What Does Breaking Bad’s Episode “Ozymandias” & A 200 Year Old Poem Have In Common?

An exploration of “Breaking Bad’s” iconic episode and its profound connection to Percy Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias”.

Breaking Bad character Walter White standing in the desert in front of a decayed statue of a bygone king. (Photo made with Freepik. Courtesy of: Peter Deleuran).

Breaking Bad — a television masterpiece. A show that unapologetically delves into the dark underbelly of human nature and the harrowing consequences of one man’s fateful choices.

A meditation on the impermanence of human achievements and the relentless passage of time.

Introduction — Breaking Bad and the Brilliance of “Ozymandias”

For those who have yet to experience the gripping saga of Walter White, “Breaking Bad” is the brainchild of creator Vince Gilligan - a modern epic that unfolds over five riveting seasons.

At its core, it’s the tale of a meek and modest high school chemistry teacher who, when faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis, chooses a path that leads him from the depths of obscurity to the pinnacle of infamy. Walter White, portrayed with unparalleled brilliance by Bryan Cranston…