The final episode of Breaking Bad, titled “Felina,” sees Walter White return to Albuquerque to settle his remaining affairs, ensuring his family’s financial security and enacting revenge on those who betrayed him, ultimately culminating in his death in a meth lab. It’s a culmination of his transformation from meek chemistry teacher to ruthless drug kingpin, a twisted attempt at redemption wrapped in Heisenberg’s legacy.
The Lingering Smoke of “Felina”
“Felina,” written and directed by Vince Gilligan, isn’t just a conclusion; it’s a meticulously crafted symphony of closure, consequence, and carefully chosen callbacks to earlier moments in the series. After fleeing New Hampshire, Walt, fueled by cancer’s resurgence and a burning need to rectify his past, orchestrates a final, daring plan. This plan involves using his remaining fortune to secure his family’s future and exact revenge on those he perceives as having wronged him. He confronts Jack Welker and his neo-Nazi gang, liberates Jesse Pinkman, and finally, finds a semblance of peace in the very place where his criminal empire began – the meth lab.
Walt’s Final Actions: A Balancing Act
Walt’s motivations in “Felina” are complex and layered. He’s driven by a desire to provide for his family, a flicker of regret for the devastation he’s caused, and a persistent, perhaps delusional, need to maintain control. His confrontation with Skyler reveals a crucial truth: he didn’t do it for his family; he did it for himself. This moment of honesty is pivotal, allowing Skyler to accept his help and begin the long road to recovery. Similarly, his orchestration of the neo-Nazi gang’s demise, disguised as a technical consulting visit, is both calculated and brutal.
The Fate of Jesse Pinkman: A Glimmer of Hope
One of the most emotionally charged aspects of “Felina” is Jesse Pinkman’s liberation. Having endured unimaginable torture and forced labor under Jack Welker’s control, Jesse’s escape represents a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Walt’s freeing of Jesse, albeit driven by guilt and a need to reconcile, allows Jesse to finally break free from the cycle of violence and exploitation that has defined his life. The final shot of Jesse speeding away, finally free to choose his own path, is a testament to the enduring power of hope and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Felina”
Here are some frequently asked questions, designed to further illuminate the details and nuances of the Breaking Bad series finale:
What does the title “Felina” mean?
The title “Felina” is often interpreted as a combination of elements connected to the episode’s narrative. “Fe” represents iron (blood), “Li” represents lithium (meth), and “Na” represents sodium (tears). Together, they symbolize the blood, meth, and tears that characterize Walter White’s final journey. It’s a clever, multi-layered metaphor that encapsulates the essence of the episode.
How does Walt provide for his family in “Felina”?
Walt manipulates Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz, his former Gray Matter business partners, into funnelling $9.72 million to his son, Walter Jr., under the guise of a charitable donation. He threatens them, ensuring they comply with his instructions and allowing his family to rebuild their lives. This act is a final, albeit manipulative, attempt to provide for his loved ones.
Why does Walt confess to Skyler that he did it for himself?
This confession is a critical moment of self-awareness for Walt. He finally admits that his foray into the drug trade wasn’t solely motivated by providing for his family; it was driven by ego, a desire for power, and a craving for recognition. This honesty, however belated, allows Skyler to somewhat forgive him and accept his help.
How does Walt kill Jack Welker and his gang?
Walt uses a remote-controlled machine gun hidden in the trunk of his car, disguised as a new product for their meth operation. He parks near the compound, activates the weapon, and massacres the gang. This highly coordinated attack is a testament to his strategic brilliance and ruthlessness.
Why does Walt let Jesse kill Todd Alquist?
Walt orchestrates the setup, understanding that Jesse needs to exact his own revenge. By allowing Jesse to kill Todd, the man who murdered Andrea and held him captive, Walt provides Jesse with a sense of closure and empowerment, helping him break free from his trauma.
Is Walt trying to redeem himself in “Felina”?
Redemption is a complex and debatable concept in the context of Walter White. While he performs actions that could be interpreted as attempts at atonement (securing his family’s future, freeing Jesse), his motives remain self-serving. It’s more accurate to say that he’s trying to reconcile with his past and leave a legacy on his own terms. True redemption likely remains out of reach for someone who caused so much devastation.
What happens to Skyler after Walt’s death?
The episode doesn’t explicitly show Skyler’s future, but it implies that she will cooperate with the authorities and use the money Walt secured to rebuild her life and provide for her children. While her journey will undoubtedly be difficult, the episode suggests a path towards healing and recovery.
How does Walt know where Jesse is being held captive?
Walt tracks down Lydia Rodarte-Quayle, the Madrigal Electromotive executive, and learns from her that Jack Welker is still cooking meth. He uses this information to locate the neo-Nazi compound and subsequently rescue Jesse.
What is the significance of Walt touching the meth equipment before he dies?
This action symbolizes Walt’s true passion and the life he truly desired. Despite all the lies and deception, chemistry and the creation of meth were the activities that truly fulfilled him. Dying in the lab is a twisted form of poetic justice, highlighting his descent into the world of Heisenberg.
Does Walt regret his actions at the end of “Felina”?
While he doesn’t explicitly express regret in the traditional sense, his actions in “Felina” suggest a degree of remorse and a desire to make amends. His confession to Skyler and his efforts to secure his family’s future indicate a recognition of the harm he has caused, even if he struggles to fully acknowledge the extent of his wrongdoing.
What song plays at the end of the episode when Walt dies?
The song playing as Walt dies in the lab is “Baby Blue” by Badfinger. The lyrics, especially the line “Guess I got what I deserved,” are deeply ironic and poignant, reflecting Walt’s complex and ultimately tragic fate.
Is there any potential for a Breaking Bad sequel focused on Jesse Pinkman?
While there are no confirmed plans for a direct sequel series specifically focused on Jesse, the film “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie” provides a post-series epilogue to Jesse’s story, depicting his escape from captivity and his attempt to start a new life. Whether more stories will be told remains to be seen, but the ending of “El Camino” suggests a more hopeful future for the character.