Why Did Walt Kill Mike? What Happened?
One of the most intense moments in Breaking Bad was when Walter White, the show’s main character, killed Mike Ehrmantraut. Mike had been a trusted partner in the drug empire for some time, but their relationship took a dark turn. In this article, we’ll dive into why Walt killed Mike and how it impacted the story.
The Relationship Between Walt and Mike
Walter White and Mike Ehrmantraut were two very different characters in Breaking Bad. Walt was a chemistry teacher who turned into a drug kingpin, while Mike was a former cop who became a tough, no-nonsense enforcer. Even though they worked together, they never fully trusted each other.
Mike had a strong moral code, and he often disagreed with the way Walt handled things. He saw Walt as reckless and ego-driven, which often led to tensions between them. Despite this, Mike worked for Walt to help keep the drug operation running smoothly, protecting them from the authorities and keeping other problems in check.
Why Did Walt Kill Mike?
Walt killed Mike in Season 5, Episode 7, in a moment of frustration and anger. The reason for this action stemmed from Walt’s growing paranoia and need for control. At this point in the series, Walt was trying to eliminate anyone who could connect him to his crimes. Mike, who worked closely with Gus Fring, knew too much about Walt’s illegal activities.
The immediate cause of the murder happened when Walt demanded the names of the men in prison who were loyal to Mike. These men could potentially reveal information to the police, putting Walt in danger. Mike refused to give Walt the names, which made Walt furious. In a fit of anger, Walt impulsively shot Mike. This wasn’t a carefully planned act, but a rash decision made in the heat of the moment.
After realizing what he had done, Walt regretted it. He even admitted that killing Mike was unnecessary since he could have gotten the information from another source. However, by then, it was too late. Mike died from the gunshot wound, leaving Walt with yet another murder on his conscience.
The Impact of Mike’s Death
Mike’s death was a turning point in Breaking Bad. It showed just how far Walt had fallen morally. Early in the series, Walt justified his actions by claiming he was doing it all for his family, but by this point, his actions were driven by pride and a thirst for power. Killing Mike was a sign that Walt had become a ruthless criminal, willing to kill anyone who stood in his way.
For the remaining characters, Mike’s death left a significant impact. His loyalty, professionalism, and quiet wisdom were deeply missed. Saul Goodman, their lawyer, felt the loss, as did Jesse Pinkman, who had a strong respect for Mike.
Conclusion
Walt killed Mike because of his growing paranoia and desire to eliminate anyone who could link him to his crimes. While Mike was a key figure in their drug operation, his refusal to give up the names of the imprisoned men led to his tragic death. Walt’s impulsive decision to kill Mike marked a significant turning point in Breaking Bad, showing the full extent of his moral decline.
