Of all the sleepless nights binging on Breaking Bad, it’s hard not to have questions about his ever-complicated relationship with his wife Skyler.
If you’ve immersed yourself in this groundbreaking series as I have, you’ve probably found yourself asking at some point, ‘Why didn’t Skyler divorce Walt?’ It’s a valid question and one that haunts many viewers, given the immoral and dangerous path Walt treads throughout the series.
Today, let’s dissect this intriguing dilemma, peeling back the layers of denial, legal implications, and family protection that kept Skyler firmly entwined in Walt’s dark web.
Skyler didn’t divorce Walter for a myriad of reasons — she was in a state of denial about Walt’s meth production involvement, she used their marriage as a legal shield protecting Walt from prosecution, and most importantly, she sought to protect their family from the inevitable fallout of Walt’s illicit activities.
Denial
When faced with shocking and uncomfortable realities, it’s human nature to retreat into denial.
That’s precisely where Skyler found herself after learning about Walt’s criminal activities. Despite the mounting evidence, a part of her held on to the belief that the situation would resolve itself, and life would go back to normal.
After all, the Walt she knew was a chemistry teacher, a family man, not a notorious drug dealer. She grappled with the shattering illusion of her once-ordinary life, refusing to accept that her marriage, as she had known it, was virtually “over.”
Legal Protection
Then comes the legal aspect of their predicament.
According to the law, spouses can’t be forced to testify against each other in court, a fact that didn’t escape Skyler’s sharp mind.
In essence, their marriage provided a legal cover for Walt, shielding him from potential prosecution should he get caught. This tactic was explicitly highlighted in the show, showing how Skyler used the intricacies of the law to their advantage.
It likely gave her a greater sense of control to know that she had this card up her sleeve.
Now, let’s discuss the third and arguably most significant factor — protecting her family.
Protect Her Family
If Skyler were to divorce Walt or turn him in, it would inevitably lead to immense distress for their family, especially their son, Junior (Flynn).
The fallout would be devastating, potentially tearing the family apart. In Skyler’s mind, Junior would either end up hating her for divorcing Walt or despising Walt for his deeds.
She was stuck between a rock and a hard place, choosing the lesser of two evils in a bid to safeguard her family’s emotional wellbeing.
Conclusion
As we draw this exploration to a close, it’s clear that Skyler’s decision to stay married to Walt wasn’t born out of ignorance or complacency.
It was a complex and layered choice, reflecting her struggle with denial, her strategic use of legal protection, and most importantly, her deep-seated desire to shield her family from the harsh truth about Walt.
I hope this exploration gives you a new perspective on Skyler White and why she didn’t divorce Walter. It’s a reminder that in the morally complex universe of Breaking Bad, nothing is black and white, and every decision carries weight.
So, next time you’re rewatching this timeless classic, remember – every character, every action, every consequence is a deeper insight into the human condition. Happy viewing, folks!