A groundbreaking series like Breaking Bad becomes great for a few reasons: rich characters, a compelling plot, and perfectly crafted dialogue. Vince Gilligan didn’t just break ground, he created a juggernaut partly because of the quotable lines that sprang from the mouth of Walter White, an anti-hero that fans love (and hate) who transforms from a timid chemistry teacher into a menacing meth dealer known as Heisenberg.
As fans of great television mourn the end of another tremendous series with Mad Men’s finale, it seemed like a good time to look back at some of Walter White’s lines. But if you haven’t seen the show yet, you might want to turn back because there will be spoilers throughout.
“Stay out of my territory.”
If you think Walter White was to be messed with, then think again petty meth dealers.
“I’m in the empire business.”
Whether you love him or you hate him, you’ve got to admit one thing: Walter White is a boss.
“Say my name.”
If Walter White and Beyonce have anything in common, it’s this quote. They just want someone to say their name, is that so hard?
“Tread lightly.”
Walter’s brother-in-law, Hank Schrader, discovers the true identity of Heisenberg: Walter White. Instead of trying to give an excuse, Walter warns Hank not to get in his way in an extremely tense scene.
“F*ck you and your eyebrows.”
After his diagnosis, Walter refuses to be pushed around and especially by his boss, Bogdan. This is the earliest instance of Walter bringing out his Heisenberg persona.
“This is not meth.”
If we’ve learned anything in the several seasons of Breaking Bad, we know that Walter White is always a step ahead of the rest. In this case, meth dealer Tuco figures that out the hard way.
“I won.”
Season 4 pits Walter against his greatest enemy, Gus Fring, but in the end, there can only be one winner. And if you’re curious about who that is, go ahead and ask the other half of Gus Fring’s face.
“We’re done when I say we’re done.”
Even Saul Goodman can’t talk himself out of representing Walter as his lawyer. At the beginning of Season 5, it’s clear that there’s only one man in charge and that’s Walter White.
“I did it for me. I liked it. I was good at it. And I was really… I was alive.”
In the last days of his life, Walter White finally has an honest talk with his wife, Skyler. He admits that he became a meth dealer for the same reason as most meth dealers: it made him feel alive for the first time in his life.
“I am the one who knocks.”
Of all of the Walter White quotes, this is the most memorable. This is 100% Heisenberg speaking here and it is 100% spine-chilling.
