A recurring motif in film is the misogynistic portrayal of female characters. Many female characters are notorious for playing into the stereotypical, obnoxious roles that are presented to them by directors. Even when their character does not embody that of a ‘stereotypical’ female character, they are still subject to much criticism amongst audiences, male audiences specifically. Similarly, there is also somewhat of a double standard created on screen, where male characters do not face the same criticism as their female counterparts. Oftentimes, male characters may act the same way, if not worse, and don’t receive the same audience reaction.

This particular phenomena can be applied to a character who is strongly disliked by many: Skylar White. In the award-winning series, Breaking Bad, Skyler White, played by Anna Gunn, is the wife of the protagonist, Walter White. In the series, Walter White is a high-school chemistry teacher who, after his 50th birthday, is diagnosed with lung cancer. Following this revelation, Walter, under the pseudonym Heisenberg, begins to cook and sell methamphetamine alongside a former student of his as a means of securing his family’s financial stability after his passing. Utilizing his expertise in chemistry, Walter’s “blue meth” product is of superior quality compared to other competitors, thus leading him to become further entrenched in the underworld of illegal narcotics. During his expedition of illicit drug trading, Walter attempts to hide his alter-ego from his family through lying and secrecy, however his marriage with Skyler suffers due to his unexplained absences and strange conduct. This leads to Skyler becoming increasingly frustrated and suspicious. Throughout the series, Skyler does everything she can to keep her family together– from attempting to convince Walter to quit the drug business, to abiding by his infractions. 

The show depicts Skyler as a continuous interference with Walter’s work and personal life, as she is smart and stubborn; she is consistently an obstacle in Walter’s way. This, however, should not be condemned, rather, these features are admirable. Had Skyler’s same traits been that of a male character, the audience would have praised that said character, nonetheless, because Skyler is depicted as an emotional housewife, she is wildly unpopular. For example, during season 2, after discovering Walter’s cancer diagnosis and beginning to question his odd behavior, Skyler has a brief breakdown following an incident where her sister, Marie—a recovering kleptomaniac—gives her a stolen bracelet. After finding out her gifted bracelet was, in fact, stolen, Skyler becomes upset and frustrated with her sister, ignoring Marie’s efforts to reach out and reconcile with her. As a result, Skyler’s brother-in-law contacts her in an attempt to convince Skyler to offer Marie more support. In response, Skyler experiences a momentary emotional breakdown, referencing her husband’s lung cancer, moody teenage son, overdrawn checking account, and defective water heater as more pressing issues to that of her sister’s. Additionally, during the first half of the series, Skyler is pregnant and a stay-at-home mother to her highschool son. Her strong emotions were also a result of her pregnancy, however, they would have been just as reasonable had she not been pregnant.

While some might argue that Skyler is too reckless and prideful; in truth, she is equally as impulsive and proud as her husband. Her actions are simply a response to her particular circumstances, and are not unjustified, considering Walter’s eccentric and objectionable behavior. She also exhibits far more compassion for her family than her husband. When Skyler first discovers Walter’s illegal activities, concerned for his safety and the well being of the family, she attempts to convince him to stop and seek help from authorities. Later in the series, Skyler eventually tries to divorce Walter and kicks him out of the house, as she is concerned for the safety of her and her family;Walter denies the divorce and forces his way back into the house. He continues to torment Skyler, and refuses to quit his work. After Walter ignores her help, Skyler becomes involved with his line of work in an attempt to maintain a relationship with her husband and begins to launder money for him under the guise of an innocent carwash. Despite everything that she puts up with, Skyler still cares for her husband, even nursing him back to health after he collapses on the bathroom floor. She remains loyal to most of his requests, even after his continuous mistreatment.

Overall, Skyler White is a character who is overlooked and overrated, simply because she is a female character. She, like many other female characters, is a victim of constant backlash simply because of the way her character is perceived.