10 Breaking Bad episodes that defined Walter White’s Alter Ego 

If you are a fan of Breaking Bad, you probably know Walter White’s alter ego is - Heisenberg. His transformation from a simple chemistry teacher to one of the most ruthless drug lords out there is loved by the fans.

His alter ego shows the duality of human nature and assimilates into how corrupted the so-called American Dream is. If you are planning a recap of the show with special emphasis on Walter’s transformation, here is a list of 10 Breaking Bad episodes that defined Walter White’s Alter Ego.

1) Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)

The pilot sets the base for the entire plot line, including Walter’s transformation. It shows how generally in life, Walter is a powerless person who is overlooked and disrespected, almost everywhere.

When he is informed about his cancer diagnosis, the spiral towards Heisenberg begins. By the end of this episode we see his first step in the world of power and corruption, leading to the foundation of his transformation.

2) A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal (Season 1, Episode 7)

This episode shows how, for the first time Walter White has fully and unapologetically embraced his alter ego. When he doesn’t let Tuco intimidate him, we see the stark difference between the meek chemistry teacher he used to be to someone who is upfront, powerful, and demanding of control.

The final scene shows him shaving his hair, after which he completely sheds off his older personality, adopting the mannerisms of someone enjoying the thrill of success in the drug world.

3) Crazy Handful of Nothin’ (Season 1, Episode 6)

This episode is important in Walter White’s transformation, as this is where we see him craving the thrill, dominance, and being feared, gives him. The shaved head acts as a symbolic representation of the same. He no longer hesitates or is conflicted by morality, instead the ruthlessness comes naturally to him now. It shows how the violence and corruption are now comforting to him and he is no longer a weak and helpless man.

4) Phoenix (Season 2, Episode 12)

In this episode, we observe Walter White reaching that point in his transformation to Heisenberg where reversal is impossible. He chooses to let Jane die, which shows that a calculating and conniving person thrives in him, and anyone who poses a threat in his path will be eventually eliminated.

His pride and ego have completely taken over him and letting Jane choke and die to ensure Jesse’s complete dedication towards their business is a breaking point in his transformation.

5) Box Cutter (Season 4, Episode 1)

In Season 4, Episode 1 of Breaking Bad we see how Heisenberg is trying to assert complete dominance, but is proving to be vulnerable as drug empires require power, corruption, and cold and calculated moves. When Gus kills Victor with a box cutter and Walter is helpless, it proves to be a reality check for him and he learns a vital lesson about surviving in this ruthless world. His pride and ego take a setback, leading to the evolution of an even more lethal alter ego.

6) Crawl Space (Season 4, Episode 11)

In this episode, we see Walter White losing control and breaking down. This episode is vital and is one of the first times that Walter White realizes that his alter ego has taken control and there is nothing he can do about it.

What started as a means of asserting control over his life has trapped him. His manic laughter while lying in the crawl space shows how while his family is in jeopardy and he is scared, Heisenberg is ready to take charge of the chaos and seek revenge.

7) Face Off (Season 4, Episode 13)

This episode is Heisenberg at his zenith. Using Hector as a suicide bomber he orchestrates Gus’s death and has won the game. It is a statement made loud and clear that no one can be as ruthless or dangerous as Heisenberg.

As secrets unfold we see his calculating nature and countermoves with no moral compass, whatsoever. So much so, that he was even willing to poison a child to achieve his goals. He is a manipulator, a liar, a betrayer, and can cross just about any limit without a second thought.

8) Live Free or Die (Season 5, Episode 1)

In Season 5, Episode 1 of Breaking Bad, we see Heisenberg almost entirely take over Walter. He has now reached the brim of his success and his pride and ego have taken control. He believes he can outsmart anyone and this is what eventually leads to his downfall. His criminal mindset is working overtime and he is losing his personal relationships one by one, this can be especially seen in his confrontation with Skyler.

9) Gliding Over All (Season 5, Episode 8)

Gliding Over All, as the name suggests, shows Walter building his empire, eliminating anyone who dares choose to cross his path. No matter what he gets, he always craves more and this unsatisfied thirst for power is one of the biggest chinks in his armor. He decided to quit it all, but then we see him orchestrating one of the most chilling mass murders.

He has won everything he possibly could and now nothing remains to satisfy his thirst for power which is the consequence of an unchecked arrogant mindset.

10) Felina (Season 5, Episode 16)

Felina is the last episode of Breaking Bad, and also an epic conclusion to the identities of Walter White and Heisenberg. He has accepted his identity as Heisenberg, but this time, consciously. He confesses now that whatever evil deeds he did were for him and him alone. He says to Skyler,

“I did it for me. I liked it. I was good at it. And I was really... I was alive”

This sets the terms for his final act too. He wants this control till the end and dies on his own terms which he eventually does.