Thank you for watching! Breaking Bad shows us three wildly different faces of narcissism through Walt, Saul, and Skyler-but which character do you think paid the highest price for their narcissistic traits? Let me know your thoughts below!
The scene in the first part of the video is Walter trying to clear Skyler's name. He knows police are listening and is trying to make Skyler seem like the victim in the police's eyes.
Thanks for pointing that out! I included that scene because it highlights Walter’s ability to manipulate narratives, even under intense pressure. While his motive in this instance was to protect Skyler, it also reflects his deeper pattern of controlling situations to fit his agenda-a key trait in his narcissistic behavior.
@@Thepopcornator yep this guy is someone talking about something they know nothing about. imagine leading with a clip and not even knowing the context...d'oh
I love your psychology breakdowns on Breaking Bad Characters. I’d love to see a breakdown on some of the Sopranos characters. Olivia, Tony, Janice, Ralph, Tony B, etc.
Thank you! The Sopranos is such a rich series for psychological analysis-so many layered, fascinating characters. Olivia’s manipulations, Tony’s internal conflicts, and Janice’s volatility would all make for compelling breakdowns. Definitely adding this to my list of ideas! Thanks again for your suggestions. The Sopranos is in a class of its own!
I always thought Walt was a covert narcissist who became more grandiose once he started having success in the drug business. In the flashbacks with Gretchen he also had more charisma because he was succeeding. But then he got stuck in a bad job, had a dull family life and then lost all his confidence and became passive. Hank perceived that Walt couldn't hurt a fly and that's exactly where his covert narcissism fooled Hank. His narcissism was always there but it was dormant for probably a long time. I've read that Covert and Overt narcissists can go back and forth between the two depending on if they are succeeding or failing in their life. Skylar I didn't know was a narcissist but I agree it seems to add up. Her need for control was very apparent from episode one and like Jesse said 'she wore the pants in Walt's relationship'. She seemed invalidating at times which probably was one of Walt's triggers in how he felt like less of a man. Like obviously if your previous partners who went on to become millionaires offered to come to the rescue it would be hard. He does have legit reasons to envy them. The right move was still to take their money. But still Skylar didn't make an effort to understand what's the big deal. Even when Walt admitted he never felt like he made any choices of his own she was clueless to what he was referring to. I feel though that most of this video is about Skylar's later narcissism when I feel like most people in those insane scenarios would be very conflicted and do some immoral things.
You’ve done a fantastic job breaking down Walt and Skyler’s complexities-there’s a lot to unpack in both characters. I realise one video on this does not do each of these characters justice! Walt definitely exhibits covert narcissism in the beginning, with his passive demeanor masking deep feelings of inadequacy and resentment. As his circumstances change, those traits morph into overt narcissism, fueled by his newfound success and sense of power. That shift highlights how environment and success can activate latent traits. Skyler’s need for control and invalidation of Walt’s feelings certainly played a role in his growing resentment. Her actions weren’t necessarily malicious, but they reflect a lack of emotional attunement, especially in how she dismissed Walt’s deeper struggles with identity and autonomy. It’s a fascinating interplay between two deeply flawed individuals navigating extreme circumstances. As for Skyler’s later actions, you’re right-many people might make similar moral compromises in such extraordinary situations. It’s that ambiguity that makes her so polarizing and complex. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful perspective!
With recent studies and research in psychology It's starting to be realized that all narcissists can become covert and overt depending on the situation, some narcissists use covert strategies more often and some use more overt and grandiose. Like how there are offensive and defensive play styles in football. Narcissists view life as in a game and their game is getting narcissistic supply
I never spotted Skyler's narcissistic manipulation before. 👍 BTW I noticed how Marie, Walter, Lydia and Gus' emotional meltdowns seem to manifest themselves as certain mental illness symptoms e.g. Marie's meltdowns cause her to manically fantasize and behave anti-socially (i.e. stealing) to seek strangers' attention, possibly like the symptoms of Bipolar disorder, whilst Walter (after discovering Gus' role in Hank's attempted murder) Lydia and Gus' meltdowns (when Hank and the DEA interrogate Gus) may reflect Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Skyler’s manipulation is subtle but undeniably complex-it’s fascinating to unpack! Your observations about the characters’ emotional meltdowns are sharp. Marie’s kleptomania could indeed be seen as a coping mechanism, perhaps a way to reclaim control or distract herself from deeper emotional turmoil. As for Walter, Lydia, and Gus, their rigid behaviors under stress could align with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, or you could possibly frame it more as extreme control-seeking tied to their specific personalities and circumstances. Their responses highlight how stress can amplify pre-existing traits in dramatic ways. Great insights!
Thank you! Skyler’s character often gets overshadowed by Walter’s, but her complexities and the subtle ways narcissism manifests in her behavior are so intriguing. I’m glad the video brought a fresh perspective for you-she’s definitely worth exploring in depth!
