(This post contains spoilers for Breaking Bad, so if for some reason you haven’t watched it, go watch it, and then come back and read this.)
“ Meth Damon”, Meme. Facebook
When an episode of a debilitating illness that left me bedridden coincided with the ten year anniversary of the release of Breaking Bad, I knew it was time to rewatch the show in the manner of the modern indulgence of binge watching. I was always drawn to the show for it’s unique plot and the fact that it was filmed and set in my beloved hometown. However the fundamental feature of this show has always been the tangled individualities portrayed with such precision by a cast of impeccable actors.
Jesse Plemmons, by Andew Walker.Wikimedia Commons
In the midst of these excellent performances we are introduced to Todd Alquist, portrayed by Jesse Plemons, in the final season of the show. Todd is a confusing character; charming with his youthful, blond tuft of hair and amiability, he is often addressing others as “ma’am” and “sir”, but he won’t hesitate to pull out his gun and use it on both women and children. It is this juxtaposition of innate politeness and cold blooded murder that is so bemusing and intriguing. Todd’s ability to torture a former colleague in one scene and then bring him some Ben and Jerry’s in the next is such a horrifying coupling of traits. It makes you wonder about all of the polite people you have encountered throughout your day: do they, like Todd, spend their free time torturing, killing, and producing addictive, life-ruining substances?
Todd’s crimes are among some of the most heinous in the show: killing the innocent young boy Drew Sharp without an inkling of remorse or hesitation,his complicity in the act of murdering Hank, kidnapping and torturing Jesse and forcing to cook meth by threatening harm to Jesse’s loved ones, and then killing said loved ones when Jesse attempts escape. Although what makes Todd such a terrifying villain is not perhaps his crimes, but the manner in which he executes them. Unlike the show’s other bad guys, he is not calculating or manipulative. He just does evil, recklessly, without thought or remorse. If it weren’t for these monstrous acts, Todd’s polite charms would almost be irresistible. As a viewer, you may find yourself delighting in his boylike crush on Lydia or taken in by his hard work ethic and desire to produce quality product (albeit in the wrong field). Another quirk in his otherwise calm and blank pesona is displayed when we see that he has set up personalized ringtones for his various criminal associates, such as Thomas Dolby’s 1982 synthpop classic “She Blinded me with Science” for Walt and Groucho Marx’s 1939 “Lydia the Tattooed Lady” for for his tightly wound business partner/unrequited infatuation.
Breaking Bad is a show filled with many complex, entertaining characters whose motives and actions never fail to amaze, confuse, and excite. While the five season journey will have you marvelling at Walter’s arc from good to bad and drawn in by Gus’ thorough, careful character, there is no denying that Todd Alquist, polite psychopath, is perhaps the most baffling and fascinating character in the series.