Breaking Bad - How Aaron Paul Perfected Jesse Pinkman

[@XolBurn]

Honestly as much as we praise Bryan Cranston's performance as Walter White, Breaking Bad would have never been the same without Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman.

[@englishwithkristin8962]

*Jesse

[@XolBurn]

@@englishwithkristin8962 oh okay, didn't notice that.

[@kapb4149]

@@XolBurn I think Jesse was the heart of the series

[@eliben4066]

@@kapb4149 Def. In two of my personal favorite scenes, Jesse telling that kid to live a good life, and Gale’s death, Jesse was the star

[@kapb4149]

@@eliben4066 I think Jesse was the star throughout. Definitely in season 4 when he starts dealing with Mike and Gus and goes down to Mexico and cooks and saves gus and Mike in that shootout

[@BrianaLynn7]

Jessie is the most traumatized character i think I've ever seen. It's insane watching the series a second time and realizing how many times Jessie tried to just get away and it never worked for him. People failed Jessie.

[@burneybenry8909]

i've seen many characters go through horrible things, but i've never actually felt what they're feeling, the nature of BB and the amazing acting work of Aaron Paul really made the show

[@planetclownfishbrain7052]

The drama queen with a moral crisis every 45 minutes. If you bing-watch this show, he gets old quick. His man crying occurs at 2/3'rds of the way into the first episode of the month so, by the third show of the month Jesse' gets his flow on and you actually have his womanly melt downs twice in every third show.

[@burneybenry8909]

@@planetclownfishbrain7052 classic white people TV viewer

[@BrianaLynn7]

@@planetclownfishbrain7052 So, someone being traumatized and manipulated again and again isn't a reason to cry? Only women cry? Jesus fucking christ this is the worst take I've ever seen.

[@SimF1e]

@@planetclownfishbrain7052 so... crying is womanly now?

[@danielaf1487]

Jesse Pinkman is pretty much the most sympathetic character in contemporary television. You start off laughing at him or finding him silly and irritating, like a caricature, then you end up caring so deeply about him that it feels as if he's a relative or someone you truly care for. This character is both masterfully written and acted - truly a masterpiece of characterization. Thank you so much for the spot-on analysis in the video!

[@apblolol]

Elliot from Mr. Robot is what I think of as a similarly written character, as someone we would think would be a hacker vigilante, caricature like at times. Both in my eyes masterfully acted and written

[@tyleryenna2774]

Can you imagine how awful it would have felt if he died by the end of the season as a caricature?

[@bye1551]

@@tyleryenna2774 if he wasn't in the show, I probably couldn't have watched past season 2. Everyone was just so evil, so contemptible and unlikable it was impossible to watch and I didn't care what happened to them. I really only watched to see how it impacted Jesse, and how he'd try to do what's right despite it all

[@danielaf1487]

@@bye1551 - Really? Who did you think was evil in seasons 1 and 2, apart from Tuco? Walt hadn't gone full Heisenberg yet and evil Gus only appeared later. I thought most characters were deeply flawed, maybe, but not evil.

[@bye1551]

@@danielaf1487 *past* season 2, apologies for not clarifying. I meant that during season 3, especially towards the later episodes it was just so clear to me that Walt didn't value peoples lives as much as he claimed, until season 4 I didn't feel much sympathy for Skyler (I do now having finished the show) and Hank and Marie were unbearable. I cared about off characters but Jesse is what really kept me invested in the show after mid season 3 tbh and once season 4 started he was fully my only reason to watch.

[@decave]

These videos really make you understand why acting is such an incredibly difficult skill to master.

[@Pangloss6413]

Which makes it so ridiculously impressive that Aaron Paul never took acting classes ever

[@kimbley6451]

This was his first acting role so that makes it even more impressive

[@mrdabrow]

how the hell did you write this a day ago when the video came out today

[@mrtheo7680]

Facts

[@MelloBear_]

I became an actor about a year ago, I got lucky and got scouted by a legit talent agent who convinced me to give it a shot, and I thought it would be the easiest job ive ever had. Come to find out its incredibly difficult and takes years to master and every move is a deliberate and precise decision by every actor. Being in the industry gave me a much bigger respect for the arts and how difficult they are. Truly is a job and a tough skill which is why so few can do it and do it well

[@tootieq6527]

The scene when Jesse sees Andrea murdered just tore a hole in my soul. The gut wrenching sound he makes as he screams just breaks me. Even knowing Aaron was acting doesn’t make it easier to watch. I felt like I was watching a puppy being tortured.

[@mariellebozziniify]

I always said this about Jesse! It’s like watching a puppy get tortured! It’s horrible. But so powerful.

