Breaking Bad #S02 E07

Breaking Bad Season 2, Episode 7, titled "Negro y Azul," is an intense and multifaceted episode that builds tension on several fronts as Walter White's meth operation begins attracting attention, with serious consequences.

Detailed Episode Summary

1. Opening Scene with Narcocorrido

   • The episode opens with a unique, darkly humorous music video performed by a group of Mexican musicians, Los Cuates de Sinaloa. The song, titled "Negro y Azul" (meaning "Black and Blue"), warns of a "gringo" named Heisenberg who is taking over the drug trade in New Mexico. This introduction serves as a forewarning about the dangers Walter White faces as he becomes a more prominent figure in the drug world.

2. Jesse’s Growing Operation

   • Jesse Pinkman starts expanding his distribution network with the help of Skinny Pete, Badger, and Combo, who become his street-level dealers. This expansion shows Jesse’s ambition and marks a shift in his character from being a low-level user and small-time dealer to a more influential figure in the local drug trade. However, this increased presence also means increased risk and exposure, leading to further complications.

3. Tension with DEA and Hank's Struggles

   • Hank Schrader, Walter’s DEA agent brother-in-law, continues to struggle with his recent traumatic experience in El Paso. He is haunted by the violence and danger he witnessed, particularly the explosion that killed his partner, and begins experiencing symptoms of PTSD. This emotional turmoil starts to affect his work and personal life, adding a layer of vulnerability to his otherwise tough character.

4. Walter’s Evolving Identity as Heisenberg

   • Walter’s transformation into Heisenberg deepens in this episode. Despite warnings from Jesse about potential turf wars, Walter pushes forward, ignoring the dangerous implications of expanding his business. Walter's desire for power and control, along with his dismissal of the risks, foreshadows the dangerous path he's headed down.

5. Jane and Jesse’s Relationship

   • Jesse’s personal life takes a new turn with his landlord, Jane Margolis. Their budding relationship provides Jesse with a rare sense of stability and happiness. However, Jane is a recovering addict, which introduces a complex dynamic into their relationship that foreshadows future issues. Despite Jesse’s chaotic life, his relationship with Jane offers a brief respite from the darkness of the drug trade.

6. Tuco’s Territory and Threats

   • As Jesse and his crew increase their presence in Albuquerque, the episode hints at looming threats from rival gangs and drug dealers. The narcocorrido at the beginning of the episode serves as a reminder that Walter's alias, Heisenberg, is now attracting dangerous attention. This increased notoriety escalates the risks for both Walter and Jesse, with other players in the drug trade beginning to take notice.

7. Symbolism of the Narcocorrido

   • The narcocorrido serves as a storytelling device that emphasizes the danger of Heisenberg's growing reputation. The black and blue colors mentioned in the song symbolize the bruises or consequences that come with his actions. Walter's ego and ambition, represented by his growing desire to be feared and respected, are pushing him further into morally questionable territory.

Themes and Analysis

• Power and Ego:
  Walter’s increasing sense of power and confidence as Heisenberg reveals his darker ambitions. His disregard for Jesse’s warnings and willingness to expand despite the risks illustrate how he’s prioritizing his ego and sense of dominance over safety and morality.

• The Cost of Ambition:
  Jesse and his associates find themselves in more dangerous situations as they expand their operation, reflecting the theme of ambition coming at a cost. Jesse’s attempts to build something bigger for himself push him further into a world that’s likely to harm him.

• Mental Health and Vulnerability:
  Hank’s struggle with PTSD and his attempts to hide his vulnerability provide a deeper look into his character. His experiences in El Paso have left him psychologically scarred, humanizing him and showing that even the toughest characters are not immune to trauma.

• Relationships in Dark Times:
  Jesse’s relationship with Jane highlights his need for companionship amid the darkness. While Jane provides a sense of comfort, her past addiction issues hint at potential challenges they may face together.

Conclusion

"Negro y Azul" is a significant episode in Breaking Bad as it explores the consequences of Walter and Jesse’s growing meth business while foreshadowing the dangers of their rise in the drug world. Walter’s inflated sense of identity as Heisenberg, Jesse’s need for validation, and Hank’s inner struggles all intertwine to paint a complex picture of ambition, danger, and the high costs of power. The episode builds tension effectively, setting the stage for more conflicts and moral dilemmas in the episodes to come.