In the intense and morally complex world of Breaking Bad, the character of Skyler White undergoes a significant transformation as she grapples with her husband’s descent into the dangerous world of methamphetamine production.
One aspect of her journey that sparks intrigue and debate among viewers is her decision to cheat on Walter White with her boss, Ted Beneke.
In this article, we answer the question, but also delve into the motivations behind Skyler’s infidelity, exploring the factors that led to this pivotal moment in her character arc.
While many factors ultimately caused her infidelity, the most immediate reason for Skyler cheating was Walter’s refusal to vacate their home. She found herself powerless in a challenging situation and thought she might coerce Walter to leave to leave if she had an affair.
Why Did Skyler Want Walt to Leave?
We wouldn’t have the complete picture without examining the reasons why Skyler needed Walter out of the house so badly that she would break her vows of marriage. Plainly put, she was disturbed and frightened about having a drug manufacturer living in her house.
She (rightfully) thought that her family would be in danger if Walter remained at the house. While it would have made for much more boring television, I think a better question to ask is why Skyler didn’t turn him into the police!
However, as I stated above, this was only the most immediate reason for Skyler’s transgression. Many things led up to this pivotal moment in the series. Let’s examine the components that pushed Skyler into the arms of another man.
Coping With Feelings of Betrayal
When Skyler White first uncovers the truth about Walter’s double life as a methamphetamine producer, she is thrust into a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions. The revelation of Walter’s deceit strikes at the core of their relationship, shattering the trust she once had in him.
In the beginning, she was remarkably invested in being Walter’s support during his cancer treatment and was extending herself while also being far along in her pregnancy. Uncovering the truth about where Walter spent his evenings caused her world to be completely upended.
After discovering the truth, she grapples with feelings of anger, hurt, and profound betrayal.
One could argue that her decision to cheat was a way of reclaiming her own agency. In other words, her infidelity was a way to stop being the victim.
Rekindling the Flame with Ted Beneke
It’s heavily implied during the series that Ted Beneke and Skyler had a strong attraction for one another when she worked at Beneke Fabricators over a decade prior to the events of Breaking Bad.
It was established in the series that Ted made a drunken pass at Skyler during a company Christmas party (he would later apologize profusely). While Skyler left the company shortly after, it was implied that she harbored an attraction for Beneke as well.
After she starts work at Beneke Fabricators again, Skyler’s relationship with Walt continues to deteriorate while she gets closer to Ted. Here are a few of the examples:
- Ted comforts Skyler as she breaks down about the difficulty of being strong for the family during Walt’s cancer treatment.
- Skyler acquiesces to a request to sing “Happy Birthday” to Ted in the style of Marilyn Monroe (as an aside, this is the cringiest moment in the series for me).
- As Walt misses the birth of Holly White for a drug deal, Ted accompanies Skyler to the hospital and participates in her birth.
- Skyler discovers that Ted has been committing fraud to keep his company afloat. She keeps quiet about the transgression, but keeps working for him as an accountant, opening herself up for liability.
As you can see, their relationship progressed slowly leading up to the affair itself.
Conclusion
Skyler White’s infidelity in Breaking Bad is a significant turning point in her character’s journey, representing a complex mix of emotions, personal struggles, and a desire for control.
By understanding the motivations behind her actions, we gain insight into the intricate web of relationships and moral dilemmas portrayed in this critically acclaimed series.
Whether sympathizing with Skyler or questioning her choices, her infidelity adds another layer of depth to the compelling narrative of Breaking Bad.