This episode was interesting in that it focused almost entirely on the relationship between Jesse and Walt, rather than the usual dynamic of Walt and his family. All too often it seems that Walter relies on Jesse's ignorance- in this case, telling him that the methalymene is in danger of spoiling and knowing that the younger man will not question it. Then, however, he turns around and curses Jesse for his lack of knowledge. Their relationship shifts throughout this episode: when they are cooking, Walt takes on the familiar role of the chemistry professor he is, indulging Jesse's questions and seeming to feel an almost paternal sense of pride when Jesse surprises him by listening and catching on. Of course, the moment doesn't last ("What one particular element comes to mind?" "...Ohhhh, wire!" "...Copper.") and Walt's disdain comes back in full force. It is only when they are in the direst of situations, relying on an outside and unlikely source for rescue from a deadly situation, that they are on equal footing. Just as in Grilled, when they were faced with the manic Tuco and his formidable yet silent Tio, the pair must team up to save themselves.
While this episode may not show as much of Walt's evolution as the show has in the past, it turns the viewer's attentions to a different source of growth and development: Jesse, the smack-talking man-child who survives on Funyuns and gummy bears, continues to change for what appears to be the better. While it is fairly obvious that his actions are driven by base impulses (in this case, his desire for continued sexual gratification with his neighbor/girlfriend), the fact that he makes an effort to follow through with them shows his desire to be seen as more than what he currently is. He is slowly but surely maturing and starting to see himself as a responsible individual, as displayed by his promise to Walt at the end of the episode- in the event of Walt's death, season one Jesse very likely would have taken all the money for himself. His assurance that Walt's family will receive his share is one more sign of his evolution as a character.
The frequent changes in Walt's and Jesse's relationship interests me. What makes Walt act superior and condescending when, in a lot of cases, he knows even less than Jesse? And Jesse never seems to rub it in. What kind of questions of intelligence vs. street smarts does the show bring to light?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point! I think Walt just seems to think that book smarts are more valuable than street smarts, and he acts condescending towards Jessie as a result. And I think he has a hard time admitting to himself that Jessie's knowledge and capabilities do come in handy. Of course, the biggest factor in his attitude is the fact that he believes (at least he used to) that he's above this meth cooking business. He's doing it against his will out of necessity, while Jessie willingly became a drug dealer.
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