The Enduring Legacy of Breaking Bad: Reflections from Larry Hankin and the Possibility of More Stories

Larry Hankin, a character actor who never initially aspired to be in the spotlight, has built an impressive career over more than fifty years, contributing to nearly 200 acting roles, including appearances in Friends and Escape from Alcatraz. While he may not be widely recognized by name, his face has gained familiarity thanks to his key roles in prominent projects, particularly Vince Gilligan’s Breaking Bad. Though he was invited to reprise his role in the spin-off film El Camino, the same opportunity did not extend to Better Call Saul, and Hankin could have insights into this decision.

Working alongside the primary ensemble, Breaking Bad thrives on the performances of its supporting cast, and Hankin’s portrayal of Old Joe, a cunning junkyard proprietor, serves as a prime example. However, eliciting a strong performance from Hankin presented certain challenges for the creators. After his return for a second episode in season five, he reflected on the director's need to step in when he struggled to recall his lines. Given that he has dyslexia, memorizing dialogue proved to be particularly difficult, compounded by Bryan Cranston's energetic presence on set. Ultimately, despite overcoming these hurdles and earning a return for El Camino, Hankin humorously noted his recurring issues with lines, suggesting this might explain his absence from Better Call Saul.

Although the opportunity to see Old Joe once more in the conclusion of this beloved franchise would have been enjoyable, Hankin is unfazed by the outcome. After five decades in the entertainment world, he has chosen to take a break from the industry.

The prospect of a revival of Breaking Bad appears unlikely at this time. Since concluding in 2014, fans have speculated about the potential for a return, especially following the conclusion of Better Call Saul. While Bryan Cranston has expressed openness to revisiting his role as Walt, Vince Gilligan maintains that he has no desire to alter the legacy established by these two landmark shows. He considers both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul to be defining works of his life, stating that they will forever be a part of his legacy, and he contemplates whether more stories remain untold, though he prefers not to diminish what has already been achieved.

As many acclaimed series falter with their finales, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are remarkable in their own right, and a significant portion of the fanbase believes their legacy should remain intact. Both series are currently available for streaming on Netflix.