You're welcome! Watching Breaking Bad for the first time is an experience like no other. It’s incredible how layered the characters are, especially when it comes to their psychological complexities. Glad the video resonated with you after finishing the series! My prediction....you will be watching it again and again... ;)
Thank you! Breaking Bad offers so much depth to explore, and it’s great to hear you’re enjoying the videos. There’s definitely more to come-plenty of fascinating layers to uncover in this series! Quick question: Are there any other TV series that have made an impact on you? Feel free to join the conversation and share your thoughts! :-)
You’re welcome! Skyler’s actions can definitely be unsettling, especially when you start to see the underlying psychological dynamics at play. It’s fascinating how her behaviors reveal both survival instincts and complex manipulations. Glad the video provided some clarity!
That’s a powerful observation. Narcissistic tendencies can be incredibly effective as a defense mechanism in the short term, but relying on them to shape your life often leads to isolation and unresolved conflicts. It’s a strategy that protects but also limits genuine connection and growth.
I disagree that Saul and Skyler fit the bill on what narcissism is. Better Call Saul provides important context to how Saul's personality got shaped the way it did, and it seems to follow more in line with a Dark Empath. He's been hurt so badly through his trauma, that he ended up shutting off his emotional empathy in favour of cognitive empathy, learned to be manipulative as a means of survival. To him, finding the best outcome is a matter of social calculus, and cold hard calculated risks. As for Skyler, her need for control and stability in her life stem from her love for her children. She would do anything and everything to make sure her kids are safe. To her, getting involved in money laundering was a way to keep a father in her life so he'd be there for her children. She isn't a narcissist. Rather, her outbursts seem to be far more in line with Borderline.
You bring up compelling arguments about Saul and Skyler, but I’d challenge a few points. With Saul, while Better Call Saul does show his trauma and survival mechanisms, his manipulations often serve self-interest rather than mutual benefit, which makes the “Dark Empath” label a bit murky. His cognitive empathy might be more about calculating outcomes to serve his goals rather than understanding others on an emotional level. That’s not necessarily narcissism, but it leans closer to antisocial tendencies. As for Skyler, her love for her children is undeniable, but her need for control often extends beyond protecting them-it influences her dynamics with Walt and others. While her outbursts might align with some Borderline traits, her calculated actions, like laundering money and orchestrating scenarios to maintain appearances, suggest a strong drive for power and stability in chaotic circumstances. These behaviors blur the line between selflessness and self-preservation. Skyler’s character, like Saul’s, sits in a gray area where multiple interpretations are valid, but I wouldn’t rule out narcissistic traits entirely in either case.
Dark Empath? This is why I’d rather trust a professional in the field of psychology, than random people on the internet. The doctor clearly stated in the beginning of the video that out of all three characters, only Walter might qualify for a diagnosis for NPD, but the other two have traits of narcissism. He explained it in a thorough and informative manner, giving great examples on his speculations.
@unknownstranger6875 However, viewing it through the lense of narcissism does lead to the downfall of tunnel vision. Dark empathy and Borderline symptoms can sometimes look like Narcissism without being given the wider context. Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul have so much more going on than what's being brought up in this video. My pov comes from a lifetime of struggling with borderline while dealing from abuse from narcissists and manipulation from dark empathy. So make of this as you will. It doesn't have to be a matter of who's more right as it is multiple different points of views from the lenses of two very different life experiences.
Bryan Cranston ruined WW for me somewhat with his real-life narcissism. Dude just couldn't keep his yap shut about his political affinities...had to show us his terminal case of T.D.S.
Also, people with narcissism tend to project, and resort to gaslighting, for instance, by claiming that those who manage to notice that say, a person in power is a narcissist, only think that because they have a mental disorder.
Sounds like you have some entitlement issues to work through. He is allowed to hold political opinions you disagree with. Agreeing to disagree is an important social skill that many have forgotten.
Thank you for watching! Breaking Bad shows us three wildly different faces of narcissism through Walt, Saul, and Skyler-but which character do you think paid the highest price for their narcissistic traits? Let me know your thoughts below!
The scene in the first part of the video is Walter trying to clear Skyler's name. He knows police are listening and is trying to make Skyler seem like the victim in the police's eyes.
Was going to say this. In that particular scene, he’s only pretending to be a narcissist in order to get her off the hook.
Thanks for pointing that out! I included that scene because it highlights Walter’s ability to manipulate narratives, even under intense pressure. While his motive in this instance was to protect Skyler, it also reflects his deeper pattern of controlling situations to fit his agenda-a key trait in his narcissistic behavior.
