement. He has mentioned that it was a surprisingly comfortable experience and that he enjoyed the absurdity of it all. He also acknowledged the scene’s popularity and its impact on his career.
4. What was the significance of Huell being in his underwear?
The visual of Huell in his underwear highlights the vulnerability and absurdity of the situation. It underscores the idea that this immense wealth is ultimately meaningless without genuine connection and moral grounding. It also emphasizes the dehumanizing effect of extreme wealth.
5. Did Huell’s character have any idea how dangerous the situation was?
While Huell is generally portrayed as being somewhat oblivious, he likely understood the inherent risks associated with being involved in Walt’s operation. However, he was probably more concerned with the immediate comforts and rewards, trusting Saul Goodman to handle the larger implications.
6. What happened to the money after Walt buried it?
Most of the money was buried in the New Mexico desert by Walt. He later retrieved a portion of it to help Skyler and his family. The remaining buried money is what eventually becomes the focus of El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, with Skinny Pete and Badger faking its discovery to throw the authorities off Jesse Pinkman’s trail.
7. How did the writers come up with the idea for the money scene?
The writers were likely looking for a visually striking and humorous way to represent the sheer volume of money generated by Walt’s meth empire. The idea of someone literally lying on the money likely emerged from brainstorming sessions aimed at pushing the boundaries of absurdity and showcasing the corrupting influence of wealth.
8. Was this the most memorable scene for Lavell Crawford in Breaking Bad?
While Lavell Crawford had other memorable moments in the series, the money scene is undoubtedly the one he’s most recognized for. It solidified his place in Breaking Bad lore and contributed significantly to his wider career.
9. Did this scene influence other TV shows or movies?
It’s difficult to definitively say whether this scene directly influenced other productions. However, the use of money as a visual symbol of corruption and excess is a common trope in film and television. The Breaking Bad scene simply executed it in a particularly memorable and humorous way.
10. Is there any deeper meaning to Huell’s presence in Saul Goodman’s life?
Huell represents Saul’s connection to the criminal underworld. He’s a constant reminder of the dangerous individuals Saul deals with and the moral compromises he makes. He’s also a source of loyalty and protection, albeit often achieved through questionable means.
11. What was the reaction from critics and fans to the “Gliding Over All” episode?
“Gliding Over All” was widely praised by critics and fans for its pacing, character development, and shocking ending (the prison killings). The Huell money scene was specifically lauded for its humor and symbolic weight, becoming one of the most talked-about moments of the entire series.
12. Would Huell have ended up in a worse situation had he not been detained?
It is strongly implied that had Hank not detained Huell, Saul would have had him killed to protect himself and Walt after the ricin cigarette was found. This underscores the dangerous position that Huell was unwittingly placed in, and it highlights the brutality of Walt’s and Saul’s actions.