Jesse’s innocence breaks my heart

I’m on about full re-watch number 4 or 5. First of all the symbolism and foreshadowing, as much as it’s talked about for this show, is incredible. back to the topic at hand...

When I rewatched this time I particularly decided to focus on Jesse and his character arc/development. From Pilot to Felina I have never felt more bad for a fictional character than Jesse. Seriously even when I see Aaron Paul on instagram or hear him in Bojack Horseman it reminds me of the broken kid-at-heart that Jesse becomes.

 Jesse is loyal like a dog, which is mentioned in the show by Saul in the “old yeller” scene and in the episode title Rabid Dog. He tows the line perfectly for walt on so many occasions and keeps his despair (as those around him die or their lives fall apart) hidden rocks the refuge of his home. He never stands up for himself when Walt, Mike or others write off his sadness and depression as “junkie behavior” He just falls in line and takes it, Walt will trash him and Jesse will still cry on his shoulder simply because Jesse has nobody else, and Walt in shining moments becomes a stand in father where Jesse’s gave up on him so many years ago. 

Jesse is used, let down and stepped on continually yet always gets back up and, for the most part, goes right back to Walt. I believe this loyalty was detrimental to his well-being but in the end was the thing that saved his life.

All of that to say, Jesse exhibits childlike innocence in so many scenarios, it’s fitting that when he abandons his money it ends at the playground...it was heart breaking to see the simply enthusiastic “science bitch” Jesse become the “he can’t keep getting away with this Jesse.”

Lastly, El Camino was the relief I needed from this sadness I felt for Jesse. Kudos to Vince and the team for putting the story away(?) the way they did. Jesse “growing up and getting away” was the ending I think we all needed!

Submitted February 15, 2020 at 12:32PM by wutNxxxtarnation https://ift.tt/2SOxSS0