When life turns into a Breaking Bad-level disaster, you’ll want Jesse Pinkman watching your back. Played by Aaron Paul, the character of Jesse is not the smoothest guy around, but between his fierce loyalty, raw courage, and talent for delivering some of the most legendary dialogues in television history, Jesse is the definition of a true partner-in-crime.
Truth be told, Walter White’s story wouldn’t be the same without him. Jesse’s character arc took him from a small-time meth cook to a man grappling with addiction and moral dilemmas, unfolding in ways both shocking and heartbreaking. However, regardless of the bone-chilling dangers, his loyalty to Walter remained unshaken. Here are 19 moments that prove there's no better ride-or-die partner than Jesse Pinkman.
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1) Pairing up with Walter
From the very beginning of Breaking Bad, Jesse Pinkman presented himself as a character who balances vulnerability with his streetwise intelligence. In his first venture with Walter White, Jesse’s sharp instincts and natural grasp of the criminal world proved helpful. His boldness in embracing risks, combined with his steadfast loyalty laid the foundation for a complex partnership between Walt and him. It exceeded all expectations, eventually blossoming into one of television's most unforgettable crime duos.
2) Negotiation with Tuco Salamanca
Jesse’s intense negotiation with the erratic, absolute maniac Tuco Salamanca remains one of the most gripping confrontations in Breaking Bad. When he enters Tuco's den on behalf of Walt and himself to close a drug deal, he finds himself in immediate danger. Instead of handing over the money, Tuco pummels Jesse senselessly and snatches the meth without spending a dime. Despite his injuries, Jesse's fierce bravery and loyalty steal the scene, underscoring his status as a dependable partner willing to take extreme risks.
3) Cooking meth in the RV
Cooking crystal meth in a rundown RV in the middle of a scorching desert with Walter is one of Jesse’s most iconic 'partner-in-crime' moments. For all his flaws, Jesse was the soul of the operation, filling in the gaps where Walt’s street smarts fell short. More than just an errand boy, he learned the craft, handled the business, and even took the heat when things went sideways. During their cooking sessions, Jesse wasn’t just a helping hand to Walter; he stood by him even when the stakes were high, proving himself to be the ultimate ride-or-die companion.
4) “Yeah, science!”
One of the most hilariously unforgettable moments in Breaking Bad has to be when Jesse Pinkman goes, “Yeah, Mr. White! Yeah, science!” As Walter drops some serious chemistry knowledge, Jesse, brimming with his usual fervor, can’t help but brighten with excitement. The beauty of this moment lies in how it captures the very spirit of their partnership. Jesse may not be the guy flaunting a fancy degree, but he's the one with a rebellious spirit, driven by the raw thrill of doing something audacious and brilliant. Fans find themselves laughing and cheering every time they reminisce about this scene.
5) Stuck in the dessert
Out in the desolate desert, where only dust and hopelessness linger, there's an unforgettable moment when Jesse earns his place as the ultimate partner in crime. In an unexpected twist, the RV’s battery dies, pushing Walt to the brink of a breakdown as everything falls apart. Jesse doesn't let it bring him down; instead, he proposes constructing a new battery. With a few clever tweaks and quick fixes, the duo finally restored the RV to life. It’s a shining example of Jesse’s role as the one who always steps in when things go wrong.
6) The fallout with Krazy 8
Taking on Krazy-8 is one of those chaotic moments that showcase Jesse’s street wisdom and readiness to handle whatever comes his way, even when everything spirals out of control. In their effort to make a simple transaction with the ever-unpredictable Krazy-8, Jesse, and Walter are threatened to give up the original recipe. As things take a dark turn leading to the basement situation, Jesse's role is undeniably significant. Whether locking down Krazy-8 in the basement or dealing with the fallout of a choice neither he nor Walt were ready for, Jesse proves time and again that he's resourceful, loyal, and always willing to dive headfirst into chaos with White.
7) The acid mess
Nothing screams 'Breaking Bad' quite like the madness of that acid scene. When Walter and Jesse are left with a body they need to deal with, Walter comes up with the idea of dissolving it in hydrofluoric acid. Usually fidgety and hesitant, Jesse throws himself into this nightmare. The whole setup is chaotic, especially when he accidentally dissolves his bathtub, creating a gigantic hole in his house. He’s caught between his survival instincts and a deep-seated need to back up his partner. It’s just another chapter in the wild ride of the meth world.
8) Taken hostage by Tuco
In a surprising turn of events, Walt and Jesse find themselves trapped in a high-stakes hostage scenario at Tuco’s desert hideaway. Tuco is moments away from snapping, and the tension is sky-high. As Tuco is about to explode on Jesse, he grabs a rock and lands a clean hit, completely flipping the game. Instead of waiting for Walt’s more measured strategy, Jesse trusts his gut, proving that in high-pressure situations, he’s the one you need by your side.
9) The train heist
Jesse and his crew orchestrated one of the most high-stakes robberies imaginable which would be lifting methylamine straight from a moving train. That’s when the game-changing twist hits, “magnets, b*tch!” This moment is unforgettable not just because of the outrageous idea itself, but because it perfectly captures Jesse’s essence as the ultimate partner in crime. While Walt operates with precision and strategy, Jesse’s gut instincts and fearless spontaneity add an unpredictable spark. It’s an absolutely badass Jessie moment.
