Breaking Bad has finished its five season run as one of the top programs on American television. The show revolves around the creation and distribution of crystal meth. The central characters are all involved in this drug underworld somehow. This has led the show to be the source of much controversy.
I personally refuse to watch Breaking Bad. I do not boycott the show due to crystal meth. I do not shy away from the show due to violence or crude language. Many of the programs I enjoy feature such adult situations. I refuse to watch the show because the world pretended one main actor did not exists until the show took off. Fans of the program act like Bryan Cranston came out of nowhere.
It is understandable when the mainstream recognizes an outstanding actor for a popular role. The problem is that Bryan Cranston has been an amazing actor for many years before Breaking Bad. The fans of the program are sure to know of his work on Malcolm in the Middle, Little Miss Sunshine and The X-Files. Cranston has been giving the world quality entertainment since the 1980’s.
From 1996’s That Thing You Do to voice roles in Batman:Year One and Madagascar 3, Cranston has been in the spotlight far longer than fans of Breaking Bad like to admit. Perhaps they are ashamed that their leading man was once the goofy father on Malcolm in the Middle.
While not every fan of Breaking Bad ignores Cranston’s prior success, the mainstream audience merely seems to not care about anything else Cranston has ever done. It is a shame to see such a talented actor only be given praise for one of his numerous roles. Is it wrong of me to wish for the world to embrace Bryan Cranston for the wonderful actor he is and not just for his work as Walter White? Even the creator of the program, Vince Gilligan, chose Cranston for the role due to having worked with him on The X-Files and being impressed with his work.
I cannot get myself to watch the program because of my issues with pop culture conveniently ignoring anything else Cranston has ever done. It would be like Johnny Depp putting out a new film and the world beginning to ignore Gilbert Grape, Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands. I believe this is blatant disrespect towards Cranston and his acting range. Does the mainstream audience even care that they’re ignoring a man’s legacy? I simply cannot bring myself to watch the show for this reason.
Having been a longtime fan of Cranston’s, I’m sure I will eventually elect to watch the series. I would hate to become a hypocrite and ignore what is now part of his legacy. I merely consider myself a “ticked off” fan when it comes to this topic. Hopefully, pop culture will begin to embrace Cranston for his other work outside of the program.
