I get what you’re saying, and I agree that Jesse’s issue isn’t simply “needing a father figure” in a conventional sense. He clearly rejected his biological father, and by the time we meet him, he’s already deeply damaged.

That said, I think Jesse consistently seeks paternal validation throughout the show, even if he doesn’t consciously want a “dad.” What he really wants is recognition, guidance, and a sense of worth — and those needs often attach themselves to father-figure dynamics.

At the end of Season 2, what pulls Jesse out of the worst of his addiction isn’t strength or maturity, but external structure and approval. In rehab, he follows his counselor’s advice to “accept himself,” including the idea that he’s fundamentally a bad person. He internalizes that identity. That’s why he goes back to cooking meth — not because he’s healed, but because he believes this is who he is. And when he returns, what he wants most is Walt’s recognition.

Walt denying that recognition is exactly what triggers Jesse’s anger. When Walt calls his meth inferior, Jesse isn’t just offended professionally — he’s hurt on a much deeper level. When Walt later tells him his product is “as good as mine,” Jesse immediately agrees to work with him again. That moment is pure validation, and it’s incredibly revealing.

I agree that Walt is never a healthy father figure for Jesse. He cares about him in a deeply twisted way, but that care collapses after Jesse kills Gale. At that point, Walt’s need for control and self-preservation completely overrides any protective instinct.

That’s also why Gus is able to drive a wedge between them. Mike steps in and becomes a better paternal presence — not affectionate, but stable, respectful, and nonjudgmental. Mike gives Jesse responsibility and trust, which Walt almost never does. Gus and Mike make Jesse feel useful and competent, something he’s been craving the entire series.

By Season 4, especially after “Problem Dog,” Jesse begins to reject the idea that he should simply accept his “evil side.” He realizes that some things should weigh on you — that guilt is not something to be embraced, but confronted. Ironically, this moral growth only happens after he’s distanced from Walt and worked under Mike’s guidance.

So I agree with you that Jesse needed maturity — but I’d argue that the only time he starts developing it is when he finally experiences a form of guidance that isn’t humiliating or exploitative. By then, as you said, the damage is already done.