Why Did Gus Want To Kill Walt

Why Did Gus Fring Want to Kill Walt? A Deep Dive into Breaking Bad's Complex Antagonist

Gus Fring, the chillingly calm and impeccably dressed antagonist of Breaking Bad, presented a formidable foe to Walter White. His meticulous planning and ruthless efficiency made him a truly terrifying character. But why did Gus ultimately want Walt dead? The answer isn't simple, stemming from a complex interplay of business, pride, and personal threat. This article will explore the multifaceted reasons behind Gus's desire to eliminate Walt.

The primary reason for Gus's animosity towards Walt was the threat he posed to Gus's meticulously crafted empire. Gus had spent years building his methamphetamine operation, a vast and incredibly profitable enterprise. Walt, with his superior cooking method, initially represented a valuable asset, a key to improving production and outpacing the competition. However, Walt's unpredictable nature and increasingly erratic behavior quickly became liabilities. His arrogance, his impulsive decisions, and his growing sense of self-importance threatened to unravel Gus's carefully constructed system.

Three key incidents highlight this escalating threat:

• The poisoning of Brock Cantillo: This act, while ultimately revealed to be orchestrated by Walt, sent Gus into a rage. The attempted murder of a child, even if indirectly, violated Gus's strict code of conduct and crossed a line he could not tolerate. Gus believed Walt capable of anything, escalating the perceived risk to his operation.

• Walt's defiance and increasing power: Walt's initial subservience slowly eroded. He became bolder, more demanding, and less willing to accept Gus's control. This defiance, culminating in the poisoning incident, showed Gus that Walt was becoming an uncontrollable variable, a dangerous loose end. He was no longer a mere employee, but a potential rival.

• The threat to Saul Goodman's loyalty: Gus also valued Saul Goodman's loyalty and skill. Walt's actions in endangering Saul through his unpredictable behavior and clandestine actions threatened this valuable relationship. The potential loss of Saul's services was unacceptable to Gus, further solidifying his resolve to eliminate Walt.

Beyond the business implications, Gus's pride played a significant role. He prided himself on his control, his planning, and his ability to manipulate events to his advantage. Walt, with his unpredictable actions, represented a failure in Gus's meticulous planning – a crack in his otherwise flawless facade. Eliminating Walt would restore Gus's sense of control and demonstrate his unwavering power.

Finally, Gus's desire for revenge for the loss of his henchmen, including Victor and Mike Ehrmantraut (partially caused by Walt's actions) cannot be overlooked. Though Gus was capable of immense restraint, this loss triggered a personal animosity which ultimately contributed to his decision to eliminate the threat posed by Walt.

In conclusion, Gus Fring's desire to kill Walt wasn't a simple matter of business. It was a complex culmination of factors, including the threat to his empire, the erosion of his control, the loss of key personnel, and the deep-seated violation of his personal code. This multifaceted motivation made Gus a compelling and terrifying antagonist, demonstrating the depth and complexity of Breaking Bad's character development.