[@ProdbyZyruh]

His screams so way too authentic and it’s genuinely disturbing to listen to. If someone listened to the audio and didn’t know where it came from, they’d probably be disturbed too

[@Slender_Man_186]

@@ProdbyZyruh him yelling “NO!” right before Todd shoots that kid was on the same level of Thor yelling it before Thanos snapped but years before IW.

[@castillogaliciaricardo5299]

Fun fact: Vince actually shot Paul's real life girlfriend to get an authentic reaction, Bravo Vince!

[@williamhofhansl736]

I feel like he should have seen it coming with how the neo nazis left him a picture of Andrea and brock.

[@originaozz]

Made me realize why his scenes after being prisoned was just too crushing. He literally lost his character.

[@t221000]

The scene where he's forced to watch as those assholes kill Andrea is the saddest scene in the entire show.

[@beanzthumbz]

@@t221000 for me it's the scene where walt finds him in the crackhouse, that fucks me up every single time I see it

[@elugg18]

@@beanzthumbz fr Aaron plays Jesse as if he’s nothing but a slave nothing more no will no anger just sadness an emptiness

[@destroylonely777]

@@beanzthumbz same

[@SoraNoRei93]

@@beanzthumbz yeah... i mean when Jesse crying I'm crying too the crасkhouse scene, the hospital monologue to Walt, Gale, Andrea etc. every time

[@geofffisher9886]

Jesse didn't flunk out, we are just led to believe he did. A conversation in an El Camino flashback he says "You were on the stage when they handed it me" talking about his diploma.

[@englishwithkristin8962]

Yes thank you!! I was looking for this comment. Yeah Jesse graduated, he just wasn't the golden boy like his little brother

[@Crimson_Samurai-h8q]

I think Walt just failed him on chemistry in particular but jesse was probably amazing in his other subjects

[@NoJustMe33]

@@Crimson_Samurai-h8q all love but I really doubt that lol

[@jacobb5484]

@@NoJustMe33 He was likely able to float by with other teachers who didn't have Walt's ego. He probably fail in school due to lack of effort, not lack of skill.

[@planetclownfishbrain7052]

@@Crimson_Samurai-h8q Bet he really loved smoking meth class.

[@laura1031]

Aaron Paul made Jesse something truly special and the reason I am fascinated by Breaking Bad so much. Such a human character

[@krioni86sa]

Who's Aaron Paul? I thought Jesse Pinkman was a real person.

[@bye1551]

He kept the show together for me. His brilliant humanity kept the show from being "terrible people do terrible things the end" for me, and kept it going for me

[@Naahi95]

He truly made the show for me

[@Squidwart156]

That fact that Aaron Paul never took any acting classes is astonishing.

[@RazanIsMe]

This is real talent

[@omar21710]

I think he was being mentored by Bryan in real time, not denying the talent but he worked with really good actors

[@killerqueendopamine]

EXCUSE ME? I didn’t know this! Really cool

[@elijahthegoat9681]

@@omar21710 u can definitely see the impact Bryan had on him even within the first few seasons. Aaron has real talent no doubt because even if bryan was telling him what he needed to do to sell the character the fact that he can act the way he does with no classes is very crazy.

[@ninyaninjabrifsanovichthes45]

@@elijahthegoat9681 It's an exact mirror of what happens in the show. Walt teaches Jesse how to cook, and he eventually becomes just as good a cook as Walt. Bravo Vince. /hj

[@cindylast1901]

to think aaron didnt take a SINGLE acting class before auditioning for the role is mind boggling. hes so effortlessly talented, he cant depict so much emotion in such little time in any scene.

[@sirbirbton]

Why can't he?

[@-ayoshattah-ilya14ans70]

@@sirbirbton Exaclty

[@jessepinkman2184]

@@sirbirbton i think they meant can

[@sierramaloney6395]

as a recovering addict, aaron's acting on this show made me weep and made my skin crawl in so many instances. it was like witnessing moments in my life from another person's POV. i am in awe someone could pull off those low moments (relapsing or trying a new drug, realizing you're all alone) with such genuine body language and pain. he is insanely talented.

[@planetclownfishbrain7052]

Lol. Stfu there was no reality in this p.o.s.

[@KaiDrawsShit03]

Right? This might be my favorite depiction of an addict trying desperately to recover.

[@xostler]

It’s such a good commentary on the company that recovering addicts keep too. Misery truly does love company… looking at you Walt…

[@kapb4149]

Every time I see the scene of him on heroin for the first time I think - wow how does he know ? It’s not like he tried it . Great acting

[@ID-8491]

He's very talented, yup. He uses his talent well.

[@purplematter3779]

the way aaron portrays jesse's loneliness, his depression, his addiction, his trauma, his compassion, it's impossible not to sympathize with him, as he does with others.

