10 Crazy Breaking Bad Fan Theories That Completely Change The Show

7. The Pool Drove Walt Insane

The Theory: In a show steeped in symbolism, one of the stranger props used in the series was the swimming pool in Walt's back yard. It has been theorised that the pool is a trophy in an otherwise depressing and ordinary looking house. The theory states that the pool represents Walt's hubris (the pool does not fit the house and the hubris does not fit the chemistry teacher) and that quite a few bad decisions were made around the pool (poisoning Brock for one) as Walt became darker and darker. And, in an ironic twist, Skyler attempting to drown herself represents her being consumed by Walt's greed and pride. Was It Possible: Yes, but not likely. The one leg this theory has to stand on is that the always clean (except when Jesse is throwing money into it, or when is is being vomited in) pool just seems out of place. Walt's house is ordinary, but perhaps due to the lighting, it has a very depressing feel and the pool seems to be a shining exception (of a broke chemistry teacher) that is almost too good for the setting. The pool could have represented Walt's pride and vanity, but it is very unlikely that it literally drove him insane. At best, the pool serves a symbolic and representative role, and not that of an insanity inducing trophy - it is a safe bet that he would have been a murderous meth cook with or without it.