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Skyler Finds Out: For Non-Majors

First, I want to give a brief explanation of my post title. When I was in college, there were several elective courses labeled as subjects for non-majors. To my knowledge, they were mostly science courses. It wasn't intended to be a lighter version of a subject, but rather a survey for those who were interested from an avocational point of view. Also, I saw it as taking the pressure off the professor, allowing him or her to present the topic in a more casual manner.

I won the RV about the 5th week of the season, but I've still been interested in some of the questions. It's not fair for me to be in with those who haven't won yet, so I'm setting up this topic for others like me. Also, we can continue to discuss it after the week is up.

For me, the easy answer is that Skyler can't find out about Walt's moonlighting. That's too simple, though. Another thing to think about is WHEN she finds out. If another principal figure (Hank, Marie or Walt Jr.), figures it out first, that will likely soften the blow, because that person will be able to offer their opinion to Skyler.

If Skyler finds out first, it's going to be a big blow to their relationship. Like any big secret revealed, it will be a shock and she will have to figure out what to do with the information. Unless Walt is also caught by the police or turned in, he's not off the hook. He has obligations to his family. If he can't take care of those, they'll have to develop a different strategy to survive. Any way it happens, it will be unpleasant.

Posted by DRKellogg
March 31, 2008 8:42pm

Comments

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By Clayton Neuman on April 1, 2008 4:53 PM

I think it would make for great drama if Skyler found out -- she's so committed to doing whatever it takes to save Walt's life, and the fact that he's doing just that would have to present some major challenges for her sense of morality.

What's more important to Skyler: her moral center or her husband's life? I'm guessing that won't be an easy question for her to answer, but I would be sorely disappointed if Vince didn't give her the chance to try.

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By DRKellogg on April 6, 2008 8:51 PM

Even though I still truly believe that the best course of action is for Skyler to not find out about Walt making and selling meth, I'll allow that it would definitely make things interesting. Perhaps her reaction would be similar to someone whose partner has undergone a religious conversion? It would be strange to suddenly find that the person you love most has a life that you can't (or won't) share.

Several weeks back, I watched a show on TV (CBS 48 Hrs. Mystery) about a guy who was robbing banks in addition to being a day trader on the NYSE. He and his family lived an opulent lifestyle, but he was losing money. He didn't want his family to have to "suffer" in his words, so in desperation, he began robbing banks. His wife didn't know anything about their finances and he took great pains to hide his stress from her. The situations aren't identical, but I can see the Ballad of Walt and Skyler playing out in the same way it did for that guy, if Skyler finds out.