Although the character Jesse Pinkman is introduced as an unmotivated young adult with a drug problem, as Breaking Bad progresses the writers showcase Jesse in a different light when his values and morality is expanded upon. The facade he creates as a tough drug dealer directly contradicts his true nature, a caring and selfless individual. The most notable episode of the series that explores both sides to Jesse’s personality is “Peekaboo.” The opening scene of the episode shows Jesse on the sidewalk curiously staring at a beatle. He bends down, inspecting it and smiles to himself, but hurriedly stands up when he sees his friend Skinny Pete approaching. Skinny Pete then steps on the beetle, subsequently Jesse looks down at the ground saddened, however does not say anything. While this scene is only seconds long and has no real dialogue, it reveals a lot about Jesse’s character. He sympathizes with the weak which repeatedly causes him emotional trauma. The episode continues with Jesse having to go to the house of some meth addicts that ripped off Skinny Pete in order to get back the money for their stolen product. Jesse anxiously waits outside before barging in their house, having to practice how he is going to confront the thieves and reassure himself he can do it. After entering the house, Jesse finds a neglected little boy and protects him from the insanity that ensues within the house. The scenes of Jesse and the little boy shows a softer side of Jesse, and how he’s just a goofy kid caught up in the wrong business. Tragedies seem to follow Jesse throughout the entire show. Whether it’s the death of his girlfriend Jane or numerous innocent children, Jesse carries the emotional weight of all these devastations, consequently blaming himself and coping in unhealthy manners. In conclusion, Jesse loses his innocence after joining the drug business and has to deal with a number of tragedies, because he gets attached too easily to the few good things in his life.
