Summary
Better Call Saulstar Rhea Seehorn addresses the backlash againstBreaking Bad’s Skyler White (Anna Gunn). While Seehorn was celebrated for her performance as Kim Wexler, Gunn had a far different experience during and afterBreaking Bad’s five seasons. With Walter White (Bryan Cranston) positioned asthe protagonist inBreaking Bad, and Skyler opposing much of his increasingly immoral action, the character and the actor were unjustly reviled by certain viewers. Gunn has more recently shared how the public perception of Skyler has shifted more positively over time.
In an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Seehorn discussed and praised Gunn’s portrayal of Skyler, along with Betsy Brandt’s depiction of Skyler’s sister Marie Schrader, elaborating on how their performances impacted her as she prepared for her role as Kim inBetter Call Saul. She also shared her own insights intothe vitriolic response to Skyler’s character and how it has evolved. Read Seehorn’s comments below:
I came to that [issue] later and I was blown away, because I just think [Anna Gunn is] brilliant. She brilliantly fulfilled the obligations of her role and how you’d really react if your husband was acting like that and doing those things. So I kept hoping I could live up to how great she was … I was like, ‘What if they compare me to [Gunn and Betsy Brandt] and I’m not as good?’ So I was actually worried that the fans would not accept non-Breaking Bad family members.
Historically, people tend to not like anybody that’s an obstacle to your hero or even your anti-hero. So that can happen, but certainly, when it goes way too far and reeks of sexism and bullying and abuse, then it’s not about the story anymore. So I am happy to hear that she feels like she’s getting a different reception these days. It’s the reception she should have always had.
Skyler Hatred Misses The Point Of Breaking Bad
While Seehorn deserves to be celebrated for her brilliant performance asBetter Call Saul’s Kim, she is right about the appreciation of Gunn’sBreaking Badperformance being long overdue, with Gunn being just as integral to the show’s success as Cranston, Aaron Paul, and the rest of the talented cast.
Thehatred directed at Gunn was always problematic, as an actor should never be condemned for simply playing a role, regardless of how likable or unlikable the character may be since the actor is just doing their job. The hatred towards Skyler is also an issue, as it misses the point ofBreaking Bad. The series is a compelling exploration of how an empathetic protagonist can evolve into an antihero and eventually into a full-on villain. The brilliance is how Walt continually convinces himself and the audience that his actions are justified despite all the evidence to the contrary.
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Skyler is one of the few characters who sees through Walt’s liesand tries to hold him accountable. She is as rational and pragmatic as she can be given Walt’s actions and the danger he consistently places her and their son Walter Jr. (RJ Mitte) in. The true culmination and catharsis of Walt’s arc is when he finally admits to himself and Skyler that he didn’t do everything for their family, but that he did it for himself and for the satisfaction it brought him and his ego intheBreaking Badseason 5 finale. Without Skyler, Walt’sBreaking Badarc is incomplete and dissatisfying.
Not only was Skyler integral to Walt’s journey, but she had her own tragic and nuanced journey. Reducing thecharacter to an irritating obstacle that Walt has to overcome is a misunderstanding of his character and Skyler. While Seehorn deserves to be celebrated for her brilliant performance asBetter Call Saul’s Kim, she is right about the appreciation of Gunn’sBreaking Badperformance being long overdue, withGunn being just as integral to the show’s success as Cranston, Aaron Paul, and the rest of the talented cast.