[@enigmabttf]

I was instinctively drawn to the character of Jesse. It's was refreshing to see a male character who shows so many feelings. Aaron Paul is a terrific actor, you've pointed it out very clearly to us in your video. Loved this analysis!

[@planetclownfishbrain7052]

He was a cry baby. No talent in that.

[@trissi4468]

@@planetclownfishbrain7052 I think you should change your name in only Clown.

[@blazingtrs6348]

@@planetclownfishbrain7052 you think if you were in jesse's postion that you would be all stoic and collected?

[@xrrgr]

@@blazingtrs6348 every hard ass on the Internet that sits typing comfortably from their rooms always thinks that lol

[@mollusckscramp4124]

@@planetclownfishbrain7052 Noticed you've commented this in a number of comments under the video. Are you really that jealous to see a male actor be praised for his emotional portrayal of a tv character? Sounds like you're the only crybaby here buddy.

[@variadi]

My favourite character arc of Jesse is the evolution of his voicemail recording.

[@deez_nuts1368]

I think this comment is a joke but I 100% agree with it. I remember laughing a lot when I first heard his voicemail recording, all happy energetic and dumb, and then by the end of the series, when we kept hearing the new tired and sad one, I just wanted to cry

[@sifatshams1113]

I seriously will never understand how out of the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of films I've seen over the course of my life, one of the absolute greatest performances I've ever seen is from a guy who never took acting lessons.

[@Herzyyyy]

He’s not better than Cranston but I’m with you

[@xrrgr]

@@Herzyyyy no one said that

[@kapb4149]

I’m so thrilled to see how much people feel the same way as I do. Bryan was amazing but Jesse was so intense so sweet and he had that edge - he was perfect. Can you imagine anyone else in that role? I can’t. He and Bryan were so connected it was perfection. A cast like that doesn’t come around a lot.

[@fat_d4ddy]

​@@Herzyyyy They have different type of roles. Not comparable. Aaron paul is not better than Bryan, just as Bryan isnnot better than Aaron.

[@judigemini178]

Some people are just born with it

[@ajtaylor8750]

The character of Jesse Pinkman goes from a young, naive, yet hopeful man to a broken, hardened, and hopeless soul who starts to see his own humanity even through all of the heinous acts he's witnessed while working with Walter White. Aaron Paul delivers a truly iconic performance by showing his vulnerability and ability to do good, yet showing us the pain, rage, and darkness underneath it all and how he will probably never be okay even when he finally becomes free by the end of the series. The final scene of him driving off in the car, laughing yet crying and screaming always stuck with me because while Jesse was physically free, emotionally he's so destroyed that he'll Forever be haunted by the memories of his past.

[@TheBiggestBruh]

Fr.

[@PigeonFace4Life]

I love this comment so much. So deep and accurate!!

[@mosquitopyjamas9048]

As an actor, I love these videos. People underestimate Aaron Paul but he matched Bryan Cranston. Incredible performance and incredible to dive that deep and make it real on screen

[@ArielBojorquez]

I’m an actor too well trying to be

[@vaasmontenegro1573]

I want to be an actor when i grow up :)

[@kevrms]

Its just like the show funny enough. People underestimate Jesse but by the end of it he's widely recognized as Walt's equal

[@maikel6035]

I'm also an actour. Everyday i act like everything is going to be fine.

[@ginao6810]

You’re analysis of Jesse’s movement is interesting, but you’re forgetting one key thing. Jesse is using meth (and other drugs) for most of the first few seasons; basically until Jane dies. So Paul is not only moving frenetically to relay character, but to mimic the movements of a meth user. You can tell if Jesse is meant to be using or not based on his colours. All they characters had distinct colour palates. When Jesse is wearing bright colours (mainly red and yellow) he is using drugs. When he is wearing black and white he is off drugs.

[@xrrgr]

though jesse also wears mostly black through the last seasons as he becomes more and more depressed

[@Naahi95]

If it wasn't for Jesse I wouldn't have gotten past the first season of Breaking Bad. I was instantly intrigued because you can see in the first season that there's so much more to him that meets the eye. And by the second season I was so emotionally attached to his character that it pained me every time I'd see him struggle with addiction, heartbreak, lost and so much loneliness. For me he was the most compelling character to watch, as Walt changed for the worse and became more unsympathetic each season.

[@xrrgr]

truth

[@comealsolito804]

100% agree. Eventhough Walter White is the center of the series, he literally became a villain so the presence of Jesse always gave me the connection I needed to be invested in it. I always rooted for him like he was the protagonist

[@bababooey5402]

Jesse, as I'm comparing it, is the child of the entire show. He's the youngest, the most energetic, the likeable one... but he's also the most manipulatable, punishable, and the most painful person to watch suffer. Every time he's happy or did something good, I can't help but feel happy with him and congratulate him like you would a child who pulled off something beautiful, something wonderful. But then, when the gutteral, visceral pain and anguish/rage/fear kicks in, it feels like I'm watching an abusive parent beat their child... on a much, much worse scale. Jesse doesn't deserve half of the punishment he gets in the entire show, and he fucking SELLS it. Great fucking job, Arron, you beautiful bitch. You created the best performance for a character I've seen.

