Why chemistry was the true star of 'Breaking Bad'
What's the story
Breaking Bad is a television series that had everyone hooked with its riveting storyline and complicated details. One of the most intriguing parts of the show was its use of chemistry references, subtly and brilliantly interspersed into the narrative. They not only added more depth to the story but also served an educational purpose for science enthusiasts. Here, we take a look at some of them.
#1
The periodic table connection
The periodic table features prominently in Breaking Bad, right from the show's logo, which features elements from it. The title uses bromine (Br) and barium (Ba) to make "BrBa," representing the chemical bedrock of Walter White's metamorphosis from a high school chemistry teacher to a methamphetamine manufacturer. This clever use of symbols sets the stage for just how integral chemistry is throughout the series.
#2
Chemical reactions and realism
Throughout Breaking Bad, several chemical reactions are shown with surprising accuracy. For example, when Walter uses phosphine gas as a weapon or hydrofluoric acid for disposal, these scenes are rooted in real chemical principles. While some dramatic liberties are taken for entertainment value, a lot of the reactions shown reflect genuine scientific processes. This adds authenticity to Walter's expertise as a chemist.
#3
The science behind blue meth
One of Breaking Bad's most iconic elements is its blue methamphetamine product. In reality, pure methamphetamine would be colorless. However, the show uses blue coloring as a visual motif representing purity and quality within its fictional drug trade world. This artistic choice highlights Walter's meticulous nature and his desire to create an unparalleled product that stands out among competitors.
Tip 1
Chemistry as a metaphor for transformation
Chemistry isn't just a background detail in Breaking Bad—it works as a metaphor throughout Walter White's transformation from mild-mannered teacher into ruthless drug lord Heisenberg. Just as chemical reactions transform substances under certain conditions, so does Walt change deeply, mainly due to external pressures. By employing scientific concepts as metaphors, creators show character development while remaining thematically consistent across episodes.