@@DrPatrickKingsep well answered
@@justinlepard yeh right..... sounds like someone who got owned and making up ish to cover their a$$
@@Thepopcornator yep this guy is someone talking about something they know nothing about. imagine leading with a clip and not even knowing the context...d'oh
Saul may have been criminally narcissistic but he’s a damn good lawyer.
I love your psychology breakdowns on Breaking Bad Characters. I’d love to see a breakdown on some of the Sopranos characters. Olivia, Tony, Janice, Ralph, Tony B, etc.
The sopranos breakdown would be amazing
Thank you! The Sopranos is such a rich series for psychological analysis-so many layered, fascinating characters. Olivia’s manipulations, Tony’s internal conflicts, and Janice’s volatility would all make for compelling breakdowns. Definitely adding this to my list of ideas! Thanks again for your suggestions. The Sopranos is in a class of its own!
I always thought Walt was a covert narcissist who became more grandiose once he started having success in the drug business. In the flashbacks with Gretchen he also had more charisma because he was succeeding. But then he got stuck in a bad job, had a dull family life and then lost all his confidence and became passive. Hank perceived that Walt couldn't hurt a fly and that's exactly where his covert narcissism fooled Hank. His narcissism was always there but it was dormant for probably a long time. I've read that Covert and Overt narcissists can go back and forth between the two depending on if they are succeeding or failing in their life. Skylar I didn't know was a narcissist but I agree it seems to add up. Her need for control was very apparent from episode one and like Jesse said 'she wore the pants in Walt's relationship'. She seemed invalidating at times which probably was one of Walt's triggers in how he felt like less of a man. Like obviously if your previous partners who went on to become millionaires offered to come to the rescue it would be hard. He does have legit reasons to envy them. The right move was still to take their money. But still Skylar didn't make an effort to understand what's the big deal. Even when Walt admitted he never felt like he made any choices of his own she was clueless to what he was referring to. I feel though that most of this video is about Skylar's later narcissism when I feel like most people in those insane scenarios would be very conflicted and do some immoral things.
You’ve done a fantastic job breaking down Walt and Skyler’s complexities-there’s a lot to unpack in both characters. I realise one video on this does not do each of these characters justice!
Walt definitely exhibits covert narcissism in the beginning, with his passive demeanor masking deep feelings of inadequacy and resentment. As his circumstances change, those traits morph into overt narcissism, fueled by his newfound success and sense of power. That shift highlights how environment and success can activate latent traits.
Skyler’s need for control and invalidation of Walt’s feelings certainly played a role in his growing resentment. Her actions weren’t necessarily malicious, but they reflect a lack of emotional attunement, especially in how she dismissed Walt’s deeper struggles with identity and autonomy. It’s a fascinating interplay between two deeply flawed individuals navigating extreme circumstances.
As for Skyler’s later actions, you’re right-many people might make similar moral compromises in such extraordinary situations. It’s that ambiguity that makes her so polarizing and complex. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful perspective!
With recent studies and research in psychology It's starting to be realized that all narcissists can become covert and overt depending on the situation, some narcissists use covert strategies more often and some use more overt and grandiose. Like how there are offensive and defensive play styles in football. Narcissists view life as in a game and their game is getting narcissistic supply
I never spotted Skyler's narcissistic manipulation before. 👍
BTW I noticed how Marie, Walter, Lydia and Gus' emotional meltdowns seem to manifest themselves as certain mental illness symptoms e.g. Marie's meltdowns cause her to manically fantasize and behave anti-socially (i.e. stealing) to seek strangers' attention, possibly like the symptoms of Bipolar disorder, whilst Walter (after discovering Gus' role in Hank's attempted murder) Lydia and Gus' meltdowns (when Hank and the DEA interrogate Gus) may reflect Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Gus and Lydia are both psychopaths.
Skyler’s manipulation is subtle but undeniably complex-it’s fascinating to unpack! Your observations about the characters’ emotional meltdowns are sharp. Marie’s kleptomania could indeed be seen as a coping mechanism, perhaps a way to reclaim control or distract herself from deeper emotional turmoil. As for Walter, Lydia, and Gus, their rigid behaviors under stress could align with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, or you could possibly frame it more as extreme control-seeking tied to their specific personalities and circumstances. Their responses highlight how stress can amplify pre-existing traits in dramatic ways. Great insights!
the thing about ads like that is, at the end of the day, saul goodman is bob freaking odenkirk, the guy who got tim and eric a show, bruh
Thank you for exploring narcissism with Skylar I watch so many of these types of videos and I’ve never seen anyone explore her in this way great video
Skylar sucks.
Thank you! Skyler’s character often gets overshadowed by Walter’s, but her complexities and the subtle ways narcissism manifests in her behavior are so intriguing. I’m glad the video brought a fresh perspective for you-she’s definitely worth exploring in depth!