[@xrrgr]

spot on

[@mariolisa2832]

I agree in some ways but Jesse did mostly bring a lot of the bad things upon himself by being an addict and a bit of an idiot. He was a kind soul though

[@kapb4149]

I love reading these about Jesse. During the run of the show there was all this buzz about Walt , Gus - Mike etc . For me , while they were amazing ! - all of them - Jesse was the heart of the series. Without him I wouldn’t even had watched the second season. I had nothing invested in any of the other characters.

[@cindella204]

I've done some research on the representation of complex trauma and PTSD in fictional media and I think Aaron's work as Jesse is an absolute standout in the category. From the hyperemotional state he was in from Seasons 3 to 5A as he faces all these horrific events in quick succession to finally losing all that surface emotion that made him feel so human in El Camino because the 24/7 trauma/torture from the Nazis was finally enough to break him. It's incredible, incredible work.

[@gabrielafonseca4034]

My favorite Jesse moment is when he tearfully asks Walt to stop playing him and just ask him to leave, when they're in the desert and end up in a pain stricken embrace. I'm glad I subscribed to this channel

[@ritz6982]

Jesse didn’t want that embrace. He hated Walt at that point. Walt just took the liberty of embracing Jesse as if there was any chance that Jesse would ever want anything to do with him again.

[@matthewbartlett3442]

As is everything Walt does, it was an attempt to appeal himself to Jesse

[@xrrgr]

right

[@wadiezaidi8139]

I like that scene also jesse needed to Say those words to Walt

[@TinSoldier7]

That scene made me so uncomfortable, you could tell Jesse just wanted him to tell the truth, for closures sake but all he got in return was another attempt to manipulate him

[@MrCount987]

Jesse and Walter relationship is the most complex thing that we ever had in series,you cannot really describe it what exactly is it,its such a mix of emotions and all kind of feelings,just pure brilliance.

[@ocelotMartinez]

Wow this was an eye opening analysis! I loved the show but didn't realize what an incredible actor aaron paul is

[@nilssjoberg2522]

Without directly noticing all these things I felt that Jesse was the best role Aaron ever played

[@Zero_Point_Energy1]

It’s easy to focus on Cranston, but after watching the show and embarrassing number of times it’s nice to focus on the amazing performances of Aaron Paul and others like Anna Gunn and Giancarlo Espinoza.

[@nilssjoberg2522]

@@Zero_Point_Energy1 everyone just aces their role tbh

[@Naahi95]

@@Zero_Point_Energy1 Anna Gunn is fantastic and super underrated (mostly because of the unfair hate her character received)

[@15thobserver]

@@Naahi95 *fair criticism of an extremely unlikable character.

[@jessebrucepinkman9834]

Jesse is one of those characters who on the outside sounds and acts like a bad person with anger issues but on the inside he is a scared harmless individual who is kind and just wants to live happily

[@humansnotbots-y8l]

The question I have is how does an actor with this much potential and range go unnoticed and unbooked for so long before the show? This kind of talent can’t just pop up out of nowhere

[@caninehelicopter5200]

I think a part of it was that Vince Gilligan and the other BB directors were able to fully bring out Aaron Paul's potential and put him in the right mindset.

[@jacobb5484]

A bad script, direction, or role can easily mask great talent especially if the actor doesn't self advocate for their skills.

[@nonostalgiareviews5982]

In my opinion Jesse was always the hero of the story. Jesse always took Walt's abuse and punishment for his actions and still supported him until he crossed a line. And even then he was completely lost he didn't intentionally get to Hank and snitch on him he was manipulated in a time of desperation.

[@FabioKun]

Protagonist? Anti hero? Yes but Hero? No

[@Herzyyyy]

He literally shot a relatively innocent dude in the damn face. Idc if Walt told him too, that alone disqualifys him from being a hero

[@nonostalgiareviews5982]

@@Herzyyyy innocent? How many people did gale kill with the lbs. of meth over turf and directly with people ruining their lives. Gale was far from innocent he was in the game and it's his own fault for trying to justify a life ruining drug by saying "they're gonna get it either way" heroes aren't pure good or pure evil

[@Herzyyyy]

@@nonostalgiareviews5982 hero’s don’t shoot people in the head

[@solen5529]

@@Herzyyyy Many hero's shoot people in the head fictional or otherwise

[@Neroli-Arancia]

Let us remind ourselves that this is the same guy who played Todd Chavez, the loveable twenty-something who causes shenanigans wherever he goes, in Bojack Horseman

[@traebeneck4994]

"I like getting my picture taken. It's proof that I exist!"

