Key Facts
Vince Gilligan, creator of the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, has revealed that the emotional climax of the show's finale was directly inspired by the 1956 John Wayne film 'The Searchers'. The finale, which aired on AMC, is widely regarded as one of the best series finales in television history.
Details of the Inspiration
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gilligan explained how the ending of 'The Searchers' influenced the final scene between Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). In the film, John Wayne's character, Ethan Edwards, spends years searching for his kidnapped niece, played by Natalie Wood. Throughout the movie, Edwards expresses a desire to kill her rather than see her live with Native Americans. However, in the final scene, he impulsively sweeps her up and says, 'Let's go home.'
'You know for the whole movie that this is the major drama between these two characters. And then at the end of the movie, on impulse, you think he's riding toward her to shoot her, and instead he sweeps her up off her feet and he carries her away and he says, 'Let's go home.''
Gilligan noted that the writers' room often looked to classic cinema for inspiration. 'In the writers' room we said, 'Hey, what about the 'Searchers' ending?' So, it's always a matter of stealing from the best,' he said.
Impact on the Finale
In the Breaking Bad finale, Walt returns to New Mexico to rescue Jesse from captivity. Throughout the episode, viewers are led to believe Walt intends to kill Jesse, mirroring the tension in 'The Searchers.' However, upon seeing Jesse's emaciated and traumatized state, Walt's paternal instincts take over, and he saves him instead.
Gilligan elaborated in an interview with The Guardian: 'We were thinking [Walt] is gonna kill Jesse the whole time, we think that's his intent. Then he sees him and sees what terrible shape he's in, and instinct takes over, that fondness he's felt for him — although he hasn't shown it very well over the years, I have to admit.'
What Readers Should Know
- The finale was the result of extensive brainstorming in the writers' room, with multiple endings considered, including Jesse killing Walt or everyone dying except Walt.
- Gilligan emphasized that there is no single correct way to write an ending, but the team's collective instinct led to the emotionally satisfying conclusion.
- The homage to 'The Searchers' adds a layer of cinematic depth to the series, connecting it to a classic Western narrative.
FAQ
Which John Wayne movie inspired Breaking Bad's finale?
The 1956 film 'The Searchers' starring John Wayne inspired the climactic moment where Walt saves Jesse.
What was the original intent for Walt in the finale?
The writers initially thought Walt would kill Jesse, but seeing Jesse's condition changed his instinct.
Did Vince Gilligan consider other endings?
Yes, they considered endings where Jesse kills Walt or everyone dies except Walt, but chose the emotional rescue.