10) Killing the fly
This is one of those underappreciated moments when Jesse truly steps up as the ideal partner to Walt. He doesn’t get sucked into Walt’s spiraling paranoia about chasing a fly that's apparently contaminating his meth. Instead, he stays focused in the lab, offering help, throwing in sharp remarks, and making logical decisions to keep things from going completely off the rails. The best part about this is how Jesse’s relaxed, almost indifferent attitude contrasts so sharply with Walt’s growing intensity. When Jesse eventually swats the fly, it's almost a metaphor for his role in helping Walt battle his guilt and self-destruction.
11) Working in Gus’s lab with Walter
Among Jesse Pinkman’s most defining moments as Walter White’s right hand is his time working alongside him in Gus Fring’s lab. At first, Jesse finds the sterile, high-tech environment overwhelming, but he gradually gains confidence and proves his worth. It’s a turning point that shows that, despite his rough edges, he has the intellect and talent to rival Walt’s genius. The sheer authenticity of Jesse’s energy is what makes him one of the most compelling characters in the series.
12) “Are We In The Meth Business Or The Money Business?”
Jesse’s iconic “Are we in the meth business or the money business?” moment is him at his most unfiltered state, serving as the ideal counterbalance to Walt’s escalating arrogance. As Walt fantasizes about his grand empire, Jesse refuses to buy in. He has seen the real cost of the game: the violence, the sacrifices, and the endless fight to stay afloat. Jesse's raw authenticity, combined with his constant inner turmoil, makes him the emotional core of the partnership, even when everything else falls apart.
13) Jesse kills Gale
In Season 3, Episode 13, Jesse spirals through a whirlwind of devotion, manipulation, and sheer survival instinct as he is coerced into killing the innocent Gale. Up until then, he had been the kind of guy who stuck by Walt, no matter how outrageous the plan, no matter how much it messed with his mind. But taking out Gale isn’t just about removing an obstacle; it’s a raw, soul-crushing moment that tests the limits of his allegiance. The scene is unforgettable because it so perfectly captures Jesse’s transformation from who he once was to who he has become.
14) Distracting Hank to destroy evidence
In a tense showdown with Hank Schrader, Jesse demonstrates both his unwavering loyalty and his ability to think on his feet. Hank finds the RV, and as they are about to be busted, Jesse, with Walt's guidance, claims the RV as his home, citing legal protections against illegal searches. Walt then stages a fake emergency call that forces Hank to leave the scene, giving them crucial time to destroy the RV. The way Jesse maintains his cool and follows Walt's lead in this intense situation showcases his steadfast role as a dependable partner in their criminal undertakings.
15) "Coin flip is sacred"
As Jesse and Walter White grapple with the daunting task of disposing of a body and dealing with a potential threat, the moment when Jesse declares, "Coin Flip Is Sacred," serves as a powerful reminder of his loyalty to their partnership and his unwavering commitment to a personal code. While Jesse has done his part of the job, he insists that Walter fulfill his end of the deal. The scene also sheds light on Jesse's emotional battle and his attempt to cling to his humanity as he sinks further into the criminal underworld.
16) Jesse's connection with Mike Ehrmantraut
Jesse's evolution, from his early days as a minor meth cook to his complex bond with Walter White, reflects his resilience, loyalty, and sharp instincts. However, his connection with Mike Ehrmantraut stands as a defining moment in his journey of growth and cleverness. Through his partnership with Mike, Jesse gains insight into the nuances of the drug trade, understanding the crucial role of secrecy and the power of a strategic plan. Mike's guidance sharpens Jesse's abilities, transforming him into a more capable and trustworthy partner.
17) Perfecting the blue meth recipe
As Jesse joins Gus and Mike on a trip to Mexico to present the Cartel with their high-purity meth, it marks a defining moment in his journey as a vigilant partner. Initially, the Cartel's chemist doubts Jesse's skills, but after witnessing his practical experience and his street-smart brilliance, they are left in awe as he produces a batch with 96.2% purity. The significance of this moment lies in how it showcases Jesse's growth and skill within the meth trade. Despite his lack of formal schooling, his dedication and hands-on experience from working with Walter enabled him to perfect the art of pure meth cooking.
18) Killing Gus Fring
A pivotal point in Jesse's journey occurs when he plays a crucial role in taking down Gus Fring, a ruthless drug lord. This act highlights Jesse's loyalty to Walter and his resolve to challenge and defeat a powerful enemy. Although Jesse's actions were significantly influenced by Walter White's manipulation, his motivation also stemmed from his deep desire to protect those he loved, showcasing the complexities of his character and the ethical dilemmas he faced throughout the series. Their collaboration to confront a looming threat further revealed the deep and layered strength of their bond.
19) The final fight
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In the Breaking Bad finale, as Jesse is held hostage by a ruthless gang, Walt returns to Albuquerque as a knight in shining armor, with a plan to save him. Using a remote-controlled machine gun, Walt takes out the gang members. Afterward, Walt and Jesse share an emotionally charged moment when Walt, fatally injured, pleads for Jesse to end his life, but Jesse refuses, telling him to do it himself. This moment exposes Jesse’s deep resentment and disillusionment toward Walt. His decision to spare him, despite the pain and betrayal Walt caused, highlights Jesse’s moral depth and the lasting impact of their partnership.
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