[@micahsnow346]

Even though Jesse made so many bad choices, Aaron’s performance made me care for him so much - I just wanted to crawl through the screen and take him far, far away from Walt and his entire situation. I wish we had gotten to see more of how he found his own peace in Alaska in the El Camino movie. He truly deserves that.

[@sae9362]

I finished watching breaking bad last week...oof. Words cannot express what emotions I felt when todd stepped up to the house, then they show us that jesse is being forced to watch. Those cries and the look on his face- such good acting. It felt so real

[@InternetScoutTV]

Who is Jake??? I think you meant todd

[@sae9362]

@@InternetScoutTV yeah my bad. I binged the show very fast. No idea where jake came from lmfao. I also tend to confuse todd with jesse because I watched bojack horseman first and realized Aaron voices todd as well. Jesse and todd both wear hoodies and beanies too qwq

[@grace-4072]

@@sae9362Bro same. Everytime my partner mentioned todd while we were watching BB i was like oh yeah! Oh wait. Oh yeah :(

[@yuarentlucky]

@@grace-4072 Todd and Jesse are actually pretty similar characters, both are recovering addicts simply trying to find peace, and happiness, and a reconnection with their family.

[@Typical.Anomaly]

@@yuarentlucky No, they're not. Never saw Todd do any drugs. Todd is a psychopath, and Jesse is an empath. They couldn't be more different.

[@Ahiru77]

Aaron’s style of acting has to be the most difficult style of all. You’re asking SO much of your body, voice, mental state. Like, notice that Bryan and Giancarlo also had the scene where they see someone get shot in front of them…..but their cry scene is more still and monotonous. The audio even cuts out so that their voices aint a issue. Aaron gets no cinema tricks and just has to destroy his voice, throw his body into it like he is trying to get to her, bangs himself against the car. Magnificent. This is why everyone was always so happy he won all those Emmy’s, doing this style so perfectly needs to awarded at all times.

[@cadearcher2258]

Jesse is one of my favorite fictional characters ever. He’s as multi-layered and complex as any character ever created

[@whatifgaming1661]

I've been binging pretty much every Breaking Bad theory out there. I particularly enjoy seeing you come out with videos because I know your takes will be fresh, and great. Keep it up

[@alannacarlson6715]

That emotional rawness and intensity are so appropriate and important for Jesse's character. The way he trusts people and is so horrified when they betray him. Jesse is an addict. Someone who feels emotion like that, super intensely and overwhelmingly (often a symptom of borderline personality disorder), its so easy to turn to drugs to try to cope with it all. It just makes a lot of sense to me that someone as highly emotional and empathetic as Jesse would end up having a problem with drugs. Such a complicated character. Very loveable

[@kurtreznor]

OMG. I just binged the show a few months ago. I didn't realize they originally intended to kill him off in season 1. That seems so crazy because he was one of the only characters I was actually rooting for.

[@donnymcjonny6531]

Aaron poured his soul into the role.

[@PentaromaLMA0]

imagine being such a good actor your character literally becomes a main one

[@millyhearts]

honestly aaron paul is such an incredible actor. the unique and special thing about his acting work is that it seems authentic. every expression and micro expression he makes seems real, like a real person is making them, and thinking about what to do next instead of just reading lines off a script

[@straight-uppodcast3834]

To me, he’s always been the standout performance and you can tell the amount of effort he puts into each episode

[@kouxhal_09]

It's not just an observation it's fully detailed noticing each & every moment 🙌🏻

[@Strathclydegamer]

There’s a table read of one of the episodes, I’ve seen it here on KZbin, and what you say is absolutely spot on: “Aaron Paul always dares to go all in, in every scene”. During that table read Hanks actor literally just reads what is on the page, sat at that table Aaron *is* Jesse, he feels what Jesse would be feeling, he cries and is so great, so moving that he makes Anna Gunn cry too. Aaron Paul really does give it all, at all times. He gave stunning performances every time he was on screen. I couldn’t believe he had never been formally trained, I know he had superb writing to work with and excellent tutors available within the cast, but he was absolutely incredible.

[@soulthekid1]

2:34 iirc in el camino when jesse and walt are discusing his life after all this walt mentions jesse getting his GED and going to collage jesse says to walt that he dident flunk high school and has his diploma and walt is shcoked by this as he may just assume jesse flunked high school as a whole becasue he failed walts class

[@Heart0fDorkness]

Yep, it was a flashback scene in El Camino. "Yo, you were standing right on stage when they handed it to me. I totally graduated high school, DICK."

