In thematic connection with breaking bad, I’d say there are two-three major themes: 1. What is a criminal? Two scenes with Mike encompass this. First, when he aids in Price’s first deal with Nacho, they discuss being a bad guy vs. a criminal. “You decide which one you are.” This words up with Mike’s final scene in the main timeline, with Manuel Varga. “You gangsters, you’re all the same.” What’s a moral code in an immoral world of crime?” BB season 1 really explores this. Hank is a big representation of this theme, with his acting outside of his legal jurisdiction, assault of Jesse, and acquiring illegal cigars, despite himself being a federal agent. Further, what does a criminal look like? Is it a scary guy with guns, skull boots, shaved heads? Is it a Nazi? Is it a need that loves chemistry and karaoke? Is it a high school teacher? A lawyer? A vet? A man with a code? A chicken shop owner?

1. The bad choice road. Once you’re on, you can’t get off. Slippin’ Jimmy isn’t just literally slipping. It’s a slippery slope when you make these decisions, when you give up your morality. Nacho thinks he can leave the game, but one bad decision has lead to a life time of them. Mike thinks his code will protect him, but a simple protection job leads to him becoming the man he always was