Why Did Gus Fring Let Mike Ehrmantraut Go at the End of Breaking Bad?
The question of why Gus Fring allowed Mike Ehrmantraut to go free at the end of Breaking Bad is a prevalent topic among fans of the show. However, the answer may not be as straightforward as it seems. Let's delve into the details to understand this intriguing plot point.
Was Mike Really Free?
Some might argue that the question is itself flawed because it suggests that Mike was ever in a position to be 'let go.' In the series, after the cartel's attack on Mike in Mexico, it appears he was in a weakened state. Answering questions from various sites and forums, the show's creator Vince Gilligan has stated, 'Yes, he was in a bad place in Mexico. And Gus was not at war with Mike. I don’t even think Gus knew he was there. The cartel attacked him for some other reason, unknown to me.'
Gus' Philosophy and Loyal Man
Gus Fring was not in the business of killing his right-hand assistants, especially as loyal as Mike Ehrmantraut was. Throughout the series, Mike was consistently depicted as a capable enforcer and a reliable asset. This trust was mutual, with Mike serving Gus with unwavering loyalty. In fact, one could argue that Gus would have been more likely to eliminate someone like Walter White once it became clear that he was a threat to his business and the safety of his operation. However, while Walter was able to direct a personal vendetta, discharging Gus, Mike was more than just a drug dealer; he was someone who could be counted on in a multitude of situations.
The Reason Behind the Question
It might be more pertinent to ask why Gus would let Walter White and Jesse Pinkman go. Once Walt introduced himself as the man who killed two of Fring's dealers, a more pressing reason was needed for their survival. However, the question of Mike being let go is likely a pointer to another undercurrent in the storyline. The reason why Gus didn't kill Mike is likely rooted in the fact that he doesn’t need to; Mike is already a prisoner of the cartel.
A New Perspective on the Question
A different way to frame the question might be, 'why did Gus not kill Mike when he needed a scapegoat for his dealers' deaths?' Given that Gus' influence and control over Albuquerque's drug trade were perhaps his most significant achievements, it was never his intention to go to war with Mike. Instead, Mike was a player in a larger game that had different variables and stakes. If Gus were to turn on Mike, it would mean flooding the market and losing control over a territory he fought hard to establish.
Wrapping Up
Thus, the reasoning behind Gus allowing Mike to go free lies in the nature of their relationship and the strategic importance of maintaining control. It is also reflective of the overall themes in Breaking Bad - the lengths one will go to protect their empire, the moral compromises that are necessary, and the enigmatic figures like Gus Fring who manipulate the world they inhabit from behind the scenes. While the idea of Gus letting Mike off the hook might seem surprising, it is grounded in the logic of the character and the storyline's intricacies.