[@corystarkiller]

The second episode of Breaking Bad shows us that he graduated high school. Skylar is hunting for information about Jesse online and finds his myshout page that says he graduated from JP Wynne High School and DeVry University for data system

[@takyon5959]

I don't comment often but it was a really well made video. Aaron Paul really did pour his entire soul into the Jessie character and you made me appriciate his talent even more. Thank you!

[@MikePhoenix007]

I think, against Bryan Cranston's ground breaking performance, sometimes Aaron Paul's goes unnoticed. But his performance in Breaking Bad is still one of the most phenomenal pieces of acting EVER done.

[@JpgZeth]

i feel like aaron’s character is so loved as jesse pinkman is because he is such a relatable character to a lot of people in this generation, with so much stress it’s like seeing yourself on screen, beautiful writing an acting.

[@thomasc7322]

Great analysis as always, but it's funny that at 2:32 you say he flunked out of school, seeing as Walt makes the same assumption during the flashback scene in El Camino, offending Jesse, who actually did graduate high school.

[@t221000]

The best part about his performance is that I'm pretty sure all the subtle things you mentioned weren't written in the script. They seem like choices Aaron made for the character. That's why it was so satisfying to see him win 3 Emmy awards. He was truly the most likable character in the show, especially because his two loves died.

[@angelical.3384]

Amazing video! Aaron Paul's performance as Jesse is breathtaking. I remember watching a table reading of the episode "Blood money", and even in just the reading you can tell he's pouring every emotion his character is feeling into the performance. It makes me think that even in the moments we didn't get to see, he was putting everything he felt into his character.

[@Fran-le5pk]

Jesse is one of my favourite characters ever! Maybe I just haven't watched enough tv, but for a male character in the 2000s it was amazing to see him be allowed to have so much emotional vulnerability. Its so important to show that no matter your gender identity you are allowed to show your full emotions, and to be see that displayed in a show is incredible. In all his scenes I could feel every one of his words, and I can't begin to imagine what the show would be like if Jesse didn't make it past season one

[@quintonpuls1565]

My favourite part about this is that his maturity shows through his movement like at the start he moves like crazy but in el Camino he is still and ready especially in the cowboy duel at the end

[@remoryu]

jesse is one of my favorite characters of all time, and aaron definitely gives one of the best performances ever. he’s one of the biggest reasons i rewatch this series so much. it’s always so fun noticing new micro expressions and subtleties of his performance i might’ve missed the first time thank you for the great video! always excited to see more

[@PatrickWDunne]

I can't even imagine how different this show would've been if they killed off Jesse. I've never been so heartbroken by any other TV character.

[@RedHeadForester]

Even just seeing a 1 second clip of the scene where Jesse is making the wooden box with so much pride hurts. The juxtaposition to where he actually was during that flashback is powerful.

[@archivemedia1140]

After watching this video and reflecting back on BrBa, I’m now viewing Jesse from another perspective. Jesse is the Unknown Variable opposite to Walt’s Calculated Mindset. He’s the underdog that unexpectedly applied himself to learn and excel within a year. Though Jesse can act immature and doubts himself at times, he perseveres and see every situation through.

[@theantone7476]

Could you do an essay on Howard Hamlin next or Patrick Fabian's performance as Howard? I really love these videos. Thanks

[@annrodriguez2891]

Rhea Seehorn...Kim Wexler..

[@elo2487]

@@annrodriguez2891 already done : kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2WYaoGQm7KMjbs

[@KingHarambe_RIP]

Yes! I always thought Patrick’s performance as Howard was under appreciated. You know you hate the guy as a viewer but in reality he really doesn’t do much wrong as a boss and he genuinely tries to help Kim and Jimmy. Him putting Kim in doc review and being impatient with her early in the series and not standing up for Jimmy against Chuck are pretty much the only questionable things I can think of. He does attempt repeatedly to amend for these mistakes and he is consistently targeted as a punching bag. I think this comes down to how Patrick sells the character to us. A lesser actor would have either made him come across as disingenuous or unrealistically desperate.

[@AnthonySilva35]

The box from woodshop was one of the most well written moments for any character that's been on screen

[@Justin-ro8mm]

Andreas death was so sad I cried for days no fictional character can relate to the pain jesses’ been through

[@DonBurns]

Truly an inspirational video. As someone with alexithymia, there is a lot on the emotional side that I am either unaware of or unable to identify in others. So much of what you described are things I felt while watching the show, but never took actual notice and understanding of. Hearing you describe and breakdown, in such great detail, all of the emotions Jesse portrayed in each and every scene.. just simply mind blowing. I now appreciate his raw talent so much more than I did before watching your video. Thank you.

