Breaking Bad: 8 Avoidable Deaths in the Series

Breaking Bad stands as an iconic television series that has captivated audiences worldwide. The transformation of Walter White, a mild-mannered chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer, into a formidable drug lord is a storyline that keeps viewers instantly engaged throughout its five seasons.

Unsurprisingly, a series laden with drug-related crime and violence witnesses a significant number of fatalities. However, many of these deaths could have potentially been averted under alternative circumstances—even if they play crucial roles in the story’s progression.

8 Spooge

His Wife Accidentally Killed Him During A Drug-Fueled Tirade

Spooge moments before his death in Breaking Bad

Final Appearance: Peekaboo (Season 2, Episode 6)

Living in a crack-infested home isn’t ideal for raising children, but Spooge and his wife find themselves trapped in a cycle of addiction that drives them to commit crimes, including a brazen heist involving an entire ATM.

During a heated altercation over their illicit activities, Spooge’s wife accidentally crushes his skull by pushing the ATM onto him. This tragic and grotesque demise underscores how their reliance on criminality paved the way for such a fatal outcome. Had Spooge not positioned himself so precariously, this incident might have unfolded differently.

7 Jane Margolis

Walter Chose To Let Her Die

Breaking Bad Krysten Ritter Jane Margolis Death

Final Appearance: Phoenix (Season 2, Episode 12)

One defining moment that signifies Walter White’s evolution into Heisenberg occurs when he encounters Jane at Jesse’s place. After a series of unfortunate events, Walter finds Jane in a perilous situation when she chokes on her own vomit. In a revealing moment of coldness, Walter opts not to intervene, reflecting the depths of his moral decline as he prioritizes his ambitions over human life.

6 Gale Boetticher

Walter Could’ve Manipulated Gale’s Feelings To Get Rid Of Him Without Resorting To Murder

Final Appearance: Full Measure (Season 3, Episode 13)

Gale, often regarded as a charming and optimistic figure in Breaking Bad, looks up to Walter for his brilliance. However, Walter’s fear of losing his position drives him to instruct Jesse to kill Gale instead of finding a less violent solution. This tragic turn of events could have been entirely avoidable had Walter deftly navigated Gale’s affections, allowing him to depart willingly rather than resorting to cold-blooded murder.

5 Gustavo “Gus” Fring

His Need To Humiliate Hector Turned Out To Be A Fatal Weakness

Final Appearance: Face Off (Season 4, Episode 13)

Gustavo Fring, one of television’s most cunning villains, maintained a facade of control, rarely exposing himself to danger. However, his obsession with humiliating Hector Salamanca proves to be his downfall. In a strategic move, Walter utilizes Hector’s vendetta to set a trap, leading to an explosive confrontation that culminates in Gus’s demise. Had Gus not let his pride drive his decisions, he might have evaded this grisly fate.

4 Michael “Mike”Ehrmantraut

Walter’s Bruised Ego Caused Him To Murder A Close Associate

Walter White kills Mike Ehrmantraut in Breaking Bad

Final Appearance: Say My Name (Season 5, Episode 7)

Mike Ehrmantraut, a fan-favorite character known for his pragmatic approach, finds himself on the receiving end of Walter’s increasingly delusional ego. Following a tense exchange between the two, where Mike refuses to share critical information, Walter reacts violently, leading to a tragic ending for a well-regarded ally. This pivotal moment illustrates how ego can cloud judgment and result in irrevocable consequences.

3 Hank Schrader

A Heartbreaking Death That Could’ve Been Avoided If Walter Kept A Different Book In His Toilet

Final Appearance: Ozymandias (Season 5, Episode 14)

The loss of Hank Schrader is a gut-wrenching moment that resonates throughout Breaking Bad. As a dedicated DEA agent, Hank’s refusal to back down in the face of danger ultimately leads to his end at the hands of Todd Alquist’s gang. If Walter hadn’t been so careless, Hank might have avoided that fate, allowing him to continue his life free from the darkness surrounding his brother-in-law’s criminal entanglements.

2 Andrea Cantillo

Killed To Punish Jesse For His Insubordination

Final Appearance: Granite State (Season 5, Episode 15)

Jesse Pinkman’s harrowing journey is fraught with trauma, largely due to Walter’s manipulation. Todd Alquist’s ruthless actions escalate when he murders Andrea as a means to punish Jesse for his defiance. This shocking act could have been sidestepped had Jesse not resisted the gang’s demands, emphasizing the peril that arises from the toxic relationships permeating the series.

1 Walter White

An Errant Bullet Spelled The End For Heisenberg

Final Appearance: Felina (Season 5, Episode 16)

Walter White’s journey concludes in a manner that echoes the tragic themes of the series. After a series of self-serving actions culminate in catastrophic consequences, Walter attempts to rectify his past by taking down the rival gang responsible for his loved ones’ suffering. Despite his careful planning, a stray bullet ultimately costs him his life, underscoring the chaotic nature of his choices. Walter’s demise not only serves as the poetic conclusion of his arc but also leaves audiences pondering the true cost of ambition and deceit.

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