AMC’s crime drama series, ‘Breaking Bad,’ is one of the most popular series. Known and appreciated for its unique dialogues and engaging, intellectual plot, chemistry enthusiasts thoroughly enjoy the show.
The series focuses on the transformation of the character Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, who rises from a mundane everyday man to a drug kingpin. Aaron Paul plays the tragic complex character, Jesse Pinkman. The show has made headlines many times. This time, however, for a wholly different reason. The show has apparently offended a few people.
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The Newly Erected Statue Of The ‘Breaking Bad’ Characters
Two statues of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman from ‘Breaking Bad‘ were erected at the Albuquerque Convention Center in New Mexico on July 29. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Vince Gilligan, the creator of the series, and Albuquerque mayor Tim Keller. Gilligan had expressed the probability of negative reactions during the unveiling of the statues. He said he understood that not everyone would be appreciating the statues since the fictional characters are infamous meth dealers who operated in New Mexico. Speaking to Variety, Gilligan said, “In all seriousness, no doubt some folks are going to say, ‘Wow, just what our city needed.’ And I get that. I see two of the finest actors America has ever produced. I see them, in character, as two larger-than-life tragic figures, cautionary tales.”
Turns out, Vince Gilligan’s suspicions, unfortunately, were right. Albuquerque-based radio host Eddy Aragon and Republican state representative Rod Montoya, both conservatives, are the two public figures who condemned the 500-pound statues.
Questioning The Glorification Of ‘Meth Makers’
On August 15, Rod Montoyo expressed his disapproval on Fox News regarding the ‘Breaking Bad‘ statues. He said, “I’m glad New Mexico got the business, but really?.. We’re going down the road of literally glorifying meth makers?” Radio host Aragon has taken a different approach to condemn the erection of the statues. He compared Walter White and Jesse Pinkman to the controversial statue of Albuquerque’s first Spanish governor, Juan de Onate, which was taken down because he was a conquistador. The question arises how people have turned away to hail the fictional figures as proverbial beacons. Aragon reasoned, “It’s not the type of recognition we want for the city of Albuquerque, or for our state.” Both Eddy and Rod believe that the statues are sending out wrong messages.
Albuquerque’s Mayor Tom had an encouraging viewpoint about the new statues. He also noted the positive economic impact of the statues for the city. He said, “While the stories might be fictional… jobs are real every single day. The city is also a character… We see ourselves in so many ways, good and bad.”
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