Breaking Badhas three distinct endings, but one of them is noticeably different from the others. Released in 2013, the originalBreaking Badending occurs in season 5, episode 16, “Felina,” which serves as a series finale and a culmination to Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) story.
“Felina,” which is widely considered to be one ofBreaking Bad’s best episodes, sees Walt settling his scores with those who wronged him, freeing Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), and admitting to Skyler White (Anna Gunn) that his criminal exploits had been for him, and not for their family.
Everyscene inBreaking Bad’s “Felina” is perfect, including Walt’s final moments, and there arguably was no need to continue the story with additional endings. Nevertheless, the story did continue, and there are now three memorable endings to the original show.
Along with the actual series finale,Breaking Badalso has endings viaEl Camino: A Breaking Bad Movieand inBetter Call Saul’s black-and-white scenes. Except for some flashbacks,El Caminotakes place afterBreaking Bad, and reveals what happens to Jesse in the aftermath of being freed by Walt.
Since Walt and Jesse are the heart ofBreaking Bad,seeing Jesse getting a much-deserved fresh start is another ending for the original series.El Caminocan be seen as an epilogue, but Jesse’s ending is undeniably distinct from Walt’s.
As forBetter Call Saul, while it is primarily a prequel about Bob Odenkirk’s titular character, the black-and-white scenes are set afterBreaking Badand show what becomes of Saul Goodman. His decision to reconcile with his past mistakes and become Jimmy McGill againgoes beyond his individual journey and is another ending toBreaking Bad’s story.
Jesse Gets The Fresh Start He’s Dreamed Of
El Caminogiving Jesse a happy ending proves that it does whatBreaking BadandBetter Call Saulcouldn’t do.Breaking BadandBetter Call Saulend on bittersweet notes for Walt and for Jimmyas they take ownership of their mistakes, but only through accepting severe consequences.
Walt rights many of his wrongs and goes out on his own terms, although this ends with him dying alone and having alienated all his loved ones. Seeing Jimmy doing the right thing and reuniting with Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn) is incredibly rewarding, but it comes at the cost of him having to live out the rest of his life in prison.
Beyond a fresh start, Jesse has finally found peace, a sense of hope, and he no longer has to continually look over his shoulder and worry about being hurt by ruthless individuals.
Jesse’s fresh start and ability to make a new life for himself is the only version of a happy endingin theBreaking Baduniverse. Beyond a fresh start, Jesse has finally found peace, a sense of hope, and he no longer has to continually look over his shoulder and worry about being hurt by ruthless individuals.
Each Ending Is Perfect In Different Ways
Many stories struggle to have one good ending, which makes it all the moreimpressive thatBreaking Badhas three perfect endings.Breaking Badends with Walt having done everything he ever wanted and needed to do and getting even with those who double-crossed him, but he rightfully is not redeemed for the destructive choices he made.
“Felina” is a definitive ending for Walt, but it leaves a great deal unresolved for Jesse after all the trauma he endures.El Caminofixes that and gives him the rarity of a happy ending in theBreaking Baduniverse, and itfeels earned, as Jesse is ultimately a good personwho was manipulated and hurt by others.
Similar to Walt, Saul continually makes selfish and destructive choices for his own gain. Given the history between Jimmy and Kim, it is beautiful that she is the reason he finally holds himself accountable. That accountability fittingly means that he is at peace himself while living with the consequences of a life in prison.
Better Call Saulfurther cementsEl CaminoasBreaking Bad’s only happy endingby confirming that Jesse was never found by the authorities.Jesse’s new beginning is not temporary, and all signs indicate that Jesse has fulfilled his dream of a peaceful life in Alaska.
