13 Reasons Breaking Bad Is Just Like Macbeth

Now that AMC's Breaking Bad has finally ended and time has passed why now reminisce about times gone by. Namely, the show's similarities with a certain Shakespearean classic. *Warning Spoilers! (obviously)*

1. The Hero in the Beginning

When we first meet Walter White he is the loveable High School Chemistry teacher. With Macbeth, he is a noble knight.

2. The Catalyst

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Macbeth is wavered by the Witches he meets. Breaking Bad's equivalent is Walter's cancer. Both bearers of bad news. Both catalyst's to the slow decay of the character morals.

3. The Fatal Flaw

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Shakespearean Tragedies are not Shakespearean tragedies without the "fatal flaw". The overpowering emotion on which the catalyst feeds. For Macbeth it's no secret; "vaulting ambition" and for Mr. White it's power for hunger.

4. The Bad Influence

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"Bad Influence" may be a bit of an understatement. Here the two character's differ slightly. In Macbeth, it is Lady Macbeth that is the obvious influence but her role lessens as the play continues. The opposite can be said of AMC's equivalent, Skyler White who's role in Walt's business only grows.

5. The Beginning of The End

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Walter first kills Emilio Koyama and Krazy 8, quite reluctantly, the second more than the first. Macbeth murders Duncan. Both are left uneasy afterwards.

6. The Progression

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This is only the start as Macbeth and Walter become cold blooded killers. And also begin acting without remorse.

7. Killing the Friend

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Walter White kills Mike, for no real reason, in the same way Macbeth murders Banquo, more in paranoiac fear than anything else.

8. The Madness

In episode 10 of season 3, The Fly, Walter seems to slowly be losing his mind. Just like the banquet scene (Act 3, Scene 4), where Macbeth goes mad with Banquo's ghostly appearance. It is speculated that flies in Breaking Bad symbolise guilt, contamination, irrational obsession, and the loss of control in Walter White's life. Just like Banquo's ghost for Macbeth.

9. The King

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Throughout the later season's of Breaking Bad, Heisenberg is hailed as "a king". Just like Macbeth is given the throne.

10. The Friends Who Figured it Out

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Banquo, as I said already, was murdered for suspecting Macbeth. Hank finds Walter out and ultimately dies as a result.

11. The Partner in Crime's Madness

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In the series finale, Jesse is seen driving away in a sort of hysteria. Up until then he had been going slightly crazy in Todd's captivity. Lady Macbeth does go insane, to the point of suicide.

12. The Hero's Feeling of Lack of Credit

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Macbeth is disgusted he is not awarded with the title of heir to the throne. Walter also hates not being awarded credit for his part in Gray Matter Technologies.

13. The Hero's Final Stand

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In most Shakespearean tragedies it is traditional for the Hero to show his good side one last time before his death. This is true of Macbeth who demostrates his courage in fighting Macbeth and also of Walter who gets the money to his family, saves Jesse and kills Lydia, Jack and his gang.