Vince Gilligan’s Breaking Bad is often hailed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. The iconic crime drama has won sixteen Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards, among numerous other accolades. The show features Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul in the lead roles of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, so naturally, the narrative revolves around them.
But there is one character who deserves far more credit than she ever received – Skyler White, portrayed brilliantly by Anna Gunn. With the benefit of hindsight, it’s clear that Skyler White’s choices, emotional strength, and tragic character arc make her one of the true cornerstones of Breaking Bad.
The Show’s Moral Compass
In the final season, Walter White justifies his actions by claiming he did everything to secure his family’s financial future. However, he later admits that he did it for himself. Jesse Pinkman, too, is portrayed as morally ambiguous, and it’s only later that he tries to find redemption. In contrast, the show’s true moral compass is Skyler White, and this is one of the biggest reasons she deserves far more credit than she ever received. Unlike most characters in Breaking Bad, she consistently questioned and challenged Walter White’s criminal actions across all five seasons.
Aaron Paul watching Anna Gunn’s last day of filming Breaking Bad pic.twitter.com/LLCO7EX0BA
— Saul Goodman ⚖ (@itsSaulGoodman) June 18, 2025
A Hidden Mastermind & A Financial Genius
Many viewers believe Walter White is the show’s only mastermind due to his successful establishment of his meth empire and his ability to outsmart Gus Fring. However, Skyler White is the series’ hidden strategist. She is portrayed as a financial wizard who laundered her husband’s drug money by buying the car wash and even helped her employer, Ted, clear his tax backlog using her sharp intelligence and astute skills.
Breaking Bad … Skyler negotiating with Bogdan to buy the car wash <3 pic.twitter.com/ZN8l9cxKIY
— Buck614 (@buck614) November 9, 2025
A Fierce Protector of Her Kids
Skyler White agrees to help launder Walter White’s drug money only to protect her children, Walter Jr. and Holly. She reluctantly becomes a partner in his criminal activities, yet never stops fearing the danger that surrounds them. At one point, she fiercely confronts her husband and even sends the kids away to keep them safe.
Who’s seen Breaking Bad. I’ve been watching. 1st time. I like it. Here’s ANNA GUNN pic.twitter.com/eXgvQNWLi4
— FAMOUS WOMEN (@Kevin10919728) August 8, 2023
She Was Never the Villain Some Fans Thought
Even though she was never the show’s villain, Skyler White received a great deal of negative attention and fan backlash because her character was often at odds with the much-loved and empathetic protagonist, Walter White. As a result, and because Anna Gunn played the role with such realism, the actress also faced unwarranted negativity from some viewers. Much of this is because Breaking Bad is told largely from Walter White’s perspective.
Is the hate on Skyler White justified? pic.twitter.com/6dVq7BMx3f
— Breaking Bad Daily (@BreakingBad_) October 31, 2025
A Tragic Character Arc
Right from Season 1, when she learns about her husband’s terminal illness, to returning to her old job to manage the family’s finances, Skyler White’s journey is marked by constant hardship. By the fifth and final season, she is left alone with her two kids while a nationwide manhunt is underway for Walter White. In the heartbreaking end, she even refuses to take the money from the husband she now fears and likely despises. Despite everything, she remains resilient and strong.
Breaking Bad – Season 05 Episode 14 – Frame 2313 of 2834 pic.twitter.com/eq6w9JjgBw
— Every Better Call Saul Frame In Order (@breaking_frames) June 2, 2023
Skyler White is undoubtedly one of the best-written characters in television history and deserves far more credit in Breaking Bad. Better late than never, right?
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