Thank you for the video! I finished watching BB for the 1st time just 3 days ago
You're welcome! Watching Breaking Bad for the first time is an experience like no other. It’s incredible how layered the characters are, especially when it comes to their psychological complexities. Glad the video resonated with you after finishing the series! My prediction....you will be watching it again and again... ;)
I love these breaking bad videos, I keep coming back for more. Thanks for the content
Thank you! Breaking Bad offers so much depth to explore, and it’s great to hear you’re enjoying the videos. There’s definitely more to come-plenty of fascinating layers to uncover in this series!
Quick question: Are there any other TV series that have made an impact on you? Feel free to join the conversation and share your thoughts! :-)
I was disturbed by some of Skylar's actions, now I understand why. Thank you :)
You’re welcome! Skyler’s actions can definitely be unsettling, especially when you start to see the underlying psychological dynamics at play. It’s fascinating how her behaviors reveal both survival instincts and complex manipulations. Glad the video provided some clarity!
Narcissistic tendencies are amazing in terms of defense but if you create a life with them then you ultimately lose.
That’s a powerful observation. Narcissistic tendencies can be incredibly effective as a defense mechanism in the short term, but relying on them to shape your life often leads to isolation and unresolved conflicts. It’s a strategy that protects but also limits genuine connection and growth.
and most of the criticism you do get of skyler is often just hating on her for being a woman. it's nice to hear a more nuanced critique
I disagree that Saul and Skyler fit the bill on what narcissism is.
Better Call Saul provides important context to how Saul's personality got shaped the way it did, and it seems to follow more in line with a Dark Empath. He's been hurt so badly through his trauma, that he ended up shutting off his emotional empathy in favour of cognitive empathy, learned to be manipulative as a means of survival. To him, finding the best outcome is a matter of social calculus, and cold hard calculated risks.
As for Skyler, her need for control and stability in her life stem from her love for her children. She would do anything and everything to make sure her kids are safe. To her, getting involved in money laundering was a way to keep a father in her life so he'd be there for her children. She isn't a narcissist. Rather, her outbursts seem to be far more in line with Borderline.
You bring up compelling arguments about Saul and Skyler, but I’d challenge a few points. With Saul, while Better Call Saul does show his trauma and survival mechanisms, his manipulations often serve self-interest rather than mutual benefit, which makes the “Dark Empath” label a bit murky. His cognitive empathy might be more about calculating outcomes to serve his goals rather than understanding others on an emotional level. That’s not necessarily narcissism, but it leans closer to antisocial tendencies.
As for Skyler, her love for her children is undeniable, but her need for control often extends beyond protecting them-it influences her dynamics with Walt and others. While her outbursts might align with some Borderline traits, her calculated actions, like laundering money and orchestrating scenarios to maintain appearances, suggest a strong drive for power and stability in chaotic circumstances. These behaviors blur the line between selflessness and self-preservation. Skyler’s character, like Saul’s, sits in a gray area where multiple interpretations are valid, but I wouldn’t rule out narcissistic traits entirely in either case.
Dark Empath? This is why I’d rather trust a professional in the field of psychology, than random people on the internet.
The doctor clearly stated in the beginning of the video that out of all three characters, only Walter might qualify for a diagnosis for NPD, but the other two have traits of narcissism. He explained it in a thorough and informative manner, giving great examples on his speculations.
@unknownstranger6875 However, viewing it through the lense of narcissism does lead to the downfall of tunnel vision. Dark empathy and Borderline symptoms can sometimes look like Narcissism without being given the wider context.
Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul have so much more going on than what's being brought up in this video.
My pov comes from a lifetime of struggling with borderline while dealing from abuse from narcissists and manipulation from dark empathy. So make of this as you will.
It doesn't have to be a matter of who's more right as it is multiple different points of views from the lenses of two very different life experiences.
This is yet another other example of an analysis with predetermined conclusion that fails to actually understand the characters it discuses.
why Skylar gotta look so gorgeous in the thumbnail lmfao..
Why is Skylar a 10 in the thumbnail?
Cause she a 10 always
Bryan Cranston ruined WW for me somewhat with his real-life narcissism. Dude just couldn't keep his yap shut about his political affinities...had to show us his terminal case of T.D.S.
People with the highest levels of tds typically exhibit the highest levels of narcissism. I see it in my own family and friends group
Also, people with narcissism tend to project, and resort to gaslighting, for instance, by claiming that those who manage to notice that say, a person in power is a narcissist, only think that because they have a mental disorder.
If you think a political affiliation is a sign of mental illness you might need to check the mirror.
don't take it personal, almost every actor is a hardcore democrat
separate the art from the artist, you'll be happier for it
Sounds like you have some entitlement issues to work through. He is allowed to hold political opinions you disagree with. Agreeing to disagree is an important social skill that many have forgotten.