Incommensurate Values: An Ideological Analysis of Breaking Bad

By analyzing the complexities that arise between family values and traditional Judeo-Christian moral codes in AMC’s popular hit series Breaking Bad (2008-present), readers will realize why series protagonist Walter White is difficult to classify as a moral character. Upon discovering that he has terminal cancer,Walter begins to manufacture methamphetamine so that his family will be provided for after his death. His hard work and clear desire to provide for, protect, and guide his family seems to provide moral justification for his actions. However, by putting his family first he abandons traditional morality. This thesis will ultimately explain one reason for this show’s popularity by analyzing Walt’s incommensurate moral justifications through the lenses of both deontology and consequentialism