In episode two we’re introduced to Hector: a rare example of people respecting the power and intelligence of a disabled, mute, old person. Furthermore, this is one of the few times in media that they have a disabled non-villain before a disabled villain. Most depictions of characters with Hector’s disabilities are almost also that the person is stupid, useless, and a burden, while Hector is effectively third in charge of a major cartel.
In episode three we see two big instances of discrimination. When Walter tells the psychiatrist that there wasn’t a fugue state, he lists Walt Jr’s Cerebral Palsy as a reason for running away. Later, when Walter is being discharged, Hank comes in and says, “I saw Marie downstairs. They’re rounding up a wheelchair for you, ya freeloading bastard.” Not only does this portray Walt Jr as a burden so large he contributed to a supposed mental break, but Walter is also now a burden on society for it.
Episode four is the beginning of a meaningful subplot: Walt Jr’s driving. He accommodates his disability by using both feet—one foot on each pedal—when driving rather than one or the other. Walter is very controlling and forces Walt Jr not to do this. Walt Jr says, “This is easier.” Walter replies, “There’s the easy way and there’s the right way.” Walt Jr says, “I can’t do this. My legs don’t work that way.” Walter says, “Your legs are fine. You just have to stick with it.” This gaslighting and lack of respect for the fact that Walt Jr knows Walt Jr’s body better than anyone else results in him crashing the car. Eventually, Walter concedes. This helps to show that disabled people know what accommodations we need (and that other people shouldn’t be allowed an opinion on it).
In episode thirteen the news crew comes to the White’s home and interviews Walt Jr about the fundraiser he’s set up for Walter’s cancer treatment. There is never any mention of his disability—no questions about it, no inspiration porn, no making the whole thing cuter by exaggerating it. This is very rare in real life; they were saying that it’s special notbecause a disabled kid is doing it, but because it’s happening in the first place.
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