[@palomarivera5475]

Don't feel bad! I think these details are really subtle, you wouldn't notice them on a normal watch

[@explosive_nuclear_catz]

Jesse is so well written, I sympathsise and/or empathsise with him so much :( Aaron Paul is such an incredible actor omg

[@amarualvarez5215]

i love this video! i wanted to add onto the part of jesse looking up, especially when confronted with overwhelming emotions. he is a vulnerable guy who cries a lot, but he still lives in a world where thats not The Ideal Manly Attitude. so i think him looking up conveys him trying to contain his overflowing tears. consciously or unconsciously

[@L1VE3V1L]

He really nailed it. He wasn’t cut out for this world, whereas Walter was too cut out for it.

[@Katy009Fashion]

Jesse is so vulnerable. A very difficult thing to show on screen while looking real.

[@anthonyf616]

I've always loved this character since I was like 13. So much easier to root for him than a monster like Gus, or a narcissist like Waltuh

[@FanWithNoName94]

Not only have these videos given me a greater appreciation for acting, it has made me more conscious of social cues from those in my every day life. Even myself

[@chomes8048]

I don't know how you gained the insight that you have on acting and techniques or where you learned to so succinctly express your analysis of multiple seasons of a character, it is truly impressive. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and making the shows a more interesting experience whether its the first viewing or a rewatching a show again.

[@yagadoobeegadaba3807]

Analysing things like this is always interesting, although i think some people are just naturally good actors, and Aaron Paul probably doesn’t even realise he’s doing most of these things, he just does them.

[@jonvia]

Every time I go to rewatch Breaking Bad, I always forget about the scene at 10:00 ... its so shocking to see someone that Jesse really cared about go out like that. Very reminiscent of how Jane died. Every time Jesse got close to a woman, they became intertwined in his crazy world. Plus, the actor who plays Todd is so damn good. He really makes the viewer hate him. Especially after shooting the kid on the motorcycle.

[@OneThousandDemons]

The scene where Andrea is shot, Aaron Paul's acting will always be at the top for most genuine looking and sounding pain I've ever seen on television. Of all the drama shows I've watched, none compare to the emotion Aaron Paul portrayed in that one scene.

[@lydiaminx666]

It made me cry my eyes out

[@hannekezijlmans6578]

The raw emotion this man can bring to the surface... It's one of the most intense characters I've ever seen in TV history.

[@lundylow]

I was in a play about prison inmates where I literally was kinda trying to imitate Jesse. Chip on my shoulder, smarter than people give me credit for, the anger that builds up, but still the empathy. I never said "bitch," but I was definitely trying to recreate Aaron Paul's body language and vocal cadence. I even had fake tribal tattoos.

[@Gall24583]

I got goosebumps when just the audio was played from Andrea’s murder

[@2miscme]

Aaron Paul is really an absolutely fantastic actor. His emotional scenes have me… every. single. time.

[@Cinema-Bdarija]

He did perfect the role, he *is* the role. Although I cannot see Aaron act outside Jesse Pinkman and I've seen all his roles

[@heisenberg6142]

Bojack horseman!?

[@chonchjohnch]

I like him in westworld, he’s much more reserved and mature

[@baruckobungoo8225]

It’s perfect for him… kinda how mike is for Johnathan Banks

[@itspwebs5158]

Bojack horsemen he's great in it as Todd

[@t221000]

I believe he was in an Episode of "The X-Files" back in the 90's.

[@avodiablackheart6131]

Aaron was exceptional in BB. always a bundle of different emotions. WELL DONE... The Jesse Pinkman character is GREAT. THANX AARON!!! FROM A HUGE FAN...

[@beanieboi7959]

You said he flunked out of school but in el Camino we learn that he did graduate

[@BryanKean]

I thought I had consumed all the best material on BB here on KZbin over the years and somehow, I am just now stumbling across your work and I have to say, it is hands down the most insightful and well conveyed look into my favorite show ever. I wish i had not found it, just so I could rediscover it for the first time again. Simply brilliant work. Your work could be an entire college course on this show. Fantastic! Thank you for taking the time.

[@JustanObservation]

Thanks Bryan!

[@Frame13103]

By far my favorite character in the show. So much more relatable than Walter. I find myself more mad at Walt than sympathetic, whereas I’m constantly praying that Jesse makes it out ok and hoping the best for him. I feel like he’s me in some ways, and it makes the show that much more intense. And his acting… best performance I’ve ever seen in any show or movie imo… great video btw!

[@K12machinima]

Aaron Paul’s acting is what Nic Cage thinks his own acting is.

[@dangermouse1997]

Best comment on this video 😂

[@alim.9801]

I think Nic Cage knows exactly what he's doing 😂

[@K12machinima]

@@alim.9801 It’s hard to tell with him sometimes. :i

[@ms.dreavus2446]

Jesse is the heart of the show. I don't think Breaking Bad would be nearly as successful without him.

