The point of “Fly,” the tenth episode of Breaking Bad‘s third season, isn’t primarily about a fly. It’s a profound exploration of guilt, obsessive compulsion, and the psychological toll of Walter White’s actions, using the mundane frustration of an errant insect as a lens to examine his deteriorating mental state and fractured relationship with Jesse Pinkman.
Deeper Dive: Understanding the Episode’s Core Themes
“Fly” is perhaps the most controversial episode in Breaking Bad‘s acclaimed run. Many viewers found it slow, boring, and seemingly pointless in the grand scheme of the show’s escalating plot. However, a closer examination reveals that the episode serves as a vital character study and a thematic linchpin.
The Weight of Guilt and Trauma
At its core, “Fly” is about Walt’s crippling guilt over letting Jane Margolis die. The episode takes place after Jane’s death and before the devastating events of “Half Measures,” creating a pressure cooker atmosphere of simmering trauma. Walt is acutely aware of his role in Jane’s demise and carries the unbearable burden of his actions.
The fly itself acts as a tangible manifestation of Walt’s unease. He fixates on it, unable to rest until it’s eradicated. This obsession mirrors his attempts to control the chaos he’s unleashed in his life and to clean up the metaphorical “dirt” he’s responsible for. He feels compelled to fix something, anything, to alleviate the internal pressure he’s experiencing. The fly, a symbol of imperfection and impurity, becomes a stand-in for Walt’s own flawed moral compass.
Obsessive Compulsion as a Coping Mechanism
Walt’s relentless pursuit of the fly reveals a deep-seated obsessive-compulsive tendency. This isn’t simply about hygiene; it’s about control and order in a world spinning out of control. By focusing on the minute, the seemingly insignificant, Walt attempts to regain a sense of mastery over his surroundings. He can’t undo Jane’s death, he can’t escape the consequences of his choices, but he can catch a fly.
This fixation becomes a distraction from the larger, more painful realities he’s trying to avoid. The meth lab, the product of his moral compromises, must be purified, just as he wishes he could purify his own soul. The obsessive cleaning ritual becomes a symbolic attempt at absolution.
Jesse and Walt: A Fractured Partnership
“Fly” also delves into the strained relationship between Walt and Jesse. Jesse, largely oblivious to the depth of Walt’s guilt, sees the fly hunt as a pointless exercise. The episode showcases the widening gap between them, their contrasting perspectives, and the growing tension that will eventually erupt into full-blown conflict.
Jesse’s carefree attitude and naive pronouncements serve as a sharp contrast to Walt’s tormented inner world. Their interactions highlight Walt’s isolation and his inability to confide in Jesse about the true source of his anguish. Their dialogue, seemingly mundane, is laden with subtext, hinting at the underlying resentments and unresolved issues that plague their partnership.
The Power of the Mundane
Perhaps the most significant achievement of “Fly” is its ability to use the ordinary to explore the extraordinary. The confined setting, the repetitive action, and the seemingly trivial plot elements all contribute to a sense of claustrophobia and mounting tension.
By focusing on the mundane, the episode forces the viewer to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface. The fly becomes a catalyst for introspection, prompting us to consider the psychological burdens that Walt carries and the moral compromises he’s made. The seemingly simple premise allows for a deeper exploration of character and theme.
Frequently Asked Questions About “The Fly”
1. Why is “Fly” considered a bottle episode?
“Fly” is a classic example of a bottle episode because it features a limited number of characters (primarily Walt and Jesse), a single primary location (the meth lab), and a self-contained plot. Bottle episodes are often produced to save money and resources, allowing for more elaborate and expensive episodes later in the season.
2. How does “Fly” advance the overall plot of Breaking Bad?
While seemingly self-contained, “Fly” advances the plot by highlighting Walt’s deteriorating mental state and the growing tension between Walt and Jesse. These elements are crucial to understanding the events that follow in later episodes, particularly the escalating conflict with Gus Fring and the devastating consequences of Walt’s choices.
3. What does the fly symbolize in the episode?
The fly is a multifaceted symbol representing imperfection, contamination, guilt, and Walt’s inability to control the chaos he has created. It’s a physical manifestation of Walt’s anxieties and a constant reminder of his moral compromises.
4. Was “Fly” intended to be a cost-saving measure?
While cost-saving was a factor, according to interviews with the show’s creators, “Fly” was primarily intended as a character-driven episode that allowed for a deeper exploration of Walt’s psychological state. The limited setting and cast were chosen to create a sense of claustrophobia and introspection.
5. Why do some viewers dislike “Fly” so intensely?
Many viewers dislike “Fly” because they find it slow-paced, uneventful, and seemingly irrelevant to the main plot. They perceive it as filler, a deviation from the show’s usual action and suspense.
6. How does “Fly” contribute to Walt’s character arc?
“Fly” is crucial to Walt’s character arc because it showcases the mounting psychological toll of his actions. It reveals the profound guilt and trauma that he’s suppressing and highlights his increasing inability to cope with the consequences of his choices.
7. What is the significance of Jesse’s role in the episode?
Jesse’s role in “Fly” highlights the growing disconnect between him and Walt. He’s largely unaware of Walt’s inner turmoil and struggles to understand his obsessive behavior. This contributes to the increasing tension and resentment that will eventually lead to their separation.
8. Does “Fly” offer any insight into Walt’s motivations?
Yes, “Fly” provides insight into Walt’s motivations by revealing his desire for control and his need to maintain a facade of order. His relentless pursuit of the fly is driven by a deeper need to cleanse himself of guilt and to escape the consequences of his actions.
9. How does the episode’s setting (the meth lab) contribute to its themes?
The meth lab, a sterile and controlled environment, ironically becomes the backdrop for Walt’s descent into madness. The setting underscores the contrast between Walt’s desire for purity and the inherent corruption of his actions.
10. Is there any symbolism in the episode’s ending?
The episode’s ending, where Walt almost confesses to Jesse about letting Jane die but stops himself due to the sedative effects of the sleeping pills, is hugely significant. It represents a missed opportunity for catharsis and a perpetuation of Walt’s self-destructive behavior. He chooses to remain trapped in his guilt, further isolating himself.
11. How does “Fly” compare to other Breaking Bad episodes in terms of its pacing and style?
“Fly” stands out for its deliberately slow pacing and minimalist style. It deviates from the show’s usual action-packed sequences and focuses instead on character interaction and psychological exploration. This makes it a unique and divisive episode within the Breaking Bad canon.
12. What is the best way to appreciate the significance of “Fly”?
To fully appreciate “Fly,” viewers should focus on the episode’s thematic depth and its exploration of character. Consider the underlying motivations and anxieties of Walt and Jesse, and recognize the fly as a symbolic representation of Walt’s internal struggles. By understanding the subtext and the nuances of the episode, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for its artistic merit and its contribution to the overall narrative of Breaking Bad.