The last episode of Breaking Bad is titled “Felina,” a poignant conclusion to Walter White’s transformation from chemistry teacher to drug kingpin. “Felina,” airing on September 29, 2013, masterfully ties up loose ends, delivers a satisfying resolution, and solidifies Breaking Bad’s place in television history.
Understanding the Significance of “Felina”
“Felina” isn’t just an episode; it’s the culmination of five seasons of intricate character development, escalating tensions, and morally ambiguous choices. The episode’s name itself is a clever combination of the elements iron (Fe), lithium (Li), and sodium (Na), representing blood, meth, and tears respectively, hinting at the episode’s themes. It sees Walter White return to Albuquerque, not for power or wealth, but to secure his family’s future and settle old scores, ultimately finding a strange sense of redemption in his final act. The episode provides closure for the numerous storylines woven throughout the series, offering a glimpse into the consequences of Walt’s actions and the lasting impact on those closest to him.
The Events of “Felina”: A Detailed Breakdown
The episode opens with Walter White in a snowy New Hampshire landscape, after escaping the clutches of Ed Galbraith, the vacuum cleaner salesman. He then makes his way back to Albuquerque, fueled by vengeance and a desire to provide for his family. His primary goals are threefold: to deliver the remaining millions of dollars to his son, Walter Jr., to exact revenge on Jack Welker and his gang for stealing his money and killing Hank Schrader, and to make amends with his estranged wife, Skyler.
Walt skillfully executes his plan, manipulating Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz to anonymously funnel money to his son, confronting and apologizing to Skyler, and finally confronting Jack Welker and his gang. In a climactic shootout, Walt manages to kill Jack and his crew, freeing Jesse Pinkman, whom they had enslaved to continue cooking meth.
The episode culminates with Walt visiting the meth lab where he once reigned supreme. He takes one last look around before succumbing to a gunshot wound, a bittersweet ending that leaves audiences pondering the complexities of his character and the choices he made. The final scene sees Walt collapsing on the floor, a faint smile on his face, as the police sirens wail in the distance.
Thematic Resonance and Critical Reception
“Felina” is widely considered one of the best series finales in television history. Its thematic resonance lies in its exploration of morality, redemption, and the consequences of ambition. While Walt is undoubtedly a flawed character, the episode allows him a measure of redemption by ensuring his family’s financial security and freeing Jesse from captivity.
Critics praised the episode for its tight pacing, satisfying conclusion, and powerful performances. The use of music, particularly the song “Baby Blue” by Badfinger, adds a layer of emotional depth to the final scene. The episode also avoids simplistic good vs. evil tropes, instead offering a nuanced portrayal of human nature and the difficult choices people make under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Breaking Bad Finale
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding “Felina” and their comprehensive answers.
H3 What does the title “Felina” mean?
The title “Felina” is a clever amalgamation of chemical symbols. Fe stands for iron, representing blood; Li stands for lithium, representing methamphetamine (meth); and Na stands for sodium, representing tears. These three elements succinctly encapsulate the core themes of the episode: violence, drugs, and emotional catharsis.
H3 How does Walter White return to Albuquerque in “Felina”?
Walter White returns to Albuquerque through a combination of resourcefulness and sheer will. He uses his remaining money to buy a car and drive across the country, relying on his cunning and ability to blend in to avoid detection. The episode doesn’t explicitly show his travel logistics, but it’s implied that he meticulously planned his return.
H3 Why does Walter White give his money to Walter Jr. through Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz?
Walt chooses to deliver the money to Walter Jr. indirectly through Gretchen and Elliott Schwartz for several reasons. First, it absolves him from any direct contact with his son, minimizing the risk of further incriminating him. Second, it allows him to regain some control over the narrative and portray himself in a more positive light, as a benefactor rather than a criminal. Third, it provides a plausible explanation for the sudden influx of money, making it less suspicious to authorities.
H3 What motivates Walter White’s actions in “Felina”?
Walt’s motivations in “Felina” are a complex mix of guilt, redemption, and a lingering desire for control. He feels immense guilt for the harm he has caused his family and seeks to provide for them financially. He also seeks revenge on Jack Welker and his gang for killing Hank and stealing his money. Finally, he wants to reclaim a sense of agency in his life and ensure that he dies on his own terms.
H3 How does Walter White kill Jack Welker and his gang?
Walter White uses a remote-controlled machine gun hidden in the trunk of his car to eliminate Jack Welker and his gang. He feigns negotiations to gain access to their compound and then activates the machine gun, catching them by surprise. This method highlights his intelligence and strategic thinking, even in his final moments.
H3 What happens to Jesse Pinkman after Walter White frees him?
After Walter White frees Jesse Pinkman, Jesse drives off in a car, escaping the clutches of Jack Welker’s gang. The episode ends with Jesse driving towards an uncertain future, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. The audience is left to imagine what becomes of him, but the implication is that he is finally free to rebuild his life. His fate is deliberately left ambiguous, offering viewers a sense of cautious optimism.
H3 Does Walter White actually apologize to Skyler in “Felina”?
Yes, Walter White does offer a form of apology to Skyler in “Felina.” He admits that he didn’t cook meth for his family, but because he “liked it,” acknowledging his ego and ambition as the primary drivers of his actions. While this admission doesn’t absolve him of his crimes, it does provide Skyler with a degree of closure and allows her to understand his motivations, albeit twisted ones.
H3 Why does Walter White visit the meth lab one last time?
Walter White visits the meth lab one last time to reconnect with his past and acknowledge the life he once lived. It’s a symbolic gesture, a final farewell to his alter ego, Heisenberg. The lab represents both his greatest triumphs and his deepest failures, and his visit is a moment of introspection and acceptance.
H3 Is Walter White a good or bad person by the end of “Felina”?
Walter White’s morality remains complex and ambiguous throughout the series, even in “Felina.” While he performs some arguably “good” deeds, such as providing for his family and freeing Jesse, he is ultimately responsible for countless deaths and the destruction of numerous lives. He’s best understood as an anti-hero, a deeply flawed character whose actions are driven by a combination of self-interest, ambition, and a desperate desire to leave a mark on the world. Defining him as simply good or bad is an oversimplification.
H3 What is the significance of the song “Baby Blue” in the final scene?
The song “Baby Blue” by Badfinger plays during the final scene as Walter White collapses in the meth lab. The lyrics of the song, particularly the line “Guess I got what I deserved,” reflect Walt’s realization that his actions have ultimately led to his downfall. The song serves as a poignant and ironic commentary on his journey, highlighting the tragic consequences of his choices.
H3 How does “Felina” contribute to the overall legacy of Breaking Bad?
“Felina” solidifies Breaking Bad’s legacy as one of the greatest television shows of all time. The episode provides a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion to Walt’s story, leaving viewers pondering the themes of morality, ambition, and redemption long after the credits roll. It avoided the pitfall of many series finales by offering closure without sacrificing the show’s complexity and moral ambiguity.
H3 What are some alternative interpretations of the ending of “Felina”?
While “Felina” offers a definitive conclusion, some viewers interpret the ending in different ways. Some believe that Walt’s death is a form of self-sacrifice, a way for him to atone for his sins. Others see it as a tragic but inevitable outcome, a consequence of his choices. Still others argue that Walt ultimately gets what he wants, dying on his own terms and leaving behind a legacy, albeit a tainted one. These diverse interpretations highlight the richness and complexity of Breaking Bad’s storytelling.