[@zakel9379]

Your videos make KZbin a better platform, you're amazing 5:46 Maybe he looks up to the sky so his tears come back

[@sandcake]

On Point. Thank you! I'm writing a gritty, dark TV show in the moment and want him as an lead actor. It will probably not happen, but having him as Jesse in mind helps writing the character and scenes.

[@ericapierson-way213]

Aaron Paul really is one of the most underrated actors ever. His performance in Breaking Bad was mind blowing. And yeah, he got his accolades for that, I'm just saying I'm surprised his name isn't everywhere - that he isn't huge. And yeah, might be a personal choice too. But I would love to see more of him. He is incredible.

[@quincywhite6871]

Walt and Jesse : an unstoppable object meets and unmoving force

[@heisenberg8956]

You're goddamn right

[@kfgrip]

I am 53 years old and in all my years I can say IMO that Breaking Bad is THE Greatest television show I have ever seen in my life.

[@zavierlee695]

2:35 "I got my diploma. Yo, you were standing right on stage when they handed it to me."

[@bapeape8893]

Oh my god this is a great analysis

[@sooriyajayasekaran9634]

I finished breaking bad for HIM... So much love for the character and the guy who played it.

[@myshasarwar7739]

6:32 (he's never sitting perfectly still) ; i'd like to add on that jesse is lowkey one of the only charters who is 'imperfect'. while all of the characters are flawed in some way, they are all actively trying to reach some sort of perfection. walt for example is trying to create a perfect, comfortable life for his family, jane wants to have a perfect life free from her father's supervision, and many other examples. jesse on the other hand isn't chasing a goal or any 'perfect life'. when jane was talking about going where the universe takes you, he agrees while jane says its stupid, and other characters sort of follow jane's idea; taking control of their life and doing what they want to do. walt is a prominent example of this someone who goes out of his way to lead a life he wants to lead and wants his family to lead. again, jesse is one of the few characters who truly 'go with the flow', and doesn't really have an end goal. his imperfections and lack of understanding or him not having everything planned out can relate to the viewer. many of us can relate to having no final destination, yeah we have goals like 'get this turned by friday' or 'take a shower before you go to sleep', but in terms of how we want our life to end, most of us don't have anything planned out. we might a basic idea of what we want to do, but its nothing compared to how put-together and planned out the future and goals are for the other characters of breaking bad. Jesse is like us, someone who is just trying to survive by any means in this cruel world, and in a way, is someone the viewer can see themselves as in the show. his lack of rationality or understanding, his imperfections, is someone who could be a reflection of the viewer, and a reflection of humanity to an extent. (extra thing: his ending is perfect in so many ways but I love how all jesse wants by the end is freedom, and that's what he gets. to the extent that all we see of him in breaking bad is him speeding off to live a free life, so much so that not even the writers or the ones behind breaking bad can't dictate his future. he is truly free, free from the nazi ppl, walt, gus, todd, even the viewer and the writers. its a blank paper, a paper no one (not even the writers) can fill but jesse himself. his lack of an ending is such a perfect ending for him I cant-)

[@kieranleehamilton]

Only subbed recently, love your videos man! Especially your Breaking Bad ones, keep up the great work

[@DannyDisease]

I don't think I would have watched most of Breaking Bad without Jesse! Great video, thank you!

[@bornimusic]

Utterly mind blowing. This was difficult to watch actually. Really distilling what was going into all of these performances. Thank you for this. Human beings are incredible.

[@onemoreminute0543]

I absolutely love your Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul analysis

[@NathanRech]

13:06 when I saw that I almost burst into tears of happiness for jesse then it turns back into the bad emotions while he's locked up in the lab

[@KingdomHeart556]

My favorite thing about watching these videos is finally seeing all the recurring actions and gestures, like Jesse looking up, or when he moves his head toward whoever he is talking to. So cool.

[@grace-4072]

can i just say also that aaron paul is ALSO an incredible voice actor (bojack horseman!!) and that he really clearly thinks about his characters and how they would act and react and respond to things. Idk i literally think he’s a genius and id watch anything with him in it tbh

[@pauljoseph3081]

As a stoic myself who leans towards Walt, watching BB again shocks me to feel how traumatizing Jesse went through...

[@edwardyoutube]

What an incredible acting Aaron Paul. Standing ovation to you.

[@ricoperez9252]

Just leaving a comment so the algorithm does it’s thing. Excellent work. Thank you.

[@belialearth]

This made me cry at his sheer raw talent. The actor of a generation!

[@bonafide5364]

7:30 you're looking at that too literally, a lot of the time fidgety people when they get frustrated kinda shake the emotion out and that comes through our hands